9 minute read
Family Time
December
TOPEVENTS
Take a break from all the holiday festivities and enjoy some of the great events happening this month! With everything from educational expositions, nonprofit and charitable fundraisers, a car show, a gaming tournament, there’s something that will surely meet everyone’s interests. Also, don’t miss some of these fun, family-friendly live theater productions including a puppet show and a mystery-science performance.
NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites. Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/ calendar. Send calendar information to familytime@RAKmagazine.com
Chihuly in the Desert (Dec. 3 - June 2022) at Desert Botanical Garden.
DEC. 3- JUNE 2022
Chihuly in the Desert. Come see Dale Chihuly’s stunning, large-scale installations nestled among the Garden’s world-class collection of desert
plants. Featuring installations on the Garden’s trails complemented by a major indoor gallery in Dorrance Hall, the dynamic exhibition includes never-beforeseen installations and is a must-see throughout the seasons. If you’re planning to see Chihuly in the Desert at the Garden, don’t miss out on the other half of the experience. This exhibition spans two iconic Arizona locations, so plan your visit to Taliesin West today! $29.95-$39.95, $14.95 - $18.95 ages 17-3. Reservations required. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-9411225 or dbg.org
Little Leapers. A fun, high-energy play adventure, created for parents and little ones to enjoy together. Watch your child bounce, climb, and explore in a safe environment while interacting with similar aged children and learning about sharing, teamwork and other important social skills. For ages 5 and younger. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. $12. Sky Zone Peoria, 9040 W. Larkspur Drive, Suite 134, Peoria. 623-979-4000 or skyzone.com/peoria
Melanin Natural Expo. A fun and educational day for all ages with a focus on businesses of color. Learn about plant-based food options, healthy eating, natural and organic living, naturopathic medicine, natural birth, benefits of breastfeeding, cloth diapers, and natural medicine actively working to address the health and birth statistics in the community. This is an all inclusive event; everyone is welcome. This event includes: Expert speakers and panelists concerning natural birth, naturopathic doctors, holistic nutritionists, herbal healers, and colon hydrotherapists; activities for kids; artistic expression including musical performances, poetry, drum and dance and vendors. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages. $7, $25 VIP & swag bag. Grassrootz Bookstore, 1145 E Washington St. Suite #200, Phoenix. 602-767-3003 or melaninmomsaz.net
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Gaming Tournament.
The ultimate gaming tournament hits the big screen! Gamers can enter to play in the ultimate showdown where gaming icons clash in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch. Up to 40 participants are able to compete for fun prizes. The tournament will be double elimination with prizes being awarded to those in 1st through 4th place. Noon to 4 p.m. $25 tournament participant, $5 spectator. Harkins Chandler Fashion Center, 3159 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. 480-7320110 or harkins.com
Arizona FuelFest (Dec. 4) at Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park.
DEC. 4
Arizona, FuelFest. This event blends the enthusiast’s passion for the automotive world with celebrities, live music, food, drinks and art. The show features top custom, exotic, rare, and exclusive cars and trucks. Spectators and fans can enter their own vehicles for drag racing and drifting. A portion of the proceeds benefits Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the non-profit charity founded by Paul Walker and continued on with his brother Cody Walker. Appearances from “Fast and Furious” franchise favorites Cody Walker and Tyrese Gibson. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $20 - $550. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler. fuelfest.com
Festival of Tales. Come experience a cultural literacy day for Arizona children and families! Two options this year: Drive through and receive a Festival Fun Pack with books and arts and craft kits or stay and play. Enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as live music, games, arts and crafts, and virtual storytelling sessions. Free. 9 a.m. to Noon.Paradise Valley Community College, 10841 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. paradisevalley.edu/academics/festival-tales
2021 Winter Street Fair (Dec. 10-12). at Historic Fourth Avenue in Tucson.
DEC. 5
Scottsdale Police K9 Exhibition and Fundraiser
(Dec. 5). Bring the entire family to meet the Scottsdale Police Department K9 Team. The K9s will demonstrate their extraordinary talents. See how the K9s train and their relationships with their Officer partners, both at work and home. There will be open door police cars, a SWAT truck with a demo, videos, and Q & A up close with the dogs and officers—food and drinks, raffle baskets, and auction items to raise additional funds to support the K9 team. Free, but donations are appreciated. 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090 or hollandcenter.org
DEC. 8
Pioneer Painter: The Life of Arizona Desert
Impressionist Effie Anderson Smith (Dec. 8).
Explore the life and art of Arizona pioneer and early desert impressionist, Effie Anderson Smith (aka Mrs. A.Y. Smith) in this lively virtual presentation rich in photos and images of Effie’s paintings. You’ll also be treated to anecdotes of her life in the mining camp of Pearce and the colorful Arizona personalities she associated with as Arizona’s Pioneer Painter. Free. 6 to 7
p.m. Registration is required at azhs.org/calendar
DEC. 10-12
2021 Winter Street Fair (Dec.10-12). This 51-yearold, family-friendly tradition brings over 600,000 people to the heart of the Old Pueblo every year. The Fair hosts artists from around the world, decadent food, local entertainment, and a lot of fun! The funds are used to support the Avenue’s infrastructure, invest in local neighborhoods and other nonprofits, and to create other free community events throughout the year. Free. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Historic Forth Avenue, 434 E 9th St., Tucson. 520-624-5004 or fourthavenue.org
Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market (Dec. 11-12). at Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park.
DEC. 11
Ignite Hope for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The nighttime walk benefits the Hope Fund, which provides for the most urgent needs at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, including new technology, research initiatives, and charitable care. Walkers will be greeted by holiday carolers and hospital patients waving candles from their windows. Registration and festival at 3 p.m.; walk begins at 5:30 p.m.; Holiday Carolers program, 6:10 p.m. $45; $15 ages 12 and older. Free ages 11 and younger and virtual participation. In-person registration including a customizable fundraising page and one candle for each registered participant. North High School, 1101 E Thomas Road, Phoenix. phoenixchildrensfoundation.org
DEC. 11-12
Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market. The
Friends of Pueblo Grande Museum presents the 44th Annual Indian Art Market at Pueblo Grande Museum
and Archeological Park. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5, Free for children 12 and younger, Indigenous peoples, military personnel, members, front-line workers and first responders. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park, 4619 E Washington St., Phoenix. 602-299-9576 or pueblograndeindianmarket.org
DEC. 18
Walk with a Doc: Arizona. An international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation. Dr. Andree Jones, a District Medical Group sports medicine specialist from Valleywise Health, is spearheading this effort locally. Lace up your walking shoes and join Dr. Jones and other physicians and representatives from Valleywise Health for this free inaugural walk every 3rd. Saturday at 7 a.m. Cesar Chavez Park, 7858 S 35th Ave., Laveen Village. walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/phoenix-arizona
Taiko Extravaganza: Flower of Life (Dec. 17) at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
Snow White and the Prince (Dec. 2-5). Snow White prepares for her birthday ball and dreams of finding her prince charming. When the star-crossed couple meets, it’s love at first sight, but the vain and evil Queen will stop at nothing to be the fairest of the land. A clever musical retelling of a classic tale performed outdoors. $20, $10 children & seniors. Check for times. Open Arms Church, 4640 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale. 480-789-1918 or actoneyouththeater.org
Alex Gonzalez: Vegas Revisited (Dec. 5). A celebration of classic Las Vegas to the FHT stage for a one-time only performance not to be missed. Alex and his special guests bring back the days of highballs and high rollers, Elvis and Frank and everything that made Vegas, Vegas Baby! Expect to be swooning to songs like, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and “Now and Forever;” and rockin’ to Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas.” $35, $18 17 and younger. 7 p.m. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661 or fhtaz.org
Taiko Extravaganza: Flower of Life (Dec.
17). Ken Koshio brings together a diverse fusion of musicians and artistic groups combined with Japanese Taiko drumming. The theme of this year’s show is “Flower of Life.” It’s one of the basic sacred
geometry shapes and it symbolizes the cycle of creation and reminds us of the unity of everything: we’re all built from the same origin. This show will feature a variety of expressions, dynamics of fusion beats, music, dance and vibrations for all generations. 7:30 p.m. $35 - $55, $35 Livestream. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (Virginia G. Piper Theater), 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480499-8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org Cinderella puppet show (Dec. 31-Jan. 16). Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents “Cinderella,” the story of a beautiful girl, a wicked step-family, a fairy godmother, a handsome prince, and transparent footwear. Ages 4 and older. 10 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $12, $8 ages 12 and younger; tickets must be purchased in advance. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org
Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: Time
Bubble Tour (Dec. 29). Join host Emily Connor (Emily Marsh) and the world’s greatest – and only – movie riffing robots, Tom Servo (Conor McGiffin), Crow (Nate Begle), and GPC (Yvonne Freese), as they take you on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through the film Making Contact, imposed by Mad Scientist, Mega-Synthia (Yvonne Freese). Now you can sit in the same theater with your favorite characters and experience this long-running comedy phenomenon in a universally-acclaimed LIVE event. $37.50 - $78. 7:30 p.m. Mesa Arts Center, One East Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com/index.php/ shows/performing-live/mystery-science-theater
Find Holiday onstage event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/holidayevents-arizona
Holidayevents!
Celebrate the upcoming holidays with some of these local events and experiences. Start a new tradition with a performance, tree or menorah lighting, Santa pictures, drive through light shows, or ice skating! Make the most of this holiday season.
