Hello downtown Phoenix! It’s your weekly guide to events in downtown, T.J. Triolo. I’ve got some more stuff for you to check out this week, including one for the annual Irish holiday St. Patrick’s Day. Be sure to wear green, or else I’ll consider you un-festive.
The Birdcage: Big Gay Classics
Wednesday March 13
Starts at 7 p.m.
FilmBar
815 N. Second St.
Oh how I love this movie! I first saw “The Birdcage” years ago on my parents’ ancient VHS tape. The story basically comes down to a gay couple pretending to be a straight couple (which involves dressing in drag) and showing how ridiculous it is to hide who you really are. I’ve gotta say though, Hank Azaria really steals the show as Agador, the housekeeper who ultimately makes a fool of himself in a lot of funny ways. Catch it yourself at Filmbar. Tickets cost $14.
Art Detour 31
Thursday March 14–Monday March 18
Various times for each day’s programming
Multiple locations
During Art Detour, art takes over downtown. Art exhibitions spill out everywhere and you can get in on the action with galleries, restaurants and more. If you’re into art, this is your time of the year, with different things going on all times of the day at different places downtown. Well, it’s your time of the year unless you suffer from horrible seasonal allergies like I do. But at least we have some beautiful art to look at to make up for it! This event is free.
Phoenix Symphony’s Star Wars: A New Hope
Friday March 15–Sunday March 17
Performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Symphony Hall
75 N. Second St.
If you’re a nerd like me, Star Wars is amazing. And the score by John Williams is incomparable. The Phoenix Symphony is going to be performing the music while “A New Hope,” also known as Episode IV. It’s just too bad that this movie doesn’t have more Jabba the Hutt and his lovable laughing Kowakian monkey-lizard. Tickets cost $27.50–$118.80.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire
Saturday March 16
Starts at 10 a.m.
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. Third St.
Everything is awash in a sea of green. Although St. Patrick’s Day is technically on Sunday, putting the festivities on Saturday at least gives some recovery time before work on Monday. The parade will feature marching bands, dancers, bag pipers and floats. The St. Patrick’s Day Faire begins with food and drinks, performances, stuff for sale and other exhibits. This event is free.
Vernal Vibrations in the Garden
Sunday March 17
10–11:30 a.m.
Japanese Friendship Garden
1125 N. Third Ave.
I’m picking up good vibrations, she’s giving me excitations … The Japanese Friendship Garden is hosting a celebration involving gongs, crystal bowls, rattles and even sensors hooked to plants to produce vibrations that are supposed to be peaceful healing for people. We can all use some peaceful healing to welcome spring and relax for a little bit! Tickets cost $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
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.
