Festivals, Fairs, and Functions!

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/02/9_festivals_to_hit_by_summer.php

City of Tempe Events

Phoenix Events

SPRING (well, Arizona spring)

• Arizona Beer Week - statewide, multiple events- "Arizona Beer Week, inarguably one of the best weeks of the year for the state’s craft beer lovers happens every February. The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild celebrates craft beer with over 200 events on tap from Flagstaff to Tucson and every brew-lovin’ burg in between.
• Arizona Cocktail Week - statewide, multiple events - "Nationally renowned mixologists will partner with Arizona’s home-grown talent to provide educational seminars, interactive tastings, cocktail competitions, pool parties and more. Over 30 events will take place statewide."
• Arizona Restaurant Week - statewide, multiple days - "This statewide affair offers foodies a wealth of dining opportunities and the chance to get outside their own neighborhood and try something new. From sizzling Southwestern and soothing comfort foods to five-star dining and international fare – it’s all on the table during Arizona Restaurant Week. So prepare your taste buds and dig in."
• Devoured Phoenix - Phoenix - visit site for tickets and event info.  "Devoured Food + Wine Classic is the region’s premier annual culinary event hosted by Phoenix Art Museum, Local First Arizona and Devour Phoenix. Our goal is to showcase the fine food and drink producers and purveyors of Arizona while furthering metro Phoenix as a dining destination worthy of international prestige. Devoured features culinary curators and purveyors who support the Arizona food, wine and restaurant industries."
• Scottsdale Culinary Festival - Scottsdale, multiple events - "The six day festival offers a diverse menu of luxurious dinners, themed cocktail parties and our signature event, the Great Arizona Picnic featuring 50 restaurants, chef demonstrations, live bands and specialty tasting venues."

FALL

• Arizona Restaurant Week - statewide, multiple days - "This statewide affair offers foodies a wealth of dining opportunities and the chance to get outside their own neighborhood and try something new. From sizzling Southwestern and soothing comfort foods to five-star dining and international fare – it’s all on the table during Arizona Restaurant Week. So prepare your taste buds and dig in."
• Arizona Taco Festival - Scottsdale - "Competition taco and Sidecart throwdown food samples are $2 each. Size of the sample is at the discretion of the team. Expect smaller, street tacos or portions of larger tacos. Each sample will include 1-2 ounces of protein and other ingredients. Vendors will be on hand to sell other food as well."
• Chili Pepper Fest - Phoenix - "The Roosevelt Row Chile Pepper Festival kicks off its second season by presenting local restaurants, chefs, and gourmet food trucks competing in a Chile Challenge for the most delicious, chile pepper-inspired cuisine. Food enthusiasts, or just those of you who are hungry and in the Phoenix area, are encouraged to try featured Chile dishes from participating restaurants and rate it at the Festival.  The dish with the highest overall rating will be announced on stage at the Chile Pepper Festival as the People’s Choice Winner."
• The Festival at the Farm - Phoenix - "Shake hands and drink the wine of Arizona's own grape farmers and wine producers in the picturesque setting of Phoenix's historic The Farm at South Mountain this fall.  The state's top wine growers will gather to showcase their finest wines at this interactive event.  Guests will learn about Arizona wine production, participate in fun and educational wine seminars and taste dozens of wines!"

WINTER

• Phoenix BrewFest - Phoenix - "The Phoenix Brewers Invitational is an opportunity to provide the Arizona craft Beer scene and the City of Phoenix with a signature event to help generate awareness of our developing craft beer culture. Situated in the heart of downtown Phoenix, it is an ideal venue for anyone who loves craft beer. With an active beer community and scores of award-winning beers, the festival will showcase the soul of the City of Phoenix."