Your guide to the 2022 Tiki Oasis. BY JENNIFER GOLDBERG T he scene at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale may look a little different than usual this weekend when Arizona Tiki Oasis comes to town. The four-day celebration of all things Polynesian, tropical, and Midcentury Modern will take over the boutique hotel and fill it with visitors from around the country and more events than you can shake a lei at. Want to go? Here’s what you need to know. When and Where Is Arizona Tiki Oasis Happening? Arizona Tiki Oasis will be held Thursday, April 28, through Sunday, May 1, at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 East Main Street, Scottsdale. Scenes from the 2021 Arizona Tiki Oasis. appealing to it now. It’s not divisive. It’s not confrontational. There’s no competition.” Still, the tiki culture has been accused of appropriating the Polynesian ethos. Doe and her husband are aware of that criticism and even address it on their event website. “Tiki is this Americanized version of Polynesia, right? So, you know, we think of maybe like ticky-tacky 1950s barbecues and wearing your Hawaii shirt and eating pu pu platters,” says Doe. “But there’s a deep history of Polynesia. And so we want people to realize that. We want to be respectful of other people and that this is their culture that tiki is built on, and just to be aware of that and to make decisions that are thoughtful around what you wear. “I think that is important for us that we put that statement out there so that people can make the best, most informed deci- sions of how they can celebrate this fun party without offending anybody.” “We’re doing a seminar called ‘Conscious Tropical,’ which is presented by Be for Change,” adds Doe, “which is an organization that is basically all about conversations. You know, ‘Let’s talk about the history. What is it? What’s the history from the past? Where are we at now? How do we move forward?’” Arizona Tiki Oasis is moving forward, and this year’s event is adding a few things such as a cigar and whiskey pairing. Renowned genre artists John Mulder and Hector Guerrero will be in attendance. Celebrated mixologists like Adam Rains from The Golden Tiki, Las Vegas; Chris Coy from the Inferno Room; and Just Abby from Australia are serving up cocktails. Kyla Hein, the winner of 2019’s bartender battle, will make special punches and different drinks over the weekend. Whether you think tiki is just some kitschy slice of Americana design, or you’re all-in for its comic-book colored tropical immersion, Arizona Tiki Oasis has some- thing for everyone. And that seems to be what the culture is all about. At least that’s what Doe and Von Stroheim are serving beyond the luau. “Everybody’s friends in a tiki bar,” says Mr. Von Stroheim, “and I think that’s what’s appealing about these tiki events is when you go, you just start meeting people, and then you come back the next year and it’s like a high school reunion or a family reunion where you know you’re going to see your friends again.” All Photos: Arizona Tiki Oasis How Much Does It Cost? It depends on what you want to do. The vendor marketplace, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, is free to check out (and offers excellent people- watching). The Tiki-Tiki-Ho-Ho Luau, held at 7 p.m. on Friday, is $139 per person. All of the seminars have individual ticket prices ranging from free to $50. How Do I Buy Tickets? Visit aztikioasis.com. What’s Parking Like? Parking is limited, especially during marketplace hours. There’s some free self-parking available, but it may be easier to valet or park nearby and take a Lyft or Uber. What Should I Wear? Whatever you like — you won’t feel out of place in regular clothes, but this is the perfect time to bust out the wiggle dresses, Hawaiian print shirts, or anything else you’ve got that’s midcentury or tropical. Just keep the necessary bits covered, as there may be kids around. So I Can Bring the Kids? All ages are welcome at Arizona Tiki Oasis, but there are certain evening and cocktail-themed events that are only open to the 21-and-up crowd. What Should I Do There? The Arizona Tiki Oasis schedule is packed with events from Friday to Sunday. Here are a few of our recommended >>p 20 19 phoenixnewtimes.com | CONTENTS | FEEDBACK | OPINION | NEWS | FEATURE | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | PHOENIX NEW TIMES APRIL 28TH– MAY 4TH, 2022
