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 24 - SUNDAY, MARCH 2 

This week is packed with exciting activities across the Northwest Valley! Enjoy a fun-filled evening at a karaoke night, check out the delicious eats and craft goods at the Campbells Restaurant Farmers Market, or celebrate Mardi Gras at Westside Blue's first annual bash. And don't miss the Hungarian Festival, the chance to run the bases at a Spring Training game, or check out the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show—there's something for everyone!

- T U E S D A Y -

• ⚾ Sundancer Charity Game at Surprise Stadium

  Catch the excitement of Spring Training at the Sundancer Charity Game on February 25th from 1:05 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Support the Surprise Sundancers, a non-profit organization, with proceeds benefiting youth scholarships in the Surprise and Northwest Valley areas. Enjoy ballpark fun while supporting a great cause! For more details and tickets, visit Surprise Stadium.
  
  

• 🎶 Open Mic & Jam Session at Charley’s Place

  Join the fun at Charley’s Place every Tuesday from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM for an exciting Open Mic & Jam Session hosted by Tom Mein! Whether you're a singer, musician, or poet, the stage is yours to showcase your talent and entertain the crowd. Grab a drink, bring your friends, and cheer on local artists! It’s the perfect place to enjoy great music, good vibes, and a fun night out. Learn more here.

- W E D N E S D A Y -

• 🎤 Wing Wednesday & Karaoke Night at Big's American Bar & Grill
  
  

Join the fun at Big's American Bar & Grill in Anthem on Wednesday, February 26 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM for Wing Wednesday & Karaoke Night! Enjoy delicious wings while belting out your favorite songs in a lively, all-ages atmosphere. It's the perfect midweek event for food, fun, and music! For tickets and more details, visit Eventbrite.

- T H U R S D A Y -

• 🎨 Intro to Clay Wheel Throwing at Burst of Butterflies

  Get hands-on with pottery at Burst of Butterflies in Peoria on February 26! This beginner-friendly class for ages 13+ introduces the fundamentals of wheel throwing, from centering clay to shaping your first masterpiece. Whether you're new to pottery or looking to refine your skills, this fun and interactive session is the perfect creative escape. The 90-minute lesson is $35, and each finished piece is $18. Note: classes happen at Burst of Butterflies almost every night of the week so check out their website for more classes. Learn more and register here.
  
  
• ⚡ Pokémon Day: Gotta Craft 'em All!
  
  

Celebrate Pokémon Day with a fun-filled crafting event at Glendale Main Library on Thursday, February 27  from 4 - 5:00 PM in the Storytime Room! Young Pokémon trainers can create an origami Pokémon bookmark, design their own Pokéball, and craft Eeveelution ears. This hands-on workshop is perfect for kids aged 9-11, with younger children welcome if accompanied by an adult. Get ready for a creative adventure—gotta craft 'em all! Learn more here.

• 🌵 Growing in the Desert: The History & Culture of the Tohono O’odham at Foothills Library
  
  

Join Dr. Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan at Foothills Library on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM for an insightful presentation on the Tohono O’odham people and their rich history of desert agriculture. Discover how this indigenous community cultivated the Sonoran Desert and passed down their knowledge and culture through generations. This program, presented in partnership with Arizona Humanities, is a fascinating dive into the deep connection between the Tohono O’odham and the land they have called home for centuries. Learn more here.

F R I D A Y -

• 🏡 Maricopa County Home & Garden Show at State Farm Stadium

  Discover the latest trends in home improvement, design, and outdoor living at the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show at State Farm Stadium from February 28-March 2. Explore hundreds of exhibitors showcasing innovative home products, attend expert-led DIY workshops, and get inspired by stunning garden displays. Whether you're planning a remodel, searching for unique décor, or just love home and garden ideas, this event has something for everyone. Indoor event with free parking, adult tickets are $6 and children are $3. Learn more here. 

• 🛍️ Artisan Alley at Westgate

  Stroll through the Artisan Market at Westgate on Friday, February 28 from 6-10 PM and discover a vibrant selection of handcrafted goods, art, jewelry, home décor, and more! This outdoor market is the perfect place to shop unique finds while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Westgate Entertainment District. Support local artisans, explore one-of-a-kind creations, and soak in the community vibes. Don’t miss this chance to shop small and find something special! Learn more here.

• 🩸 Vitalant Blood Drive at Surprise Regional Library

  Join the Vitalant Blood Drive at Surprise Regional Library on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Your donation is vital to maintaining a healthy blood supply and helps save lives. To schedule an appointment, visit donors.vitalant.org and use Blood Drive Code: P1T62. Learn more here.

S A T U R D A Y -

• 🌱 Self-Watering Container Gardens at Heroes Regional Park Library
  
  

Celebrate the first day of spring with a fun, eco-friendly gardening activity at Heroes Regional Park Library on Saturday, March 1 from 11 AM to 12 PM. Join Anne from Glendale Water Services Department as she teaches families how to create self-watering container gardens using plastic bottles, soil, and seeds. Learn sustainable gardening techniques and take home your very own seedling to grow at home! Don't miss this hands-on, green-thumb event! Learn more here.

🛍️🍎 Campbell’s Restaurant Farmers Market

Join us at Campbell’s Restaurant Farmers Market on Saturday, March 1, from 8 AM – 1 PM for a wonderful day of fresh produce, fine art, and small business shopping! Discover locally grown fruits & vegetables, unique handmade goods, and delicious treats while supporting local farmers and artisans.Come for the fresh flavors, stay for the community vibes! Bring your friends and family for a relaxing and fun market experience. Learn more here.

• 🎶 Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival at Main Library
  
  

Celebrate the rich history and culture of folk music at the Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival on Saturday, March 1 from 10:30 AM to  PM at Main Library. Enjoy performances from talented artists, including bluegrass, cowboy poetry, and Americana acts, such as Poor Lazarus, Jake Williams, and Masato Tachi. Don't miss this free, family-friendly event filled with live music and authentic storytelling! See the performance schedule here.

• 🌱 Master Gardener at Asante Library
  
  

Get expert gardening advice at Asante Library on Saturday, March 1 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Master Gardener volunteers from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension will be on hand to answer your desert gardening questions, covering topics like plant selection, irrigation, pest management, and more. Bring your plant material or insect specimens for identification and personalized advice—this free event is perfect for anyone looking to improve their gardening skills! Learn more here.

• 🌵 Desert Ecology Tour at Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
  
  

Explore the Sonoran Desert with a guided tour at Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve on March 1st, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Learn about the native plants and animals of the region while discovering how indigenous people have historically thrived in the desert landscape. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the beauty and history of the desert up close! For more details, visit Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve.

- S U N D A Y -

• 🍽️ Sunday Brunch Buffet & Free Bingo at Chicken N Pickle
  
  

Start your Sunday right with brunch and bingo at Chicken N Pickle on March 2 from 10 AM – 2 PM! Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring classic brunch favorites while playing a fun round of bingo with great prizes up for grabs. Whether you're a bingo pro or just there for the food and fun, this event is a perfect way to relax and kick off your Sunday. Gather your friends and family for a morning of good eats and friendly competition! Learn more here.

🍲 Hungarian Festival at Glendale Community College

Celebrate Hungarian heritage at the 6th Annual Hungarian Festival on Saturday, March 1, from 12 - 6 PM at Glendale Community College. Enjoy live performances, including Scott Jeffers – Traveler, traditional Hungarian dance, and delicious food like stuffed cabbage and lángos. This free, family-friendly event is filled with music, culture, and authentic cuisine. Don’t miss out on this celebration of Hungarian traditions! Learn more here.

• ⚾ Kids Run the Bases at Surprise Stadium
  
  

Bring the kids for a fun post-game experience at Surprise Stadium on March 2nd from 1:05 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. After the game, young fans can run the bases and receive a special prize, courtesy of Uptown Alley. It’s a family-friendly event that’s sure to create lasting memories—don’t miss out! For more details, visit Surprise Stadium.

• 🎭 Westside Blue’s First Annual Mardi Gras Celebration
  
  

Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Westside's First Annual Mardi Gras Celebration on Sunday, March 2 from 2-7 PM in Glendale! Join us for our first annual Mardi Gras Celebration at Westside! With 3 talented bands on the line-up, cajun yummies, vendors, live art by Dump LA Rock and a masseuse, there's no other place you'd rather spend your Sunday! Scoop up your tickets and prepare to laissez ls bon temps rouler! Feel free to dress up. Napkins will be thrown, beads will be caught. Tickets and more details here.

THAT'S IT FOR THIS WEEK! 

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]