Family-friendly fun. Carefully curated. Close to home. 

🌵 Welcome to your go-to spot for everything happening in the NW Valley! 🌵We've got the deets on community events, hidden gems, dining hotspots, and local adventures. From North Peoria to Surprise, North Glendale to Anthem (and more!), we've got you covered. Stop driving so far, and enjoy all the NW Valley has to offer! 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 

The star of this week's event line-up is definitely Glendale's Chocolate Affaire, a free event where you can indulge in all things chocolate -- from decadent treats to artisan creations and mouth-watering chocolate-inspired dishes, this is the ultimate chocolate lover's paradise. There are also two city's library challenges to pay attention to: Surprise's, which ends with a lively event this weekend, and Glendale's, which offers free baseball tickets for participating in their reading challenge. Remember, you don't need to live in that city to enjoy their library events or get a library card there! 

- T U E S D A Y -

• ⚾ 2025 Camelback Ranch Spring Training Reading Challenge

  Get ready to hit a home run with Glendale Library's Spring Training Reading Challenge! During the month of February, readers of all ages are invited to participate by tracking their reading minutes. For every 120 minutes read, participants will earn a prize and a chance to win the grand prize—tickets to a Spring Training game at Camelback Ranch! Celebrate baseball season and boost your reading with this fun, interactive challenge. Learn more and enter the raffles at your local library branch. 

• ✍️ Shut Up and Write! - Northwest Valley

  Join fellow writers at Foothills Library in the Hummingbirg Room from  10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a quiet, focused writing session. This event is perfect for anyone working on a writing project or looking to carve out uninterrupted time to write. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced writer, come get words on the page in a supportive environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your productivity! Learn more here.

- W E D N E S D A Y -

• 🔬 STEAM Kids Club

  Join us at Heroes Regional Park Library from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM for the STEAM Kids Club! This fun and educational event is designed for kids to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on activities and experiments. It’s a great opportunity to engage your child’s curiosity and creativity in a supportive and interactive environment. Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Learn more here.

- T H U R S D A Y -

• 🧘‍♂️ Tai Chi at Surprise Regional Library

  Join certified Tai Chi instructor John Leo for an hour-long session of Tai Chi at Surprise Regional Library from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Tai Chi is known for its benefits, including stress reduction, improved balance, motor control, and mental clarity. This free event is open to all adults (19+). No registration required—just show up and enjoy the calming experience! Learn more here.

• 🎨 Sip and Paint: Glow in the Dark - Lover Taylor Edition 
  

  Join us at The Lola for a special Valentine's-themed painting session. Get into the holiday spirit by painting your favorite VDAY Era. No experience necessary, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, this event is perfect for anyone looking to unleash their inner artist. Don't miss out on this joyful evening of painting and sipping! Tickets are $55 and reservations are required. Learn more here. 

• 💃 Belly Dancing Evening: Music and Dance

  Join us at Foothills Library in the Roadrunner Room on from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM for an exciting evening of belly dance! Enjoy a live performance and demonstration of this captivating art form, featuring rhythmic movements and cultural expression. Whether you’re a dancer or a fan, it’s an event full of energy and fun. Don’t miss out on this lively cultural experience! Learn more here.

• 🎨 Art for Everyone: Draft

  Join us at Foothills Library in the Hummingbird Room on Thursday, February 13, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM for Art for Everyone: Draft! This interactive session invites you to explore your creative side through art. Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, this event will provide an inclusive and enjoyable environment to experiment with drafting techniques. Come express yourself in a fun and supportive space! Learn more and register here.

F R I D A Y -

• ⚾ Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic

  Head to Surprise Stadium from February 14-17 for the exciting Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic! Enjoy four days of college baseball featuring teams like the Oregon State Beavers, Indiana Hoosiers, UNLV Rebels, and Xavier Musketeers. With games scheduled throughout the weekend, it's the perfect opportunity to catch some fast-paced action and cheer for your favorite teams. Don’t miss out on the fun! Learn more and get your tickets here.

- S A T U R D A Y -

• 🍫 Glendale Chocolate Affaire

  Indulge in all things chocolate at the Glendale Civic Center on Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day. Indulge in all things chocolate -- from decadent treats to artisan creations and mouth-watering chocolate-inspired dishes, this is the ultimate chocolate lover's paradise. This free event features chocolate tastings, live entertainment, local vendors, and fun activities for the whole family. Don't miss this ultimate chocolate lover's paradise! Learn more here. 

• 🦸‍♀️ LibraryCon at Peoria Main Library

  Calling all fans of video games, comic books, anime, and everything nerdy! Join us at Peoria Main Library from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for LibraryCon. Enjoy crafts, gaming, a vendor hall, and an exciting costume competition (with a Nintendo Switch Lite as the grand prize!). Don’t miss the "Cosplay on Your Budget" panel from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Arrive early to sign up for the costume contest! Learn more here.

• 📚 Mayor’s Literacy Challenge Closing Party
  
  Check out Hollyhock Library in Surprise 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for a fun-filled celebration to wrap up the 2025 Mayor’s Literacy Challenge! Enjoy an afternoon of creativity, stories, and hands-on activities for all ages—no registration required.This year’s closing party features a rock painting station, special storytime, flower crown-making, a “dirt cup” snack station, an indoor/outdoor scavenger hunt, and more! Plus, library patrons and staff will be planting flowers in the outdoor flower boxes—join in and help beautify the space! Don’t miss this exciting community event celebrating literacy and creativity. Learn more here.

• 🎉 Prom Night: 90s Edition

  Get ready to relive the '90s at Salt Tacos y Tequila in Glendale starting at 6:00 PM! Celebrate with fun prom-themed activities, music from the '90s, and a night full of nostalgic vibes. Dress to impress in your best '90s-inspired outfit and enjoy an unforgettable evening. Tickets start at $50 each and include a digitial prom photos, buffet dinner and 2 drink tickets. Don’t miss out on the ultimate throwback event! Learn more and get tickets here.

- S U N D A Y -

• 🌿 Vistancia Farmers Market and Craft Show

  Join us at the Vistancia community in Peoria from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for a vibrant farmers market and craft show! Browse fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and unique local products while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of Mountain Vista Club. Don’t miss out on this monthly market experience! Learn more here.

• 🎶 Sunday in the Park

  Join us at Mark Coronado Park in Surprise from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM for an evening of live music by Tyller Music, delicious food, and family-friendly fun! Enjoy a variety of food trucks, bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and relax while taking in great entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.  Learn more here.

THAT'S ALL, FOLKS! 

Thanks for reading the Northwest Valley Voice. If you found something useful and fun for your family, share our newsletter with your friends! We look forward to seeing you out and about, enjoying this beautiful part of the Valley. 

P.S. Know of a cool event happening in the Northwest Valley or want to sponsor an ad for our amazing readers to learn more about your business? Email us at [email protected]