What to do during Fiesta Bowl 2020
So you’re in town to catch the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale on Dec. 28. But what is there to do around Phoenix when you’re not rooting for Clemson or Ohio State at the game?
One thing’s for sure: You’ll want to be outside. There’s no shortage of day trips and scenic landscapes — and we’re guessing you might want to snap some pictures of a saguaro cactus or two to prove you visited the Sonoran Desert.
Other special offerings in the Valley of the Sun include a T. rex skeleton that’s millions of years old and a downtown art walk that will introduce you to local bands, vendors and restaurants.
Here’s our guide to some must-visit places during Fiesta Bowl week.
Pizzeria Bianco
It’s hardly a trip to Phoenix if you haven’t visited one of James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Bianco’s celebrity-frequented establishments, Pizzeria Bianco, Pane Bianco and Bar Bianco. Here’s a tip: Pizzeria Bianco in the Town and County shopping center north of downtown has more seating than the original location and takes reservations.
Details: Five Phoenix locations. 602368-3273, pizzeriabianco.com.
First Fridays Art Walk
There’s no better way to see all that downtown Phoenix has to offer than on this art walk that encompasses some 50 galleries and cultural venues, as well as almost two dozen restaurants and bars. Before going, make sure to check our comprehensive guide. Participating locations include the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Science Center, Lady Luck Tattoo Phoenix, Phoenix Public Market Café, The Churchill and Cobra Arcade Bar.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3. See the map and shuttle routes online. Free. artlinkphx.org/first-fridays.
In-N-Out Burger
We did our research and found that, woefully, there are no In-N-Out Burger restaurants east of Texas, and we’re thinking that people from that side of the U.S. might want a taste.
Known for their simple and affordable menu of just burgers, fries and shakes — and the not-so-secret menu, which is where you’ll find the famous “Animal Style” burgers and fries — In-NOut restaurants can be found across the Valley. The location closest to State Farm Stadium is at 9585 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m. SundaysThursdays; 10:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. FridaysSaturdays. See all locations at in-nout.com.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park
From the youngest residents in the baby animal nursery to the bigger, more dangerous mammals at the safari park, you’ll find the largest selection of exotic and endangered animals in Arizona — even a rare white alligator.
Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (aquarium is open until 7 p.m.). Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park, 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park. $23$41.50. 623-289-1132, wildlifeworld.com.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Head east, about an hour’s drive from downtown, and you’ll find Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden, which offers daily tours of vegetation native to the Sonoran Desert and deserts from around the globe.
Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; last admission one hour before closing. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior. $5-15. 520-6892723, btarboretum.org.
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
The 47-acre preserve on the northwestern edge of Phoenix is home to more than 1,500 prehistoric petroglyphs. Along a quarter-mile trail you’ll also see desert wildlife and come across the museum, which has an ongoing exhibit on archaeological discoveries in Deer Valley. The preserve is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. WednesdaysSaturdays. Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix. $9, $5 for ages 7-12. 623-582-8007, shesc.asu.edu/dvpp.
Victoria the T. rex
For more prehistoric fun, catch Victoria on her world tour at the Arizona Science
Museum in downtown Phoenix. The T. rex, reportedly the second-most complete skeleton ever discovered, is part of an interactive exhibit that allows adults and children alike to experience the sights and smells of life as a T. rex and create a personalized hologram.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. $11.95 in addition to the general admission fee of $18 ($13 for ages 3-17) online, $19.95 ($14.95 for children) at the door. 602-716-2000, azscience.org/victoria.
The Maricopa Trail
It might be daunting trying to figure out where to start on the 317-mile trail. Our advice is to begin at one of the Maricopa County Parks. White Tank Mountain Regional Park offers trails ranging from less than a mile to almost 8 miles long; the nature center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Details: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. SundaysThursdays; 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. $7 per vehicle. 602-5062930, ext. 5; maricopacountyparks.net.
Kart racing
If you’re looking for another outlet for your competitive spirit, check out indoor and outdoor kart racing. Near downtown, not too far from where you likely arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, K1 Speed offers indoor European-style electric kart racing. Farther north near Scottsdale, Octane Raceway’s race track begins inside and winds outdoors.
K1 Speed: Noon-10 p.m. MondaysThursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturdays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays; holiday hours available here. 2425 S. 21st St., Phoenix. Prices vary by package. 602-223-0074, k1speed.com.
Octane Raceway: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays; 10 a.m.-midnight Saturdays; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays; holiday hours available here. 9119 E. Talking Stick Way, on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale. Prices vary by package. 602302-7223, octaneraceway.com.