Hello my lovely downtown Phoenix people! It’s your guide to downtown Phoenix events, T.J. Triolo. February is officially ending, and March is coming. It’s almost springtime again, which means great weather for outdoor activities. And I do have some of those here for you! Oh, and this also means the perfect temperatures for driving convertibles. It’s time to break my ancient Miata out of the garage and put the ripped-up old top down!
Movies in the Grotto
Wednesday Feb. 27
Starts at 6:30 p.m.
Arizona Center
400 E. Van Buren St.
The Arizona Center is holding a movie night in its nice little courtyard. The movie is Dirty Dancing. There’s a reason it’s considered a 1980s classic, but what 1980s movies aren’t considered classics to someone or other? This event is free, with dinner and popcorn available for purchase, and the first 100 groups in attendance will receive free blankets.
McDowell Mountain Music Festival
Friday March 1–Sunday March 3
Gates open Friday at 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. Third St.
The 16th annual McDowell Mountain Music Festival, also known as M3F, is coming up. This festival has musicians from a variety of genres. Artists include Odeza, Margo Price, Phoenix AfroBeat Orchestra, and Empire of the Sun. It will also include live art, a marketplace, yoga, drum circles, food and more. Oh, and an important part about this music festival: All the proceeds go to charity. How can you pass that up? Tickets still available cost $70–$200, excluding taxes and fees.
Rockin’ Taco Rumble
Friday March 1
Starts at 6 p.m.
Unexpected Art Gallery
734 W. Polk St.
It’s a tournament of tacos! The Rockin’ Taco Rumble features tacos from 15 different vendors, with attendees able to vote for the best ones in a People’s Choice competition. Honestly, what doesn’t make a good competition? There will also be live music, drinks, side dishes and most importantly, desserts. Vendors include local downtownn resutaraunts, Chico Malo and Willie’s Taco Joint. Tickets cost $35–$45 excluding fees.
Phoenix Scottish Games
Saturday March 2 and Sunday March 3
Saturday from 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Rd.
Despite the name, this event is not all about athletics. It also features family-friendly activities, dancing, historical reenactments, a classic British car show and of course, crazy Scottish athletics that involve impressive feats of strength. They even have genealogy research available, which would be pretty interesting to me. I don’t think I’m Scottish, but I also have ancestors from so many different countries I wouldn’t be surprised if a Scottish ancestor turned up. Scottish ancestory or not, this should be a fun event for all. Tickets cost $5–$40.
Arizona Capitol Architectural Tour
Saturday March 2
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Arizona Capitol Museum
1700 W. Washington St.
The Arizona Capitol Museum has exhibits open during normal museum hours, but for those interested in architecture this event is more your speed. You’ll get to learn about the Capitol building and its grounds, including interesting architectural aspects and why this location was chosen. Apparently, the grounds were once home to a bamboo forest and banana plants, and I’m really curious as to how that happened. This event is free.
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.
