This spring, indulge yourself in fabulous foods, picnics and barbecues. Here are some spring festivals around the Valley that are sure to make you “mmm.”
Arizona Barbeque Festival-March 26
The second annual Arizona Barbeque Festival at the Scottsdale Waterfront on Saturday, March 26 promises a finger-licking day. Last year, more than 60 professional teams sampled their best barbecue; this year, Pork on a Fork, Smoked to the Bone, Tex-a-Que, 180 Degrees, BBQ Magic and more will showcase thir goods. At the Whiskey Row tent, restaurants and bars will feature their signature whiskey and bourbon cocktails. The $10 entry fee at the tent will get you 10 drink samples, perfectly refreshing after a day of barbecue foods. Tickets for the festival are $10.www.azbbqfestival.com.
Taste of Hope-March 30
On Wednesday, March 30, The Promenade in Scottsdale will transform as it welcomes Taste of Hope, a culinary event that raises money and awareness for City of Hope. The casual alfresco event will showcase culinary creations from some of the Valley’s top restaurants and chefs. Taste of Hope is a 21-and-over event. Register for the event at www.cityofhope.org.
The Pleasure Feast-Through April 3
Locted at the Arizona Renaissance Festival is The Pleasure Fest, a feast with medieval and royal entertainment while you eat. During your five-course meal, you will enjoy multiple beverages, as well as receive a special edition feast goblet. The $69.95 ticket includes all this, as well as the Renaissance Festival admission ticket, and the chance for you to escape reality for a few hours and travel back in time where jousting, knights and gigantic turkey legs were king. www.royalfairies.com/arizona.
Scottsdale Culinary Festival-April 5-10
One of the greatest food festivals in Arizona is the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, six fun-filled days of food, wine, chocolate, live music and picnics. Start off the week with The Kick Off Party, hosted by SKYY Vodka at SHADE lounge at the W Scottsdale. Sip on newly created cocktails and nibble on endless hors d'oeuvres. Satisfy your sweet tooth with The Chocolate & Wine Experience, where some of the Valley's best pastry chefs will make delectable delights for you to try, paired with fitting wines, located at Degree 270 at Talking Stick Resort. The Eat, Drink & Be Pretty party on Friday, April 8 offers food from local restaurants, flirty drinks and cocktails, and a fashion show displaying all the springs newest trends. Prices of each event varies. www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org.
Forks & Corks-April 7
Making its home this year in downtown's newest edition, CityScape, the eighth annual event is expected to sell out like every year prior. Expected this year as always are a variety of wines, craft beers, and extravagant foods from fine dining restaurants and resorts. More than 30 top chefs will be dishing out their tasty treats. Every food booth is paired with wine and brewery tastings, refreshing for your palate. Just be sure everyone in attendance is over 21. Tickets are $65 in advance, or $75 at the door. www.forksandcorks.org.
Great Arizona Picnic-April 9 & 10
This event is one of the Scottsdale Culinary Festival's featured events. Two days of food, drink, music and family-friendly zones will surely make you reach for stretch pants. Saturday will include cooking demonstrations from experienced chefs with tricks and tips of the trade. After hours of eating all that food, visit the Southwest Festival of Beers tent. More than 200 beers will be available, as well as music and foods. Not tempting enough? Enter the $5 raffle to win a New Belgium Cruiser. If beer isn't your thing, have no fear because the Patron Experience is here. Taste delicious margaritas and specialty tastings from Chef Matt Carter. The Family Zone is perfect for young ones. Special snacks just for them, food-themed activities as well as bounce houses will be available for all the little ones. Prices for the picnic start at $10. www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org.
