The weather has been warmer in Arizona this winter, February seems more like March or April. With temperatures hanging in the middle 70′s so, it’s the perfect time for all you local Phoenicians and fellow Travelers visiting Arizona to stretch, brush off your winter hibernation and leap into Spring with this months festivals, sports events, outdoor activities and cultural arts in February 2012.

Events are in order by date:

Desert Botanical Garden’s Design for a Living World – Wednesday, February 1st through to April 1, 2012/Phoenix

This exhibit portrays the connection we have with the natural world of human, animals, plants and places across the globe. This event is developed by The Nature Conservancy that tells the relevant story of the life-cycle of materials end the importance of conservation in buildings and landscape design and the movement to use sustainable materials from around the world. For more information call 480-941-1225 or visit dbg.org/events-exhibitions/design-for-a-living-world.

 

The 54th Annual Hashknife Pony Express- Tuesday, February 7th – Friday, February 10th,2012/Holbrook, Payson, Scottsdale

This traditional event will begin on its 200 mile trail route from Holbrook to Scottsdale, Holbrook, Payson, Scottsdale once again. This reminds us of  the days when mail in Arizona was delivered on horseback. Horseback riders start hoofing the trail in Holbrook, stop in Payson, and end in Scottsdale, delivering first class mail along the way and is all organized by Hashknife Pony Express. When you see these saddle riders give them a wave during this ride through Arizona’s history. For more information go to www.hashknifeponyexpress.com

 

The Arizona Renaissance Festival – Saturday, February 11 – Sunday, April 1, 2012 /Apache Junction

Step back into medieval times at this year’s 24th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival; a medieval amusement park that is actually a town replica of the medieval times with Castles, dungeons and a large jousting arena. You can also choose from the many Renaissance costumes of your liking to get into spirit. This festival is for the weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, with free parking. You will enjoy 12-stage theaters with live acting and music performances; you can browse through 200 shops of leather goods, glass items musical instruments, sweets and frilly things to buy from (many items are hand crafted). There will also be a few jousting tournaments to go to through out you day to pick your favorite jouster. You will walk among and interact with more than 2,000 brightly costumed actors, dncers and musicians who roam this medieval village.  If your hungry, grab a turkey leg or a try some traditional food at one of the many rustic food stops. Thirsty? There are plenty of beverages to choose from as well, including the famous honey mead for you adults. So, bring the whole family and make this a day of fun. Haza! For more information visit http://http://emol.org/azrenfest/ For tickets http://emol.org/azrenfest/contact.html For map and directions http://emol.org/azrenfest/map.html

 

Arizona’s Best of the Best Festival – Saturday, February 11th – Sunday, February 12, 2012/Phoenix

At this festival, you will truly discover Arizona’s history and heritage with the variety of  displays, dance acts and booths. Some of  what you will experience will include the History Pavilion, Military Pavilion, the Resolution Copper Natural Resources Pavilion, the APS display of Renewable Energy, the University of Arizona Science & Future Pavilion, the Hispanic Village with traditional dancing, and Shamrock Farms Family Fun Zone which is fun for all ages. You will also enjoy the Giant’s Native American Village displaying ancient traditions of Arizona’s 22 tribal nations and the Discount Tire Western Town with gunfights to satisfy the old west in you. Arizona Best Fest will also feature a concert-sized Main stage featuring George Benson, and other big-name entertainers and there will be plenty of  food food and beverages to choose from. This festival is located on Centennial Way from 8th Avenue to 17th Avenue at 1700 W Washington Street. For a map and location of Centennial Way visit http://centennialwayaz.com/design_theme.htm or call 602-532-6100.

 28th Matsuri Japanese Festival – Saturday, February 25, 2012 and Sunday, February 26, 2012

Enjoy the tradition of Japanese dance with drums and fantastic movement. The sounds and food smells fills your sences as you enjoy this festival located at 115 N 16th Street  The Heritage and Science Park in downtown Phoenix. Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, Japan’s highest-ranking representative to the United States, will be attending for the first time, making a special trip from Washington, D.C., to address festival visitors on Sunday. You can tantalize your eyes with custom Japanese art, be mesmorized by silkened color as you watch a kimono fashion show, Watch the speed of a Praying Mantis during the martial-arts displays and enjoy traditional Japanese foods from a variety of vendors. One of the themes of the festival is the daruma doll, which was chosen for its symbolism of good luck and perseverance in Japan. The other theme is the sakura, the cherry blossom, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Tokyo’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C., in 1912. So step out for a piece of Japan and enjoy the sounds, colors and graceful performances this weekend from 10 am to 5pm this Saturday and Sunday and it’s FREE  admission. For more information call (602) 262-5071.

 

* BALLET/PLAYS/OPERA/THEATER PERFORMANCES*

Charlotte’s Web/ Play – Friday, February 3 – Sunday, February 19, 2012/ Phoenix

You will be captivated as you watch the magic of a story that has been around for timeless ages. See how Charlotte charms the public and get Wilbur out of a predicament of becoming Christmas dinner and see how friendship is built among farm animals during this play of Charlotte’s Web performed by Valley Youth Theater located at  525 N. 1st Street in downtown Phoenix. Groups or 20 or more receive an admission discount. For more information and tickets call 602-253-8188 or visit www.vyt.com.

 

Sleeping Beauty/Ballet – Thursday, February 9 – Sunday, February 12,2012/Phoenix

This is a must-see timeless classic for the romantic at heart. The Arizona Ballet is presenting A treasured fairytale full of curses, fairies, and fantasy;  Sleeping Beauty that displays all the charms and grandeur classical ballet has to offer with Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This ballet is being performed at At Phoenix Symphony Hall with The Phoenix Symphony located at  225 E. Adams Street. To contact Phoenix Symphony Hall call 602-262-7272. For tickets visit http://www.balletaz.org/

 

WEEKEND EVENTS UPDATED ON WEDNESDAYS!

Sincerely,

Lisa Racz – Your local event writer

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