THINGS TO DO AROUND ARIZONA
Sedona International Film Festival
More than 165 films will be featured during Sedona’s annual film festival, which is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. The event includes Oscarnominated documentaries, narrative short films, animated shorts and more, along with actor appearances. Guests expected this year include Ed Asner, whose film “Ed Asner: On Stage and Off,” will be screened; Richard Dreyfuss; Diane Ladd; Mackenzie Phillips; and Deepak Chopra.
Details: Saturday, Feb. 23, through Sunday, March 3. Times, ticket prices and venues vary; see schedule online. sedonafilmfestival.com.
Ethnobotany of Sedona
Learn about the native plants and trees in the Sedona area. Guides explain how plant life is interconnected with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, people in contemporary times and wildlife. This outing is for beginner and experienced hikers, lasting 90 minutes to two hours with an elevation gain of 250 feet. Bring water, wear suitable footwear and meet in the Visitor Center a little before 1 p.m.
Details: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, weather permitting. Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. $7, $4 for ages 7-13. azstateparks.com/ red-rock.
Tree Festival & Climbing Championship
Professional tree climbing is hardly kid stuff, as the pros will demonstrate. Climbers will compete in four categories including aerial rescue because semi-intelligent beings (children and cats) often go up to places they can’t get down from. Visitors can take a tree tour, browse arbor-related booths and enjoy food trucks and family activities.
Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Reid Park, 22nd Street and Lakeshore Lane, Tucson. Free. 602-354-3023, aztrees.org.
Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival
When it comes to getting the most bang from the bucks you spend on Arizona wine, it’s tough to beat this festival. At least 18 wineries will bring their vintages and their expertise for all to enjoy. Some vintners will use the occasion to release their latest wines. Food trucks will be on hand, as will nearly a dozen vendors selling items that, more often than not, go well with wine.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3. Kief-Joshua Vineyards, 370 Elgin Road, Elgin. $25 ($30 at the door), includes souvenir wine glass and 10 sampling tickets. 520-455-5582, kj-vineyards.com.
Tucson Festival of Books
The state’s largest celebration of the written word features 400 authors and 200 booths. Actor Ed Asner will talk about his book, “The Grouchy Historian,” at 2:30 p.m. March 2. Events are free, but tickets are required for those most in demand. No ticket? Try your luck in the stand-by lines, or enjoy the numerous events that don’t require tickets.
Details: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3. University of Arizona campus, Tucson. Free (tickets required for some events). 520-6212426, tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.
Marana Wild Foods Gastronomy Tour
Ever wonder what ancient people ate centuries before ovens and non-stick cookware? Taste for yourself in this tour that starts in an archaeological site and finishes at a brewhouse. Learn about those who foraged the desert for sustenance before seeing how those foods are prepared today.
Details: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3. Meet at Tucson Premium Outlets, 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd. $99, reservations required. discover marana.org/gastronomy-tour.
Bluegrass at the Beach Music Festival
Welcome to that rare music fest where visitors are not just allowed, but encouraged to bring instruments to jam with like-minded enthusiasts. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of professionals playing on stage, including Rhonda Vincent and the Rage as well U.S. Navy Band Country Current. It all plays out not far from the iconic London Bridge.
Details: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 pm. Sunday, March 1-3. Lake Havasu State Park, Lot 4. $20-$100. 209-785-4693, hgolakehavasu .com/event/bluegrass-on-the-beach-music-festival.
Tonto National Monument Heritage Days
Celebrate Heritage Days at Tonto National Monument with prehistoric technology demonstrations, Apache dancers, activities for kids and representatives from the International Dark-Sky Association. The Lower Cliff Dwelling will be open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with rangers available to answer questions. The Upper Cliff Dwelling is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water and snacks.
Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10. Tonto National Monument, 26260 State Route 188, Roosevelt. Free. 928-467-2241, tont_information @nps.gov, www.nps.gov/tont.