How to Get Out and Have Fun in Phoenix Every Weekend This April
April bears beer aplenty, springtime sports, and a Taylor Swift–themed dinner.
Phoenicians make the most of their desert climes by knowing when to get outdoors and when it’s time to stay cool inside. Just peep the variety of options: museums, indie bookstores, restaurants, bars, music venues, local shops, and a strong sports landscape, too.
As for the actual landscape, the Valley of Sun has lots of beauty and wonderful hikes to help you appreciate it. And if you’re just visiting, there’s plenty of great hotels for your post-outdoorsy adventures. Further afield, travel to nearby wonderlands where dude ranches proliferate, or where you can gaze at the night sky unencumbered.
With all this in mind, our monthly events guide will help keep your calendar full with a variety of fun things to do in April 2024. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Phoenix, updated monthly.
Food & Drink Events in Phoenix
April 7, 11 am–3 pm
Mountain Shadows, $49
Rusty’s Annual Beer Fest returns, where attendees can choose samples from over 30 different kinds of beer. There will also be a golf tournament with an 8 am shotgun start. Tickets cost $49 for the Beer Fest only and $149 for the golf tournament and Beer Fest. Each ticket includes a punch card for 20 tastes, including some top local brews, and a buffet featuring traditional Beer Fest dishes. Beer will also be available for purchase and there will be raffle prizes.
April 12, 6:30–9 pm
Downtown, $89
Just days before Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department”, is set to release, FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel and Match Market & Bar are paying homage to the pop icon’s Eras Tour with a themed dinner. It will feature a five-course culinary journey along with a screening of the “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert movie. Swifties can also indulge in Taylor trivia, games and prizes from the vault.
April 13, 4–10 pm
Peoria Sports Complex, $5
For the sixth year, the Foodstock festival is returning to the West Valley. One of the biggest food truck events of the year, there will be over 50 participating vendors from all across the city. Each will have a $5 sample item along with their full menu. Children are free to attend and there will be a playground, splash pad, and face painting for them to enjoy. Plus, admission fees will all go to feeding children in the West Valley through the Peoria Diamond Club’s nonprofit programs.
April 20, 11 am–7 pm
Downtown, $16
FRIED presents some of the most creative versions of gourmet French fries and collects them all at Margaret T. Hance Park. The participating food vendors come from all culinary backgrounds, offering full-size and samples of French fry tacos, pizza fries, kimchi fries, lobster fries and more. The event is also a local music festival, as well as featuring lawn games from AZ Board Source, bars with local craft beer, local market vendors, and other culinary offerings like burgers, desserts, and of course, more fried foods.
April 27, 1–5 pm
Downtown, Free
What’s better than strolling through Downtown during a beautiful spring day? Maybe one with wine at each stop? Join DTPHX’s annual Urban Wine Walk, where over 20 restaurants and bars within a walkable route will offer three different $5 wine and food pairings. There will also be creative floral installations around for photo opportunities.
Sports in Phoenix
April 5 & 7
Footprint Center, $72 and up
It’s safe to say things with the Suns have not gone as planned and now the possibility of missing the postseason is very real. But what is real are the two weekend games left in the regular season where you can catch Booker and the gang in action. They will welcome the Timberwolves and Pelicans to town, respectively.
April 5–8
Downtown and State Farm Stadium, Prices vary
The NCAA Men’s Tournament match-ups are set – Alabama versus UConn and Purdue against North Carolina State here in the Valley of the Sun. Tickets will go extremely quickly but even if you can’t snag seats to the games, there’s plenty to stay occupied, Final Four-style. Head to the March Madness Music Festival at Hance Park for three days of headliners, including Zedd, Mumford & Sons, and The Black Keys. Fan Fest will be at the Convention Center with games and special appearances. And if you can’t get into the actual games, go to the Reese’s Men’s Final Four Friday at State Farm Stadium on the 5th for free to watch players practice, along with entertainment and activities.
April 12–14
Chase Field, $33 and up
The boys are back for the 2024 season! Our reigning National League champs are in town for one weekend in April, playing against the St. Louis Cardinals. Friday the 12th is Autism Awareness night; a Dbacks Autism Clear Bag will be provided with the purchase of a special event ticket. Alek Thomas t-shirts will be given away to the first 20,000 fans on Saturday the 13th. And don’t forget to book your ticket for Yoga on the Field for Sunday the 14th, which includes a pre-game yoga class and water bottle.
April 13 & 20
Sky Harbor, $15 and up
While the weather is still gorgeous, head out to see the Phoenix Rising at their outdoor stadium under the stars. Matches start at 7:30 pm; April 13 will be against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and on April 20 they will host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Don’t forget that your match ticket will double as a ticket to ride the Valley Metro light rail on game days.
Special Events in Phoenix
April 5–7
WestWorld, $55 and up
For over two decades, bikers and bike enthusiasts have gathered at the annual Arizona Bike Week for music and all things motorcycles. This year will be no different, as stunt shows, demos, parties, and concerts will dominate the rally. Book tickets to see Everclear headline on the 5th alongside George Thorogood & the Destroyers or Godsmack on the 6th.
April 6, 11 am–7 pm
Uptown, $65 and up
The hip and happening Lylo Swim Club at Rise Uptown hotel will host their Pool Season Kick-Off Celebration on Saturday the 6th. There will be tacos, tequila, and lots of DJs from Recordbar Radio, who will be in residency at the pool all the way until August. Daybeds or lounge chairs for access to the party should be reserved ahead of time.
April 19 & 20
Downtown Mesa, Free
The annual festival that brings together both industry pros and music fans in Downtown Mesa is back for a 7th year. In addition to the live musical performances, the festival will feature a keynote address, music symposium, and networking parties. This provides valuable opportunities for artists and industry professionals to connect and collaborate, all for free.
April 19 & 20
State Farm Stadium, $15 and up
Hang out on State Farm Stadium’s Great Lawn to get hyped up for the upcoming football draft. This returning event features two nights of cover bands; hear the hits of Journey, Pink Floyd, and Eagles on Friday night. Then, come back on Saturday to sing along to Taylor Swift’s catalog. In the meantime, enjoy activities for all ages and local food; VIP tickets will get curated menus and killer seats.
April 20 & 21
Queen Creek, Free
It’s a perfect time to walk the scenic olive groves while they’re in full bloom during Queen Creek Olive Mill’s annual Olive Blossom Festival. This two-day festival celebrates springtime in Arizona while also kicking off their Master Blender's bottle, a limited edition late-harvest EVOO that is handcrafted by Perry Rea, their Olive Oil Sommelier and in partnership with the Corning Olive Oil Company. Come enjoy live music, special vendors and tractor tours.
April 27, 3 pm–10 pm
Scottsdale Civic Center East Bowl, $35 and up
On International Jazz Weekend, festivals will be taking place across the country and the Scottsdale Jazz Fest is one of the 196 designated by UNESCO to honor the musical form. Fans can attend to see an impressive lineup, including Nayo Jones, Mario Abney & Windy City Ramblers, The Kings of Soul with Neamen Lyles, Kiara Jayne, Five Tempting Men, and Carlos Rivas & Tito Puente Jr. Lawn chair seating will be allowed in certain areas.