PHOENIX AREA

April 13

Pat’s Run

Twenty years ago, after the tragic passing of Pat Tillman, a group of his family and friends came together to honor his legacy. Since 2004, Pat’s Run has grown to hosting nearly 30,000 athletes of all kinds each year. This year, once again in Tempe, the event is held to honor Pat and support his living legacy of more than 850 Tillman Scholars. Thousands of runners and walkers participate in this annual 4.2-mile run/walk. The race also includes a 0.42-mile kids’ run. Both wind through downtown Tempe and finish on the 42-yard line of the ASU stadium, paying tribute to Tillman’s jersey number. ASU Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe. Registration now open.  www.patsrun.com

April 13 

KidFest

KidFest is an event recognized by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and AzAEYC celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, and families. This event is hosted during the Nationally recognized Week of the Young Child™, a celebratory effort to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Join the celebration of Day of the Child and the Week of the Young Child as Friendship Park turns into a kid’s paradise. This FREE event promises some high-flying fun and learning for the entire family. Have fun with various activities, crafts, food trucks, entertainment, and learn about different types of organizations and services with lots of exhibitors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friendship Park, 12325 West McDowell Rd in Avondale. https://www.avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/events/kidfest

April 19-21

Maricopa County Home & Landscape Show 

Home shows are for everyone! Be captivated by the splendor of the Floral Showcase, which features everything from eccentric bouquet competitions to mesmerizing gardens, towering floral sculptures, lush landscapes, house plants, and even a garden bar where you can pull up a chair and soak in the beauty around you. The Home & Garden Show features home and landscape booths, food and beverage samples, Master Gardener’s seminars, panel discussions, crafting workshops and a kid’s corner. Bring photos and measurements of your backyard for a free walk-up landscape consultation and take-home design by Horticulture Frontiers or a free home remodeling consultation with Alva Interiors. Held at WestWorld of Scottsdale. 

https://maricopacountyhomeshows.com/

April 20-21

Olive Blossom Festival

Queen Creek Olive Mill is springing into the new season with its annual Olive Blossom Festival! Guests are invited to enjoy the beautiful weather and walk through scenic olive groves in full bloom while celebrating the loveliest time of year in Arizona. This two-day festival kicks off the launch of Queen Creek Olive Mill’s Master Blender’s bottle, a limited edition late-harvest EVOO that is handcrafted by olive oil sommelier Perry Rea, and in partnership with the Corning Olive Oil Company. Complete with live music, special vendors, and tractor tours, this festival is the perfect way to enjoy the season! Free Admission, No RSVP required. 

https://www.queencreekolivemill.com/ 

April 21

12th Annual El Puente Festival

Known for its signature community parade across the bridge, or “el puente” in Spanish, this festival brings together artists of all ages to highlight the importance of connecting traditional arts and culture practices from one generation to the next. Enjoy high school mariachi music, elementary school ballet folklórico dances, and a variety of educational and arts activities for youth of all ages, including free books, hands-on crafts, and activities that get excited feet moving to the beat of the live music. Presented by Tempe Center for the Arts. https://www.visitphoenix.com/event/12th-annual-el-puente-festival/136637/

April 26-28

FitnessFest Expo

Exhibitors offer the latest in cardio, breathwork, balance, mind/body movement, facial awareness/relief, new equipment, and fitness apparel. All the products you need will be there for purchase at the FitnessFest Expo. Learn from leaders in movement therapy, personal training, small group training, active aging, aqua fitness, mental and physical healing, gut health, business development, and nutrition. Chat with experts in nutrition, holistic wellness, and herbs. FitnessFest is free and open to the public at the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center located at 5031 E. Washington Street in Phoenix. https://fitnessfest.org/fitnessfest-2024-overview/

NORTHERN ARIZONA

April 13

Sedona Poetry Slam

The Sedona Poetry Slam is back, with Portland, Oregon poet Briana Grace Hammerstrom featured between each round. Poets perform high-energy, three-minute, original poems to elicit an emotional reaction from the crowd. Poems are judged by five randomly chosen members of the audience. No props, costumes, or musical accompaniment permitted. All ages event, but performances are uncensored. Poets come from all over the Southwest to win cash prizes. Signup details at foxthepoet.blogspot.com. Admission is free. Mary D. Fisher Theater, 2030 W. SR89A, Suite A-3, Sedona.
https://visitsedona.com/events-calendar/sedona-poetry-slam-featuring-portland-poet-briana-grace-hammerstrom/

April 27

Women of Wellness

This new signature event is designed to inspire and provide women with the tools to live their best life! Empowerment stations are provided by Flagstaff’s premiere female-owned health and wellness businesses. Ebb and flow as you’d like to make this a truly customized day of all things wellness. There will be a meditation + mindset session mini inspo panel with wellness speakers (therapists, health coaches, trainers, holistic healers), and a mindful movement session. Produced by the Beauty Boost Flagstaff, held at Flagstaff Elks Lodge. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-of-wellness-tickets-825605748017

SOUTHERN ARIZONA 

Now through June 30 

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea at Tucson Botanical Garden

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea comes to Tucson Botanical Garden this spring and is a non-profit organization committed to combating plastic pollution in the ocean and waterways. See larger than life sea creatures constructed entirely from marine debris. Each sculpture illustrates the tragedy of plastic pollution and aims to encourage conversations about conservation and how individuals can reduce the amount of single-use plastics in their lives to help improve water quality. In ten years, Washed Ashore has processed over 35 tons of plastic pollution from the Pacific Northwest’s ocean beaches to create over 85 works of art that are awakening the hearts and minds of viewers to the global marine debris crisis.
https://tucsonbotanical.org/exhibit/washed-ashore/

April 20

Tucson’s 24th Annual Women’s Day Out Expo

Celebrate all the fabulous ladies out there at this event at the Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park. Get ready for a day filled with fun, shopping, and pampering. Discover the latest trends in fashion, beauty, health, and more. Connect with local vendors and find unique products and services. Don’t miss out on the chance to relax, indulge, and enjoy a day dedicated to you! Grab your girlfriends and make it a day to remember. General admission is free.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tucson-24th-annual-womens-day-out-expo-tickets-709221008127?aff=erelexpmlt