106 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 This is the premier event for witnessing these magnificent creatures, known for their shimmering coats, distinctive facial features, long necks, high tail carriage and athletic yet graceful trot. Hundreds of thousands of people — including big names like Shania Twain — come from around the world for the 11-day event to show and view Arabians, the best of which fetch into the six figures and can be worth it for their stud fees. Not only is it fun for anyone who ever dreamed of a pony, but it’s a fundraiser for the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, which has donated millions to local charities. Best Event for Gearheads BARRETT-JACKSON COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale barrett-jackson.com If you love cars — particularly classic, rare, flashy, historic and even quirky ones — you can’t miss this over-the-top show that happens every January at WestWorld. This year, more than 1,900 cars were auctioned, including a $2.75 million Ferrari F40. Even if you’re not in the market to buy a limited-edition Jaguar or a badass muscle car — or the blue AMC Pacer with flames on the side used in “Wayne’s World,” which sold for $71,500 in 2022 — it’s a great place to gawk. But it’s also interactive: You can sign up for the hot laps and thrill rides that let you ride shotgun with a professional driver in a fast machine on a fun track or off-road in a four-wheel drive. And you don’t have to know your straight-eight from your hemi to enjoy the massive party, which draws about 300,000 people, including more than a few celebrities, over nine days. Get your motor runnin’ with live music, a hall of vendors hawking everything from hot tubs to neon signs, a ton of food from pizza to lobster mac and cheese, and bars, baby, bars for your day-drinking pleasure. Best Car Meets OFFICIAL ARIZONA CAR MEETS instagram.com/arizonacarmeets The car has always been king in Phoenix — and not just because it’s often the only way to actually get around. So while that reliance often means road rage and gnarly traffic, it also means a robust culture surrounding cars and driving in general. If you’re ever looking to connect with said culture, Official Arizona Car Meets is an important resource for every gearhead. The unofficial network shares events and car-centric happenings taking place across the Valley, from free car washes and “rides and coffee” to car meets and other showcases. It’s about connecting to folks young and old, lovers of American muscle and international speedsters, in a way that fosters community and connection about what matters most: the cars. And as with most things free (or free-adjacent), there are no limits to just who can come and enjoy the simple pleasures of riding around or showing off your own mean machine to like-minded folks. So spend your hot nights (and perhaps even your hotter days) enjoying the power and promise of car culture — just make sure you’ve filled up the tank on your way out. Best Car Show GUADALUPE CAR SHOW instagram.com/guadalupecarshow/ The free-of-charge lowrider car show’s appeal lies in its blend of elements that cater to a wide range of interests. The April event has been Guadalupe’s hometown staple for 20 years now — and keeps growing. From the stunning display of lowrider cars to the car hop contest for starters, this competition draws the top car builders from all over metro Phoenix and beyond. The vehicles that compete are of all eras and sport lots of chrome, candy paint jobs, tuck-and-roll interiors, hydraulic pumps and loud bass music. Then, the live music, local food and family-friendly activ- ities create camaraderie and fam bam reunions for metro Phoenicians and out- of-town cruisers. Its unique setting is located in and around the hacienda-style El Mercado de Guadalupe and the closed- down Guadalupe streets for blocks. The above mentioned elements focus on community engagement, making this a standout car show. After a day of festivities, hundreds of vehicles pull out and cruise Priest Drive, while spectators post up on the adjoined sidewalks and parking lots to watch the art-in-motion lowriders drive into the sunset. The Guadalupe Car Show promoters, Miguel Alvarado and his Intimidations Guadalupe AZ car club, have their next date on lock for April 28, 2024.
