Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to swing into warmer weather and enjoy the many activities around the state that start heating up in March.  Here are some events that are taking place near your Maracay Homes community:

Peoria

Spring Training

Peoria Sports Complex

Throughout March

Spring is finally here and everyone knows what that means for Arizonans: Spring training! Grab your friends and family and head down to the Peoria Sports Complex for a day of great fun. You’ll see why people travel from all over the country to sunny Arizona for this incredible experience of delicious food and incredible entertainment. Cheer on the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres and other teams in this intimate ballpark setting as they kick off the beginning of a new season.

Phoenix

McDowell Mountain Music Festival

Margaret T. Hance Park

March 2-4

The annual McDowell Mountain Music Festival is back and better than ever for its 15^th year of music and community. This year’s artist lineup includes GRiZ, Big Gigantic, Nick Murphy (fka Chet Faker), Gorgon City, Cut Copy and O.A.R. Other artists will be joining these headliners and making their way to the Valley of the Sun to share their music. The cherry on top for this experience is that 100 percent of proceeds will be donated to charity.

Goodyear

A Free Movie at Goodyear Community Park & March Food Truck Festival

Goodyear Community Park

March 3

Is there a minion fanatic in the family? Well, do we sure have the event for you! Come on down to Goodyear Community Park for a free movie. You can cast your vote for which Despicable Me movie you’d like to see shown. Settled in with a meal from one of the food trucks, including  Fireside Pizza, Rocky Mountain Bigfoot Dawgs, Smokin’ Hot BBQ and more. The fun starts at 4 p.m. and the kids dance party starts at 5:45 p.m. The movie will start shortly after dusk. This event requires no admission, is pet friendly, open to the public and offers free parking.

Gilbert

Downtown Concert Series

Water Tower Plaza

March 15 and 19

The Spring Downtown Concert Series is held at the Water Tower Plaza in the heart of Gilbert’s Heritage District. With so many dates and performances choose from, this event will be hard to miss. Kids can play on the splash pad and then settle down in the grass for a night of music and community. From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., food trucks will provide various options of food, drinks and snacks for each day of performances. There is no cost to attend this concert series and free public parking will be provided.

Buckeye

20^th Annual Spring Celebration

Sundance Park

March 24

The platinum anniversary of this Spring event is taking place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Annual event activities include the highly anticipated egg hunt, a petting zoo, pony rides, egg decorating, face painting, train rides, monster mural and so much more. Mr. and Mrs. Bunny will also be available to take pictures to capture these sweet memories. An Eggstra Special Easter Egg hunt for those with special needs is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Don’t miss this incredible event that will be fun for the whole family.

Tucson

The Fourth Avenue Street Fair

Historic Fourth Avenue

March 2-4

The Fourth Avenue Street Fair, known as Tucson’s premier community event, is returning to the heart of the Old Pueblo once again. This nearly 50-year-old tradition brings over 500,000 people together to celebrate artists from around the world, local entertainment and artisanal food, among other things. This event is produced by local nonprofit North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, Inc., which uses the funds to support the Avenue’s infrastructure, invest in local neighborhoods and other nonprofits. Come be a part of this grand celebration of history and culture every day from 10 a.m. until dusk. This event is free to all.

Apache Junction/Gold Canyon

Desert Spring Festival

Corner of Royal Palm and 9th Ave in Apache Junction

March 16-17

Come shop local artists, unique hobbyists, crafters, bakers and so much more. This Spring Festival has a little something for everyone. Vendors who work with wood, ceramics and metal will have their work on display for purchase. Desert cacti and flowers will also be available for purchase. Food trucks will sell delicious drinks, snacks and food. Kids will love the bounce house and face painting offered at this event. Delicious fudge will also be available and free samples will be offered to the first 50 people to arrive each day.

Chandler

The Great American Barbeque and Beer Festival

Dr. A. J. Chandler Park

March 24

The 9^th annual Great American Barbeque and Beer Festival returns to downtown Chandler this March. If you like barbecue pork, beef, chicken or ribs, then this is the event for you! Over 60 Pit Masters from all over the country will be serving up over 20,000 pounds of mouth-watering meat. In addition to the savory barbeque available, over 200 kegs of the state’s finest craft beer will be available to pair with your food. This event is $20 for online presale and rises to $25 the day of the festival. Kids 12 and under are free. General admission begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.