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! 

MONDAY, MARCH 17 - SUNDAY, MARCH 23

Get ready for an action-packed weekend in Arizona! Anthem Days (March 22-23) is the place to be for live music, carnival rides, a 5K, and a petting zoo. Country fans won’t want to miss the Out of the Park Music Fest on March 22, featuring big names like ERNEST and Chase Matthew, plus food trucks and games! Anime lovers, Anime Arizona 2025 (March 22-24) has everything you need—panels, cosplay, and merch. Don’t forget to join the Desert Ecology Tour at Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve on March 22 to explore the desert’s wildlife and history. Plus, check out Creosote Salve and Pottery Demonstrations for a unique taste of local culture. It’s a weekend full of fun—don’t miss out! 

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🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Tim Finnegan’s

Get ready for a weekend of fun at Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music, delicious food, and a fantastic atmosphere! Enjoy a day full of entertainment, including traditional Irish music, bagpipes (12, 4 and 7:30 PM), and step dancing (11:30 AM). Doors open at 7:30 AM for breakfast and indoor festivities, and the outdoor festival kicks off at 10:30 AM. A $10 entry fee applies after 12:00 PM. This year’s event benefits the Glendale Firefighters Charities. Learn more here. 

🎨 Spring Break Camp

Looking for a fun way to keep the kids entertained during spring break? Rio Vista Recreation Center has you covered! From Monday, March 17 – Friday, March 21, kids ages 6–12 can enjoy a week full of exciting activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and games. Camp runs daily from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381. Don’t miss out on this action-packed week of fun! Learn more here.

⚾ Spring Training Baseball Games

Catch the Glendale Desert Dogs in action as they host spring training games at Camelback Ranch, the shared spring training facility of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. The schedule for the week includes:

• Monday, March 17, 2025: Game at 1:05 PM

• Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Game at 1:05 PM

• Friday, March 21, 2025: Game at 1:05 PM

• Sunday, March 23, 2025: Game at 1:05 PM

For ticket information and the full spring training schedule, visit Camelback Ranch Events.

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🎸 Richie Darling Live Music

Enjoy an evening of live music with Richie Darling at Cross Eyed Cricket in Peoria! From 6:00 – 9:00 PM, kick back with great food, drinks, and an unforgettable performance featuring a mix of genres that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. No cover charge—just good vibes, great tunes, and a fun night out! Learn more here.

🦈 Family STEAM Challenge: Great White Bridges

Put your engineering skills to the test at the Sunrise Mountain Library (11:00 AM -12:00 PM) or the Peoria Main Library (3:00 - 4:00 PM)! On Tuesday, March 18, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, Challenge Island brings their Shark Tooth Island STEAM program for an exciting hands-on adventure. Work together to build a bridge and see if it can withstand the ultimate strength test! This fun, family-friendly challenge is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Space is limited to 75-100 participants, so arrive early—first come, first served! Learn more about the Peoria event here, or the Sunrise Mountain one here.

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📖 Surprise Public Library Book Club

Join fellow book lovers for a fun and engaging discussion of Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson at the Surprise Public Library Book Club! This monthly book club occurs on the 3rd Wednesday at 1:00 PM/ Whether you're an avid reader or just looking for a good book to read, this is a perfect opportunity to connect with others and discover new perspectives. No registration required—just bring your love for books and your enthusiasm for discussion! (Next month's book is The Girl in the Middle by Anais Granofsky, so you can get reading now!) For more details and to find this month’s book selection, visit the Surprise Public Library Book Club page.

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🎮 Family Video Gaming Night

Level up your family fun at the Peoria Main Library! On Thursday, March 20, from 4:30 – 6:30 PM, enjoy an evening of gaming, laughter, and friendly competition. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or picking up a controller for the first time, there's something for everyone! Play popular games like Spider-Man 2, LEGO Brawls, and Princess Peach Showtime! No registration needed—just show up and have a blast! Learn more here.

🧘‍♂️ Tai Chi at Surprise Regional Library

Join certified Tai Chi instructor John Leo for a relaxing and beneficial hour-long session of Tai Chi at the Surprise Regional Library Thursday from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. This class, designed for individuals 19 and older, will help you experience the stress-reducing benefits of Tai Chi, improve balance and motor control, enhance brain function, and promote calmness and tranquility. There’s no need to register—just show up and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere! Learn more about the event on the Surprise Regional Library Event Page.

F R I D A Y -

🎶 Reminisce Band - R&B/Soul/Top 40

Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music with the Reminisce Band at Westside Blues & Jazz from 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM. Enjoy a mix of R&B, Soul, and Top 40 hits as the band brings their high-energy performance to the stage. This is the perfect way to kick off your weekend with great music and good vibes. Tickets are required—get yours before they’re gone! Learn more here.

🎥 Anime Arizona 2025

Join the excitement at Anime Arizona 2025, happening from Friday, March 21 to Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa! This expanded event will feature an Exhibit Hall, Artist Alley with 39 artists, and over 35 voice actors and celebrity guests including Aleks Le, Bryce Papenbrook, Cristina Vee, Ian Sinclair, and many more! Enjoy cosplay meet-ups, panel rooms, and vendor booths with over 100 vendors. Tickets are available now, with VIP options providing early access to the vendor floor. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of anime, Anime Arizona promises a weekend filled with unforgettable experiences. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Anime Arizona website.

- S A T U R D A Y -

🛍️ Arrowhead Farmers Market

Experience a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious food from local vendors. The market operates from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Arrowhead Towne Center, 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, AZ 85308. Open to the public with free admission, this (leashed) dog-friendly event promises different vendors each week! For more details, visit Arrowhead Farmers Market.

🌵 Desert Ecology Tour, Creosote Salve Demonstration, Pottery Demonstration, & Flute Performance

On Saturday, March 22, immerse yourself in a day of nature, culture, and artistry at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve! Start the day with the Desert Ecology Tour at 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM, exploring the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert while learning how indigenous people thrived off the land. From 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, enjoy a Creosote Salve Demonstration by Sharah Nieto, who will teach you how to create healing salve from desert ingredients. Local artist August Wood will showcase traditional pottery-making techniques, and Jonah Littlesunday, a nationally renowned Diné musician, will perform on the Native American flute from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, creating a peaceful and meditative atmosphere. These events are all free to attend, offering a perfect opportunity to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the Southwest. Learn more here.

🎤 Out of the Park Music Fest

Get ready for an epic celebration at Out of the Park Music Fest in Surprise, AZ! On Saturday, March 22, from 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM, enjoy 8 hours of live music with national headliners like ERNEST, Chase Matthew, and George Birge, along with local artists. Delicious eats from food trucks, fun yard games, and family-friendly activities will keep the whole crew entertained. Don’t miss out on this amazing way to close out the Spring Training season in style! Learn more here.

🎬 Family Movie Night in the Park

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs for a magical evening under the stars! From 5-9:00 PM, head to Braewood Park in Peoria (8742 W, Mercer Ave) will host a free outdoor screening of Moana 2. Enjoy a night of entertainment with friends and family—plus, concessions will be available for purchase! Learn more here.

🎉 Anthem Days

Kick off Anthem Days, from 10 AM to 4 PM! This family-friendly event showcases the community with a business expo, carnival, food vendors, and live entertainment. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend with exciting activities, including the Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Sunday and performances by local bands. Admission and parking are free, making this the perfect weekend outing for all ages. For more details, visit Anthem Days.

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🦋 AZ Walk of Courage

Join us Sunday at 8:00 AM for the 6th Annual AZ Walk of Courage at Rio Vista Park, located at 8866 West Thunderbird Road, Peoria, AZ. This event advocates for burn survivors, fostering awareness and building a community of inclusion, love, and healing. Participants can choose from a 10K, 5K, or 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. Proceeds benefit Changed by Fire and other local organizations. For more details and registration, please visit Race Roster's event page.

🎶 Spring Serenade: AJ and Crew

Music lovers, unite from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Paloma Community Park for a soul-soothing performance by AJ and Crew! Enjoy an afternoon of Soul R&B hits that will have you swaying along from start to finish. Grab your blankets and chairs, and come hungry—local food trucks will be on-site serving delicious food and drinks. Don’t miss this amazing kickoff to the Spring Serenade concert series! Learn more here.

🎉 Anthem Days

Celebrate the spirit of Anthem at Anthem Days as it continues on Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM! This family-friendly event showcases the community with a business expo, carnival, food vendors, and live entertainment. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend with exciting activities, including the Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Sunday and performances by local bands. Admission and parking are free, making this the perfect weekend outing for all ages. For more details, visit Anthem Days.

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]