GREAT EVENTS THIS MONTH

BY JORDAN MORENO

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

Feb. 16-26, WestWorld of Scottsdale

Dating all the way back to 1955, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been a first-class soiree from its inaugural year. The event has grown from 50 horses to nearly 2,400 horses as well as top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world. This competition, and a chance at winning the competition, equals big payout in the breeding barns for participants. The show benefits a number of prominent charities in the Scottsdale community, including March of Dimes, Horses Help, JDRF, Youth for Troops and more. Times and prices vary. www.scottsdaleshow.com.

Devour Culinary Classic

Feb. 25-26, Desert Botanical Garden

Local First Arizona’s 14th annual Devour Culinary Classic will return to the highly aesthetic Desert Botanical Garden this month, marking the first in-person community event since 2020 for the organization. Celebrating Arizona’s culinary culture, Devour Phoenix will bring together cuisine, wine and restaurant enthusiasts to make our beloved state a destination for top talent. In partnership with Arizona Business Committee for the Arts, attendees can partake in innovative culinary demonstrations and taste an array of culinary excellence. 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. www.devourphoenix. com.

Strong Beer Festival

Feb. 18, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

As the state’s premier craft beer event, the 22nd Annual Strong Beer Festival will return with old favorites and new brews for an iconic day. With over 500 beverages, beer education chats, samples, axe throwing and more, suds lovers will flood Salt River Fields to relish in a little something for everyone. As food and beer naturally go together, expect top-notch bites and local vendors, Strong Man Games and musicians to set the tone in support of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Starting at $70. www.saltriverfields.com.

Scottsdale Western Week

Jan. 28 – Feb. 5, Old Town Scottsdale

This month, Scottsdale’s Western heritage will shine bright for what can only be described as one “heck of a good time.” Bring the whole family for numerous parades, the Hashknife Pony Express, Native American festivals, gold mining, live music, and museum exhibits to celebrate the city’s rich roots in Western culture. Event times and prices vary. www.scottsdalewesternweek.com.

MLB Spring Training

Feb. 24- March 28, Varying Locations

The Cactus League is pure bliss for baseball fans who come from around the country to warm, sunny Arizona. With 10 ballparks across the Valley and 15 MLB teams participating, each year brings endless family fun. Generations of fans will enjoy a laid-back environment where the scores don’t count, but the chance to embrace one of America’s favorite pastimes right in our backyard certainly do. Attendees will soak in the sights and sounds of the ballpark, from the crack of the bat to the familiar smell of popcorn and hotdogs making their way down the aisles where teams like Arizona Diamondbacks, The Rockies, and the Giants call Scottsdale home. Game times and ticket prices vary. www.cactusleague.com.

Honor Ball

Feb. 25, JW Marriott Camelback Inn

In its 46th year of exceptional philanthropy, this true crown jewel of events, chaired by Sue Fletcher and Sandy Trznadel, promises an evening of dinner and dancing. With a vibrant Havana Nights theme, honorees Christine and David Watson will be celebrated for investing over a decade of gifts of time, talent and treasure into HonorHealth. A magnificent black-tie affair, the luxurious ballroom event will benefit the Christine and David J Watson Healthcare Heroes Endowment to support healthcare workers and the Cardiovascular Center for Excellence, which supports the latest advances in clinical research for cardiovascular health. 6:30 p.m. $1,000. www. honorhealthfoundation.org.