64 of the Most Fun Things You Can Do In Phoenix This April
Spring has officially sprung in Phoenix, and we bet now your energy has, too! Keep up with your motivation while you have it and fill your month with unique events sure to bring good vibes to your April days.
Here’s what we’ve got circled in our #FrayLife calendar this month:
Monday, April 1
– You can catch a free lecture taking place at the ASU Downtown Campus featuring Jessica Yu, who is the “Doodle” team lead for Google. She’ll be talking about all the different changes to Google logos and the importance of visual storytelling from 7-8 p.m.
– Toronto alt-rock band Dilly Dally is heading to Valley Bar for a show promoting their latest album release, “Heaven.” The foursome is described as having “raspy vocals and a volatile rhythm section.” The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are between $15-20.
Tuesday, April 2
– Learn all about doing business with the city of Phoenix at the Burton Barr Library, where representatives will be talking about a range of things, including how to register as a vendor and the impact of local spending in communities. Registration for the event is free and it starts at 6 p.m.
– There’s still a good handful of tickets available for you to catch the showing of “Wicked” taking place at ASU Gammage at 7:30 p.m. The Broadway sensation is taking its tour to Tempe with ticket prices starting at $39!
Wednesday, April 3
– Don’t miss another great farmer’s market taking place from 4-8 p.m. featuring 40 unique vendors selling food and local goods. Head over to the Arizona Center to enjoy!
– Dance Gavin Dance is heading to the Van Buren for their Artificial Selection tour. The post-hardcore band is promoting their album released in 2018. The show starts at 6:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased in advance for $27.50.
Thursday, April 4
– Enjoy strolling select zoo trails with a beverage in hand as a part of the “Roars & Pours” event taking place at the Phoenix Zoo from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Craft beers will be available from Saint Archer Brewing Company, as well as food and wine for sale. Enjoy live music and entertainment. Tickets are $10!
– The Saguaro Scottsdale is hosting a Paddleboard Yoga class at their Picante Pool, where you can work your core and enjoy an hour of fitness from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for $45!
– Start doing your arm workouts because we’re hosting indoor cornhole for open play at Freezer’s Sports Bar & Grill. Join us for a free night of thirsty Thursday fun at happy hour prices!
Friday, April 5
– The 20th Annual Chandler Jazz Festival is kicking off the celebration of all things Jazz with a range of live performances. You can enjoy a variety of vendors and a beer and wine garden as well. Admission is free and the event begins at 5 p.m.
– The Arizona Science Center is hosting a Lasers and Liquor night where you can enjoy songs from queens Beyonce and Lady Gaga. The center has a new state-of-the-art laser system featuring tons of special effects for you to enjoy and dance the night away to. The event will take place from 6-10 p.m., and tickets are $10.
Saturday, April 6
– Over 20 different types of tequila will be available for tasting at the Scottsdale Tequila Fest taking place at Wasted Grain. The event runs from 3-6 p.m., and tickets start at $20. You can get an extra hour of tasting with a VIP ticket starting at $30.
– Join us for the CenPho Baseball Bar Crawl and represent your favorite team as we crawl around all the best bars in Central Phoenix! The day begins at Phoenix Ale Brewery Central kitchen at 1 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase on our website.
– Head over to Lake Pleasant to experience “Lanterns at the Lake,” where thousands of people gather to enjoy live music, food trucks, and the release of personalized sky lanterns. The $30 ticket price includes a lantern and lighter. It costs $10 per vehicle to park, so carpool!
Sunday, April 7
– Succulent and cacti enthusiasts should head over to the Desert Botanical Garden for the Central Arizona Cactus & Succulent Society Show and Sale from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. The event allows you to browse and buy a variety of plants and pots.
– Rock the Fork is presenting another great festival for the weekend. The Steak and Wine festival allows you to enjoy a variety of delicious items, entertainment and much more. Tickets are $12 and the event is from 12-7 p.m.
Monday, April 8
– Catch the cult favorite John Hughes film, “Pretty in Pink,” over at FilmBar as a part of their film series in partnership with Zia Records. The night will feature giveaways from the store. Tickets are $9.95 for the 7:30 p.m. show.
– Singer/songwriter Ben Rector is taking his talents to The Van Buren for Magic: The Tour Part II. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $32.
Tuesday, April 9
– My Wine Cellar is hosting a Springtime Wine Tasting that will have you ready for the warmer weather. Five different wines will be poured for you to try. Tickets are $30 each and the event starts at 6 p.m.
– The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com present a Storytellers event where members of the community will be sharing tales surrounding the topic of “growing up.” Enjoy the shop from 7-8:30 p.m. over at the Churchill for $12.
Wednesday, April 10
– The Phoenix Art Museum hosts “pay-what-you-wish” Wednesdays from 3-9 p.m. where complimentary admission is given (and donations are encouraged). Special-engagement exhibitions still require a $5 admission ticket.
– Head over to the Rose Room at Valley Bar for free music presented by Moonlight Magic. They blend a variety of styles, from lounge to ska and more. The event starts at 9 p.m.
Thursday, April 11
– Floridino’s Pizza and Pasta is teaming up with Lost Coast Brewery for a four-course beer dinner from 6:30- 9 p.m. featuring an appetizer, salad, main course and dessert. Contact the restaurant or message them on FB for pricing.
– Musical duo Sofi Tukker (best known for their song “Best Friend”) will be at the Van Buren for a show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for $25.
Friday, April 12
– Ahwatukee is hosting the 24th annual Festival of Lights Beer and Wine tasting festival featuring a great selection of local craft beers, assorted wines and appetizers. There will be live music, line-dancing and much more from 6:30- 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $50, or $30 for a designated driver ticket.
– Enjoy a free DJ set from Dutch duo DubVision over at Maya Day and Nightclub starting at 10 p.m. Make sure to RSVP.
Saturday, April 13
– The New Park Central in downtown Phoenix is having a Grand Opening from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., and you’re invited! You can look at the history of the area as well as see the new features. Enjoy musical performances and check out the restaurants in the area.
– Enjoy an “art in the park” painting party presented by The Spot Downtown, which is an arts and culture series held in various spots throughout the area. Head over to Hance Park from 11 a.m.- 4p.m. to enjoy!
Sunday, April 14
– The Scottsdale Culinary Festival allows you to enjoy food from 41 of the Valley’s restaurants. Enjoy cooking demos, live music on 3 stages and much more from 12-6 p.m. General admission starts at $12, with VIP packages and upgrades available.
– The Phoenix Amplified Jazz Experience is taking place at the Tempe Center for the Arts, and you can get a ticket for $45 to enjoy “The Legacy of Luther Vandross” by Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Terry Steele starting at 7 p.m.
Monday, April 15
– Freelance journalist Jenna Krajeski has had her work appear in publications from The New Yorker to The Atlantic. You can attend a free lecture where she shares her experiences reporting from around the world from 7-8 p.m. at the ASU downtown campus.
– Hotel Valley Ho is bringing you their monthly chef’s table, which features a special four-course menu created for the evening. The night will feature Silver Oak winery from California for the libations starting at 6:30 p.m. for $75 a person.
Tuesday, April 16th
– The Grand Canyon has been a national park since 1919, and to celebrate the 100-year milestone, stories about the beautiful area will be told at Crescent Ballroom from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.
– The ASU Concert Band and Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing at the Tempe Center for the arts as part of their 2018-19 season finale. The free event starts at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 17
– The Match “Yappy Hour” at the Found:RE hotel in Phoenix allows you to enjoy the company of your dog while socializing with others from 6-8 p.m. There will also be adoptable pups from a local shelter!
– It’s a chance for aspiring stand-up comedians to take the stage at Stand Up Live for the “New Faces of Comedy” open mic show. Tickets to attend are $5 (with a two-drink minimum) for the 8 p.m show.
– Meeting new people can be tough in a large city, so let us help make it easier. Join us for a speed dating happy hour at Two Brothers starting at 7 p.m. to add a little spice to your life. Tickets can be purchased online.
Thursday, April 18
– The Lost Leaf is hosting the Phoenix Poetry Slam at 7 p.m., where 15 poets compete in three rounds of poetry that are judged by 5 randomly selected members of the crowd. Admission is free!
– Rapper DMX will be at The Van Buren for his 20 Year Anniversary Tour – “It’s Dark & Hell is Hot.” You can grab tickets for $30, and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Friday, April 19
– Another music festival is hitting the Valley. The “Days on the Green” festival is kicking off, and the lineup for tonight features bands like Slightly Stoopid and Iration. Single day admission prices start at $44, with VIP and two-day admission passes available.
– “Party Like a Queen” with over 50 of Phoenix’s fabulous drag queens take over the Van Buren and host a Disco dance party. Doors open at 9 p.m. and admission is free before 9:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold for $15 after the cut off.
Saturday, April 20
– Celebrate all things related to french fries with the FRIED French Fry and Music Festival taking place at Hance Park in downtown Phoenix. There will be over 15 vendors selling all types of fries, live music and much more from 2-10 p.m. Tickets are $15.
– The PHX Night Market is taking place from 6 p.m.-12 a.m. focusing on celebrating cultural diversity and cuisine. There will be over 100 food and retail vendors and live music performances as streets are shut down in Phoenix. Ticket prices range, with GA starting at $15.
– Break out your bikes and get in gear for PHX Fray’s Thirsty Wheels Ride. The ride will help you get to know Scottsdale in a new way while taking in all the best views. Like always, we’ll end our adventure with some good brews. Tickets are available online.
Sunday, April 21
– It’s super trivia night at Crescent Ballroom – a Prince edition, dedicated to the late singer. The “funky extravaganza” allows you to win a range of prizes and there will be deals on food and drinks from 5-8 p.m.
– Post-hardcore band Falling in Reverse will be at The Van Buren for their Episode III Tour starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $27.50.
Monday, April 22
– FilmBar is hosting a “Bike-In” movie in partnership with Phoenix Spokes People and Phoenix Downtempo Ride. The movie featuring a bike that will be shown is “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” The showing is at 8 p.m., and tickets are $9.95.
– Popular synth pop group CHVRCHES are bringing their talents to the Van Buren for a show promoting their latest release, “Love is Dead.” Of course, you can jam out to your favorites, from “Clearest Blue,” to “The Mother We Share.” Tickets are $38.50 for the 8 p.m. show.
Tuesday, April 23
– Unwind with a free comedy show at Rott n’ Grapes RoRo from 7:30-9:30 p.m. There is a 2-drink minimum, but the show itself is free. You can enjoy a variety of food and drinks at happy hour prices until 8 p.m.
– Olivia O’Brien may have just rose to fame after collaborating with Gnash on the hit “I Hate U, I Love U,” – but she’s going to be at the Crescent Ballroom to perform on her own and showcase her unique voice. Tickets are $15.
Wednesday, April 24
– Let an instructor guide you through a watercolor class to learn how to paint a pretty cactus botanical scene. All of the materials will be provided for the beginner course, and tickets are $45.
– Hellogoodbye, the indie pop band that captivated us with the release of the hit “Here (In Your Arms) back in 2006, is playing a show at Rebel Lounge following the latest album release in 2018. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $18.
Thursday, April 25
– The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMOCA) is hosting a Documentary Video Art Festival at 7 p.m., where a variety of experimental short films will be shown. The event is free with RSVP, but seats are first come, first served.
– Party it up at Valley Bar with a range of Vinyl selections spun by DJ Gila Man starting at 9 p.m. The event is free to attend.
Friday, April 26
– The Arizona Center is hosting a bar crawl that will end with a showing of “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” outside in the Grotto. The bar crawl adventure starts at 5:30 p.m. and will feature drink specials, activities and prizes. The screening of the movie at 7:30 p.m. is free.
– The Nash is celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month and National Poetry Month all in one with a JAZZmeetsPOETRY night starting at 7:30 p.m. The platform allows musicians and poets to come together for a night of collaboration. Advance tickets are $15.
Saturday, April 27th
– Kick off the pool party season with the 10th anniversary of the Wet Electric Pool Party taking over the Big Surf Waterpark. Enjoy an electronic music festival while enjoying the wave pool and other slides the park has to offer. General admission is $59, and the party is from 12-9 p.m.
– The Arizona Craft Spirits & Cocktail Festival allows you to try a range of spirits from whiskey to vodka, and there will be craft beers and wine as well. General admission is $26, which includes 7 drink tickets and access to fun activities and music. There are VIP packages available. The event will take place from 3-9 p.m.
– Hit the trails and then hit the bar for some ales with us at PHX Fray’s Peaks & Pints: Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Join us for a morning of hiking followed by afternoon drinks, and give yourself a chance to knock your workout out of the way while making friends! Tickets can be purchased online.
Sunday, April 28
– The Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market returns to Scottsdale, allowing you to shop over 150 artisans and vintage curators to find unique pieces. There will be live music and food trucks as well. The market will be set up from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and tickets are $8 (parking is $5 per car).
– Sushi Lovers need to make their way out to the Sushi Festival, where they can try a bunch of different varieties from various vendors. You can enjoy music and other activities as well. Entry is $12, and the event lasts from 12-7 p.m.
Monday, April 29
– Maya Day and Nightclub is launching the start of their swim parties with a night swim launch party at 10 p.m. featuring DJ Justin Caruso. Admission is free with RSVP.
Tuesday, April 30
– Electronic/indie band Passion Pit is taking over the stage at the Marquee Theatre to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their hit release, “Manners,” which features all the favorites from “Sleepyheads” to “Little Secrets.” The show is bound to be great. Tickets are $35.
– The Artists of Promise is an annual exhibition honoring Chancellor Award winners of Maricopa Community College’s competitions, which encompasses everything from dance and choreography to fashion design and music. Starting at 5:30 p.m., you can attend the free showcase at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix.
Put your beach bod on the back burner and make your April goal to visit all the best taco places in Phoenix. We promise you wont regret it.
What does April have in store for you? Make sure you tag us on social with #PHXFray and #FrayLife so we can get in on the action!
View More Articles By Emily Holloway