Things to Do
Weekly Planner
Viet Thanh Nguyen
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author will discuss his latest book “The Refugees” at Changing Hands bookstore in Phoenix. The book is a collection of short stories that tells the dreams and challenges of immigration. Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Changing Hands Phoenix, 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Free; reservations are requested on the Changing Hands Facebook page. 602-274-0067, changinghands.com. — Alison Stanton
Phoenix Improv Festival
The three-day event kicks off with an evening of laughs as 11 local improv troupes take the stage. The weekend includes shows with groups from California, Texas, Illinois and Wisconsin, plus an international ensemble. Guests can view a matinee Saturday as three improv troupes take the stage. Details: April 20-22. 6:3010 p.m. Thursday-Saturday for main shows; 4:30-6:30 p.m. for the matinee. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. $10-$20. 480-389-4852, phoeniximprovfestival.com. — Alison Stanton
Glow Paddle on Tempe Town Lake
Older kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy kayaking under the night stars on Tempe Town Lake. The Glow Paddle classes include all needed equipment and glow-in-the-dark accessories. Details: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, May 5 and May 19. Tempe Town Lake, Tempe. $35 for adults, $20 for youth. 480-350-8069, tempe.gov. — Alison Stanton
Rachel Barton Pine
Violinist Rachel Barton Pine, a onetime child prodigy, is famed for her love of heavy metal, and the Phoenix Symphony will indulge her with the world premiere of a Violin Concerto by New York composer Earl Maneein, inspired by his own passion for what he calls “extreme music.” Also on the program: Christopher Cerrone’s “Invisible Overture” and Schubert’s “Great” Symphony No. 9. Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 21-22. “Coffee Classics” performance (minus the Maneein), 11 a.m. Friday, April 21. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. $25-$93; $18-$39 Friday morning. 602-495-1999, phoenixsymphony.org. — The Republic
Front Porch Pickins Vintage & Handmade Market
The Southwest’s largest and most eclectic vendor showcase returns. Fans and past attendees of Front Porch Pickins events know that they offer prime opportunities for outfitting one’s home, uncovering rare and unique vintage items and finding that gift for the person who seems to have everything. Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 21-22. Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler. $6. Ages 12 and under are free. 623-298-5002, frontporchpickins.com. — The Republic
Sebastian Maniscalco
The popular comedian is making a stop in Phoenix during his “Why Would You Do That?” tour. The title of Maniscalco’s tour pretty much sums up his ability to say what everyone else is thinking—only in a hilarious way. Details: 7 p.m. Friday, April 21. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. $43.75-$63.75. VIP packages $285. 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com. — Alison Stanton
31st annual Pow Wow at ASU
The ASU band practice field will transform into the site for an exciting Pow Wow. Come watch the Grand Entry, gourd dancing ceremony and more. Details: Friday-Sunday, April 21-23; times vary, please check Facebook page for details. ASU band practice field, E. Sixth St. and S. Rural Road, Tempe. $8, $6 for students, free for under 6 and over 60. facebook.com/PowwowASU. — Alison Stanton
The 1975 at Alt AZ 93.3 Spring Fling
The 1975 will headline the Alt AZ 93.3 Spring Fling with Phantogram. The young rock sensations from Manchester, England, won Best Album at the Q Awards for last year’s model, a sophomore effort called “I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It,” which also topped the Billboard album charts. Details: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. $42. mesaamp.com. — Ed Masley
March for Science
The March for Science will celebrate science as well as offer support for those in the scientific community. All scientists and fans of
everything to do with science are encouraged to join the Earth Day event, which will also include food trucks, speakers and more.
Details: 10 a.m. rally, 11 a.m. march. Saturday, April 22. Cesar Chavez Memorial Plaza, 125 W. Washington St., Phoenix. phxmarchforscience.com. — Alison Stanton
Peoria Planetpalooza
Celebrate Earth Day with prizes, food trucks, music and appearances by Peoria’s Planetary Superheroes Desert Defenders. Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Westwing Park, 27100 N. Westwing Parkway, Peoria. Free. 623-773-7133, peoriaaz.gov/ NewSecondary.aspx?id= 54405. — The Republic