April Calendar of Events

Events originally listed at from North Phoenix Family Magazine and Raising Arizona Kids.

WEDNESDAY | APRIL 8-29

Disney On Ice
This action-packed ice spectacular showcases beloved characters from Disney•Pixar’s Cars and Toy Story 3 and Disney’s Tinker Bell and The Little Mermaid.  Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney•Pixar’s Cars race across the ice. www.disneyonice.com/worlds-of-fantasy

North Phoenix Moms Blog Mother’s Day Painting Event
Make a handmade gift for Mom this Mother’s Day! Enjoy a painting event and prepare a gift she won’t soon forget. As You Wish Desert Ridge Studio. $5 entry (doesn’t include cost of pottery). 1 and under are free. Food, swag and prizes will be provided. www.facebook.com/events/1569225770032391/

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Desert Botanical Garden Butterfly Pavilion
Visitors to the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion can expect to see hundreds of butterflies housed in a spacious 36-by-80-foot flight enclosed garden that recreates a habitat that is most appealing to butterflies. 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. www.dbg.org

FRIDAY | APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Carefree Farmers Market
May include fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs and flowers; locally made jams, jellies and salsas; fresh baked breads. Demonstrations by Chefs from Valley restaurants. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Carefree Amphitheater Gardens. arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com

FRIDAY | APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Friday Night Franks
Held on the first Friday of every month through May 1, 2015, this old-fashioned wiener roast allows guests to cook their own brats, hotdogs, S’mores and marshmallows over an open fire in a unique venue nestled in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Live music, horse wagon rides, cowboy games, movies under the stars, hay rides and Yavapai stories round out this one-of-a-kind Southwestern experience. Admission is free. 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Fort McDowell Adventures. fortmcdowelladventures.com/create-your-adventure/friday-night-franks

WEDNESDAY | APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Westgate Hot Rod Night
Classic cars and hot rods make a return to Westgate every Wednesday. Cruise in for a classic car show, live music and more, plus enjoy great happy hour deals from the surrounding bars and restaurants. WaterDance Plaza, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. westgateaz.com/hotrod

FRIDAY | APRIL 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30

Desert Ridge Marketplace Concerts
Free musical performances every weekend starting at 7:00 p.m., suitable for all ages, featuring local bands and musicians. There is seating, but you may bring your own chairs. shopdesertridge.com

THURSDAY | APRIL 2, 9, 16 & 23

Spring Fitness Hikes!
Hike various trails in the park while enjoying the Springtime weather and the wildflowers that come with it. Meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 a.m. $6 per vehicle park entry fee. maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek

SATURDAY | APRIL 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Uptown Farmers Market
Weekly Saturday morning market on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road on the grounds of the North Phoenix Baptist Church. Vendors vary by week but may include Hayden Flour Mills, Jan’s Baked Goods, McClendon’s Select and more. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. uptownmarketaz.com

SUNDAY | APRIL 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

Anthem Community Farmers Market
Choose the freshest selections of organic and seasonal produce, grass-fed meats, local eggs, baked artisan breads, cheeses, butters, jams, jellies and more! The farmer’s market will take place every Sunday from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Anthem Community Park. arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com

SUNDAY | APRIL 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

Tatum Ranch Farmers Market
May include, depending on season, fresh produce, baked goods, jams & jellies, salsas, spices, natural pork, beef and fish, hand-made craft products, lotions and soaps. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., The Shops at Dynamite Creek in Cave Creek. arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com

FRIDAY | APRIL 3

Fast & Furious Muscle & Custom Car Show
The Shops at Norterra will feature muscle and custom cars from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. They will also have remote-control car racing, live music from the band Lane Change, a social media photo booth, and a radio remote with LIVE 101.5 and morning show host, Joey Boy. At the RED tent on Main Street, you can enter to win prizes from merchants for signing up for the Norterra VIP Club. Plus if you show a receipt from any shop/restaurant purchase that evening, you’ll receive a FREE gift. norterrashopping.com

Hike by the Light of a Full Moon
Experience the Sonoran Desert by the light of the Full Moon. Everything looks different in the dark. Meet at the Nature Center at 6:00 p.m. for this Ranger led adventure. $6 per vehicle park entry fee. maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek

SATURDAY | APRIL 4

Peoria Dolly Sanchez Memorial Easter Egg Hunt
Easter egg hunt, bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, make and take crafts, face painting, and carnival games at the Peoria Sports Complex from 8:00 a.m.-noon. Admission and parking are free when you bring canned food to benefit the St. Mary’s/Westside Food Bank Alliance. Some activities require a nominal fee. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. peoriasportscomplex.com/sportscontent.aspx?id=38674

Enchanted Island Amusement Park Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Egg Hunt will consist of prize-filled eggs plus twenty Grand Prize eggs. Age appropriate egg hunts start at 10:00 a.m. for ages 1-10. Bring your own basket. Arrive early as all children must register and receive an age appropriate stamp. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free for ages 1 – 10. enchantedisland.com/special-events

Let’s Dance Away Hunger
Zumba instructor Patricia Martelly will be hosting a Zumbathon charity event benefiting the Foothills Food Bank at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in Carefree from 10:00 a.m.-noon. Julian Camarena will sing the National Anthem, and local Zumba instructors will guide you through easy to follow, fun, Latin and world rhythm dances. Adult: $20, students (11-18 yrs) $15, and children (10 and under) $10. facebook.com/martellyusa?_rdr

Easter Eggstravaganza
EC Street Playtown is hosting this free event from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Kids will create a bunny bag for the egg hunt, and enjoy playing in the playtown afterwards. Eggs guaranteed for first 100 kids. ecstreetplaytown.com

Hop & Shop Festival
Celebrate Spring at The Shops at Norterra’s Hop & Shop Festival from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Activities include Easter Egg Scramble (grouped by age), photos with the Easter Bunny, petting zoo, music and entertainment by LIVE 101.5 Morning Show host, Joey Boy, kids crafts, and much more! norterrashopping.com

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park Easter Egg Hunt
The event will be held next to the popular petting zoo and play area. Children 7 years old and younger will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. while kids ages 8 and up will begin at 2:30 p.m. Several thousand holiday eggs will be dispersed over the two day event. Participation in the egg hunt is free for kids with paid admission to Wildlife World Zoo. wildlifeworld.com

Daniela Jay Boutique Easter Celebration
An Easter celebration fit for royalty! Kids come dressed in their finest attire and enjoy fun activities including hair styling, cupcake decorating, face painting, Easter crafts, treat bar, plus visits with Easter princesses, Cinderella, the Easter bunny, and an egg hunt. Cost is $39 for girls (includes additional activities) and $20 for boys. 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. RSVP to 623-566-8380. danielajay.com

Meet Daisy the Bunny
Bring your little ones and your camera to the Outlets at Anthem from 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. to Meet Daisy the Bunny at the Outlet at Anthem’s Spring Gazebo for photo opportunities. outletsanthem.com

SUNDAY | APRIL 5

The Westin Kierland Resort’s Easter Eggstravaganza
The Westin Kierland Resort’s Easter Eggstravaganza features 25,000 stuffed Easter eggs. The Easter morning festivities are exclusively for Resort, Villas and Easter Brunch guests. The ticketed event includes a petting zoo, bounce houses, arts & crafts, face-painting and the egg hunt which will begin at 9:30 a.m. For those guests not staying at the Resort, Villas or dining for brunch, a limited number of tickets for the Easter Eggstravaganza will be available for purchase for $15 per person, based on availability. Each guest who purchases a ticket will receive a $15 food and beverage voucher redeemable at deseo, Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Café or Brittlebush Bar & Grill from April 6-May 21. kierlandresort.com/2015-easter-celebration

Arizona Biltmore Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Bunny will be at Squaw Peak Lawn to welcome your children to the resort’s annual Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 9:00 a.m. It will be conducted in three age groups: 3-5 years old, 6-8 and 9-12. Baskets will be provided. In addition to Easter eggs, there will be one golden egg for each age group and the child who finds it will receive a large basket full of candy. There will also be Action-Photos with Mr. and Ms. Bunny, make a bunny hat to wear to the Bunny Hop Sack Race and Egg on a Spoon Race, Ninja Challenge Inflatable Obstacle Course, cotton candy machine, popcorn machine, snow cone machine, photo booth, helium balloons, bubble machine; and Forget-us-not seed packet from the Arizona Biltmore. These activities are free to resort guests and $15 for non-guests. arizonabiltmore.com

WEDNESDAY | APRIL 6

Kids Play at Outlets at Anthem
Bring your little ones for a free Interactive Kid’s Program each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Outlets at Anthem, Suite 420. Activities are geared for younger aged children and require parental participation. Kids enjoy singing, dancing and a special snack. outletsanthem.com

Action-Packed Spring Break Camp. Ages 5 & up. Trampoline activities, fort building, arts & crafts, scooter races, relay races and more. Call for prices and times. Flip Dunk Sports, 1515 E. Bethany Home Rd. 602-277-0067 or flipdunksports.com

Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Jan 24-May 3). More than 200 of the rarest artifacts from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including legendary gear, photos and documents chronicling the cultural phenomenon that is football today. 10am-5pm. $12 ($8 members). Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington St. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org

TUESDAY | APRIL 7

Family Music Class. Ages 6 months-5 years (with an adult). Get musical through instruments, song, dance, games and more, while building a solid foundation of musical skills for everyone. 9-9:45pm. Free. Preregister. Gymboree Play & Music Scottsdale, 7077 E Bell Rd #205, Scottsdale. 480-656-0801. gymboreeclasses.com

Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Jan 24-May 3). More than 200 of the rarest artifacts from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including legendary gear, photos and documents chronicling the cultural phenomenon that is football today. 10am-5pm. $12 ($8 members). Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington St. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org

Kids Club. All ages. Themes, music, crafts, door prizes and more. Companion games and activities also available online. 11am. Free. Arrowhead Towne Center, 7700 W Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale. mallkidsclub.com

WEDNESDAY | APRIL 8

Maricopa County Fair (April 8-12)
The Fair features the largest county fair carnival in Phoenix with over 35 rides. Food offerings include unique items like Steve’s Flaming Hot Turkey Legs, Deep Fried Coffee, the Mac Doggie Dog and so much more. The shopping pavilion is filled with over 60 vendors plus there are over 25 more vendors outside. Agriculture and livestock are a part of the fairs history and tradition and is a mainstay at the fair. maricopacountyfair.org

Hot Rod Nights. All ages. More than 250 classic cars and hot rods, live entertainment and more. 5-9pm. Free. Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N Sunset Blvd, Glendale. westgateaz.com/hotrod

THURSDAY | APRIL 9

Frontier Town Farmer’s Market. All ages. Fresh produce, baked goods, hand crafted items and more. 2-7pm. Free. Frontier Town, 6245 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek. 480-488-9129 or cavecreeklive.com

FRIDAY | APRIL 10-12

Carefree Days Festival
Celebrate springtime with arts and crafts, wine and craft beer tasting, food trucks, live music and entertainment. magicbirdfestivals.com

FRIDAY | APRIL 10

Bug Theater with the Ranger
Bring a picnic dinner and turn the kids loose to collect bugs on the big screen. Meet at the Amphitheater at 5:00 p.m. $6 per vehicle park entry fee. maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek

FRIDAY | APRIL 10-26

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
Valley Youth Theatre presents The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. Performances are April 10 at 7:30 p.m.; April 11, 18 & 25 at 12:00 & 3:30 p.m.; and April 12, 19 & 26 at 12:30 & 4:00 p.m. Admission is $20. vyt.com

FRIDAY | APRIL 10-May 10

Shrek The Musical
Desert Stages Theatre presents Shrek The Musical. Performances are April 10-12; 17-19; 24-26; May 1-3; and 8-10. Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Admission: adult $25, seniors and students $22. desertstages.org

SATURDAY | APRIL 11

Play Day at the Preserve
Local First Arizona, partnered with the Town of Gilbert is hosting an event called “Play Day at the Preserve” and it is aimed towards getting families out to the Gilbert Riparian Preserve (2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234) Saturday the 11th from 10-11:30 for a fun and educational morning. It’s $6 per child, (5-12) and includes awesomely interactive lessons about desert plants and animals.

Lake Pleasant Paddle Fest
Try out at a paddlecraft on the lake and enjoy contests, demos, and free instruction from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant/EventsDetailPublishers.aspx?EventID=23816

Outlet’s at Anthem’s Strike A Pose
Casting call for Outlets at Anthem’s Strike A Pose and 2016 Face of Foothills Model Search begins at 9:00 a.m. Win a Modeling contract, be featured in an ad campaign, cover shoot and more. Looking for models 6 to 40 years old. Come walk the catwalk and have some fun! outletsanthem.com

Arizona Derby Dames
Teams of roller skaters skate around a banked track vying for position and points. The Arizona Derby Dames league is one of just seven all-girl banked track roller derby leagues in the world. Game takes place at 6:00 p.m. at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix .General admission is $15 per person, $7 for children 12 and under. arizonaderbydames.com

SUNDAY | APRIL 12

Dad & Daughter Day. All ages. Receive an exclusive D-backs hat, a copy of Raising Arizona Kids magazine, a keepsake photo and the opportunity to run the bases after the game. 1:10pm. Special event ticket required; call for prices. Chase Field, 401 E Jefferson St. 602-514-8400 or dbacks.com/events

WEDNESDAY | APRIL 15

Opportunity Expo. Teens and young adults. Interactive educational exhibits all designed to empower teens/young adults with job seeking strategies. 2:30-5pm. Free. ASU SkySong, 1365 N Scottsdale Rd, Synergy Conference Room #135 Scottsdale. 480-312-7922 or scottsdaleaz.gov

Parenting the Love and Logic Way (Wed through Apr 22). The workshops help participants turn parenting and teaching into a fun and rewarding experience, instead of stressful and chaotic. Each session helps parents develop a respectful, healthy and positive relationship with their children. 6-7:30pm. $25/individuals, $45/couple for each session. Banner Children’s Academy, 1410 W 10th Pl, Tempe. 602-230-2273 or bannerchildrens.com/academy

FRIDAY| APRIL 17

Glow Paddle. Ages 10 & up (ages 10-17 must be accompanied by an adult). Glide and glow across the lake. All necessary kayaking equipment and glow-in-the-dark accessories included. 7:30-9:30pm. $30 adults, $15 ages 10-17. Tempe Town Lake, 550 E Tempe Town Lake, Tempe. 480-350-8069 or tempe.gov/lake

FRIDAY | APRIL 17, 18, 24, 25 & May 1, 2

Peter Pan and Wendy
Starlight Community Theater brings to the stage Peter Pan and Wendy. Performances are April 17, 24, and May 1 at 7:00 p.m.; and April 18, 25 and May 2 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12. starlightcommunitytheater.com

SATURDAY | APRIL 18

Polliwogin’ Storytime with Rose
Join Rose at 10:00 a.m. for a fun, interactive reading with a craft project, and a short hike. $6 per vehicle park entry fee. maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek

Healthy Kids/Fit Family Showcase & Expo
A one-of-a-kind expo showcasing products, services and helpful information on creating healthy and safe kids and families. Plus there will be information on summer camps and programs. Free activities for kids, live entertainment, thousands in giveaways, and a special appearance from The Green Magician, Kevin Barnes. 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center. pbjevents.com

SUNDAY| APRIL 19

Chalk it Up! (Sat-Sun Apr 18-19). Spectators can experience the creation process, talk with the artists and even participate by making their own chalk drawing. 10am-4pm. Free. National Bank of Arizona parking lot, 201 N Motezuma, Prescott. 928-308-9651 or prescottchalkart.com

Fairytale Princesses. All ages. 30-minute play with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White with a photo opportunity afterwards. 10:30-11:30am or 2-3pm. $15 children, adults free. Preregister. Toys & Playtime Oasis, 13802 N Scottsdale Rd #116, Scottsdale. 480-948-4630 or azdollhouse.com

Family Art Class. Ages 18 months-5 years (with an adult). Sculpt with a giant block of clay, design a family tree, paint a mural or make a creation of your very own. 10:30-11:30am. Free. Preregister. Gymboree Play & Music Glendale, 19420 N 59th Ave #A103, Glendale, 623-939-1777. gymboreeclasses.com

Hubbard Sports Camp Open Houses. Camp is for ages 4 1/2-13. Learn about this camp that offers soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, archery and swimming. 1-3pm. Free. New Way Academy, 5048 E Oak St; Sunnyslope High School, 35 W Dunlap Ave; Tesseract High School (Shea Campus), 3939 E Shea Blvd and Thunderbird Academy, 7410 E Sutton Dr, Scottsdale. 602-971-4044 or hubbardsports.com

Lunch with a Keeper. Ages 6-10 (with an adult). Behind-the-scenes with a zookeeper, Q & A session, activities and lunch. Noon-1:45pm. $75/pair ($50/pair members). Preregister. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy. 602-914-4333 or phoenixzoo.org

FRIDAY | APRIL 24

Macaroni Kid Brunch Bash
It’s a brunch bash and grand re-opening celebration at Imagination Avenue. Local family-friendly businesses, snacks, and raffle prizes. Kids are $10; parents are free. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. nphoenix.macaronikid.com

SATURDAY | APRIL 25 & 26

Cinderella (Sat-Sun Apr 25-26). Timeless and beloved fairytale performed by Ballet Etudes. 2 & 7pm Sat, 3pm Sun. $16 & $22. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N Arizona Ave, Chandler. 480-782-2680 or balletetudes.net

Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo
This is one of Arizona’s largest consumer trade shows. It is a weekend just for women where they can learn, sample and take home products and hear from top local and national personalities and celebrities. More than 500 vendors including cooking demos, personal care, salon services, fashion shows, massages, decorating, healthy living programs and more. Tickets are $10 each for each day. Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. azwomensexpo.com

THURSDAY | APRIL 30

All Balanchine (Thur-Sun April 30-May 3). Three of George Balanchine’s masterpieces performed by Ballet Arizona. 7pm Thur, 7:30pm Fri, 2 & 7:30pm Sat, 1pm Sun. $25-$158. Symphony Hall, 75 N 2nd St. 602-381-1096 or balletaz.org

The Wizard of Oz (Thur-Sun Apr 30-May 17). Dorothy’s adventure over the rainbow. Performed by the Musical Theatre of Anthem. 7pm Thur-Fri, 3 & 7pm Sat, 1 & 4pm Sun. $18 adults, $15 students/seniors/ages 12 & under. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42323 N Vision Way, Bldg 2, Anthem, musicaltheatreofanthem.org