Looking for ways to stay true to your New Year’s resolutions? We’ve got you covered with five Valley events to help you get active, spend more time with family and friends, learn a new skill and travel somewhere exciting.
Get active at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon
Looking for a fun way to stay on top of your health and fitness goals this week? Check out the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon. Head to Tempe Beach Park for the 5K on Saturday, or if you’re looking for more of a challenge, sign up for the marathon or half marathon, which will take runners on a scenic tour of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe on Sunday. Be sure to check out Sunday’s free post-race concert featuring headliner Better than Ezra, an alternative rock trio from Baton Rouge. Race weekend will open with a free Health & Fitness Expo featuring nutritional information and athletic gear vendors at the Phoenix Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 15 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Spend more time with the family by going to Disney on Ice: Frozen
Take the kids to a magical winter wonderland where they can see their favorite Frozen characters on ice. Watch Anna, Elsa, Olaf and the rest of the gang delight with their incredible skating. Sing along with family-friendly songs, including the award-winning “Let It Go.” Most importantly, make memories with your family that will last a lifetime. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, Jan. 13-18, $29-$94
Catch up with old friends at Phoenix’s new arcade bar
What do you get when you combine dozens of vintage arcade games and a bar with video-game inspired cocktails? A good time, that’s what! Cobra Arcade Bar officially opened on Friday, Jan. 8 and video game fans are welcome into the trendy, industrial-style bar in downtown Phoenix. The menu features a selection of drafts, ciders and wines, as well as creative cocktails with video game references like the “Princess Peach,” which combines Sonoran rose prickly pear vodka, stone fruit, orange bitters and lemon. Drinks range in price from $3-$9. Cobra Arcade Bar, 801 N. Second St. Phoenix
Learn something new at the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show
Looking to redecorate your home or enhance your landscaping for the new year? Check out the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show for inspiration. This year’s show includes a variety of seminars ranging from Container Herb Gardening 101 to New Year, New Kitchen. The show will also present the Tiny Homes Street of Dreams, a display of eight tiny homes that are 400 square feet or less. There will also be a special guest appearance from Tiny House Expedition blogger and documentary filmmaker, Alexis Stephens. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, Jan. 15-17
Travel to the Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair
Many people list traveling somewhere new and distant as an important New Year’s resolution, but the Havasu Balloon Festival provides an exciting experience that’s just a short road trip away. “Party in the Sky,” the 6th Annual Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair will feature hot air balloon rides, skydiving shows, live music, carnival rides and more! For a fee of $200 you can climb aboard a hot air balloon for a truly memorable experience. Nautical Beachfront Resort Golf Course, 1000 McCulloch Bl. Lake Havasu City, $15 for a three-day pass, free for kids age 14 and under
