Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden offers 145 acres of landscaped desert plants. With more than 50,000 plant displays, 65 cultivated acres and eight walking trails, the garden offers the opportunity for education and relaxation. Special exhibits throughout the year include the Mariposa Monarca Butterfly Exhibit, the Chihuly Desert Towers glass art exhibit, monthly beer gardens, Jazz in the Garden musical events and Las Noches de las Luminarias, a nighttime walk through trails lit with glowing luminarias.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
480-481-8159
dbg.org
Experience and learn about the indigenous animal species of Arizona with a visit to the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo's desert animals exhibit features many local species, including coyotes, javelinas, Gila monsters, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs, roadrunners, burrowing owls and mountain lions. With 125 acres of animal exhibits, play spaces and walking trails, the Phoenix Zoo has more than 1,200 animals on display.
Phoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-273-1341
phoenixzoo.org
Salsa aficionados won't want to miss the annual My Nana's Best-Tasting Salsa Challenge. Held at Tempe Beach Park, the event features 75 salsa makers from around Arizona. Professional chefs, restaurants and amateurs participate. Taste almost 100 varieties of salsa, ranging from mild to very, very hot, and vote on your favorite. Beer, margaritas and grilled food are also available, and live musical entertainment and kids activities round out the festivities.
My Nana's Best-Tasting Salsa Challenge
818 East Osborn Suite 105
Phoenix AZ, 85014
602-955-3947
salsachallenge.com
Each year, the West of Western Culinary Festival showcases the best of Phoenix's Southwestern cuisine. According to the event's website, the festival "features chefs from top independent and chef-driven resort restaurants and delivers an avant-garde epicurean experience." The festival offers two days of art exhibits, live music, fine wines, cooking demonstrations and, of course, lots of good food.
West of Western Culinary Festival
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-327-3786
westofwestern.com
Every January, college football fans gather at the University of Phoenix Stadium for the Fiesta Bowl. The Fiesta Bowl is part of the Bowl Championship Series and has been held in the Phoenix area for more than 40 years. Join thousands of other football lovers for the big game and halftime shows.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
One Cardinals Drive
Glendale, AZ 85305
480-350-0909
fiestabowl.org
