Soaking up the Sun

Fun Events Taking Place in the East Valley of Phoenix this Weekend include:

Apache Junction: Arizona’s Renaissance Festival, continues this weekend through March 29^th.  Special events this weekend include a performance by the Midiaeval Babes and the Venetian Carnevale.  Getting there:  the Festival is located at 12601 East Highway 60 in Apache Junction.

Gilbert: On Saturday, the 21^st, Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve is offering FREE Audubon Family Bird Walks at 8am and Earth Science with Curious George at 9am.  Getting there:  the 110-acre Riparian Preserve is located at 2757 E Guadalupe Road, just East of Greenfield Road.

Mesa:  On Saturday, February 21st, the 7th Annual Pakistani Style Kite Flying Festival comes to Red Mountain Park in Mesa.  The event is held from 11am-6pm.  Getting there:  the park is located at 7745 E Brown Road between Sun Valley Blvd and 80th Street.

The Blues Blast event will be held on Sunday, February 21^st at the Mesa Amphitheatre.  The Amphitheatre was voted the BEST local live music venue.  For list of venues, click here for the Blues Blast Schedule.  Tickets cost $20 if purchased prior to the event or $25 at the door.  Getting there:  the Amphitheatre is located at 263 N Center Street, on the SE corner of University Drive & Center Street.

Phoenix:  Spend a day at one of the Top 5 zoos in the United States, according to the USA Travel Guide.  The Guide gave the Phoenix Zoo a fourth place ranking.  The Zoo is the largest non-profit zoo in the country and is home to over 1,200 animals.  Special Attractions at the zoo include a Carousel and a Sting Ray Exhibit.  On Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 11-2pm the Phoenix Zoo will host a Bridal Fair.  Getting there:  the Zoo is located at 455 N Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, between McDowell Road and Van Buren Street.

Scottsdale: The 56^th Annual Parada del Sol, Historic Parade is held on Saturday, February 21^st, beginning at 10am.  The parade starts at Oak and Scottsdale Road, continuing north to Indian School, ending in Old Town Scottsdale.  Getting there: here is a map of downtown Scottsdale.