9 Spring Festivals in Arizona

(This article was originally written for and published by Fabulous Arizona).

Written by Ali Dugaw 

Springtime is undeniably the best time to experience the great outdoors, live music, wine festivals and cultural events in the Valley. Check out these nine spring festivals in Arizona.

March 23: Desert Sol Jam Music Festival

Scottsdale

Desert Sol Jam Music Festival at Scottsdale Civic Center will feature food, drinks and seven bands with Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers headlining. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The JoyBus, a local nonprofit that delivers meals to homebound cancer patients. Doors open at 2 p.m. 
Cost: $35 student admission; $60 general admission; $150 VIP admission.
Tickets: www.desertsoljam.com.

April 3 to April 7: Arizona Bike Week

Scottsdale

Motorcycle enthusiasts unite at WestWorld of Scottsdale for this five-day spring festival in Arizona. There will be stunt shows, charity rides, contests and live music with headliners like Brantley Gilbert, everclear and Godsmack entertaining the crowds. Attendees can also camp or park the RV on site. The events kick off at noon daily and end at midnight.
Cost: $28 to $119.
Tickets: www.azbikeweek.com.

April 6: Uncorked Wine Festival

Scottsdale

Wine lovers can sample over 100 wines from around the world at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale during Uncorked Wine Festival. There will also be food trucks, a DJ and canned cocktail and seltzer tastings to enjoy at this spring festival in Arizona. Guests must be 21 and older to enter. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m.
Cost: $60 general admission; $75 early admission (6 p.m.).
Tickets: www.uncorkedwinefestivals.com.

April 7: Rusty’s Beer Fest

Scottsdale

Rusty’s Annual Beer Fest returns to Mountain Shadows Resort in Scottsdale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 7. Guests can admire the silhouette of Camelback Mountain and choose samples from over 30 different kinds of beer during this spring festival in Arizona. There will also be a golf tournament with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Each ticket includes a punch card for 20 samples, including some top local brews, and a food buffet. Beer will also be available for purchase, and there will be raffle prizes.
Cost: $49 for the beer fest; $149 for the golf tournament and beer fest.
Tickets: mountainshadows.com.

April 20: Pup-a-Palooza Spring Festival

Scottsdale

Dog moms and dads are invited to dress their pups in spring costumes and parade them around Chaparral Park in Scottsdale during Pup-a-Palooza Spring Festival. Coordinating with your dog is encouraged if you’d like to participate in the pup parade at 11 a.m. There will also be food and drink vendors, shopping, a pet photo booth, kids’ activities, live music, raffle prizes and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Oakley’s Oath, a local nonprofit creating awareness for dog safety during home renovation projects. Doors open at 9 a.m.
Cost: $10 for early-bird tickets; $15 at the door; children under 12 are free to attend.
Tickets: www.oakleysoath.com.

April 20 and April 21: Olive Blossom Festival

Queen Creek

This two-day spring festival in Arizona offers a sneak peek behind the growing process of the Queen Creek Olive Mill’s olives. Guests are invited to walk through the scenic olive groves while in full bloom. There will also be live music, special vendors and tractor tours. Olive Blossom Festival takes place 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Cost: Free at attend.
For more information: www.queencreekolivemill.com.

April 21: El Puente Festival

Tempe

The English word for “el puente” is bridge, and attendees at this festival parade across Tempe Town Lake’s bridge together, marking the importance of community and cultural traditions. From 2 to 6 p.m. at the Tempe Center for the Arts on April 21, there will also be high school mariachi music, elementary school ballet and folklórico dances, free books, arts and crafts activities and food trucks.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: www.culturalcoalition.com.

May 19: Boots in the Park

Tempe

Kane Brown and Lee Brice will headline this country music festival at Tempe Town Lake from 2 to 10 p.m. on May 19. Music fans can participate in line dancing, purchase food or drinks and check out various art installations during Boots in the Park.
Cost: $99 for general admission; $225 for VIP admission.
Tickets: www.bootsinthepark.com.

May 24 to May 26: Phoenix Fan Fusion

Phoenix

Discover your inner geek at this three-day sci-fi, pop culture festival at the Phoenix Convention Center. From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, fans can attend discussion panels, meet celebrity guests, play video games and experience Artists Alley with comic book creatives, “nerd-focused” activities and a cosplay community.
Cost: Tickets start at $65 for adult; admission is free for children, 12 and under.
For more information: www.phoenixfanfusion.com.