There’s so much fun to be had in Downtown Phoenix this week it oughta be illegal. Here are just a few of the highlights:
This Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Downtown Phoenix will host the 27th Annual Matsuri: A Festival of Japan, at Heritage and Science Park.
A showcase for the sights, sounds and tastes of Japanese culture, Matsuri includes food vendors, martial arts exhibits, dancing, drumming, crafts, children’s activities, and bazaar-style shopping. There will be live performances on three stages plus competitive Kendama, a traditional Japanese game of skill that involves scooping up a wooden ball and catching it in a cup.
This year’s event offers two new wrinkles: A beer garden, sponsored by Asahi beer, and Yo Matsuri, a night festival. Yo Matsuri will feature Taiko (Japanese drums), an Awa Odori dance performance and Karaoke, which is in fact Japanese.
Nobuo at Teeter House, one of Downtown’s hottest restaurants and the home of James Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda, will be joining the fun, offering a wide selection of Japanese craft brews and sakes. They’ll be serving their regular lunch menu, plus special sashimi plates and Nobuo’s signature spoon tastes.
Admission to Matsuri is free and for more information visit azmatsuri.org
Arrogant Butcher Opens
Sam Fox’s first restaurant concept in Downtown Phoenix opened at CityScape on Monday. The reviews have been very strong and you can read Arizona Republic food critic Howard Seftel’s initial thoughts here. Located at 2 East Jefferson St., The Arrogant Butcher is open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday; Brunch, lunch and dinner, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday.
You know what makes our country great? Only in America can a screaming middle-aged man become a world-famous comedian simply by ranting and raving about the state of our society. Black is definitely a tour de force and the tour is stopping at the Orpheum Theatre for two shows Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.
This play within a play is set at a Wisconsin mansion and provides an equally funny and sad look at the private lives of actors who are always on stage. Check out blogger Liz Fichera’s review here. Feb. 24-Mar. 6 at Herberger Theatre Center. Call 602-256-6995 for tickets.
Gold’s Spin-a-thon
Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon Gold’s Gym Elite at CityScape will be hosting a spectacular outdoor spinning event to benefit the American Diabetes Association. This high-energy affair costs $10/hour with all proceeds going to the ADA. Every hour purchased includes a raffle ticket. Get the weekend off to a healthy start and meet some new friends all for a great cause! Call 602-368-1221 to reserve your spot.
Have a great week!
* Half-Shell Oyster with Sea Urchin plus Half-Shell Oyster with Ponzu Sauce paired with Iwate Kura oyster stout 
Big Time Rush - Canada’s greatest rock export, Rush will bring their Time Machine Tour to 
A Night with the Knights of Ni - 
Tonight’s lineup features great organizations, businesses and artists including Neighborhood Ministries, Barrio Bikes, 
Tour the Rosson House, check out works from local artists, and pop in on new Downtown restaurant 
We are still counting down to the opening of the retail portion of CityScape in the fall and this week brings news of a major addition to the restaurant lineup. 
Now in its 16th year, the Arizona Asian Festival brings East and West together this Saturday and Sunday at 
Speaking of heavenly food, Heritage & Science Park has an even bigger coup in store for those who love Asian cuisine. 
Urban Wine Walk Saturday
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011Join the throng of wine enthusiasts and urban adventurists who will be rating grapes during Saturday’s Urban Wine Walk.
You’ll make the jump from novice to wine expert as you sample 2 oz pours on a diverse list of over 50 wines. From deep red Cabernets and Pinot Noirs to sweeter Chardonnays and Rieslings, the Urban Wine Walk has something for all tastes. Pours are priced between $2-$4 and restaurant hosts will provide Wine Walkers with tasty palate-cleansing snacks along the way.
Urban Wine Walk is scheduled to run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. but don’t be surprised if a thirsty mob arrives at Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar early to claim the free gift bags being doled out while supplies last.
And while you’re bumping around the Interwebs check out other great events coming this fall to Downtown Phoenix at downtownphoenix.com/liveitup
See you Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tags: 1130, 96.9, Arrogant Butcher, Big Fat Greek Restaurant, Brick Pizzeria, clear channel, district american kitchen, downtown phoenix, Hulu's, ICON, kincaid's, Maizee's Cafe, Nobuo at Teeter House, phoenix public market, Province, Rose & Crown, Sam's Cafe, steve's greenhouse, Urban Wine Walk
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