As spring break draws closer and the weather gets more and more beautiful, kids are craving some weekend fun. Here are our picks for the weekend of March 8 to March 10, including a few favorite Valley festivals, an open-air painting session and much more.
Friday:
Ostrich Festival
The 31st annual Chandler Chamber of Commerce Ostrich Festival welcomes chart-topping singer and rapper, Flo Rida, who will headline the festival on Friday, March 8. Grammy Award-winning Motown and R&B/Funk band, The Commodores, will headline on Saturday, March 9, and pop singer, Andy Grammer, will join the lineup on Sunday, March 10. Adult tickets are $15; tickets for seniors 55 and above and children 12 and under are $8; and children three and under will be admitted to the festival free of charge. Limited VIP tickets will be available for purchase. The three-day festival at Tumbleweed Park also includes rides, games, live shows, delicious eats and much more family fun.
“Grease School Edition”
Scottsdale’s Desert Stages Theatre hosts “Grease School Edition”—a family-friendly adaptation of the 1971 musical “Grease,” performed by actors ages 3 to 19—Fridays and Saturdays, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 24. Tickets available here.
The LEGO Movie Days at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona is celebrating the long-awaited The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part with movie-themed event days from Feb. 8 to March 31. The ultimate indoor LEGO playground features 10 LEGO build and play zones, a 4D cinema, rides and special movie-themed fun all geared for families with children ages 3 to 10. The LEGO Movie Days will host character meet and greets, a themed scavenger hunt and much more fun.
Captain Marvel Character Appearances at Harkins Theaters
Harkins Theatres will host Captain Marvel character appearances at select theaters throughout the Valley all weekend long. On Friday, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., kids and fans can meet the superhero at Queen Creek and Scottsdale 101. On Saturday, March 9, from 2 to 5 p.m., visit Chandler Fashion and Superstition Springs.
Saturday:
Plein Air Painting Festival
Desert Ridge Marketplace is partnering with Arizona Business Communities for the Arts for the second-annual Plein Air Painting Festival March 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Desert Ridge Marketplace’s The District. Up to 20 artists will have five hours to paint their works live throughout the entire District, creating art that is inspired by Desert Ridge Marketplace. Guests will enjoy free group painting classes and the opportunity to vote on favorite masterpieces. New to the event this year is a free youth workshop that offers a unique opportunity for young student artists to create original painted artworks live and in the open air, while being provided guidance from artist instructors from the Scottsdale Artists School. The winner of the Youth Plein Air Workshop will receive a $100 prize and have the opportunity to become part of the official Desert Ridge Plein Air Gallery. Space is limited; for youth registration, click here.
Spring Break at Jake’s Unlimited
Mesa’s Jake’s Unlimited is upping the fun factor for Valley families with a special spring break promotion. From March 1 to March 31, families will save $15 on each Pro Package Pass they purchase (normally priced at $45.50 a person). The Pro Package includes unlimited buffet until 8 p.m., rides and attractions, non-redemption video games, one game of bowling with rental shows, one game of mini-bowling, and a $10 fun card.
Spring Training Dining
Heading to the ballgame this weekend? Here are the Valley dining destinations to check out for special menus and sweet deals for ticket-holders.
Sunday:
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Get ready to be transported back to the 16th century as one of the largest and most picturesque renaissance festivals is now in town. The Arizona Renaissance Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday through March 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Roam the 30-acre festival village filled with whimsical castles, cottages and pubs, take in 14 stages of nonstop performances of music, mermaids, merriment, dance, acrobatics and comedy and cheer on knights during the jousting tournaments. Huzzah!
Electric Desert at Desert Botanical Garden
Through May 12, check out the desert as it's drenched in light and sound in a mesmerizing display like never before with Klip Collective’s Electric Desert at Desert Botanical Garden. The cacti and desert become a living canvas during this limited-time nighttime experience. Ticket prices vary.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Seeking the best kid-friendly dining destinations in the Valley for a weekend meal? Click here for a few of our faves.
