Awesome event! We…read morereally enjoyed this event, even though it was absolutely freezing. It's a bit of a drive if you live in the Gilbert area, but it's a wonderful exhibit for families, friends, and even date nights if you're into lights and scenic walks. Just be sure to wear very warm clothing and comfortable shoes because once you start walking... there's no turning back and it takes a good 1.5hrs to get through it all. lol. For me, after about 15min I was ready to go but not to discredit the event. I didn't come in warm and comfortable clothing, having arriving right after work and at the last minute deciding to go. Parking is $15, and the crew was very friendly. Kim, one of the parking attendants, was especially amazing--she deserves a raise and should definitely return next year. The ticket booth attendant with blue hair was also super polite and kind. I especially want to highlight the entry staff--Sharon, Maribel, and Andrew. They were a total hoot and truly made the entry experience fun. I even spent time chatting with them and learned a lot about what goes into this fantastic setup. I was also able to bless a family with tickets (don't worry about how ). Be a blessing to others this season Overall, this was a great way to get exercise while enjoying the view.

My 9 year old and I were all smiles the whole walk through. Between the bright dazzling lights,…read moreintricate designs, and interactive fixtures we were completely enthralled by it all. It's divided into four areas: bugs, holidays, ra8nforest, and prehistoric. Everything moves and each interactive piece had us laughing. We went through in under 90 minutes as we were a bit rushed to get somewhere after, but could have spent much longer. The installation runs until January 4th. Pro tips: arrive just before opening for closer parking. Use restrooms at the entrance (port-a-potties) as the next ones are halfway through (not port-a-potty). Parking is an additional $15, but pay for parking online ahead of time to save a few bucks. Allow for longer and take your time to enjoy every interaction and photo op.

At this Mexican dominated festival, the tamales are hit and miss. I would not recommend eating the…read moresamples from most stands as they were mostly cold and unappetizing, plus some folks were wandering around with cold samples too. We did have a few good tamales including the ones from Food City and one that was wrapped in a banana leaf, but like I said, its random luck from the 10 or so stands. The festival is only two blocks long, but alot of booths had wheels to spin to get free stuff and alot of free samples of other products too were available. Everything is mostly conducted in Spanish, including the music. Spent about 90 minutes at the festival, but it could be better if bigger and if the tamale booths were labeled better.

We had a great time at this event and there is some great food. You can spend as little or as much…read moremoney as you want - admission is free. A family and pet friendly event, it is equally welcoming to the physically challenged, I noted. We had an awesome plate of food consisting of two tamales of our choice, damn good refried beans, and rice for $7, which benefited a church. It was so good, we purchased a dozen for $18, which is the set take-home price for all vendors here ($10 for a half dozen). An ample amount of security staff was a reassuring presence here. A large stage featured talented Latino groups and mariachi bands. The hit was one featuring a young boy, child prodigy, on an acordian with his family. They serve alcohol, which requires a free wristband received after presentation of an ID staing that you are over 21 (required for any age). This is a great event. Period. My husband and I have this on next year's calendar for sure.

Overall this was a reasonably priced family friendly Festival that benefited St. Mary's Food Bank…read more They had some gun twirling, lassoing performers, Trick horses, Indian Dancers, There was story telling and a few celebrates such as Dan Haggerty (he was Grizzly Adams) The other actors I never herd of but Kevin Sorbo (Hercules or Captain Hunt) was suppose to be there but I didn't catch him there Sunday so I was slightly disappointed because I wanted to see him. The festival was set up like a MINI Renaissance Fair. Some vender's and Fair kind of foods like turkey legs, hot dogs, some BBQ shaved iced and Ice cream. I tried the Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream from Karen's Creamery and didn't like it but her chocolate flavor taste natural. The pie eating contest was mildly entertaining and the habenero was a little more interesting. I think the pie contest winner won some free sodas but the habenero winner won $50.00. I noticed the pie eating contestants took home their eaten pies. I thought water should have been sold in more places and they didn't provide enough seating area as I wasn't able to get a seat to any show I saw so I wasn't able to get good photos because I'm short and had to stand behind seated people. The ground is very uneven and might give some people trouble but I noticed some handicapped people doing OK. A mildly entertaining day out! This Festival ran Three Days Friday - Sunday.

Keen Halloween's first year was held at the New School for the Arts & Academics. The hall was…read morefilled with 20 Halloween inspired vendors from locals like Steam Crow and Madame M to guests from out of state like Rhode Montijo! But even more exciting were all the delightful workshops from how to do Dia de Los Muertos/Sugar Skull makeup, mad props (making home made props), hosting a Halloween dinner party, and do it yourself Zombie makeup with at home items. Later in the day Dr. Diabolic even hosted a show that the kids were just mesmerized by- bobbing their heads along wit the music featured in the cartoons and television shows. There were also two live bands that fit the scene quite well. I overheard a couple people saying it was like a Maker Faire for Halloween and how perfect that after the show you have a month to prepare for the big day!

Shoutout to my girl Vivian for being the first to review the Arizona Indian Festival (AIF) a year…read morebefore I checked it out myself. Located at the Scottsdale Civic Center, the Arizona Indian Festival is a celebration of the indigenous peoples that live in Arizona and surrounding states. I stopped by on a Sunday around noon with my mom. Parking is easy in the complimentary lot close to the Center or on the street a few blocks away. There are a few things that I look for in a festival and the AIF checked off all of the boxes. First, free admission and easy parking. That's the case here for this two-day festival. Second, food that is consistent with the "theme" of the festival. With it being a Native American festival, I was looking for Native American food. Perhaps the most famous Native American food is fry bread. There were several vendors selling this classic dish in various forms. I went with the roast lamb sandwich which has fry bread on its face, a nice fillet of lamb, green chiles, and onions. I added tomatoes for no additional charge. With a can of Coke, my grand total was $20. I chowed down on my meal on a bench and was enjoying myself before a bee flew into my Coke. First world problems. Third, and most important, is a nice cultural representation (if it's a festival of the sort). I wanted to learn about Native American culture and experience it firsthand. There's ample opportunity at AIF. There were performances happening consistently while I was there, mainly various dances performed by various tribes. There were booths where you could learn about different tribes. And there was plenty of vendors selling Native American artwork, jewelry, pottery, and more. I had a great time walking around and taking it all in. The Scottsdale Civic Center is also a beautiful venue that hosts this event. And the event is just one part of Scottsdale Western Week. Hands down one of my favorite festivals I've attended in Phoenix over a year and some change.

Surprised this festival was not on Yelp yet as I was here this afternoon and wanted to check in and…read moreit didn't come up. Looks like this festival has been around for awhile and it's a nice way to promote understanding and learning about the many indigenous tribes that continue to live and thrive here in Arizona. I came here around 2:30pm on day 2 of this festival on a sunny warm winter Sunday and many different tribes were showcasing their music and dance. I got to see a Hopi group perform and then got to see the Havasupai tribe perform. There were two stages going so you could be immersed in the drumming and spiritual energy from both! I walked around a bit and saw many Indigenous vendors selling all kinds of Indigenous pieces, including paintings, jewelry, dolls, clothing. Many of the vendors felt familiar to me. There was also a hogan at the festival. Which was very cool to see and loved that even a Navajo weaving room was set up and a gentleman working at the loom. A few food vendors here selling fry bread and one stall selling lamb stew with dried corn too. Overall a really nice festival and so good to walk around, soak up the sun, enjoy and learn more about many Native American tribes here in Arizona.

An annual art and cultural fair celebrating the students of Peoria Unified School District. 2023…read moremarks the fair's 21st annual festival. Art teachers from the district's 34 elementary/middle schools and 7 high schools choose student art to be displayed. For 2D art and photography, equal sized display areas are set up for each school. Ceramics has a separate display area. School band, orchestra, choir, and dance teams also perform. Performance areas are located throughout the festival. This event is free to the public. Sponsors are always welcome. Interactive arts programs. There was a fish stamping booth, musical instrument play area, pottery, and even dance demonstrations. These are for children of all ages. Four inflateables for younger kids to play on/with. All demos and inflateables were free. More than a student art show. Vendors from the community participate. Some have interactive booths. Some are selling items. Sales booths are much like what is found at farmer's markets and craft fairs. Food truck park was set up for the event. Local restaurants are also open. Parking fills up. A few parking lots and streets are closed. Parking for 2023 was available at Peoria City Hall, the Peoria Community Center, and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Love this! The beauty of Asian cultures is so great! I LOVE the drumming! The vibration goes…read moreright through me and gives me an unequivocal experience!!!!

What a wonderful event. Beautiful culture! Lots of entertainment, food, vendors…read more Watched the ceremony awards. Perfect weather.

Always a great time to be had! Make sure you arrive early so that you can get in line to see all…read morethe amazing costumes. This is well organized and tons of fun!

Saved money from tax return, bought tickets super-early online for 5 (affordable), stayed with…read morefriends living nearby for four days, had a blast! Family dressed up almost everyday with costumes that we brought, and had a good time. I volunteer at San Diego Comic Con (going again in two days) but wanted to go with family so they could experience a 'Con too. This was it! Wish the programs were easier to get, but heard two pallets of programs were stolen the day before. Wasn't too confusing, just lots of walking (of course), and we went back to the car for drinks and food that we brought. Took pictures, went to kid-friendly activities and such, will most likely go back next year. Parking was expensive but, expected unless you park 5-6 blocks away. Like I said, kids. But worth it.