Now CALENDAR 28TH ANNUAL CAREFREE FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL

March 17-19, Downtown Carefree

This month, Thunderbird Artists will return to downtown Carefree with juried artists, fine wines and spirits, festival food, and live music. The featured artists are husband-and-wife team Al Hone, a wood and bronze sculptor and charcoal artist; and Mary Hone, a wildlife photographer and advocate for wild horses. Attendees can mingle with artists and fellow art lovers as they take in the views and sunshine of Carefree all day long. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission, $5 (cash only); wine tasting tickets with a souvenir glass, $15. www.thunderbirdartists.com.

BY BECKY ANITOCO

50th Annual Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show

March 4-12, Westworld of Scottsdale

Horses and riders from around the world come to compete for more than $140,000 in prizes during this nine-day, five-ring event. When attendees aren’t watching 1,500 of the country’s best quarter horses in action, they can shop for Southwestern furniture, jewelry, clothing, and horse items of all kinds. Or, enjoy a snack from a variety of food vendors. Free. www. suncircuit.com.

Sun & Sounds

March 5, 12, 19 & 26, Scottsdale Civic Center

Grab a lawn chair and some friends as free Sunday concerts return to the newly renovated outdoor spaces at the Civic Center. Two local artists will perform each weekend at this family-friendly event. Artist and food vendors and cold drinks enhance the experience. Participating artists will include Remi Goode & Gabe Leher, Hot House Orchids (March 5); Tessa Karrys, Carlos Azarte and the Kind Souls (March 12); Japhar will honor Jim Swanson of the Kitchell Corporation for Excellence in Philanthropy. The event will raise funds to provide clothing and shoes to children in need. 5:30-10 p.m. $250. www.aesaz.co.

Arizona Taco & Margarita Festival

March 11, The Great Lawn at Sportsman’s Park at State Farm Stadium

Taco lovers, rejoice! Dozens of local restaurants and food trucks will come together for a one-day event, serving up their best tacos and related food items. Bars and beverage stations will serve margaritas, tequila, beer and nonalcoholic beverages, while live music and kids activities will keep the whole family entertained. VIP tickets include two drinks, early entry, access to a VIP area, and a T-shirt. Noon (11 a.m. for VIP) to 6 p.m. General admission, $10; VIP, $49.99; parking, $10. www.arizonatacofest.com.

Carrie Underwood Denim & Rhinestones Tour

March 11, Desert Diamond Arena

The second leg of the American Idol winner’s arena tour will make a stop in Glendale before she resumes her Las Vegas residency. Underwood will perform her latest hit singles Ghost Story and Hate My Heart from her Denim & Rhinestones album, along with some of the classics that made her a household name and international star. She is joined on tour by Jimmie Allen, and $1 from each ticket sold will go to the Tunnel to Towers foundation. 7:30 p.m. www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com.

Irish Fountain Fest

March 11, Fountain Park

Pullen, Gabriel Bey & Friends (March 19); and Cisco and The Racecars, Kim Weston (March 26). Noon to 4 p.m. Free. www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

Celebration Of Caring Gala

March 10, Chateau Luxe Assistance League of Phoenix partners with schools, social service agencies and crisis teams to support children through programs that fulfill basic needs, foster self-esteem, and enhance quality of life. Its 52nd annual gala, with the theme Big Dreams & Blueprints

Fountain Hills’ famous geyser will turn emerald green during this family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring food trucks, a kids zone, the Crescent Crown Beer Garden, music, and dancing. Traditional Irish folk dancers will perform, and festivalgoers can “shamrock” to the music of Trotter’s Wake, Kilted Spirit, Traveler, and Phoenix Pipes & Drum. At 4 p.m., witness the “greening of the fountain,” launching 560-feet into the air. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. www. experiencefountainhills.org.

Camp Innovation

March 13-17, Arizona Science Center

Curious kids can spend spring break engaging in fun STEM learning experiences. First- and second-grade campers will take part in Dogs! A Science Camp, learning what it takes to become a veterinarian and how to train dogs