Happenings in Arizona

A year after COVID-19 canceled most of the beloved annual events in metro Phoenix, some of them are making a careful return right before temperatures start topping 100 degrees every day.

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market, which typically takes place in the fall and spring, is coming back to WestWorld of Scottsdale after canceling both events last year — as is the annual Western Week in Old Town Scottsdale.

Under Gov. Doug Ducey’s March 25 executive order, events of more than 50 people can resume without limitations but “should continue to follow safe practices and CDC recommendations, including physical distancing.”

Here are upcoming events in metro Phoenix for people of all ages.

Scottsdale’s annual Western Week returns to Old Town with “an authentic Old West experience.”

Some of the featured free events include:

• Western Spirit Gold Palette ArtWalk: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, April 15, in the Scottsdale Arts District (Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of Indian School Road from Marshall Way to Fifth Avenue).
• Hashknife Pony Express Arrival: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road.
• Arizona Indian Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 17, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at the West Lawn of the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
• Native Art Market Cultural Experience Week: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Sunday, April 18, at Native Art market, 7215 E. Main St.

Face coverings over the mouth and nose are recommended for all attendees and staff and required when social distancing is not feasible.

Details: Through Sunday, April 18, in Old Town Scottsdale. See complete schedule online. https://scottsdalewesternweek.com.

The whole family is invited to this festival at Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert. Expect live music, beer, food trucks, farm animal feeding and lawn games.

Chad Freeman and the Redline will take to the stage at 2:30 p.m., and Matt Farris and his band will play until 9:30 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $15, $5 for ages 1 to 12 years. Infants under 1 get in free. General admission is $20 at the gate, $10 for children.

Details: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, April 17. Mother Nature’s Farm, 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert. $5-$20. 480-892-5874, goodvibesjamboree.com.
 

The Valley’s semiannual shopping event for vintage and artisanal goods returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale for its 10th year. For the full list of more than 130 vendors, visit  junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com.

Masks are required for all attendees. Other COVID-19 safety measures include an enhanced air filtration system, increased sanitation and limited capacity. Parking is $10.

Since WestWorld of Scottsdale is also a vaccine site, market patrons should enter at 94th Street and Bell Road.

Details: 4-9 p.m. Friday, April 23; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 24-25. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. $8-$40, with discounts at the gate; free for children 12 and younger. Junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com

Are you looking for home improvement inspiration or ways to potentially downsize? The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show is featuring tiny home tours at its next WestWorld of Scottsdale expo. There also will be free consultations, DIY workshops expert presentations, local artisans and home improvement companies for potential remodelers.

Face coverings are required for everyone 2 years and older. Other safety measures include reduced capacity, wider aisles for social distancing and cloth barriers between vendors in areas where distancing is difficult.

Since WestWorld of Scottsdale is also a vaccine site, expo patrons should enter at 94th Street and Bell Road.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 30-Sunday, May 2. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $2-$5; free for children 2 years and younger. 602-485-1691, maricopacountyhomeshows.com.

Arizona’s Kentucky Derby party returns with thoroughbred horse racing, large hats and a Kentucky Derby watch party.

There are various open-air tents where live racing can be viewed starting at 11:30 a.m.  and taking place every 30 minutes. Those who want to place bets must be at least 21 years old.

Individual tickets are $30 before April 15, $35 if reserved after April 16 but before the event and $40 at the door.

Masks are required. These safety protocols will be in place:

• Temperature checks will be enforced; if a guest’s temperature is 100.4 or higher, they will not be allowed to enter. 
• Social distancing markers will be placed in queues.
• Food stations and high-touch surfaces will have increased cleaning.
• Seating groupings will be spaced at least 6 feet apart.
• More lawn seating options have been added.

Details: 7:15 a.m. Saturday, May 1. Turf Paradise, 1501 W. Bell Road, Phoenix. 480-423-1414, thepoloparty.com/derby.