Westgate Entertainment District is getting into the spring spirit by hosting a lineup of exciting outdoor events almost every weekend in March for all ages and interests.

With mild temperatures and sunny skies on the horizon, guests can enjoy a number of weekly activities including March Madfest where basketball enthusiasts can watch as celebrity athletes scrimmage on a full-size court in WaterDance Plaza; the Arizona Craft Brew Festival that will showcase more than 20 local craft brews and bites from Westgate tenants; the annual Kiss Me I’m Irish Run; the Official Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Fan Fest; and free Easter Bunny photos for the whole family.

There’s no shortage of things to do, see, eat or drink at Westgate with more than 35 restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and retailers.

March Madfest

Friday, March 9; 6:30 to 9:30 pm

Who’s ready to ball at Westgate? WaterDance Plaza will transform into the ultimate “March Madfest” experience as a full-size basketball court takes center stage. Basketball enthusiasts can watch as celebrity athletes, former players, actors, entertainers and local legends take to the court for an exciting five-on-five Celebrity All-Star Game; cheer on the Valley’s top 25 high school players in the first-ever High School All-American Game; and test their own skills with a variety of different games and contests. NBA veteran, Mike Bibby, along with other local and nationally recognized celebrity guests will be making an appearance. Fans who stick around after the All-Star Game will get a chance to meet the players and score autographs.

6:30 to 7:30 pm: High School All-American Game

7:30 to 8:00 pm: Interactive Fan Contests

8:00 to 9:30 pm: Celebrity All-Star Game

For more information visit, www.westgateaz.com/madfest.

Arizona Craft Beer Festival

Saturday, March 10; 5:00 to 9:00 pm

Arizona beer lovers unite! The Arizona Craft Brew Festival will showcase samples of more than 20 local craft brews from Flagstaff to Tucson. Guests will also enjoy tunes from the Valley’s best DJ’s, outdoor games and bites from a variety of Westgate restaurants that will satisfy any pallet, including Salt Tacos y Tequila, Whiskey Rose, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, Popbar and Bar Louie.

General Admission ($30): Includes entry into the festival at 5pm, up to 24 samples (2oz pours), a commemorative tasting mug, entertainment and access to vendors.

VIP Admission ($45): Includes entry into the festival at 4pm, up to 36 samples (2oz pours), a commemorative tasting mug, entertainment and access to VIP areas with special beers and vendors.

For more information, visit www.arizonacraftbeerfestival.com.

Kiss Me I’m Irish Run

Saturday, March 17; 7am to 1pm

Break out your green and channel your inner-Leprechaun. Join Westgate on St. Patrick’s Day for the annual Kiss Me I’m Irish 4K, 8K or half-marathon. There will be live bagpipe music, costume contests and festivities at Westgate bars and restaurants. Winners will receive a finisher’s medal, a tech running shirt & a cold beer from McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon (must be 21 or older).

For more information, visit www.irishrunaz.com.

Official PBR Fan Fest

Saturday, March 24; 3:00 to 6:00pm

Saddle up for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Ak-Chin Invitational at Gila River Arena with the official free Fan Fest at Westgate! Cowboys and cowgirls alike will enjoy an open-air beer garden with country music, games, a live bull and more.

For more information, visit www.westgateaz.com/events/special-events    

FREE Easter Bunny Photos

Tuesday, March 20 – Saturday, March 31

It’s almost time to hop over to Westgate to visit the Easter Bunny (the best part – photos are FREE)!  You can also bring your pup for a photo on March 26. Hours include:

• Monday – Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm

• Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm

• Bunny takes a carrot break from 3-4pm Mon-Sat and 3:30 pm on Sunday

For more information, visit www.westgateaz.com/bunny.     

For more information about Westgate Entertainment District, visit www.westgateaz.com.