Hello my downtown people! It’s your downtown guide, T.J. Triolo, back with another week of fun events. It’s December, which means holiday time! To me, this means family, special songs and lots of chocolate. Have I mentioned I love chocolate? Anyway, here are your events this week.
Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration
Monday Dec. 3
Starts at 5:30 p.m.
Crescent Ballroom
308 N. 2nd Ave.
The Crescent Ballroom is holding a celebratory menorah lighting for the second night of Hanukkah. Come for the Latkes, kosher Brooklyn beer and jelly doughnuts, then stay for the Hanukkah-themed playlist. Entrance is free.
Phoenix Festival of the Arts 2018
Friday Dec. 7–Sunday Dec. 9
12–5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. 3rd St.
It’s another festival, but this time it’s for art. Yes, art is a vague term, but it’s fitting here because this event is for all kinds of art. Be it live performances, food or great visual art from more than 150 vendors, this festival will have it for you. Admission is free.
Frances Cohen Smith’s Snow Queen: Lunch Time Dance Theater
Friday Dec. 7
Starts at 12:10 p.m.
Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St.
Wow, this brings back memories. My sister was in this show a few times over the years. This event is a dance show about an evil snow queen who wants this guy and kidnaps him. His girlfriend is not cool with this and goes to save him. That’s basically a rundown of the story without giving away too many spoilers. Go see it for all the details! Tickets cost $7.
Koke Dama Japanese Holiday Decoration
Saturday Dec. 8
11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Japanese Friendship Garden
1125 N. 3rd Ave.
Well, we’re now just a few weeks from the new year. Kodamatsu, which translates to “gate pine,” is a traditional Japanese decoration made to celebrate the new year. See, if you read my goofy events roundup you learn new things! This workshop will allow you to make kodamatsu and take the cute little decoration home. This event costs $40.
Food City Tamale Festival
Saturday Dec. 8 and Sunday Dec. 9
11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday
Cesar Chavez Plaza
201 W. Washington St.
The title says it all! There will be a lot of different types of tamales at this festival. Whether you love your tamales sweet or savory, there’s something for you at this festival. This festival will also have live music and dancers, jewelry and art. Admission is free, but bring cash for the tamales.
Contact the reporter at thomas.triolo@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.
