From St. Patty's Day celebrations to the last weekend of spring training fun, get your family up and at 'em as there is plenty to see and do during the weekend of March 16 to 18.
FRIDAY
Girls Have IT Day
Xavier College Preparatory will host its 10th annual "Girls Have IT Day!" on Friday, March 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Xavier's Phoenix campus. Girls Have IT Day!" promotes young women's involvement in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). The event will be part of this year's Arizona SciTech Festival and will include an assembly dedicated to women in STEAM, more than 40 hands-on, STEAM-focused activities hosted by members of many of Xavier's 75-plus student clubs and local STEAM-related businesses, and multiple other opportunities for the middle school students to fully engage in STEAM learning. Last year, nearly 500 middle school girls participated in this free event at Xavier, and approximately 150 Xavier students mentored the younger students throughout the day. To register, visit http://www.ghitday.org/.
Movies in the Bark: “Homeward Bound”
Movies in the Bark at Biltmore Fashion Park returns this spring with all your favorite canine classics. Round up your entire litter and grab a seat for a fun, free movie screening at 7 p.m. in the Center Lawn to see “Homeward Bound.” Frost Gelato Cart & California Pizza Kitchen will offer menu favorites. Bring your pups as Noble Beast will have special doggie treats. Camp Bow Wow will be selling popcorn and donating proceeds to Arizona Humane Society.
TopGolf
The season 2 TopGolf Chef Showdown winner was just announced—and now is the time to dig into winning chef Cat Colaizzi’s delicious spring meatball platter at TopGolf and get some fresh air at the golf bays, too.
SATURDAY
St. Patrick’s Day Dining
For the inside scoop on where to get leprechaun cupcakes and corned beef and cabbage this St. Patty’s Day, visit azfoothills.com/taste.
VegOut! Scottsdale Vegan Beer & Food Festival
Vegan food, drinks, yoga and fitness, demonstrations, chef demos, guest speakers and live music will all be at the first-annual VegOut! Scottsdale Vegan Beer & Food Festival at the Scottsdale Waterfront Park on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 18 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring mostly Arizona vendors. Ticket prices for the event range from $20 to $30. Kids under 12 get in free.
Irish Fountain Fest
The Town of Fountain Hills invites you and your family to the free Irish Fountain Fest. Food, fun, and music will all be a part of this family-friendly event—plus, the famous fountain will turn bright emerald green from noon to 4 p.m. (The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) This event will feature a kid’s zone, Traditional Irish folk dancing performances, a Celtic rock band, food trucks, the Hensley Beer Garden and more.
Persian New Year at Sonata’s Restaurant
While most people are sipping green beer, Sonata’s Restaurant will be honoring the Persian New Year on March 17. Diners can enjoy an exclusive menu served buffet-style that pays homage to the Persian dining culture. Dishes include grilled chicken kabobs with tzatziki, Koobideh ground beef kabobs and more. Admission is $55 for adults, $30 for children under 10 years old, and includes buffet dinner and entertainment (DJ VS spinning tunes from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; authentic Persian belly dance performance by Myryka Nunyas from 9 to 10 p.m.; and go-go dancers from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m). VIP tickets are $110, including buffet dinner, entertainment and complimentary beer and wine from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in an exclusive private seating area.
Estrella’s Lakeside Farmers Market
Estrella’s Lakeside Farmers Market returns to the scenic Goodyear community. The free event is open to the public and open every third Saturday of the month (through April). Shop for specialty items such as locally grown produce, fresh pastries, local artwork and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SUNDAY
Bunny Cares
A visit with the Easter Bunny can be an overwhelming sensory experience for kids with special needs. For those that need a calm, quiet environment to meet the bunny this season, Park West in Peoria is offering a solution. On Sunday, March 18, Park West will host Bunny Cares, held in partnership with Autism Speaks. Individuals within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session with the bunny. Meet with the Easter Bunny in a quiet, calm environment during dedicated hours. Photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase at the event. The private sessions are free but require a reservation.
Last Weekend of Spring Training
Take yourself out to the ballgame for the last weekend of spring training—and you don’t want to miss out on this family-friendly tradition. Click here for a schedule of the last remaining games.
