East Meets West at Matsuri of Arizona 2010

Konichiwa! If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, you might want to check out the 26th annual Matsuri of Arizona in downtown Phoenix. This festival of Japanese culture runs from 10:30am to 5:00pm on February 27th and 28th, 2010. It's a lot of fun for the whole family and the best part is that admission is free!

Both days feature a full schedule of events including exhibitions, live music and dance performances, and more! There are plenty of food booths to satisfy your appetite and of course, it's also a great place to see lots of interesting people. You can get more information about the event at: https://www.azmatsuri.org.

Here are some photos I took at Matsuri of Arizona on Saturday:

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Phoenix Car Show Calendar for January 2010

The New Year is upon us, and that means it's time to start polishing those wheels for car show season! January is prime time for car enthusiasts in Phoenix, because that is when the big collector car auctions come to town. Although the largest auction is in Scottsdale, this year's calendar has events spread throughout the Valley including some non-auction shows as well. Check out the list of Phoenix-area car shows below:

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event
When: January 18th-24th
Where: WestWorld, Scottsdale, AZ
What: The "World's Greatest Collector Car Event" features special events, a lifestyle pavilion, and of course, thousands of beautiful and unique vehicles for sale in a no-reserve auction format.
Admission: $15-55 daily, $10 after 5pm, other discounts available
Website: www.barrett-jackson.com

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Microsoft Store Scottsdale Opening Day Photos

Yesterday was the grand opening of the new Microsoft Store in Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. I went down there to check it out and yes, it is alarmingly similar to the Apple Store. The real question though is whether Microsoft's retail store is strong enough to take a bite out of Apple's business.

Apple currently has six retail stores in the state of Arizona, with locations in Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and one in Tucson. The Scottsdale location opened earlier this year on Scottsdale Road just south of Kierland Blvd.

The non-traditional nature of the Apple store has been a smash hit for the Cupertino-based computer company. Products are displayed on tables instead of in boxes, shelves, and display cases. They are plugged in and turned on, ready to be used by customers. Employees are friendly and ready to demonstrate the products instead of hiding behind registers. To top it all off, the stores are bright and airy with elegant wood floors.

Walking into the Microsoft Store today was like entering a parallel universe. I saw the same open-air products, ready to be used. I saw the same wood flooring and bright lighting. I saw the same hip, friendly employees with lanyard nametags. There was even cool ambient music playing in the background.

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Check Out the Sunnyslope Art Walk on Saturday, October 10th

Phoenix's "First Fridays" Art Walk is the place to be if you like crowds, noise, and a whole lot of freaky people. The monthly event draws thousands to downtown, where they smoke and mingle and look cool. So where do you go if you're actually interested in local art without being trampled by scenesters? The answer may surprise you.

One of the best kept secrets in the Phoenix art community is the Sunnyslope Artwalk. On Saturday, October 10th over 125 local artists, craftspeople, and musicians will descend on Central Avenue and Dunlap Avenue for this FREE event, sponsored by Sunnyslope W.I.N.S. and the Second Saturdays committee.

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4 Free Art Events in the Phoenix Area

Are you looking for something interesting to do this fall, but don't want to spend a lot of money? Get your creative juices flowing at these fine Phoenix area art events! All events listed are free to attend so get out there and get inspired!

Grand Avenue Festival
When: Saturday, Sept 26th (all day)
Where: Grand Avenue between 7th Ave and 19th Ave., Phoenix
What: The concept of "adaptive reuse" has brought new life to this former warehouse district. Enjoy live music, art galleries, exhibits, performances, and historic guided tours for just $10 bucks.
More: Grand Ave Arts & Preservation

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Free Admission to Arizona National Parks July 18th-19th

The sixteen National Parks and Monuments scattered throughout Arizona are some of our state's greatest treasures. If you have been waiting for that perfect time to visit one, this weekend is it!

This weekend is one of the rare "Fee-Free Weekends" sponsored by the National Park Service, where all admission fees are waived. Yes, that includes the Grand Canyon!

Over 100 National Parks across the country will be taking part in the second of three "Fee-Free Weekends" for 2009. The complete list of participating parks and monuments is posted on the NPS website.

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Beat the Heat with Night Flight Golf

There is no question that Phoenix is full of weirdness. Only the city that brought you rivers without water and those unexplained lights in the sky could dream up an idea as weird as "Night Flight Golf." Now, the program returns for 2011 with new dates!

Night Flight Golf is a program from the City of Phoenix that allows golfers to beat the heat by golfing at night. Yes, you read that right: you can play golf in the dark this summer at the City of Phoenix's Palo Verde 9-hole golf course.

Golfing at night is not as impossible as it may seem. Glow necklaces and fluorescent balls will help with visibility, and flashlights will be used to signal other parties when the course is clear. Golf carts will not be allowed for safety reasons.

On the plus side, you won't get sunburned by playing at night. On the downside, you cannot blame your score on the sun being in your eyes.

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North Phoenix Celebrates Multiple Grand Openings This Weekend

If you have been following the North Phoenix Blog for a while, you may remember that I have written about the new QuikTrip store, the new Agave Library, and the new Wet-N-Wild Waterpark. It is my pleasure to announce that all of these places are now open for business!

Wet-N-Wild Phoenix (formerly Waterworld Safari) is having its grand opening celebration today, July 4th, 2009, according to The Arizona Republic [article no longer available]. Check their website for pricing and contact information.

The newest QuikTrip store in North Phoenix opened Thursday, July 2nd, 2009. Store #421 is located at 19990 N 19th Ave, which is just south of the Loop 101 / Beardsley Road. Stop by and check it out anytime - all QuikTrip locations are open 24 hours.

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Fireworks Display at Deer Valley Park 2023

For years, the City of Phoenix has held an Independence Day celebration at Deer Valley Park on the week before Independence Day. This annual event is held for residents of Phoenix looking to celebrate the 4th of July without the hassle of going to a major event such as Fabulous Phoenix 4th. It is a low-key way to enjoy the fireworks from a large neighborhood park in the Northwest Valley.

"After Dark in the Park" returns on Saturday, June 24, 2023!

This family-friendly and free will include live music, inflatables, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display starting at 8:45 pm.

What: Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks Display
Where: Deer Valley Park, 19602 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027
When: Saturday, June 22, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm (Fireworks at 8:45pm)
Cost: FREE
Bring: Picnic blanket, chairs, and the family

Your Guide to Phoenix Events This Weekend

The weather forecast calls for this weekend falls somewhere between "awesome" and "perfect." I hope you're going to get out there and enjoy it before things really start to heat up! Here are some events going on this weekend to help get you started.

Men's Arts Council Field of Dreams Car Show
When: April 4th, 10am - 4:30pm
Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe, AZ
What: Car show featuring rare and classic sports cars
Cost: Free
https://mensartscouncil.com/cs/

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What to Do in Phoenix This Weekend

Looking for something to do in the Phoenix area this weekend? There's something going on in every part of town! For me, the only problem is deciding which event to attend first.

Southwest Military Transport Show
When: March 21 and 22, 9am to 3pm
Where: Arizona Wing Commemorative Air Force Museum, Falcon Field in Mesa
Greenfield Road and McKellips Road
What: Military vehicle show including jeeps, trucks, and all-terrain vehicles. Swap meet with food. View permanent collection of historic military aircraft.
Cost: $3 to $7 dollars
More Info: Southwest Military Transport Show

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Weekend Fun in the East Valley

If you're looking to get outdoors and enjoy the weather this weekend, the East Valley is the place to be. Bring the family and your friends to Apache Junction, where the Lost Dutchman Days and the Arizona Renaissance Fair will be in full swing.

Lost Dutchman Days
When: Feb. 27, 27, and Mar. 1st
The town of Apache Junction is located along US 60 at the base of the Superstition Mountains. It is here that the "Lost Dutchman" Jacob Waltz is said to have hidden his legendary cache of gold, which to this day remains one of the most sought-after claims in the Southwest.

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Phoenix Weekend Event Calendar

If there's nothing on your calendar this weekend, I would strongly encourage you to make some plans and get out of the house. The weather's going to be great and as usual, there are plenty of interesting events going on in the greater Phoenix area!

Scottsdale Pavilions Car Show
When: Saturday 4:30pm to 10pm
There's no better way to get your weekend revved up than by checking out some of Arizona's hot rods and cool customs at the weekly Pavilions car show. Stop by the Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale around sundown and check out the McDonald's parking lot for all the action.

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FBR Open Swings Into Scottsdale

What are three things that draw people to Arizona in the Winter? If you answered golf, golf, and more golf, you are correct.

This weekend the FBR Open (now renamed Waste Management Phoenix Open) swings into Scottsdale, Arizona in one of the biggest events of the entire PGA Tour. The annual event draws hundreds of thousands of people to Tournament Players Club to watch as the top professional golfers of the PGA duke it out for a $6 million dollar prize. Wait, hold on, that almost sounds like it might be a little bit exciting. I don't want to mislead anyone here.

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Collector Car Auctions Return to Scottsdale

Today marks the start of the 38th annual Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The show will run from January 11th through January 18th with a full schedule of events lined up for the week.

Highlights of this year's show include the first ever Ford Thunderbird and a rare 1929 Ford Trimotor airplane. Celebrity cars from Evil Knievel, Jerry Seinfeld, Alan Jackson, and Eddie Van Halen will also be present.

Last year's top sale was the first production model of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which went for a million dollars. In 2008, over 1,100 cars were sold at Barrett-Jackson totaling approximately $88 million in sales. Over 1,600 unique automobiles are registered for this year's event.

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Arizona State Fair Going On Now

It's that time of year again! Time for food, fun, rides and entertainment like nowhere else! It's the Arizona State Fair, back again for its 124th year.

This year features a huge list of attractions, rides, and concerts. Look for appearances from Larry the Cable Guy, the Goo Goo Dolls, Weezer, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, and LL Cool J. All of the old favorites will also be there, like the Midway games, the endless food, and my favorite, Le Grande Wheel.

The State Fair also offers a complete list of attractions, hours, prices, and discount days on its website. Check it out: https://azstatefair.com/