Below is a listing of events being held this weekend in the West Valley. Dates, times, and details are subject to change. Contact the host site to verify information.

3/9 THURSDAY

PORTRAIT: Take a beginning drawing/painting portrait class 9 a.m.-noon March 9 at the Glendale Foothills Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Drive. By applying basic principles of line, proportion, light and observation, each participant can improve their rendering of the human face. Each class will include a mini lesson and plenty of one on one coaching and assistance. Bring a sketch pad and sketching pencil, pen and eraser to first class. The fee is $59 for residents and $69 for non-residents. Call 623-930-4600.

BAND: Jimfab performs 7-9 p.m. March 9 at Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd. This singer/songwriter plays hits from yesterday and today with a modern acoustic twist. Visit www.westgateaz.com.

EXHIBIT: See the new exhibit “Foto Five: Photography in the Digital Age” noon-6 p.m. March 9 at Peoria City Hall, 8401 W. Monroe St. Currently showcased are the works of five Arizona photographers each with a unique approach to this art medium in the 21st century. This exhibit presents perspectives on traditional landscapes, black/white and color images as well as the newer age of computer manipulation techniques. This is free and open to the public. Call 623-972-0635.

THEATER CLASS: Attend an acting class 5-6 p.m. March 9 at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 8355 W. Peoria Ave. The class will focus on scene work and audition preparation. This class if for ages 13-17. The fee is $175. Registration required. Call 623-815-7930.

PICNIC: Eat at the Wisconsin Day Picnic 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. March 9 at the Sun Bowl, 10220 N.107th Ave. Tickets are $8 per person. There will be beer, beans, chips, hot dogs, soda, music, prizes and more. Call 623-229-2650.

GUITAR: Listen to live music by Rich LaRose who will play the guitar while Les Paul plays the piano 6-9 p.m. March 9 at Rag’s Real Chicken and Waffles, 12242 N. 111th Ave. People can bring their musical instrument or just sing along. This event is free. Call 623-077-2257.

CHORUS: Rehearse for the Sun City Women’s Chorus 8:45-11 a.m. March 9 at the Fairway Recreation Center, 10600 W. Peoria Ave. The Sun City Women’s Chorus has been performing in Sun City for 55 years. It was the first chartered club whose members come from a variety of backgrounds. The chorus gives two concerts a year, one in spring and one in December. The group has 75 members and is directed by West Valley vocalist Jane Higgs. Call 480-236-1602.

SECRETS: Take part in a series of presentations about the Book of Enoch 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. March 9 at The Place of Spiritual Wisdom, 12630 N. 103rd Ave. Alysia Thurston, spiritual teacher, researcher, life coach, and psychic medium will talk about a series of presentations about the hidden secrets in the Book of Enoch. This book is the story of ancient civilizations, the history of religions, how the races began, the story of Noah, the travels of the Israelites, and much more. The fee is $10. Registration is required. Call 602-999-5755.

MOVIE: Watch the movie, “Hunt For The Wilderpeople” 6 p.m. March 9 at The Stardust Theater, 14401 N. R.H. Johnson Blvd. Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh new start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the Loving Aunt Bella, the cantankerous Uncle Hec and their dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options. There is a $2 donation. Visit www.scwaz.com.

MEDITATION: Learn about meditation techniques 6-8 p.m. March 9 at the Beardsley Recreation Center, 12755 Beardsley Road. In the last 10 years, significant research has proven that regular meditation is good for the spirit, soul and body. This four-week course is designed to help you reap the benefits of a regular, daily meditation practice. Each class will be part lecture, part discussion, but mostly practice and experiential. Participants will be introduced to a variety of simple, easy meditation methods including Guided Meditation and Mindfulness techniques. Finally, people will learn the steps to forming a successful meditation routine and how to overcome obstacles and distractions while meditating. Instructor Reverend Kim O’Connor teaching and ministerial activities include giving Sunday sermons, facilitating workshops, and teaching various classes on religion, religious practices, meditation and centering prayer. Tickets are $35. Call 623-544-6194.

LESSONS: Take a line dancing lesson from Brenda Thomason 6:30-9:30 p.m. March 9 at the Cimarron Center, 17100 W. Clearview Blvd. This lesson ranges from beginners through intermediate dances. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at www.grandinfo.com, at 623-546-7449 or at the door.

EXHIBIT: Attend the sixth annual Floral and Botanical Art Exhibit reception 5-7 p.m. March 9 at The West Valley Arts HQ, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza. More than 90 pieces have been selected for the exhibit, and include a wide range of styles and techniques. Many of the featured artists attend the reception, and the majority of pieces on display are available for purchase. The reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Visit www.westvalleyarts.org.

 

3/10 FRIDAY

MOVIES: Watch the movie “Space Jam” for free 6 p.m. March 10 at E. Lowell Rogers Amphitheater, 5850 W. Glendale Ave. After the movie there will be activities that go along with the film at Murphy Park, 58th and Glendale avenues. There will be free parking available throughout the downtown area and in the City Hall parking garage, 59th and Glendale avenues. Call 623-930-4500.

MUSIC: Listen to free live music by the Pete Pancrazy Trio 6:30-9:30 p.m. March 10 at Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd.  Visit www.westgateaz.com.



FILM: Watch the movie “La La Land” for free 7:30 p.m. March 10 at Arizona State University’s West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road. Struggling actress Mia (Emma Stone) and aspiring jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) begin a whirlwind romance as they both pursue their dreams in Los Angeles. However, their blossoming relationship is challenged when their careers pull them in different directions. Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”) wrote and directed this musical love story, which co-stars John Legend, J.K. Simmons and Rosemarie DeWitt.Bring a blanket or lawn chair to this event. There will also be free parking and free popcorn. Call 602-543-6450.

GUITAR: See a free concert 7:30-9 p.m. March 10 at Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Avenue. The performances will be by the Glendale Community College guitar studio, directed by Chuck Hulihan. The event is free and open to the public. Call 623-845-3715.

THEATER: See the play “Pauper Princess” 7 p.m. March 10 at Theater Works, 8355 W. Peoria Ave. Two identical-looking people from completely different backgrounds switch places. Rich swaps with poor and vice-versa. Before Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne, she was just Princess Elizabeth, fending off suitors too old and too fat. Theresa wears rags and scrounges for food. She is so desperate she pretends to be a boy so she can be in a play. General admission tickets are $16. Visit www.theaterworks.org.

FEST: Listen to several concerts at Spring Fest 5 p.m. March 10-12 at Beardsley Park, 12755 Beardsley Road. There will be a different concert each day. The tickets are $12.50 for a concert or $30 for all three. Call 623-544-6093.

PORTRAIT: Take a portrait sculpture 1-4 p.m. March 10 at the WHAM Community Center, 16560 N Dysart Road. The instructor of the course will be Bernie Arum and reservations are required. Call 623-584-1095.

SALE:  Buy art at the Springtime Extravaganza Craft Sale at the Happy Trails Adult RV Resort, 17200 W. Bell Road. Participants can also sell crafts. Sign-up in The Arts & Crafts Room 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The fee $3 per table. Call 623-584-0066.

 

3/11 SATURDAY

PICNIC: Attend the annual Grandparents’ Picnic noon-3 p.m. March 11 at Glendale Heroes Regional Park, 83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road. This event for grandparents and children is a potluck that will include games and face paintings. There is free admission. Call 602-274-5022, ext. 31.

FARMERS MARKET: Attend a farmers market 8 a.m.-noon March 11 at the First United Methodist Church, 7102 N. 58th Drive. In addition to the brush-fed beef, new vendors will participate in the market this season, from local craft artisans, to other local business owners, food vendors and restaurants. Each event will see around 40 vendors total. In addition, the purpose of the market is to provide a marketplace for healthy, nutritious and sustainable foods systems for residents throughout the Valley. Additional highlights planned for the market include interactive children’s activities and different community groups and 501c3 group involvement. Visit www.visitglendale.com.

SEMINAR: Listen to a free home buyers seminar 10 a.m.-noon March 11 at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Drive. The goal is to place home ownership in the palm of the hands of those who desire it by walking them step by step through the process. Zero Down programs; Buyer Rebates offered; programs for first time home owners, teachers, health care professionals, fireman, policemen and more. This seminar is free. Call 623-282-2958.

LESSONS: Take a free ice skating lesson 11:15 a.m. March 11 at AZ Ice Peoria, 15829 N. 83rd Ave. Check in at guest services 15 minutes prior to class time. In order to participate email skaters name, age, phone number, and the date of the class. Classes can only be taken once. Email BridgetK@azice.com.

SALE: Attend the Westbrook Village Fine Arts Show and Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 11 at the Fine Arts and Learning Center, 18827 N. Country Club Parkway. There will be more than 160 art pieces on sale and a silent auction. Light refreshments are offered.  Admission is free. Call 623-561-0099.

SHRED: Grab unwanted papers and get rid of them at the Shred-A-Thon event 7-10 a.m. March 11 at Westbrook Village Association, 19281 N. Westbrook Parkway.  Shred up to 5 boxes of documents for residents at no cost. Safely dispose of any accumulated and unwanted medications at this time also. Call 623-561-0099.

FUNDRAISER: Join the Sun City Fundraiser for Relay for Life 2-6 p.m. March 11 at Lakeview United Methodist Church, 10298 W. Thunderbird Blvd. Participates can win prizes such as a Go Pro Hero 4, Keurig Coffee Maker, Ninja Blender, and more. There will also be carnival games, medication counseling, and education posters on cancer. Call 623-974-5821.

PET PARTY: Attend the pet party event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 11 at the AMC Theater, 13833 W. Bell Road, No. 101. The event offers animals available for adoption from Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary and No Paws Left Behind, as well as vendors offering free things such as dental chews, flea and tick prevention products, and experts on hand for advice on obesity prevention, prescription diets, heartworm prevention, pet training tips, free food from Jimmy Johns and more.  Free pet exams will also be offered when pet owners schedule an appointment during the event. Go to www.amcofsurprise.com or call 623-295-1811.

CLEANUP: Join the Spring Cleanup event 7 a.m.-1 p.m. March 11 at the Northwest Regional Landfill, 19401 W. Deer Valley Road. The event allows Surprise residents to drop off up to 2,000 pounds of residential waste free-of-charge. Items that will be accepted include lawn waste and other typical household refuse. Participants will be required to show proof of Surprise residency, via a driver’s license and electric bill showing the same home address. Hazardous waste items will not be accepted during this event. Call 623-222-6000.

 

3/12 SUNDAY

CONCERT: Listen to a free concert by the Sir Harrison Band 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 12 at WestWing Park, 27100 N. Westwing Parkway. This will be an outdoor concert. Call 623-773-7137.

MARKETPLACE: Join the Spring Treasure Trove and Flea Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 12 at Westbrook Village Association, 19281 N. Westbrook Parkway. This event allows participants to sell items at tables. Each table is $5, with a limit of two tables per Westbrook resident. Call 623-297-1002.

CONCERT: Listen to Sam Morrison perform a tribute to Bob Segar and The Silver Bullet Band 6 p.m. at the Sun Bowl, 10220 N.107th Ave. He will be performing rock and roll songs. This is free for RCSC cardholders and their guests. Call 623-561-4660.