Below is a listing of events being held this weekend in the West Valley. Dates, times, and details are subject to change. Contact the host site to verify information.

3/16 THURSDAY

TALENT: Go to Talent Thursdays featuring Elijah Phillips 7-9 p.m. March 16 at Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd. Mr. Phillips is 16 years old and he has been playing the piano for 9 years. He will perform his originals, 80s cover songs and today’s hits. Visit www.westgateaz.com.

BOOT CAMP: Participate in a workout program 5:30-6:30 a.m. March 16 at the Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road. This program is designed for individuals to train at their own level to increase strength, stamina and flexibility. This class will challenge participants with a wide variety of workouts incorporating kettlebells, cardio and strength circuits and stretching. The class is for people 18 years and older. The fee is $160 for residents and $165 for non-residents. Call 623-773-7070.

GUITAR: Listen to live music by Rich LaRose who will play the guitar while Les Paul plays the piano 6-9 p.m. March 16 at Rag’s Real Chicken and Waffles, 12242 N. 111th Ave. People can bring their musical instrument or just sing along. This event is free. Call 623-077-2257.

MOVIE: Watch the movie “Zootopia” 6 p.m. March 16 at The Stardust Theater, 14401 N. R.H. Johnson Blvd. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes a comedy-adventure set in the modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia. Determined to prove herself, Officer Judy Hopps, the first bunny on Zootopia s police force, jumps at the chance to crack her first case even if it means partnering with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery. There is a $2 donation. Visit www.scwaz.com.

PROGRAM: Participate in a Diabetes Prevention Program 11 a.m.-noon March 16 at Center for Heath and Wellbeing, 14719 W. Grand. This research-based program focuses on weight management, nutrition, exercise and behavior modification for lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Call 623-832-9355 to register and inquire about the cost.

HEALING: Join “A Path to Healing” event 10 a.m.-2p.m. March 16 at the WHAM Community Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road. The class is for veterans and is free for all ages. The program will include 12 four hour sessions in which participants will learn from professional artists.  Classes will range from drawing to painting, and other mediums. During each session, supplies are provided for each participant and each class will be taught by a professional artist. A light lunch will also be provided. Reservations required. Call 623-584-8311.

 

3/17 FRIDAY

DINNER: Eat at the Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner 5:30 p.m. March 17 at the Dysart Community Center, 14414 N. El Mirage Road. This dinner will benefit the Valley View Community Food Bank. There will be a beef dinner with the trimmings, including a glass of beer or wine for $25. Music will be by DJ Robert Wilson. Call 928-252-3876 for tickets.

RUN: Participate in the one mile Kilt Run 6-7 p.m. March 17 at Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd. All participants will receive a kilt, finisher’s medal, cold beer (must be 21 or older) and free admission to McFadden’s St. Patrick’s Extravaganza. Registration is required. Westgate wants to break the world record for the largest kilt race with this event. Visit www.westgateaz.com.

FILM: Watch the movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for free 7:30 p.m. March 10 at Arizona State University’s West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road. This spin-off of the Harry Potter franchise jumps back in time to explore the wizarding world of 1926 New York, which is being threatened by both mystical acts of destruction and a group of extremist No-Majs (the American term for Muggles, i.e. those unable to use magic). Author Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in the city as part of a global study of fantastic beasts, but he gets caught up in this conflict when some of the magical creatures in his care are accidentally released. Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller and Johnny Depp co-star in this fantasy adventure. This film is directed by David Yates (who helmed four of the Harry Potter films) and is based on the book by J.K. Rowling. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to this event. There will also be free parking and free popcorn. Call 602-543-6450.

SELF DEFENSE: Learn about self-defense tactics 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 17 at Arizona State University’s West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road. The ASU Police Department will be at Casa De Oro talking about crime prevention resources. Officers will answer questions about using elbows, fists, knees and feet for self-defense, and what to expect when engaging in physical contact. This event is free and open to the public. Email katy.Harris@asu.edu.

PLAY: See the play “The Odd Couple” (Female Version) by Neil Simon 6:15 p.m. March 17 at Vistas Recreation Center Auditorium, 18825 N. Country Club Parkway. Florence Unger and Olive Madison are the main characters in the play. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The Pidgeon sisters have been replaced by the two Constanzuela brothers. Tickets are $12 in advance and $13 at the door. Visit www.WestbrookVillagePlayers.org or call 623-566-6178.

DANCE: Go to the St. Pat’s Day Big Band Dance 7 p.m. March 17 at Paradise RV Resort, 10950 W. Union Hills. The band, the Encores, is a 19 member ensemble whose style includes swing, waltz, polka, rock and Latin. Attendees should wear green. There will also be a parade and dinner. Tickets are $8. Call 253-350-8183.

PLAY: Watch the play “A Bag Full of Miracles” 7 p.m. March 17 at the Mountain View Center, 9749 N. 107th Ave. When Lady Anne Windesmeer turn Windesmeer House into a Bed and Breakfast, it becomes the setting cast of characters that bring with them hilarity, intrigue, romance, and a twist of fate worth witnessing. Reservations are required. Visit www.suncityplayerscommunitytheater.org or call 480-621-9195.

DANCE: Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Ballroom Dance 6:30 p.m. March 17 at the Cimarron Center, 17100 W. Clearview Blvd. This month’s dance features Manuel Dorantes, a popular entertainer who is recognized as a keyboard player in the valley. He has a repertoire of hundreds of danceable tunes including foxtrots, rumbas, waltz, cha cha, tango and swing. .  The dance is open to the public. Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased online at www.grandinfo.com.

BAND: Listen to The AZ Swing Kings perform 5-7 p.m. March 17 Birt's Bistro, 16752 N. Greasewood St. The 19-piece band consists of professional all-star musicians who play the authentic sounds of the famous bands who represented the swing and jazz eras. The band is directed by Lenny King, former creator and leader of the Chicago Metropolitan Orchestra. This event is open to the public and is $5. Call 623-584-0065.

SKITS: See the Happy Trails Club perform Hollywood themed skits 10-11:30 a.m. March 17 at the Happy Trails Adult RV Resort, 17200 W. Bell Road. Clubs that want to participate need to sign-up in the Activities room. Call 623-584-0066.

MEAL: Take a healthy meal prep for cancer class 10-11 a.m. March 17 at the Center for Health and Wellbeing, 14719 W. Grand Ave. Learn how to create easy and affordable dishes packed with antioxidants and flavor while staying on a budget. Open to cancer survivors, family and friends. Registration required. Call 623-455-5633.

 

3/18 SATURDAY

FESTIVAL: Attend the Glendale Folk and Heritage Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 18 and 19 at Sahuaro Ranch, 9802 N. 59th Ave. The event is held every spring to foster an understanding and appreciation of traditional Arizona music and culture through experiential learning, performances and workshops. It will feature folk and bluegrass music performed by more than 400 musicians, live cowboy poetry and authentic storytelling, with five stages of music throughout both Saturday and Sunday. In addition, three workshop areas will invite attendees to learn to play spoons, saws, ukuleles, harmonicas, swing guitar, pennywhistle, jug band, skiffle music, autoharps and more. Other activities will include historic site tours, blacksmith demonstrations, workshops, and musician "jam sessions.” Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Some seating is available, however, attendees are advised to bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Visit www.glendaleaz.com/events or call 623-930-2820.

MUSIC: Hear The Caribbean Cruisers perform 6:30-9:30 p.m. March 18 at Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd. This band styles of music include Calypso, Junkanoo, Soca, Latin, Reggae and Contemporary Jazz. The band’s repertoire includes traditional Caribbean favorites from the various islands, jazz set in Latin and other tropical styles and popular American tunes arranged in Caribbean rhythmic styles. Visit www.westgateaz.com.

RESCUE: Attend the Borderland Produce Rescue event 8-11 a.m. March 18 at Arizona State University’s West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road. With Out Waste (P.O.W.W.O.W.) disperses 10 million pounds of fresh rescued produce annually to communities at various sites throughout Southern Arizona and the Metropolitan Tucson and Phoenix service areas. At this event attendees can contribute $10 to shop for up to 60 lbs. of fresh produce. This event is open to the public. Call 602-543-6284.

RED DRAGON: Participate in a self-defense class for women 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. March 18 at The Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road. Learn basic strikes, blocks, and techniques against any type of assault, with emphasis on ways of moving that will allow to effectively overcome an attacker no matter the age, body type, or physical ability. Mothers and daughters ages 13 and older are welcome. The fee is $28 for residents and $37 for non-residents. Call 623-773-8600.

LOVE: Take a live the Life You Love class 9 a.m.-noon March 18 at The Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road. Continue achieving the life goals desired, with life coach, Shelly Ryan. There will be more purposeful hands-on activities geared to create clarity, explore obstacles and strategies to overcome them; and updating an action plan designed to move towards a life you love. Bring a mobile device or writing paper/pen. The fee is $29 for a resident and $38 for a non-resident. Call 623-773-8600.

SHOW: Watch the AZ Swing Kings band perform 7-9 p.m. March 18 at the Yacht Club, 20015 N. 108th Ave. Tickets are $15. Call 623-566-6001.

FAIR: Attend the Spring Craft Fair 8 a.m.-2 p.m. March 18 at the R.H. Johnson Center, 19803 N. R.H. Johnson Blvd. There will be donuts, coffee, breakfast burritos, and BBQ pork sandwiches available for purchase. Call 623-544-6093.

 

3/19 SUNDAY

SHOW: Attend the Spring Fine Art and Craft Show 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 19 at Trilogy at Vistancia, 27980 Trilogy Blvd. More than 30 artists will be showing their specialty in a variety of media including oil painting, water color, jewelry, ceramic, glass, woodworking, dolls and more. Admission is free. Call 623-935-9666.

CONCERT: Listen to a free concert by Chris Kane Trio 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 5 at Vistas Recreation Center, 18825 N. Country Club Parkway. This will be an indoor concert. Call 623-773-7137.

TRIBUTE: See Rob Caudill perform a Rod Stewart tribute 6 p.m. March 19 at the Sundial Center, 14801 N. 103rd Ave. Complete with soccer balls into the crowd and flamboyant dress, Mr. Caudill has the voice, look and mannerisms of Mr. Stewart throughout his career. As the Sun Bowl shows are free for RCSC cardholders and their escorted guests only. Please be prepared to show an RCSC member or privilege card with photo. Call 623-561-4660.

POTTERY: Take a pottery workshop 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 19 at the WHAM Community Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road. The instructor will be Mata Ortiz. Call 623-584-8311.