The weather is heating up and so are the outdoor events in Phoenix. Check out these events coming up in March:

24th Annual Blues Blast
11 a.m.-dusk, Saturday, March 7
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. 3rd St.
602-516-8870
Featuring several blues bands, a music workshop and art project for kids, as well as food and merchandise vendors. Avoid the parking headache and take the light rail. Gates open at 10 a.m. Admission is $30, kids under 16 are free when accompanied by a parent. No pets allowed. Visit www.phoenixblues.org.

Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market
March 7-8
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
602-252-8840, ext. 2276
A world-acclaimed cultural event that draws nearly 15,000 visitors and more than 600 of the nation’s most outstanding and successful American Indian artists. Meet traditional and cutting-edge contemporary artists as well as young artists selling their art alongside their relatives. This year’s theme is ““Celebrating the Art of Basketry.” There will be a variety of food available for purchase. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students 17 and older as well as for military and seniors (with ID), and free for children ages 16 and younger. Visit www.heardguild.org/fair.

My Nana’s Salsa Challenge
10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 7-8
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road
602-955-1962
This culinary competition features more than 100 freshly made salsas. Professional “chefs” will compete for the judge’s vote while attendees enjoy all the chips and salsa they can eat. Competitors include restaurants, businesses and individuals. There also will be live music, a Patron Margarita Mix-Off (12:30-3:30 p.m. both days) and a KidsZone. Tickets are $15 per day, children age 12 and younger admitted for free. Leashed, licensed dogs permitted. Tickets are available at Fry’s grocery stores or online at: http://www.salsachallenge.com. Proceeds benefit the Arizona Hemophilia Association.

Bagpipers, floats, marching bands, Irish clubs and more will fill the streets of downtown Phoenix on March 14 as part of the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (submitted photo).

Bagpipers, floats, marching bands, Irish clubs and more will fill the streets of downtown Phoenix on March 14 as part of the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (submitted photo).

The 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Faire
10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14
Various locations,
Downtown Phoenix
602-280-9221
The theme for the parade is “Celebrating 32”—32 years of parades and 32 counties in Ireland. The parade starts at 3rd and Sheridan streets and heads south to 3rd and Moreland streets. Grand Marshal Brian P. Tobin, battalion chief for the Phoenix Fire Department, will lead the parade of Irish dancers, bagpipers, floats and more. The fair takes place at Margaret Hance Park, adjacent to the Irish Cultural Center at 1106 N. Central Ave., and features three stages of Irish music, dancers, kids area, food and crafters. Fair admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $8 for seniors and military, and free for children ages 12 and younger. For more information, visit www.phxirish.org.

Haru In The Garden: A Festival Welcoming Spring
6-9:30 p.m. Friday, March 20
Japanese Friendship Garden
1125 N. 3rd Ave.
602-274-8700
A celebration of spring featuring music, art and traditional Japanese displays. Performances will include Japanese bamboo flute, fire dancers, Tibetan Bowls, ensemble groups, and Flamenco dancing. Art displays will feature photography, silk, masks, sculpture, abstract paint, multimedia display and pottery. Beer, saki and Asian food will be available for purchase. Tickets for non-members of the garden are $20 in advance ($25 at the gate) for adults and $5 for youth 3 to 12, free for 2 and younger. Purchase tickets online at http://haru2015.bpt.me by noon March 19, or at the JFG Gift Shop or at the Garden Gate day of event.

‘Fine Art in the Garden’
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 21
Shemer Art Center
5005 E. Camelback Road
602-262-4727
This spring tradition features 20 artists working in watercolor, oil, pastels, printmaking, jewelry, ceramics, fused glass, quilting and sculpture, with displays spread throughout the center’s grounds and gardens. Artwork will be for sale. Live music will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and light refreshments will be available. This event is family friendly and open to the public. Admission is free.

The 51st Annual Arizona Scottish Gathering & Highland Games
March 21-22
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road
Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Features highland dancing, pipe bands, heavy athletics, country dancing, and historical re-enactments. There also is a children’s area. Dogs on leashes are OK if you clean up after your pet. Tickets are available at the gate for $17 adults age 16 and older, $12 for seniors age 60 and older, $12 for military with ID, and $5 for children ages 6-15. Parking is available for $5 at 4041 N. Central Ave. or take the light rail to the stop at Central and Indian School. Visit http://www.arizonascots.com/05games.shtml.

McDowell Mountain Music Festival
March 27-29
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. 3rd St.
602-343-0453
Eclectic music festival with a unique mixture of musical acts including bluegrass, reggae, jazz and rock. There will be food trucks, a Kid’s Zone, vendor marketplace, and beer garden. All proceeds benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital and UMOM New Day Centers. Single-day admission starts at $55; three-day passes and camping passes are available for purchase. For more information or to view the lineup for each day, visit http://www.mmmf.net.

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