Feb. 7th–Feb. 13th, 2019 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | mUsIC | Cafe | FILm | CULtURe | nIght+DAy | FeAtURe | neWs | oPInIon | FeeDBACK | Contents | 34 the AZ Herb Association’s demonstration gardens, and a hands-on herb propagation workshop. There will also be breakfast, drinks, and snacks. The Herb Festival goes from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Febru- ary 23. Tickets are $35. PHX Vegan Food Festival February 23 and 24 Margaret T. Hance Park 67 West Culver Street phxveganfest.com This might sound like your perfect week- end: vegan restaurants and food trucks, food purveyors, an artisan market with vegan- friendly products, chef demos, live music, and community activities. If it does, attend the 2019 PHX Vegan Food Festival. What’s more, vendors are asked to use biodegrad- able utensils and plates so we don’t litter up Margaret T. Hance Park. The fun starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 24. General ad- mission for one day starts at $25. Arizona Matsuri February 23 and 24 Heritage and Science Park 115 North Sixth Street azmatsuri.org Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the 35th annual Arizona Matsuri — the theme for which is Japan, Old & New. Sam- ple everything from traditional and mod- ern Japanese cuisine in the form of ramen, noodles, rice dishes, takoyaki, yakitori, sweets, and shaved ice. Pay a visit to the beer and sake garden, where you can taste sake, beer, and cocktails. In between bites check out Japanese markets, live perfor- mances, and a traditional tea ceremony. Festivities kick off both days at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. at Heritage and Science Park. What’s more, admission is free. Italian Festival February 22 to 24 Scottsdale Waterfront 7135 East Camelback Road, #165 italianfestivalaz.com Mangia, mangia. That’s what you’ll be say- ing at the sixth annual Italian Festival of Arizona — a three-day celebration of Ital- ian culture, music, and food. There will be pizza, paninis, gelato, pasta, and wine. En- joy the espresso bar while listening to live performances from Italian musicians. Fes- tivities kick off at the Scottsdale Water- front from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Febru- ary 24. Tickets are $10. Rockin’ Taco Rumble March 1 Unexpected Art Gallery 734 West Polk Street rockintacorumble.com This taco competition is designed for food- ies, cocktail fans, and craft beer lovers. The second-ever Rockin’ Taco Rumble will have unlimited taco sampling and six beers or cocktails, plus music and themed enter- tainment for this 21-and-over event. Ven- dors include Mr Mesquite Taqueria, with more to be announced. The rumble runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 1, at Un- expected Art Gallery. General admission is $45 with online tickets, and $55 the day of the event. Melrose Street Fair March 2 Melrose District Seventh Avenue between Indian School and Camelback roads m7streetfair.com Presented by the Seventh Avenue Mer- chants Association (SAMA), the 17th an- nual Melrose Street Fair will be food trucks, beer, shopping, and lots of live en- tertainment. Held throughout the Melrose District, the fair promises the Melrose Pa- tio craft beer garden sponsored by Huss Brewing, a set from the Haymarket Squares, and food truck fare from Circle R Farm, Marcel Waffles Phoenix, Cactus Corn, Yatai Ramen, and more. The party goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Fill up and shop through over 200 vendors, plus parking and entry is free. Polish Festival March 2 and 3 Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish 2828 West Country Gables Drive festiwal.polskaparafiaphoenix.com The best thing about the 16th annual Polish Festival is, obviously, the food. You’re free to stuff yourself with cabbage rolls, Hunt- er’s stew, sauerkraut, buckwheat sausage, potato pancakes, crepes, cakes, and pas- tries. You’re also welcome to hit the pierogi bar and wash it down with Poland’s own Okocim draft beer. The party goes from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, at the Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish. Entry is free. Downtown Mesa Brew Fest March 9 Downtown Mesa Macdonald and Main streets downtownmesa.com/brewfest The fifth annual dog-friendly Downtown Mesa Brew Fest will be a gathering of local breweries, food trucks, live music, games, and contests. Purchase $5 beer tickets (cash only) for 12-ounce tastings from breweries like SanTan Brewing Company, The Beer Research Institute, SunUp Brewing Com- pany, Wren House Brewing Co., and more. The festivities run from 1 to 6 p.m. along Macdonald Street north of Main Street. General admission is free. Cafe from p 33 >> p 36 Suzette / Flickr This festival is vegan through and through.
