ARIZONA MESA GILBERT QUEEN CREEK APACHE TRAIL TONTO NATIONAL FOREST - Visit The USA
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ARIZONA
MESA
GILBERT
QUEEN CREEK
APACHE TRAIL
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
VISITORS GUIDE
2016
ADVENTURE
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FRESH FOOD
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>>> DESTINATION DOWNTOWN \ NATIVE NEIGHBORS \ EVENTS CALENDAR \ DIRECTORY
N
101
SCOTTSDALE
51
PHOENIX FORT MCDOWELL
17 YAVAPAI NATION
TONTO NATIONAL
202 FOREST
10
TEMPE
60
APACHE
JUNCTION
GILBERT 60
202
GILA RIVER 10
INDIAN COMMUNITY
QUEEN
CREEK
TUCSON
WELCOME to Mesa, Arizona
As you plan your visit to our great destination, you’ll soon discover that Mesa offers
some of the best, most authentic Arizona experiences for visitors of all ages. There is a
reason we brand ourselves as City Limitless® – there is simply no shortage of things to
do and enjoy in Mesa. This year, we welcomed the Metro Light Rail through Downtown
Mesa which is home to the world-renowned Mesa Arts Center and extraordinary
museums. Nearly every weekend our downtown core is buzzing with events featuring
an eclectic mix of our shops, galleries and restaurants. Want to visit one of the Top 10
coolest parks in the country? Check out Riverview Park with a 50-foot climbing tower
and zip line. The park is just steps away from Sloan Park home of Chicago Cubs Spring
Training, fine accommodations, and plenty of shopping and dining. If you are looking for
an outdoor experience set on overdrive, head east for direct access to the Salt River
and Saguaro Lake, and our crown jewel in the Sonoran Desert, Usery Mountain Regional
Park. Getting here is easy, with both Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Phoenix
Sky Harbor International Airport just minutes away from most Mesa hotels. We also
invite our visitors to explore our neighboring towns of Queen Creek, Gilbert and meet
our friends at Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and the Wild Horse Pass Development
Authority. And, don’t miss a trip along the historic Apache Trail.
This is Mesa
CITY LIMITLESS®
The Honorable John Giles
Mayor, City of Mesa
MESA \ GILBERT \ QUEEN CREEK \ APACHE TRAIL \ TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
XXX
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ CITY LIMITLESS 1
Table of CONTENTS
5 CITY LIMITLESS ® 27
S PORTS
9 ADVENTURE
EXPLORER 31
ENTHUSIAST
ACTIVE FAMILY
13 N ATIVE
NEIGHBORS
35
DYNAMIC
DOWNTOWNS
17 CULTURE SEEKER 38 EVENTS CALENDAR
23 FRESH FOODIE 43 DIRECTORY
43 ARTS \ CULTURE 48 HOTELS
44 ENTERTAINMENT 52 ACTIVE LIVING \ RV PARKS
44 GOLF 54 DINING \ RESTAURANTS
45 SPORTS 57 REAL ESTATE \ RELOCATION
45 SHOPPING \ SPA 58 EVENT \ GROUP SERVICES
46 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES 59 TRIP PLANNING SERVICES
47 SCENIC TOURS 61 ARIZONA VISITOR INFORMATION
47 NATIVE AMERICAN 63 ARIZONA STATE MAP
47 CACTUS LEAGUE \ 64 MESA CITY LIMITLESS ® MAP
SPRING TRAINING
>>>BE A CITY INSIDER / DOWNLOAD THE APP
From L to R: Mesa Arts Center, Dana Park, Usery Mountain Park
MESA CITY LIMITLESS ®
Visit Mesa \ Visitors Center Editor-in-Chief Layout and Design For advertising opportunities
120 N. Center St. \ Mesa 85201 Michelle Streeter The Design Idea contact Hennen Publishing
800.283.6372 Contributors Published and produced 480.664.0541
480.827.4700 Amy McConnell in conjunction with
President and CEO Ginger St. Pierre Hennen Publishing
Marc J. Garcia Lauren Thompson
SPOT Colors Uncoated SPOT Colors Coated
(PMS / Pantone Matching System) (PMS / Pantone Matching System)
Web Colors
COVER PHOTO: Canyon Lake at sunset by John Reiner with Saguaro SUP
Photography Credits: Scott Baxter, Gustavo Castillo, David Duran, Heather Fetter, Julie Foskett, Gerry Grueber, Slaven Gujic, Ivan Martinez, Shawn ‘Flash’ Parker,
PMS PMS PMS PMS PMS RG B RG B RG B RG B RG B PMS PMS PMS PMS PMS
128 UP 130 UP 284 UP 562 UP 428 UP 248 255 155 0 184 128 CP 152 CP 284 CP 562 CP 428 CP
221 153 194 148 195
Al Payne, Jeff Santangelo, Michelle Streeter. Additional photography supplied by Downtown Mesa Association, Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Office of Tourism,
103 51 232 133 197
HEX HEX HEX HEX HEX
f8dd61 ff9933 9bc2e8 009485 b8c3c5
City of Mesa, Town of Gilbert, Town of Queen Creek, and other selected photographers.
The Mesa Life Official Visitors Guide is published annually by Visit Mesa. Every effort has been made to make this guide as accurate as possible. Visit Mesa and Hennen
Publishing will assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. 35,000 – 12/15
2016 Visitors Guide \ CITY LIMITLESS ® 3
ADVENTURE
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A destination that
DEFIES boundaries
Mesa is a dynamic city. The country’s 38th largest. And growing. Or should
we say burgeoning? Mesa and the Greater East Valley are attracting leaders
in technology, health care, aerospace and education. The arts community
is critically acclaimed. Commitment to civic improvements and expansion
is unparalleled and unwavering. Mesa is also a wonderland of natural and
man-made wonders. The Superstition Mountains still hide the Lost Dutchman
Gold Mine while our lakes float the boats of water lovers and fishermen from
across the Valley. Tonto National Forest provides a cool escape. The Sonoran
Desert is a majestic landscape. Golfers have some 40 courses to choose from.
Foodies can sample all manner of cuisine. Fashionistas can shop ‘til they drop.
And lovers of America’s pastime can catch the Boys of Summer every Spring.
Taken in total, Mesa and the surrounding region provide a limitless array of
things to see and do, from the cultural to the recreational, the active to the
passive and the Old West to the New West.
CITY LIMITLESS®
INSIDE: IN BLOOM \ FAST FACTS \ CYCLE CITY \ SIMPLY THE BEST: RIVERVIEW PARK
visitmesa.com From L to R: Dana Park Village Square, Joe’s Farm Grill, Schnepf Farms, Superstition Mountains 2016 Visitors Guide \ CITY LIMITLESS 5
IN BLOOM
Walk through fields of roses at one
of the largest public rose gardens
in the Southwest. Located on
the campus of Mesa Community
College, The Rose Garden boasts
10,000+ rose bushes and is a
testing site for All-America Rose Selections and the American Rose Society. The Rose Garden
has become a popular destination for many students, local residents and visitors looking for
a fragrant escape. This living botanical laboratory offers up an ideal place to capture Mother
Nature’s beauty and the stunning swaths of color that make up the rose bush collection.
SIMPLY THE BEST: RIVERVIEW PARK
FAST FACTS
CYCLE CITY
Visitors are raving about the city’s newest play place is the world’s tallest rope climbing tower that stretches
- Riverview Park. In 2015, USA Today Travel featured 50 feet into the air. A 75-foot zip line and oversized
Number of visitors:
the brand-new, $8 million outdoor park as one of the splash pad complete the park’s playground amenities.
2.1 million annually Not too long ago, Mesa was named each April and has them meandering country’s 10 Best. Two playgrounds feature all the latest Riverview Park’s signature feature is the five-acre urban
Population: one of the top 10 cities for cyclists by through Mesa’s most stunning hands-on play equipment including slides, spinners and lake bordered by a pavilion for events with three bridges
462,821 (2013 Estimate) Forbes magazine – putting the city on landscapes. In the spring, April 1-3, swings that allow for hours of fun time for little ones. and numerous access points to the adjacent Sloan Park.
Population rank: the same level as other bike-friendly enjoy Downtown Mesa’s CycloMesa On the edge of the park, curious climbers can test their The palm-tree lined walkway, called the Paseo by locals,
Third in Arizona, 38th communities including Portland, event featuring pedalers of every age skills and scale a 300-foot natural linear climbing wall leads visitors to and from the stadium, all located just
largest city in the U.S. San Francisco, Minneapolis and winding throughout the area’s historic complete with a covered fort. The biggest attraction here steps away from Mesa Riverview shopping complex.
Washington, D.C. What made us get the districts. And, visitors can now hop
Size: nod? The city’s more than 40 miles aboard a bike rental carving out their
128 square miles, located of bike paths and the close access to own trail through the city. Starting
15 miles east of Phoenix myriad desert biking trails certainly this spring, visitors can enjoy the bike
Elevation: helps! Don’t miss the annual El Tour share program at five hubs along Main
1,241 feet above sea level de Mesa, a 72-mile cyclist event that Street. Rental fees start at $5 per hour
Sunshine: packs up to 1,400 registered cyclists for the GPS-enabled bicycles.
More than 325 days
of sunshine each
year – more annual
days of sunshine than
San Diego or Miami Beach
Resorts and hotels:
60+ hotels, resorts
with 5,000+ rooms
Golf courses:
40 in Mesa; 200+
in Phoenix area
Restaurants:
900+
Outdoor Recreation:
55 parks, 13 public pools, miles
of trails for hiking & biking
Resident median age:
Mesa Arts Center
32 years median age
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ CITY LIMITLESS 7
NTURE EX
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EVERY DAY, Mother Nature
makes a scene.
>>> CITY LIMITLESS®
LIFESTYLE:
ADVENTURE
INSIDE: ARIZONA’S OUTBACK \ DECISIONS, DECISIONS \ HEAD OUT ON THE HIGHWAY
EXPLORER
visitmesa.com From L to R: Usery Mountain Park, El Tour de Mesa, Saguaro Lake, Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area 2016 Visitors Guide \ ADVENTURE EXPLORER 9
Arizona’s Outback:
By Horseback, Jeep or Boat, Get Ready
to Hang On at Fort McDowell Adventures
Thrill-seeking visitors have plenty of options to choose
from when they plan a visit to Arizona’s tribal community,
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Bordered by granite cliffs
and the Four Peaks mountain range in the distance, this
expansive landscape, 28,000 acres in total, is home to Fort
McDowell Adventures, one of the original outfitters that
have been hosting city slickers for more than a decade.
Cattle drives are just one of the ‘bucket list’ adventures they
offer guests, along with the iconic Arizona horseback riding
adventure. Expect to meet wild Mustangs on the cactus-
studded path that takes riders across the Verde River. Pink Saguaro Lake and board the Desert Belle cruise. The calm,
Adventure Tours is stationed here, bringing their iconic crystal clear waterways take visitors to some of the most
pink Jeep Wranglers to this verdant terrain. Pairing desert untouched scenery Arizona has to offer.
education with hilly climbs and belly-rumbling twists and NEW! Check out the Wicked Saguaro Dock Side, the Desert
turns over rocky terrain is their specialty. New this season, Belle’s new gift shop and wine bar at Saguaro Lake. This
the outfitter has partnered with The Desert Belle to offer a permanently-docked must-stop is perfect for grabbing a
half-day experience serving up two adventures in one. After boxed lunch or tipping back a few cold ones after the day’s
the Jeep tour, guests head out to the cool blue waters of adventure is done.
HEAD OUT ON
DECISIONS, DECISIONS:
THE HIGHWAY IT’S ADVENTURE TIME
Rent a Harley-Davidson® and Just last year, Money Magazine rappel down the legendary cliffs of
get ready for an experience ranked Mesa third in the country for the Superstition Mountains? Or, is
set on overdrive Best Places for Outdoor Lovers and head-to-head jet fighter combat more
Visitors wanting a true two-wheel it’s not hard to see why. With all the your style? Whether you want a soft
adventure can head to Desert Wind options and the endless terrain north, adventure or an adrenaline-pumping
Harley-Davidson® in Mesa and hop south, and east of the city choosing excursion, anchoring yourself in Mesa
on a chopper. Offering premium your adventure might be the only can get you access to some of the
rentals, and open every day of challenge you face when planning most talked-about adventures one can
the week, this is one of the best your itinerary. Care to paraglide have in Arizona. Mesa juts up against
ways to soak up scenery along the inside our desert parks? How about the Tonto National Forest – home to
Apache Trail. Recognized as one of tucked away canyons, raging rivers and
Arizona’s most scenic byways, this expansive lakes that boast stunning
popular day trip is a main route for backdrops. Miles of shoreline and miles
riders taking them into the foothills of trails set the stage for unforgettable
of the Tonto National Forest – the journeys. Kayaking, canyoneering,
fifth largest forest in the United rock-climbing, hiking, biking and
States – and along the Superstition horseback riding. Name it, we got it.
Mountain range. To this day, the We even flock to our lakefront beaches
area continues to pay homage to its when the weather is right. The sandy
Western roots which took shape in
No Snow Stand-Up Paddle
shoreline offers convenient parking
the late 1800s. Desert Wind rentals and walk-up access making it an ideal
come with unlimited mileage which stop for the SUP community which can
means visitors can explore the often be seen paddle-boarding along
desert their way – totally unleashed. our canyon-carved waterways.
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ ADVENTURE EXPLORER 11
E NEIGHBO
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TRIBAL CULTU
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SERVATION
LEGENDARY landscapes
and a thriving legacy.
>>> CITY LIMITLESS®
DESTINATION:
NATIVE
NEIGHBORS
INSIDE: A WALK ON THE WILD WEST SIDE \ DESERT ‘WANDER’LAND \ ANCIENT ANCESTORS
visitmesa.com From L to R: Mesa Grande Cultural Park, We Ko Pa Golf Club, Superstition Mountains, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation 2016 Visitors Guide \ NATIVE NEIGHBORS 13
A WALK ON
THE WILD
Rawhide Western Town
WEST SIDE
Just outside of Mesa, there is an assortment of must-see attractions that make up the
Wild Horse Pass Development Authority. Located on the tribal lands of the Gila River
Indian Community, preserving the culture of the Maricopa and Pima people, is their award-
winning collection of visitor attractions unique to Arizona’s history and culture. At Rawhide
Western Town, visitors can go back in time to the 1880’s and experience authentic Western
ambiance including a live action stunt show by The Arizona Roughriders. Plan for a ride on
the Butterfield Stagecoach and see across the 160 acres of the Sonoran Desert from the air
riding the zipline. Be sure to pack light as the shopping at the Phoenix Premium Outlets is
sure to have great finds for everyone. With more than 90 stores ranging from Saks Off 5th,
Nike Factory Store, Michael KORS, Kate Spade New York, Coach and more, this outlet mall is
the only place in town for deep discounts on luxury brand goods.
EXPLORE A DESERT ‘WANDER’LAND
Set on 25,000 acres of spectacular open
desert, there’s serious Western spirit
whistling through the sagebrush at Fort
McDowell Adventures. While you’re high
in the saddle blazing a trail along the
Verde River, you’re apt to see eagles,
roadrunners, coyotes, mustangs, huge
cacti and other wild things that call
the Sonoran Desert home. The Stables
at Fort McDowell Adventures is one
of the finest stable operations in the
Southwest, operated for more than 20
years by Troy Haviland and his family.
These experienced cowboys will teach
you how to turn a trail ride into a great Arizona is home to 22 Native
vacation story. American tribes. Each tribe has
a unique cultural heritage and
storied traditions that offer
ANCIENT ANCESTORS a rich and diverse experience
to our traveling guests.
The first known settlement in the Mesa area was about 2,000 years ago. An Indian Throughout the state you will
civilization now called the Hohokam (meaning those who are gone), built an empire find major events, exhibitions
that lasted 1,500 years. The agriculturally-oriented Hohokam engineered hundreds and festivals celebrating Native
of miles of irrigation canals, cultivating thousands of acres of land. Many of those American traditions including
same canal routes are used today. When visiting Mesa, you can learn more about the art, dance, cuisine and more.
Hohokam at Mesa Grande Cultural Park. One of only two remaining Hohokam mounds in To learn more about visiting
metro Phoenix, the Mesa Grande Ruins temple mound is larger than a football field in Native American reservations,
both length and width and 27 feet tall at its highest point and remains intact with very go online to the Arizona Office
few excavations that have impacted its integrity. Call ahead or go online of Tourism’s Travel Tips Guide:
for hours of operation, 480-644-2230, www.azmnh.org/arch/mesagrande. visitarizona.com.
2016 Visitors Guide \ NATIVE NEIGHBORS 15
URE SEEKE
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Our ARTISTS are
always at play.
>>> CITY LIMITLESS®
LIFESTYLE:
CULTURE
SEEKER
INSIDE: CULTURE CRAWL \ MACFEST! \ NIGHT OUT \ PLAY ME, I’M YOURS \ DINNER & A SHOW
visitmesa.com From L to R: MacFest!, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, spark! Festival of Creativity 2016 Visitors Guide \ CULTURE SEEKER 17CULTURE DON’T MISS
MACFEST!
CRAWL
Few cities have the breadth of arts and cultural
experiences as Mesa. The internationally-
acclaimed Mesa Arts Center is the nucleus of
arts creation in the city celebrating a decade as
Arizona’s largest multidisciplinary arts center.
The campus is home to four theaters, five visual
art galleries, and 14 art studios. Visitors seeking
Downtown Mesa
a legendary performance and some of the This free arts and cultural festival
finest live entertainment can find it here. From held in Downtown Mesa takes place on
festivals in the spring to cultural celebrations in the First and Third Saturdays (10AM-
the fall, there is always something happening at 4PM) October through April. Purchase
Mesa Arts Center. the iconic big pink chair. An online guide to the handmade creations from artists, enjoy
Head over to Main Street and keep your eyes collection can be found at DowntownMesa.com. live music and entertainment, food
open for nearly 40 public art sculptures on While on the hunt, pop into eclectic art galleries from local restaurants and food trucks,
the self-guided walking tour. Supported by the and artist studios including Twisted Sisters and soak up all the charm that fills
Downtown Mesa Association, pose for a selfie Designs and Lulubell Toy Bodega for original up Mesa’s streets. Located on North
with a bronze life-like Humpty Dumpty or sit atop works worthy of shipping home. MacDonald from Main St. to Pepper
Place. For more: macfestmesa.com.
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ CULTURE SEEKER 19PLAY ME,
I’M YOURS
A NEW KIND OF NIGHT OUT
Mesa Offers Visitors All Sorts of Options for One-of-a-Kind Fun
Laughter is the best medicine and Jester’Z Improv Comedy promises to
keep you in stitches. The troupe is located at Mesa Riverview and comprised
of rotating professional actors, comedians, and stand-up comics. Shows
take place every Friday and Saturday, all year long, with two performances
to choose from at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Every show is unique, as the audience
picks and chooses every scene and all performances are family-friendly.
Visitors with more time during their stay can opt to enroll in improv classes.
At Escape Adventure, plan for surprises and suspense as guests get locked
into a reality-based escape game. Using hidden objects, clues, codes, riddles
and puzzles, the shared experience is centered on a one-of-a-kind challenge Starting this spring, visitors strolling
– to get out before you run out of time! In neighboring Gilbert, TopGolf is the Main Street will want to stop and take
latest experience for fans. This 65,000-square-foot facility features target- their turn at the ivory keys as part of the
style golf with climate-controlled hitting bays and a multi-color lighted golf international touring ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’
range. Players will enjoy incredible food and signature cocktails paired with movement. Devised by British artist Luke
more than 230 high-definition flat-screen TVs. Jerram, this project will bring an eclectic
collection of pianos onto Mesa streets
for six weeks, transformed by artists into
works of art, and shared in public spaces
for the community to play and enjoy. This
free exhibition is an inviting public art
installation that will encourage public
engagement through art, performance
and music 24/7. The project has been
installed in cities across the globe
including New York, London, Chicago,
Barleen’s Arizona Opry
Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Paris and
London. Presented by Mesa Arts Center,
February 27– April 9, 2016
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: DINNER & A SHOW
Mesa has long been recognized as the place for theatre with a to generation and is centered on side-splitting comedy and
twist. Amazing performers and colorful characters have always beautiful musical harmonies. Performances cover classical to
put on a show for visitors heading to the Southwest each country, big band to rock ‘n roll. Hearty, home-cooked dinners
winter. If you are looking for unique, family entertainment complete the theatrical experience. A true Mesa treasure,
The Dutton Theater is the perfect night out. This Branson- Rockin R’ Ranch, Arizona’s Wild West Town, lets visitors feel
based performing group will keep you on the edge of your what it was like to live on a ranch in Arizona’s pioneer days.
seat with treasured melodies and visually stunning sets. The Wagon rides, gun fights, and gold panning are just some of the
international touring and recording artists perform bluegrass activities accompanying the traditional cowboy BBQ menu.
to classical music and everything in between. Catch one of Enjoy Sweet Mary and Big Jim Robson as they entertain the
the award winning shows January through March. If it’s songs masses with their spectacular Western stage show featuring
of the West you crave, head to the Barleen’s Arizona Opry. the world famous “Rockin R’ Wranglers”.
This family act features talent passed on from generation
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ CULTURE SEEKER 21H FOODIE • L
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We had a FOOD NETWORK before
there was a Food Network.™
>>> CITY LIMITLESS®
LIFESTYLE:
FRESH FOODIE
INSIDE: TO MARKET, TO MARKET \ ROUTES TO ROOTS: FRESH FOODIE TRAIL
visitmesa.com From L to R: Agritopia, Queen Creek Olive Mill, Postino East Wine Bar, The Farm at Agritopia 2016 Visitors Guide \ FRESH FOODIE 23Routes to Roots:
Arizona’s Fresh Foodie Trail
Plan for an unexpected culinary education
and tasty treats on this 10-stop tour
XXX
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Travel through your stomach with these foodie-driven stops
From L to R: Schnepf Farms U-Pick,
throughout City Limitless®. Mesa has long served as the culinary Peach Festival at Schnepf Farms,
gateway to some of the top chefs tables in the Greater Phoenix Hayden Flour Mills at Sossaman Farms
area, and more and more visitors are seeking out local cuisine as
part of their travel plans. The region, which includes the towns Hayden Flour Mills
of Gilbert and Queen Creek, has ten agritourism attractions that The newest addition to the trail can be
found at Sossaman Farms, featuring epicurean showcase as part of their
make up the trail and one can find everything from peaches,
Hayden Flour Mills. The focus here is Dinners Down the Orchard event series
olives, citrus, ice cream and even pasta during their visit. Plan
on preserving grain history with the each spring (call for 2016 dates). These
ahead as many of these roadside attractions host food-focused
growing and milling of heirloom wheat. elegant, farm country family-style
events giving visitors even more reasons to enjoy the bounty. family-owned and operated working
The result is a flour so in-demand it dinners feature a prominent local chef
that forages straight from the farm’s olive mill where olives are grown and
earned the esteemed American Made
u-pick gardens and features the daily pressed for the production of high
Award by Martha Stewart. Visitors can
harvest in a four-course meal served quality extra virgin olive oil. While
The Orange Patch stop in to learn more about a variety
at sunset. In February, the fragrant here, enjoy complimentary tastings
Mesa’s citrus community was recognized of flavorful grains and the importance
Peach Blossom orchard trail is a photo- while waiting to take the Olive 101
by National Geographic as one of the of wheat to the American diet. Visitors
worthy stop as rows and rows of peach Tour. Offered on the half-hour, tours
nation’s Top Food Drives. With citrus can watch the stone-milling process and
go behind-the-scenes showing off
TO MARKET, production in full swing November taste and purchase some of the world’s trees welcome the desert warmth with
the cold pressing operation while
TO MARKET… through April, it’s one of the most oldest varieties of grain in the form of hundreds of bright fuchsia pink and
white blossoms on display. experts answer nearly every question
aromatic times of year. Mesa’s original crackers, artisan breads, pasta, polenta,
Farm Stand regarding this ancient elixir.
citrus grower, The Orange Patch, offers wheat berries and more. Queen Creek Olive Mill
& Food Trucks Agritopia
a delightful tasting and shopping Schnepf Farms Visitors would be wise to plan their
True Garden Urban Farm
Hours: Wednesdays, Agritopia is a community on the edge
experience on the trail. The wood- This fourth-generation family farm just trail stop here around one of the day’s
year-round, 4 PM – 8 PM of the rural/urban interface. This
framed farm store is fully stocked with happens to be the largest peach grower three meals and even then it would
Agritopia – Higley Rd. & Ray Rd. pedestrian-friendly urban farm was
a variety of citrus unique to Arizona in the Southwest and with that, they be hard to choose which one. Queen
Mesa Farmer’s Market (ask for samples), as well as bulk snacks, Creek Olive Mill is Arizona’s only described by New York Times as the
set the stage for a wonderful Arizona
Hours: Fridays year-round, treats and sweets including handmade leading ‘agri-hood’ in the country. The
9 AM – 1 PM chocolates and orange blossom honey same-day harvest is sold at The Farm
Superstition Farms
Mesa City Plaza – straight from the nearby groves. Visitors Stand, as well as being served at Joe’s
For the love of dairy, visitors on the trail
Center & Main St. are welcome to watch the picking and Farm Grill and The Coffee Shop both
will want to stop in at Superstition Farms
production process that takes place daily. on-site. All of the produce on the farm is
Gilbert Farmer’s and pull up to the Milk Bar featuring
grown under the USDA organic protocol.
Market True Garden Urban Farm more than a dozen flavors, farmers
Be sure to tour the family homestead - a
Hours: Saturdays year-round, Get ready to go green at True Garden. cheese and of course their award-
ranch-style, slump block home – that
8 AM - Noon This brand-new 5,000-square-foot winning ice cream. Tours are aimed
has been converted into a 60’s era
Downtown Gilbert – vertical urban garden offers a weekly at demonstrating to visitors the daily
mid-century modern diner. The 100-
Page Ave. & Ash St. farmers market and educational life on a working “agritourist” family
year old tamarisk trees have remained
Queen Creek courses for visitors seeking knowledge farm. Also on site is a petting zoo and
untouched creating in-demand shade for
and insight about the production of Mooster’s Moo-tique - a fully-stocked
Outstanding in the Field at Agritopia
Farmer’s Market the expansive outdoor patio.
Hours: Sundays year-round, healthy and nutritious food using no boutique featuring toys, novelty items,
soil. Featuring revolutionary hydroponic games, candy, fresh eggs, cheeses, and For the complete listing of culinary
9 AM – 1 PM attractions, request your copy of the
Queen Creek Library – gardening techniques, visitors can learn local jams and honey. On Thursdays,
about organic growing practices and stop in after 5 p.m. for their SuperFarm Arizona Fresh Foodie Trail Guide online
Ellsworth Rd. & Ocotillo Rd. to VisitMesa.com or call the Mesa
sustainable farming. Market and shop for all things local.
Visitors Center at 480-827-4700.
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ FRESH FOODIE 25ENTHUSIAST
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It’s GAME TIME.
Where everyone is a fan.
>>> CITY LIMITLESS®
LIFESTYLE:
SPORTS
INSIDE: FORE! TEE IT UP \ BALL PARK BITES \ TREASURED TRAILS \ GO WITH THE FLOW
ENTHUSIAST
visitmesa.com From L to R: Skyline Aquatic Center, Longbow Golf Club, El Tour de Mesa, Sloan Park - Chicago Cubs 2016 Visitors Guide \ SPORTS ENTHUSIAST 27FORE! Ballpark Bites
Every March, fans far and wide to experience local Arizona dishes
TEE
catch baseball fever as two Major can stop by food truck alley behind
League Baseball teams settle in right field, the only spring training
at Mesa stadiums for a month- stadium food truck court in the
We Ko Pa Golf Club
IT UP
long season of spring training. At country. A rotating array of Arizona
Sloan Park, Cubs fans can cheer on food trucks serve up unique bites
their favorite players while tasting and treats at the specially-designed
beloved Chicago classics like a slice Citrus Park. At Hohokam Stadium,
of Giordano’s Stuffed Pizza or a home to the Oakland Athletics,
Whether you’re a pro or just learning how to perfect your swing, hit the links in Mesa for some of Windy City Dog with all the classic visitors can order up a famous
the best golf in the Southwest. Mesa is home to renowned courses featuring breathtaking views of fixings of yellow mustard, chopped sandwich from Ike’s. The Bay Area
sweeping vistas set against the natural beauty of rugged mountains and blue Western skies. And, onions, bright green sweet pickle fave is a hit with A’s fans who
with near perfect weather it’s possible to enjoy the sport year-round. More than 40 golf courses relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato appreciate the wrapped sandwiches
are within a half-hour drive of Mesa’s downtown core offering a variety of options from challenging slices, pickled sport peppers and with a thick layer of Ike’s dirty
desert golf to traditional links play. a dash of celery salt. Fans looking secret sauce.
Las Sendas Golf Club features breath-
taking views of the Red Mountain and
of the top 50 courses in the nation.
Longbow Golf Club has also earned its
GO WITH THE FLOW
Visitors can escape the crowded hotel pool
the Superstition mountain range – an share of praise after being recognized and head to the Rhodes Aquatics Complex in
unsurpassed backdrop to the storied by Golfweek magazine as one of the Mesa. Here, desert surfers ride the waves on
Sonoran Desert. Designed by Robert top 20 courses in Arizona in their Best the FlowRider, the ultimate in water recreation
Trent Jones, Jr., the challenging course You Can Play, State by State ranking. and fun. The sport of flowriding combines all
has matured into one of the most The intrigue and shot making choices board sports into a wild and exciting ride on a
beautiful courses in Mesa and ranks as that players face here are infinite. Just continuous wave with as much force and power
a Top 10 course in the state, and one north of the city is We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, as the ocean. Intended for all age swimmers,
developed by the Fort McDowell Yavapai visitors to Mesa can enjoy the experience all
Nation. Their two spectacular 18-hole summer long with special themed sessions
Las Sendas Golf Club
layouts are certain to challenge and including Ladies Night.
inspire golfers of all levels. We-Ko-Pa
Golf Club is consistently ranked as one
of the best, top 100 modern courses in
TREASURED TRAILS
Arizona by Golfweek magazine. At Toka bringing subtle challenges for every Hitting the trail by foot offers one of the best ways to experience hiking trails for all ages with varying levels of difficulty and
the desert flora up close and personal (not to mention fauna distances to choose from. Though Mesa boasts miles and miles
Sticks Golf Club, visitors can experience level of golf enthusiast. At Sunland with countless species of birds, Bighorn sheep, deer and javelina of desert hiking trails, listed are some of the more popular paths
the challenges a desert golf course Springs Village, guests can opt to roaming freely through the landscape). Mesa is surrounded by for visitors.
offers including plays from 6,000 yards play their 27-hole executive course
on fairways guarded by stands of mature with direct views of the Superstition Trail Mountain Length Level of Difficulty Shared
mesquite, palm and palo verde trees. Mountain range. The full-service pro Name Range (in miles) Distances are one-way Use
The majestic trees stand at the corner shop can equip any visitor short on Jacob’s Crosscut Trail Lost Dutchman State Park .85 miles Easy
of several dogleg fairways, guarding clubs and other must haves for a round Siphon Draw Trail Lost Dutchman State Park 2 miles to Basin/ Difficult
3 miles to Flatiron
the approach to small, elevated greens, in the desert. Treasure Loop Trail Lost Dutchman State Park 2.4 miles (Loop) Moderate
Hawes Loop Red Mountain 3.5 miles Moderate
Massacre Grounds Trail Superstition Wilderness Area 2.6 miles Easy to Moderate
Hieroglyphics Trail Superstition Wilderness Area 1.1 miles Easy
Peralta Trail Superstition Wilderness Area 6.2 miles Moderate to Difficult
Merkle Trail Usery Mountain Recreation Area .9 miles (Loop) Easy (Barrier Free)
Pass Mountain Trail Usery Mountain Recreation Area 7.4 miles (Loop) Moderate
Wind Cave Trail Usery Mountain Recreation Area 1.5 miles Moderate
Brown Trail Four Peaks Wilderness Area 2.0 miles Difficult
Four Peaks Trail Four Peaks Wilderness Area 10 miles Difficult
Longbow Golf Club
Pigeon Trail Four Peaks Wilderness Area 1 mile Easy
Moonlight Trail San Tan Mountain Regional Park 1.3 miles Easy
San Tan Trail San Tan Mountain Regional Park 6.4 miles Difficult
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ SPORTS ENTHUSIAST 29FAMILY • EXPL
IVE OR
CT
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ENER TIONS •
ISCO
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UG
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So FAMILY FRIENDLY, you’ll
wish you were a kid again.
>>> CITY LIMITLESS®
LIFESTYLE:
ACTIVE
FAMILY
INSIDE: SONORAN DESERT DISCOVERY \ TOPS FOR TOTS
visitmesa.com From L to R: Schnepf Farms, Goldfield Ghost Town, Usery Mountain Park 2016 Visitors Guide \ ACTIVE FAMILY 31TOPS FOR TOTS:
Sonoran Desert PLAYFUL CITY USA®
Discovery:
Mesa was named one of America’s most
playful cities – 7 times running – by
Kaboom!, a national non-profit dedicated
Mesa’s Newest Place to Play
to bringing balanced and active play
into the daily lives of all kids. Such
distinctions bode well for travelers
seeking out unique and different ways
to keep children entertained and
One of the most distinctive parks parents can download a Discovery engaged on vacation. Here are just a few
to explore when visiting Mesa Guide to walk children through each highlights for those traveling with kids
is the new Desert Arroyo Park, park experience. Desert Arroyo or kids at heart:
where the focus is on education- Park also offers free wi-fi, shade
• Arizona Museum of Natural History –
plus-play. Spanning 58 acres, this ramadas, walking paths and trails
Dinosaurs and So Much More!
attraction offers five educational for hikers and bikers including a
nodes along a half-mile loop for quarter-mile botanical walk with • i.d.e.a. Museum – Engage the senses
children to discover Arizona’s plant interpretative signs and a through creativity
Sonoran Desert. The nodes include three-quarter-mile explorer path • Amazing Jakes’ Indoor Family Fun –
a telescope, reptile digging sand for visitors to enjoy more than 150 90,000 square feet of you name it &
pit, desert wash, and crawling tubes Saguaro cacti and other native flora. then some!
with animal footprints for children Desert Arroyo Park • Children’s Garden at Boyce Thompson
to collect souvenir rubbings of 16 Open year-round, sunrise to sunset Arboretum – an Arizona State Park
desert dwelling animals. Online, 9320 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa
Golfland Sunsplash
• Golfland Sunsplash – 450,000 gallon
wave pool!
• Planes & Trains: Commemorative
Air Force Museum and Freestone
Railroad Park
• Organ Stop Pizza and the World’s
largest Wurlitzer Pipe Organ
• Musical Instrument Museum – the
world’s only global museum featuring
MIMkids Musical Adventures
• Sea Life Aquarium – Arizona’s closest
ocean with seahorses, sharks, rays, and
guided interactive games
• Usery Mountain Nature Center
featuring Creature Theatre, animal
hide-and-seek hunts, stargazing
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center –
hands-on attraction with 4D cinema,
rides and more
• Riparian Preserve – Enjoy wetland
habitats and educational programs for
all ages
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ ACTIVE FAMILY 33ON DOWNT
NATI OW
TI N
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DE
•E
LIGHT RAIL •
CLE
CTIC • BOU
G•
TI
IN
Q
UE
RF S•
SIDEWALK SU
>>> CITY LIMITLESS®
Our DOWNTOWN is DESTINATION:
your PLAYGROUND DYNAMIC
DOWNTOWNS
INSIDE: SNAP TO IT \ NEXT DOOR \ FOLLOW THAT FOOD TRUCK \ COFFEE CULTURE
visitmesa.com From L to R: Milano’s Music, Edge Boutique, Driftwood Cruisers, Metro Light Rail - Main Street 2016 Visitors Guide \ DYNAMIC DOWNTOWNS 35FOLLOW THAT FOOD TRUCK
SNAP TO IT: Mesa’s Food Truck Scene Gives New Meaning to Dining Al Fresco
5 SELFIE MUST STOPS
Take your vacation photos up a notch. When you’re in
Downtown Mesa on your trip to City Limitless®, these
spots can help you master the art of the perfect selfie
and create social feed envy.
Downtown Mesa Mural by Lauren Lee
The Downtown Mesa Mural: While enjoying the shops
and attractions in Downtown Mesa, stop and strike a pose
by the newest addition to Mesa’s mural collection. Vivid
colors, floral designs and a striking Mesa diamond come Indulge on authentic Mesa flavors by Mesa Feastival Forest
together on the South side of Main Street for a selfie joining locals at one of the city’s food at Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St.
backdrop that’ll fascinate your friends and followers. truck roundups. Foodies can feast on Saturdays year-round, 5:30PM – 9PM
(Artist: Lauren Lee) a multitude of only-in-Arizona delights Mesa Food Truck Fridays
from Short Leash Hot Dogs, Waffle Crush, at Las Sendas Trailhead Park,
Humpty Dumpty: Visitors young and old simply cannot
Mustache Pretzel, The American Poutine 7900 E. Eagle Crest Dr.
resist the temptation to join this life-size classic notch by getting locals to paint street art murals on the
Company, the uprooted kitchen and 2016 Dates:
character on his wall in Downtown Mesa. This roving walls surrounding the greenery. Bonus points if you can
many more local gems. You never know Feb. 5, Mar. 4, Apr. 1, May 6, 5PM – 9PM
sculpture is the friendliest face in Downtown Mesa’s get some of the fresh grown produce into your shot!
when another food truck event is going
permanent sculpture collection, and is the perfect selfie Mesa Arts Center: Home to several larger than life art Reach out to @visitmesa on social media
to pop up across the city—we’ll see you
companion. (Artist: Kimber Fiebiger) installations on a scenic Shadow Walk, Mesa Arts Center for food truck updates, more dates and
in line!
Light Rail Art: If you’re hopping aboard the Light Rail has loads of picturesque sites. When there’s a breeze, new locations.
at the Country Club and Main Street station, you can’t check out the wind-activated sculpture by artist Ned
miss this selfie-worthy sculpture, Mesaflora. Inspired
by the blossoming metropolis of Mesa, this 30-foot
Kahn for a selfie opportunity that’ll blow your friends
away. Don’t miss the captivating and colorful light BUZZ-WORTHY:
flower features color-changing dichroic glass petals that
capture the Mesa sunlight. (Artist: Ed Carpenter)
reflections from Beth Galston’s Color Walk bridging
together the Art Studio buildings.
COFFEE CULTURE CREATES A STIR
Get a jolt at one of Mesa’s numerous indie coffee and tea houses that are
Mesa Urban Garden Murals: Community gardens bring Find another great selfie spot on your trip to Mesa?
buzzing with activity. From charming renovated homes with tucked away corners
people together, but Mesa Urban Garden took it up a Be sure to share it with us and tag #visitmesa.
to vibrant high-tech stops featuring the latest distractions, all Mesa’s coffee
spaces offer up memorable ways to unwind and set a spell.
Jarrod’s Coffee and Tea Gallery The Strada Espresso Bar at
NEXT DOOR: DOWNTOWN GILBERT This historic (and spacious) hangout
is smack in the middle of Main Street
Liberty Market
The counter at this espresso bar
An Ever-Expanding Restaurant Row and the new Heritage Marketplace Attracts Visitors and a popular stop for afternoon tea. inside Downtown Gilbert’s Liberty
Travel+Leisure magazine said the experience. Scratch games of cornhole One of the new kids on the block is Coffee here packs a punch, too. Pair Market is named after the famed
Town of Gilbert was fast becoming and bocce ball are all part of the fun Barrio Queen and their walk-up taco your café au lait or mocha with a Italian Faema machine. Each barista is
the coolest suburb in America and when waiting for that coveted table. shop, and Petersen’s Ice Cream – an pastry and take in the view. The walls trained in the traditional Italian way
we couldn’t agree more. This new old fashioned parlor with a bevy are lined with local art of all sizes, and all syrups are made from scratch.
epi-center of activity now has nearly of sweet treats. Perhaps the most shapes and themes. Bring your wallet Try the Cuban-inspired Cortadito
a dozen local, popular and trending popular spot of all is Postino East Wine – you will want to leave with a one-of- featuring Stumptown beans.
Arizona restaurants. Heritage Café - a concept fashioned by Phoenix a-kind vintage find from their eclectic
Marketplace is the newest dining restauranteurs, Upward Projects. Here, mix of jewelry and other adornments
destination with Farm + Craft, Sushi guests can expect thirty-six unique, in their wall-to-wall display cases.
Brokers and Nico’s – James Beard approachable wines paired with simple, Inside the Bungalow
nominee Gio Osso’s second restaurant delicious food prepared with local Two of Mesa’s oldest historic homes
– all opening later this year. Many ingredients. The indoor-outdoor bar join to give the community a unique
of Gilbert’s new establishments and wrap-around patio is where you gathering space. Locals needing a nudge
boast “pocket parks” adding self- can find most visitors recounting their opt for an Instant Karma, the perfect
guided entertainment to the dining day’s adventures in City Limitless®. blend of drip coffee and espresso.
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ DYNAMIC DOWNTOWNS 3722 – Shanghai Circus 20-21 – Annual Apache Junction
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 480-987-7469 Rock and Gem Club Show
qcpac.com Skyline High School, 480-982-7760
ajrockclub.com
23 – 15th Annual Historic Home Tour
Downtown Mesa, 480-835-2286 20-21 – Food Truck Festival
mesamuseum.org Queen Creek Olive Mill, 11 AM-3 PM, 480-888-9290
queencreekolivemill.com
23 – 7th Annual Run, Walk & Roll 5k/10k Race
Mesa Riverview Park, 480-835-6273 21 – Gregory Porter
runwalkrollaz.com Mesa Arts Center
23-24 – Mesa Coin Show 21 – 4th Annual Downtown Mesa Wedding Walk
Mesa Convention Center, 480-644-2178 Downtown Mesa, 480-890-2613
downtownmesa.com/wedding-walk
23-24 – High Noon’s Western Americana Show
Mesa Convention Center, 480-644-2178 23-29 – Estrella War XXXII
highnoon.com Schnepf Farms
Arizona Beer Week
23-31 – Barrett Jackson Classic 23-25 – Southwest Golf Rep’s Association Market
Car Auction and Exposition Mesa Convention Center
WestWorld of Scottsdale, 480-663-6255 sgra.info
barrett-jackson.com
24 – Ani Difranco With Special Guest
25-26 – Arc Attack Rupa & The April Fishes
Mesa Arts Center, 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM 9-10 – Canadian Snowbird Extravaganza Celebration Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Convention Center, 800-265-3200
Mesa Arts Center
27 – Lovin’ Life Expo snowbirdextravaganza.com 24 – Metropolitan Youth Symphony Winter Concert
Mesa Convention Center, 480-348-0343 Mesa Arts Center
lovinlifeafter50.com 10 – Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous
Mesa Arts Center 24 – Close To You: The Music of the Carpenters
28 – Blinddog Smokin’ Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457
Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 11 – The Quint Quintet higleyarts.org
higleyarts.org Mesa Arts Center
EVENTS \ CALENDAR 30 – All About Broadway
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 480-987-7469
11-20 – Arizona Beer Week
602-341-5724
For tickets and more information on events held at Mesa Arts Center, call 480-644-6500 qcpac.com arizonabeerweek.com
or visit MesaArtsCenter.com. For all other event listings, call or visit websites listed for 11-21 – 67 Cinderellas presented by
exact days, hours of operation and admission prices. All listings are subject to change.
//// FEBRUARY 2016 ///////////// East Valley Children’s Theatre
Mesa Arts Center
4-28 – Peach Blossom Celebration
Schnepf Farms, 480-987-3100 11-21 – Arabian Horse Show
schnepffarms.com WestWorld, 480-515-1500
//// JANUARY 2016 ////////////// 11-17 – We Love Canada Week
Queen Creek Olive Mill, 10 AM-3 PM, 480-888-9290
15 – Ryan Shupe and The Rubberband
Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457
(Dates dependent on harvest. Call for exact dates) scottsdaleshow.com
queencreekolivemill.com higleyarts.org 1-Mar. 24 – Annual Spring Out To 12 – Antonio Rocha
Schnepf Farm’s Peach Blossom Celebration
1 – Fiesta Bowl Lunch Concert Series Mesa Arts Center
14 – The Abbey Road Band: The 15-17 – Riverdance-The 20th Anniversary 12:30 PM (Thursdays only), Mesa Arts Center
University of Phoenix Stadium, 480-350-0900 Mesa Arts Center
Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band 12 – Richard Nader’s Doo Wop & Rock N’ Roll
fiestabowl.org 1-7 – Waste Management Phoenix Open
Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 Mesa Arts Center
15-17 – Taiyou Con Anime Convention 2016 TPC Scottsdale, 602-870-0163
2 – 27th Annual Cactus Bowl higleyarts.org
Mesa Convention Center wmphoenixopen.com 12-13 – Golf Fest Phoenix
Chase Field, 480-350-0900 taiyoucon.com
14-30 – Othello presented by Longbow Golf Club
fiestabowl.org 3-7 – Arizona Cutting Horse Association Sun Circuit
Southwest Shakespeare Company golffestshows.com
16 – Aggression Session Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre, 480-358-3710
6-10 – Arizona Cutting Horse Mesa Arts Center Mesa Amphitheatre, 480-644-2560 azcha.com 13 – Flashdance
Association-Jump Start the Year mesaamp.com Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 480-987-7469
Queen Creek Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre 14-30 – Comedy of Errors presented by
Southwest Shakespeare Company 4 – Frank Sinatra Jr. qcpac.com
azcha.com 16 – Peter, Paul and Mary Remembered & Friends Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 13-14 –Desert Woodcarving Show and Sale
8 – On the Air: A Tribute To Bob Hope higleyarts.org 5 – G-Eazy Mesa Convention Center, Saturday
& Radio Stars Of The 1940’s Mesa Amphitheatre, 480-644-2560 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM
Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 16-17 – Superstition Mountain Heritage 24-28 – Arizona Cutting Horse
mesaamp.com desertwoodcarvingshow.com
higleyarts.org Days/Apacheland Reunion Association Wild West Show
Superstition Mountain Museum, 480-983-4888 5-6 – One Drop of Love 14 – Embraceable You Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre, 480-358-3710
8-10 – 43rd Flagg Gem and Mineral Show superstitionmountainmuseum.org Mesa Arts Center Mesa Arts Center azcha.com
Mesa Community College
flaggshow.info 16-17 – P.F. Chang’s Arizona 5-6 – Nelson Illusions 14 – Annual Lost Dutchman Marathon 26 – Spoken World Series featuring
Rock ‘n Roll Marathon and Half Marathon Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 Apache Junction, 480-983-1500 Dahlak Brathwaite
8-24 – Deathtrap - presented 800-311-1255 higleyarts.org lostdutchmanmarathon.org Mesa Arts Center
by Mesa Encore Theatre rnraz.com
Mesa Arts Center 6 – Great Canadian Picnic 18 – The Tenors 26-28 – 11th Annual Arizona Electric
18 – MLK Parade & Festival South Mountain Park Preserve Mesa Arts Center Festival (Arizona Model Aviators)
9 – Jim Curry: Take Me Home - Downtown Mesa canadianpicnic.com Superstition Airpark, 480-525-2311
The Music of John Denver 19 – Simple Three azelectricfestival.com
mesamlk.org 6-Mar. 27 – New Oil Festival Mesa Arts Center
Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457
higleyarts.org 20 – Nat Geo Live: Gorongosa Reborn: Queen Creek Olive Mill, 10 AM-3 PM, 480-888-9290 26-28 – Fountain Hills Great Fair
Queen Creek Olive Mill
queencreekolivemill.com 19-21 – ARIPEX Stamp Show Avenue of the Fountains, 480-837-1654
A Cameraman’s Journal Mesa Convention Center
10 – Acoustic Eidolon: World Music for the Soul Mesa Arts Center 7:30PM fountainhillschamber.com/the-great-fair/
Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 6 – Mar. 27 – Arizona Renaissance Festival aripex.org
higleyarts.org 21-March 24 – Annual Spring Out 12601 East Highway 60, Apache Junction, 26- Mar. 1 – Lost Dutchman Days
10 AM-6 PM, 520-463-2600 20 – Gilbert Outdoors Expo Apache Junction, 602-540-6524
To Lunch Concert Series Gilbert Riparian Preserve, 480-503-6200
royalfaires.com lostdutchmandays.org
12:30pm (Thursdays only), Mesa Arts Center gilbertaz.gov
(President’s Day and Weekends Only)
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ CALENDAR 39EVENTS \ CALENDAR
26-Mar. 12 – Wittenberg presented by 5-31 – Chicago Cubs Spring Training 22 – Igudesman and Joo: And Now Mozart 7 - Downtown Gilbert Concert Series 27 – Metropolitan Youth Symphony Spring Concert
Southwest Shakespeare Company Sloan Park Mesa Arts Center Water Tower Plaza Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center cubs.com gilbertaz.gov
24 – Il Volo 28 – Downtown Gilbert Concert Series
27 – BMO Harris Bank Phoenix Marathon 5 – Spring Into Queen Creek Mesa Arts Center 8 – Boeing St. Xavier University Campus
hosted by the City of Mesa Desert Mountain Park Boeing - presented by Mesa Encore Theatre gilbertaz.gov
queencreek.org 25 – Dino Egg Hunt Mesa Arts Center
Usery Pass, Mesa 801-472-7866 Arizona Museum of Natural History, 480-644-2169 30 – Tough Mudder
thephoenixmarathon.com 5 – Jazz Ambassadors - Us Army Field Band azmnh.org 8 – Legally Blonde, the Musical EastMark
27 – The Music of Whitney Houston Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 Mesa Community College, 480-461-7172 toughmudder.com
higleyarts.org 25-April 9 – Twelfth Night presented by purplepass.com/mcc
Mesa Arts Center
Southwest Shakespeare Company
27-28 – Arizona Woodturners 5 – One Great Night of Folk Music 2016 Mesa Arts Center 9 – Awesomefest! at Eastmark //// MAY 2016 ///////////////////
Association Symposium Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 Eastmark, 10100 E. Ray Road, 480-625-3005 1 – War of the Worlds
higleyarts.org 26 – Easter Egg-citement at Schnepf Farms eastmark.com
Mesa Convention Center, 480-644-2178 Schnepf Farms, 480-987-3100 Mesa Arts Center
mesaconventioncenter.com 6 – Free Sunday schnepffarms.com 9 – 2CELLOS 3 – Ethan Bortnik
29-Mar. 1 – Peter & The Wolf i.d.e.a. Museum, 480-644-2467 Mesa Amphitheatre, 480-644-2560 Mesa Arts Center
26 – Chris Botti with The Phoenix Symphony
spark! Mesa’s Festival of Creativity
Mesa Arts Center ideamuseum.org mesaamp.com
Mesa Arts Center 4 – BYU Singers
9 – Loreena McKennitt 9 – Gilbert Global Village Festival Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 480-987-7469
Mesa Arts Center 26 – David Archuleta Gilbert Civic Center North Campus,
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 480-987-7469 qcpac.com
480-503-6200
10 – USAF Band of the Golden West qcpac.com gilbertaz.gov 2-5 – Phoenix Comicon
Mesa Arts Center Phoenix Convention Center, 800-282-4842
28-30 – Networks Presents Disney’s
10 – Juilliard String Quartet phoenixcomicon.com
Beauty and the Beast
Mesa Arts Center Mesa Arts Center 6-8 – Body Accents Tattoo Expo
11-13 – Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek Mesa Convention Center, 480-644-2178
31 – Downtown Gilbert Concert Series
Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre worldtattooevents.com/body-accents-tattoo-expo
Water Tower Plaza
rootsnboots.org 7-9 – North American Cricket Championship gilbertaz.gov 12 – Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science
Gilbert’s Nichols Park Basin
11-13 – The Magic of Mexican Artistry - Mesa Arts Center
americancricketfederation.org
The Art of Mata Ortiz and Oaxaca //// APRIL 2016 ///////////////// 12 – Downtown Gilbert Concert Series
Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek
Superstition Mountain Museum, 480-983-4888 11-13 – Camping World 500, NASCAR
1 – Arlo Guthrie Water Tower Plaza
Phoenix International Raceway, 623-463-5501
12 – The Screwtape Letters Mesa Arts Center gilbertaz.gov
phoenixraceway.com
Awesomefest! at Eastmark
Mesa Arts Center 12-14 – Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention
11-13 – Ostrich Festival 1-3 – Tempe Festival of the Arts
12 – Crystal Trio Mill Avenue, 602-997-2581 Mesa Convention Center, 480-644-2178
Tumbleweed Park, Chandler, 480-963-4571
Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 tempefestivalofthearts.com ckscrapbookevents.com
ostrichfestival.com
higleyarts.org 14-22 – Peach Festival…Paint the town Peach
11-13 – Scottsdale Arts Festival 1-4 – The Pied Piper
12-13 – Aloha Festival Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 480-987-7469 Schnepf Farms, 480-987-3100
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 480-499-8587
schnepffarms.com
//// MARCH 2016 /////////////// Tempe Town Lake, 602-697-1824 scottsdaleartsfestival.org qcpac.com
azalohafest.org 20 – Sweeney Todd - presented
1-12 – Wittenberg presented by 13 – The Bandstand 1-9 – Twelfth Night presented by
Southwest Shakespeare Company 9 – Buttercup’s Dog Party & Memorial by Mesa Encore Theatre
Southwest Shakespeare Company 26-27 – Southwest Military Transportation Show Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center Schnepf Farms, 8AM-4PM, 480-987-3100 Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center Commemorative Airforce Museum, 480-924-1940
17 – Peter Yarrow & Noel Paul Stookey Maricopa County Fair, State Fairgrounds
ahmta.com 26 – Downtown Gilbert Concert Series
Mesa Arts Center 2 – El Tour de Mesa maricopacountyfair.org
1- 24 – Annual Spring Out To Lunch Concert Series Water Tower Plaza
12:30 PM (Thursdays only), Mesa Arts Center 5-6 – Rubber Stamp Show Downtown Mesa, 520-745-2033
17 - Downtown Gilbert Concert Series perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-mesa 16-17 –Scottsdale Culinary Festival gilbertaz.gov
Mesa Convention Center, 480-644-2178
Water Tower Plaza 480-945-7193
1-27 – New Oil Festival mesaconventioncenter.com 28 – Lemonade Days in Queen Creek
gilbertaz.gov 2 – Messy Fest in Queen Creek scottsdalefest.org
Queen Creek Olive Mill, 10 AM-3 PM, 480-888-9290 Founders Park, 480-358-3700
queencreekolivemill.com Founders Park, 480-358-3700
17-20 – Men are from Mars queencreek.org.com 15 – Spoken World Series featuring Matthew queencreek.org
1 –27 – Arizona Renaissance Festival Women are from Venus Live! Mesa Arts Center “Cuban” Hernandez & Alyesha Wise
12601 East Highway 60, Apache Junction, 2 – Phoenix Grand Prix, IndyCar Mesa Arts Center
18-19 – spark! Mesa’s Festival of Creativity Phoenix International Raceway, 623-463-5501
10 AM-6 PM, 520-463-2600 Mesa Arts Center, Noon - 10 PM 15-18 – Peter Pan Jr.
royalfaires.com phoenixraceway.com
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 480-987-7469
(President’s Day and Weekends Only) 19 – Over the Hill Gang Classic 2 – Festive Sight & Sound, Mother Russia qcpac.com
Car Show, Schnepf Farms Mesa Arts Center
2 – National Geographic Live-K2: Danger 16-17 – ZapCon
480-987-3100
and Desire on the Savage Mountain schnepffarms.com 3 – STAR TREK: THE ULTIMATE Mesa Convention Center
Mesa Arts Center VOYAGE - Concert Tour 2016 zapcon.com
19-20 – Scottish Highland Games Mesa Arts Center
3-5 – Lincoln Center’s American Songbook 16-26 – Annual Easter Pageant
and Celtic Gathering
Mesa Arts Center 6-10 – Arizona Bike Week Mesa Arizona Temple, 8 PM, 480-964-7164
Steele Indian School Park, 602-431-0095
arizonascots.com WestWorld, 480-515-1500 easterpageant.org
3-12 – Three Sisters
azbikeweek.com (English/Spanish/ASL performance dates vary)
Mesa Community College, 480-466-7172
19 – Ka-POW! Superhero Run
purplepass.com/mcc 7-10 – Arizona Cutting Horse Association 21 – The Johnny Clegg Band
Freestone Park, 480-503-6200
gilbertaz.gov Spring Fling/Novice Challenge Mesa Arts Center
4-30 – Oakland Athletics Spring Training
Hohokam Stadium Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre, 480-358-3710 21 – Downtown Gilbert Concert Series
19 –Spring Into Queen Creek, Founders’ Park azcha.com
athletics.com/spring Water Tower Plaza
480-358-3700
queencreek.org 7-10 – Country Thunder gilbertaz.gov
4 – Jason Coleman: The Piano Magic of Floyd Cramer
Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 480-840-0457 Florence, 866-802-6418 22-23 – Extreme Mustang Makeover
21-22 – Frindle arizona.countrythunder.com
higleyarts.org Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre
Mesa Arts Center, 9:30 AM & 11:45 AM
Mesa Arts Center
7-14 – Phoenix Film Fest queencreek.org
El Tour de Mesa
4-13 – Monty Python’s Spamalot-
21-26 – AZ Quilters Guild Harkins Scottsdale 101, 602-955-6444
presented by Mesa Encore Theatre Mesa Convention Center, 480-644-2178 26 – Easter Egg-Citement
Mesa Arts Center phoenixfilmfestival.com Schnepf Farms, 480-987-3100
mesaconventioncenter.com
schnepffarms.com
visitmesa.com 2016 Visitors Guide \ CALENDAR 41You can also read
