April 1 is fast approaching, which means Easter is right around the corner for 2018. Explore some of the amazing events the Valley has to offer. From delectable brunches to rollicking egg hunts and everything in between, here’s some exciting offerings for you to enjoy this Easter. 

Easter Sunday brunches and dinners  

Rawhide Steakhouse  

You can dine Western-style with offerings like rosemary crusted pork loin with apricot au jus, banana french toast with stewed strawberries, and cocktail shrimp with Bloody Mary aioli. Rawhide also hosts a “Easter Egg-stravaganza Celebration” from 10 a.m. to close, with egg hunts, a candy corral, and pictures with “Cowboy Cottontail.” 

5700 W. N. Loop Rd., Chandler, Ariz.

480-502-5600  

Free admission to Egg-stravaganza; call for brunch pricing  

The Farm at South Mountain  

Feast on a variety of freshly-baked pastries (like pecan caramel buns and coffee cakes), and other delicacies like the scrambled eggs topped with cheddar cheese and served with sautéed vegetables and roasted tomato salsa. Make sure to visit the on-site garden and chicken coop, or rent a yard game from The Farm Kitchen for the whole family to enjoy.  

6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, Ariz.

602-276-6360  

SWB at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa  

This brunch buffet has a variety of favorites, like the Southwestern eggs florentine, brioche french toast, and a sumptuous Viennese dessert table. Afterwards, meet Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail, and explore the petting zoo and live music.  

7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale, Ariz. 

480-444-1234, ext. 8650  

Brunch served from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.   

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa  

At this upscale resort, there are three restaurants offering Easter meals.  

Grand Sonoran Ballroom (Sunrise breakfast buffet from 6:30 a.m.- 11 a.m.)  

Sweet and savory items are on display, including buttermilk pancakes with chocolate chips, berry compote or apple cinnamon chutney, and house-smoked salmon with an assortment of fresh bagels and cream cheeses.  

Stonegrill (Brunch from 10 a.m. – 3 pm.)   

There’s a seafood station, an antipasti bar, a carving station, sushi bar and dim sum, a kids’ buffet, and a dessert section with a dark and white chocolate fountain and an ice cream sundae bar. Reservations are recommended.  

MERITAGA, an urban tavern (Dinner from 4 – 9 p.m.)  

Special dinner features include colorado lamb shank with heirloom carrot and garden mint-lamb jus, and arctic char with fargo risotto and English peas, with Bailey’s chocolate mousse egg or purple carrot cake for dessert.  

5350 E. Marriot Dr., Phoenix, Ariz.  

480-293-5000  

Sonata’s Restaurant (Brunch 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)  

Celebrate Easter with a European-style feast featuring a wide variety of cuisines, such as Polish, Ukrainian, Spanish and French. Some of the many delicacies will include roasted pig head, loin, belly, and leg; deviled eggs with mushroom and smoked salmon, and roasted duck with celery root puree, caramelized potatoes, elderberry sauce and sauerkraut.  

10050 N. Scottsdale Rd., #127, Scottsdale, Ariz.  

480-477-1390  

McCormick Ranch Golf Club (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) 

This champagne brunch buffet includes several delicious breakfast and lunch offerings, including eggs benedict and smoked salmon, bagels, and cream cheese. On the lunch side, don’t miss out on the rosemary garlic roasted prime rib, au jus; the mahi mahi beurre blanc with roasted pearl onions, or the chicken coq au vin with fingerling potatoes and roasted carrots.  

7505 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale, Ariz.  

480-948-7010 x 21  

LON’s at the Hermosa (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)  

Prepare to eat well at this three-course brunch, where you’ll start off with brioche “monkey bread”, and then afterwards choose between six appetizers, six entrees, and three desserts. Don’t forget to try the vegetarian egg white frittata or the blue crab benedict.  

5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, Ariz.  

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)  

It’s a Southern-inspired Easter brunch, and it features mouthwatering classics like black-eyed pea salad, chicken and waffles, and barbecue oysters. For dessert, sample from the variety of Southern pies and seasonal sweet tarts.  

Kimpton Hotel Palomar, 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, Ariz.  

602-258-2031  

Easter Egg Hunts 

You know and love ‘em. Here are some of the biggest Easter egg hunts in the Valley, on Sunday and other days, too.  

Easter at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort (April 1)  

After a delectable brunch (served from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.), take a complimentary photo with the Easter Bunny and scoot on over to Bunnyland. There, you’ll enjoy egg hunts on the Great Lawn and other magical family activities, all inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.   

7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, Ariz.  

480-585-2694  

$95 for adults and $40 for children age 6-12 (includes brunch, photo, and entrance to Bunnyland)  

Easter Egg Hunt at Shamrock Farms (March 24-25)  

The hunt will take place during the regular guided farm tours, and is held at Roxie’s Outdoor Adventure. In addition to the Easter activities, including a face painter and kids’ crafts, don’t forget to check out the Shamrock farms history museum, gift shop, and ice cream parlor.  

Stansfield (see website for directions)  

(602) 477-2462  

Varied pricing for tours; call to request  

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Dave & Busters (March 24)  

Enjoy the zany Easter egg hunt at this gaming locale, and don’t miss other offerings like a breakfast buffet, $10.00 Power Card, and access to the Million Dollar Midway before it opens to the general public.  

21001 N. Tatum Blvd. #44-1400, Phoenix, Ariz.  

Check in begins at 8:15 a.m.  

$19.99 per person (age 3+)   

Dolly Sanchez Memorial Easter Egg Hunt (March 31)  

This events offers candy hunts for eight different age groups, and one for individuals with disabilities. There will also be pony rides, carnival games, and much more.  

8 a.m. – noon  

Admission and parking are free when you bring canned food, which will go towards the St. Mary’s/Westside Food Bank Alliance.  

Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, Ariz.  

Easter Egg-citement at Schnepf Farms (March 31)  

Different egg hunts will take place throughout the day, according to age. While waiting for your little one’s turn, take them on a train, carousel, or “swinging lady bugz” ride. Afterwards, enjoy a hotdog lunch and Easter cookie that you get to frost yourself.  

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

$25 with lunch/ $20 without lunch  

24610 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, Ariz.  

32nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park (March 31 & April 1) 

Explore the zoo with your little ones and send them egg-hunting in the area next to the petting zoo, playground, and train station. Don’t forget to meet the Zoo’s newest baby animals. 

(Hunts at 1:30 p.m. for children 7 years and under; 3:30 p.m. for all children)  

Regular admission charges apply.  

16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, Ariz.  

Easter Egg Hunt at Enchanted Island Amusement Park (March 31 and April 1) 

This free egg hunt is full of prize-filled eggs for the kiddos to find, including 40 Grand Prize eggs. There are different hunts for different ages. Arrive early, and bring your own basket.  

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix, Ariz.

602-254-1200  

Other Easter Excitement 

Easter isn’t all about delicious brunches and fun-filled egg hunts: here are some other unique and enjoyable ways to celebrate the day. Who knows, you might start a new tradition!  

Jack Rabbit and the Easter Basket (March 7- April 1) 

This adorable musical presents the story of the Easter Bunny as he travels with his cousin, Jack Rabbit, on an exciting journey to deliver an Easter basket. Recommended for ages 3-12.   

Wed. – Fri. only at 10 a.m.  

Sat. 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.  

Great Arizona Puppet Theater  

Childsplay’s Bunny Boat Float (April 1)  

After you and the kiddos attend the 1 p.m. performance of Maddi’s Fridge, you’ll have the special opportunity to create your own Easter-themed sailboat to release into the infinity pool. Spots in the Boat Float are secured automatically when you purchase tickets to the show.  

FREE with purchase of show ticket  

Tempe Center for the Arts   

Easter Bunny Pet Photos (March 25)  

Sure, you and your kids take photos with the Easter Bunny. But has your pet? Take advantage of this opportunity to put Fido and the Easter Bunny side by side at the Arizona Mills Mall.  

6-7 PM; Free  

Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, Ariz.  

Chocolate Bunny 5k and Kids’ Fun Run (March 31)  

Come join this family-friendly and fun event, and help Team RWB, a veterans’ support group, by doing so. Each child and adult receive a finisher medal, matching lapel pin, wristband, and many other souvenirs of a job well done.  

Check in starts at 6:30 a.m.; 5K starts at 8:00 a.m.; kids’ run starts at 9:30 a.m.  

$25 early registration  

Mesa Riverview Park, 2100 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, Ariz. 

Mesa Easter Pageant (March 21- 31)  

The largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world, with English and Spanish-language performances. This musical production depicts the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Performed on the grounds near the Mesa Temple Visitor’s Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

Wed. – Fri. March 21-23, & Tue- Sat March 27-31 (English performances)  

Sat March 24 (Spanish performance)  

Wed. – Sat. March 21-24 (ASL performances)  

525 E. Main St., Mesa, Ariz.  

Free admission and parking