I’m back again! It’s time for the Downtown Digest with your guide to downtown Phoenix, T.J. Triolo. The events coming up this week include some pretty interesting options, such as a cat stunt show. Read on to find out more:
The Amazing Acro-Cats
- Monday, Feb. 26 – Wednesday, Feb. 28
- Shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day
- Playhouse on the Park, 1850 N. Central Ave.
Everyone loves cats, right? If you don’t love cats, I question your humanity. For all the cat lovers out there, this show stars house cats that have been trained to perform. Yes, these are cats that can do tricks! The show is run by Samantha Martin, an animal trainer who also uses her platform to help foster and rescue cats. Tickets cost $31 per person.
Devour the World
- Thursday, March 1
- 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N. 3rd Ave.
Come hungry to this event at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Just the setting of the garden alone makes this event worth going to. I’ve been there a few times, and I really should go more often because I only live about six blocks away. Here you’ll get to eat different foods from local vendors, with types ranging from Italian to Peruvian to everywhere in between. Of course, there’s also Japanese food! Live music is also provided by Ken Koshio, a local Japanese folk musician. I think I can summarize the event like this: Immerse yourself in a beautiful garden, eating tasty food while being serenaded by traditional Japanese music. As someone who is obsessed with Japanese culture, I’d love to go… if I didn’t have to work Thursday evening. Tickets cost $60.
McDowell Mountain Music Festival
- Friday, March 2 – Sunday, March 4
- Gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
- Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd St.
This is the 15th annual McDowell Mountain Music Festival. I’ll be honest: I haven’t heard of most of the artists at this event. That probably just means I’m not cool enough to know about them! This festival features a variety of music genres and artists. The event is based on three Cs: Community, culture and charity. Keeping with this mentality, all proceeds from the event are donated to charity. Tickets start at $50 for one-day general admission.
Sogetsu Ikebana Workshop
- Saturday, March 3
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N. 3rd Ave.
Yes, I know I already listed an event at the Japanese Friendship Garden, but there are too many interesting events there happening this week! I had to include this one too. Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging, often including other materials to create works of art. At this event, participants will learn how to create this floral art. Ikebana is supposed to be relaxing, so maybe I should take it up. The life of a college student can be stressful! Tickets cost $35.
Indian Fair and Market
- Saturday, March 3 – Sunday, March 4
- 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday
- Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave.
If you’re interested in Native American culture, then this event is one you should not miss. This is no small art show; it will have art from more than 600 Native artists for sale. Of course, the venue is also one to check out in and of itself: The Heard Museum has plenty of exhibits dedicated to Native culture. Tickets cost $20.
Contact the columnist at tjtriolo@asu.edu.
Downtown Devil's community section editor. I also write the Downtown Digest, a weekly column with things to do, with experience writing news articles and creating news videos as well. Graduating from ASU in May 2020.
