For three decades, Heard Museum has hosted the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, downtown Phoenix. This year, nearly one hundred performers from across the country will dazzle lucky ticketholders with their vibrant traditional storytelling through rhythm and movement. Coming quickly this February 17th and 18th from 9-5pm; tickets on sale here. Museum members get in 45 minutes early. The Heard Museum is near a Valley Metro Rail stop which can save fans the hassle of traffic and limited parking availability.

Take the Metro Rail to another Valley favorite Tempe Festival of the Arts annual 3-day weekend bonanza, starting March 8th at 10am. This is a feast for the eyes. All bets are on for great weather, performances, food, drink and of course ART of every kind. Free to enter from numerous vantages, check the map for public parking details. If you drive yourself downtown, attendees are warned NOT to mistakenly park at businesses in the area without triple checking for signage, as you will likely be towed from unauthorized areas.

In its 5th year at Mesa’s Main Street Pioneer Park on Sunday, March 10th Mask Alive! Festival of Masks delights and educates the public for only 3 hours, 2-5pm. A cultural bonanza of puppetry, food, music and craft with free parking and admissions. Food trucks and activities for the family. Guess what? Pioneer Park is on the Metro Rail route, too.