Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

It’s starting to get real warm in metro Phoenix and across Arizona, so savor that last bit of spring we’re likely to see with the outdoor festivals in April 2017.

So get out there and find something new to do, from exploring the arts to catching a weekend of country music and more.

3/31-4/1: Chandler Jazz Festival 

Enjoy a spectacular weekend of great jazz in a variety of outdoor and indoor venues. A blanket or lawn chair is suggested for the outdoor shows. Also wander around downtown Chandler to visit the shops, restaurants and galleries.

Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 31-April 1. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 125 Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. 480-782-2709, chandleraz.gov/jazz.

3/31-4/2: Tempe Festival of the Arts 

As many as 350 artist booths will line Mill Avenue and surrounding streets representing 17 arts categories, including wood, photography, ceramics, wearable art and jewelry. There also will be live entertainment, street performers, food and beverage vendors. Kids Block is a new kids area that will include activities for kids and artwork made by their peers.

Details: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, March 31-April 2. Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive, Tempe. Free. tempefestivalofthearts.com.

3/31-4/3: Final Four Fan Fest

Come celebrate the Final Four weekend in Phoenix with a festival that is jam-packed for basketball fans of all ages. The event includes youth clinics, concerts, interactive games, giveaways, autograph signings and much more.

Details: March 31-April 3. 12-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday; 12-6 p.m. Monday. Phoenix Convention Center, 33 S. Third Street, Phoenix. $8, $4 for seniors and military, before March 15. Free for age 12 and under. ncaa.com/final-four/fan-fest/overview.

3/31-4/2: NCAA March Madness Music Festival 

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Embrace the sunshine and sounds of the March Madness Music Festival in downtown Phoenix. The schedule for events includes the AT&T Block Party Friday with Keith Urban, the Chainsmokers at the Coca-Cola Music Saturday, and Macklemore with Ryan Lewis along with Aerosmith at the Capital One Jamfest Sunday. This weekend-long festival is free for all ages.

Details: March 31-April 2. 4-10 p.m. Friday, 2-10:30 p.m. Saturday, 3-10 p.m. Sunday. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 West Culver St., Phoenix. Free. ncaa.com/final-four.

4/1: Thieves Market 

This antique and handmade-item flea market features approximately 100 parking spaces filled with antiques, collectibles, furniture and jewelry.

Details: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 1. Big Surf Waterpark, 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe. $6 early admission at 8 a.m., $3 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free for children 12 and younger. thievesmarketvintageflea.com.

4/1: DogFest Walk ‘n Roll  

Grab your pup and a leash and head to Canine Companions DogFest Walk ‘n Roll. This community dog walk supports the mission of Canine Companions for Independence. Put together a team of friends, family members and co-workers, raise money for the cause and earn DogFest prizes like doggy bandanas.

Details: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 1. Scottsdale Civic Center Park, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. Registration is free. cci.org.

4/1-2: Phoenix Pride Parade and Festival 

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

More than 2,000 participants, including those with decorated vehicles and colorful floats are expected for the parade. It starts on Third Street at Thomas Road and heads north to Indian School Road. More than 150 entertainment performances on five stages, more than 300 exhibitors and food vendors will be on hand for the festival. The Arts Expo, KidSpace and Dance Pavilions are some of the highlights. This event raises funds for Phoenix Pride Community Programs.

Details: April 1-2. Festival: Noon-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Parade: 10 a.m. Sunday. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road. $15-30. VIP tickets $75. 602-277-7433, phoenixpride.org/events.

4/1: Peoria Arts and Cultural Festival 

The city is teaming up with the Peoria Unified School District to present a day of performances and activities. Highlights include student art displays, a children’s area, live performances, craft activities and food trucks.

Details: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 1. Old Town Peoria, between Peoria and Grand avenues. Free. 623-773-7000, peoriaaz.gov.

4/1: El Tour de Mesa 

With nearly 2,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities competing in various distances, the tour is the centerpiece of CycloMesa, a celebration that includes the El Tour Criterium (short-course races on city streets), the Arizona Bicycling Summit, the Mesa Adventure Challenge – Bike Edition, a beer garden, roller derby bouts, BMX stunt demos, a food-truck alley and live music.”

Details: Saturday, April 1. 6:15 a.m. (72-mile course); 8:15 (28-mile course); 11 a.m. (11- and 6-mile courses). Various starting locations in Mesa for each race. 520-745-2033, perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-mesa.

4/1: Road to Country Thunder festival

To welcome the biggest country-music festival in Arizona, downtown historic Florence will transform for the Road to Country Thunder festival. The third annual event, sponsored by the town, Country Thunder and KMLE-FM (107.9), will feature up-and-coming country music artists, a beer garden, food vendors and inflatables for the kids. The music lineup is yet to be announced.

Details: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, April 1. Historic downtown Florence. Free. 520-868-7585, florenceaz.gov.

4/2: Final Four Dribble

Taking place the Sunday of Final Four weekend, thousands of children (registered online) will take the court by storm where they will be given their very own official NCAA basketball and dribble them on a route that ends at the entrance of Fan Fest. The free event includes the basketball and a t-shirt.

DETAILS: 11 a.m. Sunday, April 2. Heritage Square, 115 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. Free. 602-261-8063, heritagesquarephx.org.

4/2: Copperstate 1000 Roadrunner 

The annual Copperstate 1000 vintage car rally spans over 1,000 miles of scenic Arizona from April 1-5, and the cars and drivers get their start at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Approximately 80 event participants will show off their hot rods, sports cars and classics to members of the public before heading out on their journey. There will also be coffee and donuts provided via food trucks.

Details: 7:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 2. Cars begin departing at 9:30 a.m. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive. Free. 602-307-2007, mensartscouncil.com.

4/2: Modern Phoenix home tour

For those fascinated with the Valley’s mid-century modern architecture, this is a must-do event. This year, the tour explores Paradise Gardens. The event has morphed into Modern Phoenix Week, with talks, socials and other activities.

Details: Sunday, April 2. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 1. modernphoenixweek.com.

Through 4/2: Arizona Renaissance Festival

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

It comes every year, and it’s one of the largest Renaissance Festivals in the U.S. — the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Families can enjoy food, drinks, shows, the festival marketplace and jousting. You can dress up with the many characters roaming around area, or you can watch the festival unfold with its usual color and excitement.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday and President’s Day, through April 2. Arizona Renaissance Festival, 12601 E. US Highway 60, Gold Canyon. Online tickets are $23 for adults, $13 for children 5-12, free for 5 and under. Box office tickets are $24 for adults, $14 for kids 5-12, free for kids 5 and under, $21 for seniors 60 and over. 520-463-2600, arizona.renfestinfo.com/?.

4/4-9: Yuma County Fair 

The Yuma County Fair features entertainment for the entire family including concerts, 4H and FFA exhibits, commercial vendors selling their wares, a demolition derby, carnival, livestock show and auction.

Details: April 4-9. See website for times and schedule details. Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., Yuma. $6. Children 6-12, $4; children under 5, free. 928-726-4420, yumafair.com.

4/5-9: Arizona Bike Week 

Hop on your motorcycle and help celebrate Arizona Bike Week’s 21st anniversary. Get together with fellow sons of anarchy for the biggest bike rally in Arizona, featuring vendors, shows and concerts from Brett Michaels, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Korn, and Alice Cooper. Events include stunt shows, charity rides, an awards presentation, flat track racing and motorcycle drill teams.

Details: April 5-9. Full event $58; Wednesday and Thursday, gates open at noon, $25; Friday, gates open at 10 a.m, $30; Saturday, gates open at 9 a.m., $30; Sunday, gates open at 10 a.m. $20. Passes include admission to concerts. Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. 480-644-8191, azbikeweek.com.

4/6-13: Phoenix Film Festival 

More than 175 features and shorts from local, national and international filmmakers will be screened at this cinematic celebration. Visit phoenixfilmfestival.com for complete times and listings.

Details: April 6-13. Harkins Scottsdale 101, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. VIP pass includes opening night and priority seating to all films, $250. Regular festival pass includes all films, $125. Four-film flex pass, $40. 602-955-6444, phoenixfilmfestival.com.

4/6-9: Country Thunder Arizona

They’re calling it “one of the greatest lineups ever assembled in the Grand Canyon State.” Phoenix native Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton (who also headlined in 2015), Thomas Rhett and Chris Young are set to headline Arizona’s biggest country music festival. In 2016, Country Thunder Arizona drew an average of 29,000 fans a day, with headlining sets by Kip Moore, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen and Eric Church. Chris Young headlines Thursday’s bill with LOCASH, Terri Clark and more. Bentley headlines Friday, with Jon Pardi, Maddie & Tae, Aaron Watson and more. Saturday’s bill is topped by Rhett with Joe Nichols, Frankie Ballard, Randy Rogers Band and more. And Sunday brings Shelton to headline a bill that also features Tyler Farr, the Oak Ridge Boys and more.

Details: 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6; 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 7-Sunday, April 9. 20585 E. Price Station, Florence. $160. countrythunder.com.

4/6-9: Phoenix Bikefest 

Bikefest celebrates all things motorcycle with a four-day event featuring demos, live entertainment and group rides. Every day of the event, the top bike brands in the industry will hold demo rides of their latest motorcycles. More than 100 vendors will sell biker-related clothing, motorcycle accessories and design products.

Details: April 6-9. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Demo hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. Free. phoenixbikefest.com.

4/8: Lake Pleasant Paddle Fest 

Try out canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboats, as well as contests, games, live music, clinics and demonstrations. Vendor booths will be on hand with information and items for sale.

Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Lake Pleasant Regional Park (Fireman’s Cove), 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. $6 per vehicle. 928-501-1710, maricopacountyparks.net.

4/8: Katsina Doll Marketplace: A Gathering of Carvers 

Hopi katsina doll carvers will show and sell their unique creations in the Steele Auditorium. There will also be musical performances, carving demonstrations and a drawing for the featured katsina doll, carved by Mavasta Honyouti.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 8.  Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-252-8840, heard.org.

4/8: Gilbert Global Village Festival 

Celebrate cultural traditions from around the world at this family-friendly event. See traditional and contemporary forms of dance, music and art while tasting ethnic foods. The event also features arts and crafts, and children’s activities while offering a friendly and educational way to learn more about culture and traditions.

Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Gilbert Civic Center, North Campus, 50 E. Civic Center Drive. Free. 480-503-6229, gilbertaz.gov.

4/8-9: Phoenix Lights Festival 

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Attend this open-air electronic music festival to see artists like Alesso, Above and Beyond, Tiesto, Oliver Heldens, Hucci and more. VIP packages include preferred seating and VIP entrance, 2 drink tickets, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and catered food and premium views of the main stage.

Details: Noon-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 8-9. 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. General admission $159-$179 and VIP for $349-$399. Table experience available starting at $500. 323-908-0607, phoenixlightsfest.com.

4/8: Taste of Surprise 

Several local restaurants will be on hand at the Taste of Surprise, an event that highlights some of the best foods in the West Valley. Featured restaurants will include Booty’s Wings Burgers & Beer, Red Line Grill and Peoria Artisan Brewery. Check out the wine and beer garden and enjoy live music at the food-festive event.

Details: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Surprise Stadium, 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. $40. tasteofsurprise.com.

4/8: Phoenix Children’s Festival 

Kids ages 3-12 are the focus of this family-friendly outdoor event. Check out the themed Fun Zones, take your teddy bear in for a checkup, cheer on your favorite tot at a diaper derby, and take part in Kids Zumba dancing, discovery zones and face painting. Meet actress Peyton List from Disney Channel’s “Jessie” and “Bunk’d.” When hunger strikes, check out the food trucks.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 8. CityScape, 1 E. Washington St., Phoenix. $10, free for under 3. phoenixchildrensfestival.com.

4/8-9: Scottsdale Culinary Festival 

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Foodies will have a gastronomically great time at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Sample foods from over 40 restaurants, quaff some brews in the beer garden, enjoy live music, play yard games and check out the chef demos.

Details: 12-9 p.m. Saturday, April 8 and 12-6 p.m. Sunday, April 9. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. $15, free for age 12 and under. scottsdalefest.org.

4/8: Good Life Festival

Now in its seventh year, the concert series held at Encanterra, a Trilogy Resort Community, features a performance pairing Kenny Loggins with Michael McDonald. Loggins may be best remembered for his work with Jim Messina and the soundtrack smashes “Footloose,” “I’m Alright” (from “Caddyshack”) and “Danger Zone” (from “Top Gun”). Over the course of four classic Steely Dan albums, from “Katy Lied” to “Gaucho,” McDonald became an integral part of their sound.

Details: Noon, Saturday, April 8. 36460 N Encanterra Dr., San Tan Valley. $40-$70. thegoodlifefest.com.

4/9: Redneck Run 

The annual Redneck Run supports Dogs on Deployment, a non-profit which helps to take care of service members’ pets while they are deployed overseas. In addition to the typical 1-mile, 5K and 10K runs, there will also be a plunger relay, prizes and giveaways and live country music including the Geetars and Shari Rowe.

Details: 8 a.m. Sunday, April 9. Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. $15 to $90. 480-609-3978, redneckrunaz.com.

4/10: Arizona Storytellers Project: Our Family, Our Culture 

Join azcentral.com and The Republic for a night of tales from the families we’re born into and the ones we choose.

Details: 6 p.m. check-in, stories 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. $10; $5 students. 602-444-8605, tickets.azcentral.com.

4/12-16: Maricopa County Fair 

True to its agricultural roots, the fair includes a livestock show with pigs, sheep, goat, cattle, rabbits and chickens. But it also has thrill rides, fried foods, carnival games, performances and a shopping pavilion with more than 60 vendors. Food choices include fried coffee, deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies and mac-and-cheese hot dogs.

Details: April 12-16. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 19th Avenue and McDowell Road, Phoenix. $9; free for age 7 or younger; $8 per vehicle for parking. maricopacountyfair.org.

4/15: All-Star Comedy Explosion

The All-Star Comedy Explosion: Best of Humor will bring Marlon Wayans and more to Comerica Theatre on Saturday, April 15. Billing itself “a Super Bowl of Comedy” and vowing to “redefine comedy shows in Arizona,” the All-Star Comedy Explosion also features Rickey Smiley, DeRay Davis, Michael Blackson, John Witherspoon and surprise guests.

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 15. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $50-$125. ticketmaster.com.

4/15, 5/20, 6/17: Spark! After Dark 

The nighttime version of Mesa’s creativity festival is just as much fun. Explore craft projects and interactive displays while enjoying live performances. Beverages, beer and wine are available for purchase. Food trucks will be on hand for visitors to grab a bite to eat. See website for details on each evening’s theme, which changes monthly.

Details: 7-11 p.m. Saturdays, April 15, May 20 and June 16. Free. Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.

4/15: Dolly Sanchez Memorial Easter Egg Hunt 

The annual egg hunt will host kids ages 1 to 10 as they search for candy-filled eggs. Hunts by age group lasting 20-25 minutes each will begin at 8:20 a.m., concluding with a hunt at 11 for disabled individuals who can enter with ease thanks to new accessibility ramps. Activities will include a petting zoo, pony and train rides, carnival games, bounce houses, crafts and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny. Food donations are requested for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.

Details: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 15. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave, Peoria. Free admission and parking with canned-food donation; fees for some activities. 623-773-7137, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents.

4/15-16: Phoenix Pet Expo 

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

The Phoenix Pet Expo is the ultimate pet event. Highlights include pet-friendly exhibitors and rescue groups, obedience training and pet care demonstrations, prizes and giveaways, product discounts, talent and costume contests, vendors, complimentary nail trims, discounted vaccinations, adoptable animals and more. Pets welcome.

Details: April 15-16. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Free. 480-312-6802, phoenixpetexpo.com.

4/15: BRUFEST

UFEST is going by a new name in 2017. KUPD’s annual festival is now BRUFEST, a Sabaso Craft Beer, Taco and Music Festival presented by Bud Light at Fear Farm on Saturday, April 15, with headlining sets by the Offspring, Pennywise, All That Remains, Atreyu, Hell or Highwater and Through Fire. Need more fun? There’s also Lucha Libre Mexican wrestling. The event begins at 1 p.m. but you enter at noon to enjoy additional craft beer tastings for $65, or if you purchase a VIP pass.

Details: Saturday, April 15. Fear Farm, 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix. Festival admission $49-69; craft beer tasting $65; VIP passes $125. 98kupd.com/events_and_concerts/brufest/.

4/16: Rawhide Easter Egg-Stravaganza

At this family-friendly Western theme park, kids ages 12 or younger can hunt for eggs (well, pick them up, really) from Cowboy Cottontail. Also featured are a candy corral, water-balloon toss and rides, plus regular Rawhide attractions: mock gunfights, stunt shows, shooting gallery, train and burro rides, gold-panning and shopping. Reservations are recommended for the Easter buffet, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 16. 5700 W. North Loop Road, Gila River Reservation. Free; $5 to park. 480-502-5600, rawhide.com.

4/20-22: Phoenix Improv Festival 

The three-day event kicks off with an evening of laughs as 11 local improv troupes take the stage. The weekend includes shows with groups from California, Texas, Illinois and Wisconsin, plus an international ensemble. Guests can view a matinee Saturday as three improv troupes take the stage.

Details: April 20-22. 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday for main shows; 4:30-6:30 p.m. for the matinee. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. $10-$20. 480-389-4852, phoeniximprovfestival.com.

4/21-22: Front Porch Pickins Vintage & Handmade Market 

The Southwest’s largest and most eclectic vendor showcase returns. Fans and past attendees of Front Porch Pickins events know that they offer prime opportunities for outfitting one’s home, uncovering rare and unique vintage items and finding the perfect gift for the person who has just about everything.

Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 21-22. Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler. $6. Ages 12 and under are free. 623-298-5002, frontporchpickins.com.

4/21-23: 31st annual Pow Wow at ASU 

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

The ASU band practice field will transform into the site for an exciting Pow Wow. Come watch the Grand Entry, gourd dancing ceremony and more.

Details: Friday-Sunday, April 21-23; times vary, please check Facebook page for details. ASU band practice field, E. Sixth St. and S. Rural Road, Tempe. $8, $6 for students, free for under 6 and over 60. facebook.com/PowwowASU.

4/22: Recycle Arts and Youth Festival 

Event highlights include an artist’s reception and and the Eco Chic Fashion Show, a creative display of recycled fashion that underscores the importance and possibilities of working with post-consumer, reusable materials. There will be several art activities for children, and local food vendors and entertainers.

Details: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, April 22. WHAM Community Arts Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road, Surprise. Free. 480-823-4120, wham-art.org/recycle-arts.html.

4/22: Peoria Planetpalooza 

Celebrate Earth Day with Peoria at Planetpalooza by getting educated on ways to protect the planet. There will be prizes, food trucks, music and appearances by Peoria’s Planetary Superheroes Desert Defenders.

Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Westwing Park, 27100 N. Westwing Parkway, Peoria. Free. 623-773-7133, peoriaaz.gov/NewSecondary.aspx?id=54405.

4/22: Southwest Cajun Fest 

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Celebrate Cajun culture and handcrafted beer. Featuring live jazz, blues and contemporary swing music, patrons of the event will feel as though they have gone to the southeastern region of Louisiana. Local restaurants will be on hand offering crawfish, jambalaya and po’ boys and cornbread.

Details: Times TBA. Saturday, April 22. Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $10.  southwestcajunfest.com.

4/22: Spring Fling Carnival and Talent Contest

The Spring Fling Carnival is a free family event that features live music, entertainment, a talent show, free games, face painting, and free carnival rides including a bungee trampoline, bounce house, vertical rush slide and obstacle course. You can also get a free chair message while listening to the live music and then help your favorite talent win $500 by voting for the BackFit’s Biggest Superstar’s Talent Contest. Food trucks and local vendors will also be in attendance.

DETAILS: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 22. BackFit Health + Spine, 754 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert. Free. 480-497-2900.

4/22-23: Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo 

This event caters to women, from indulging and getting pampered to trying new food and drink choices and letting your creatives juices flow. Seminars will cover everything from parenting to anti-aging.

Details: April 22-23. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix. $5 advance, $10 at the door. 866-618-3434, azwomensexpo.com/home.

4/23: Arizona Freestyle Festival

Fans of freestyle R&B and old-school hip-hop can’t afford to miss this festival. The bill is topped by Bell Biv Devoe, Lisa Lisa, Stevie B. and House of Pain with Naughty By Nature, Arrested Development, Montell Jordan, Trinere, Debbie Deb, Chub Rock, Stacey Q., Timmy T, Nocera and the English Beat. Do the English Beat make any sense here? No. And yet, it works. Bell Biv Devoe may not necessarily qualify as freestyle, either, but why argue when they’re bringing hits as huge and undeniable as “Poison,” “Do Me,” “The Best Things in Life are Free,” “Word to the Mutha” and “When Will I See You Again?” to the party?

Details: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23. Rawhide, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler. $40; $100-$2,000 VIP packages. 480-502-5600, rawhide.com.

4/28-30: Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Over 170 vendors will be offering a diverse array of vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry and more. Other highlights will include live music, giveaways and photo opportunities.

Details: April 28-30. 5-9 p.m. Friday night shopping, 8-9 a.m. Saturday morning early entry, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday general admission. Prices TBA. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-6802, junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com.

4/29: Sweets Con and Dessert Expo 

Taste a variety of desserts, candies and other sweet treats from vendors, including options for anyone on a gluten-free or vegetarian diet. Decorating competitions include the best dessert table, most creatively designed novelty cake, “Candy Land” novelty cake and sugar art competition. The festival will also feature demos and decorating tips from the pros, and a kid-friendly area with the Sweets Con and Desserts Candy Fairies. VIP tickets include a special goodie bag, one-hour early access to the event, a VIP Candy Land Soiree and celebrity meet-and-greet. Proceeds benefit Toys for Tots and St. Mary’s Food Bank.

Details: April 29. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. $25, $11 for children ages 4 to 17. VIP tickets, $45, $21 for children ages 4 to 17. sweetsconexpo.com.

4/29: Chandler Craft Spirits Festival 

Fans of Arizona’s burgeoning booze scene will mix, mingle and make new friends while sampling dozens of diverse beverages fit for guests of all tastes, from the alcohol apprentice to the cocktail connoisseur. Try over 150 sweet and savory cocktails from local distilleries.

Details: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Downtown Ocotillo, 2475 W. Queen Creek Road, Chandler. $40-$60, $10 designated driver. 480-782-3045, chandlercraftspiritsfestival.com.

4/29: Wet Electric with Diplo

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

America’s largest waterpark music festival, Wet Electric, has announced its first headlining act. And Diplo is as good a place to start as any. Even the people at Relentless Beats consider this the most fun festival they do, with artists and DJs performing on a massive floating stage in the middle of a 2.5-million-gallon wave pool. You can expect the biggest Wet Electric lineup yet at the seventh edition of the annual pool party — with waterslides, luxury cabanas, bars and more. The festival is the first chance attendees will have in 2017 to experience Big Surf, which officially opens for the season on May 6. Wet Electric is an 18 and over event; VIP is a 21-plus area.

Details: Saturday, April 29. Big Surf, 1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe. $55; VIP passes and packages start at $99 plus fees. Lockers are available for rent at $15 plus fees.  www.wet-electric.com.

4/29: Festival of Tales

Southwest Human Development is partnering with Paradise Valley Community to host its Festival of Tales literacy event. A day of reading, literacy and cultural activities for children and families. The festival attracts 15,500 people from Maricopa County and gives away 25,000 books to children from low-income families. Participants in the days activities, which include demonstrations of storytelling, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks and much more, get a free book.

DETAILS: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. Free. www.pvc.maricopa.edu/.

4/29: Chalk Art Festival

Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance artists will create chalk art on 6-by-6-foot canvas murals so that the art may be kept permanently. Kids and adults who wish to create their own artworks may go to the KidZone and participation mural areas. Through May 4, fans will get to vote for their favorite mural and one fan per venue will win the mural they vote for.

DETAILS: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. Free. shopdesertridge.comtempemarketplace.com and westgateaz.com.

4/29-30: Phoenix Arab American Festival 

The Arab American Festival in Phoenix celebrates the rich traditions and diversity that make Arab-American culture unique. The two-day event features dozens of international musicians, performers and dancers as well as folklore shows, a hookah lounge, arts & crafts, authentic Middle Eastern fare, kids’ rides and a Miss Arab USA Pageant.

Details: 4-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 29-30. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. $5. Free for children 10 and younger. 602-412-1525, arabamericanfestival.org.

4/30: Country Splash

The crowds at Big Surf will switch gears from EDM to country music for Country Splash. The headliners are Michael Ray, Stephen Wesley and Daniel Bonte. You can also expect some serious barbecue, beer and water-park fun. Country Splash is an 18 and over event.

Details: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, April 30. Big Surf, 1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe. $25; $85 VIP. countrysplashconcerts.com.

MORE AZCENTRAL ON SOCIAL: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read or Share this story: http://azc.cc/2om3FME