Weekend Guide
Saddle up Scooper's, because we’re going on a cross-cultural trail ride
Valentine’s schmalentine’s. The only companions you need this weekend are your boots and your favorite pair of chaps because we’re hitting the trail, pardner. First stop is the 55th annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, which will be camped out under the WestWorld tents through next Sunday. And don’t worry if the closest you’ve ever come to a horse is bumping up against a four-legged member of Tempe’s finest after a few too many cocktails on Mill Avenue. With more than 2,250 of these stunning stallions and mighty mares competing for a cool $1,000,000 in prizes, even the most jaded city slicker will be impressed by the pageantry and power of these beautiful beasts. (16601 N. Pima Rd., 480-515-1500)
Across town, another timeless Western tradition will be on display at the Heard Museum’s 20th annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. Watch as more than 70 dancers from across North America execute these intricate, highly choreographed routines all performed to pounding drum beats and a chanting chorus. (2301 N. Central Ave., 602-252-8848)
Finally, kick off the Year of the Tiger at the 20th annual Phoenix Chinese Week celebration at the Chinese Cultural Center. Starting today and culminating on Sunday (the official start to the Chinese New Year), enjoy colorful lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations and a traditional Taipei dragon boat. (668 N. 44th St.) And because nothing says ancient Asian traditions like hip hop beats inside a slick Scottsdale nightclub, wind down your weekend at Myst’s Chinese New Year’s Ball. (7340 E. Shoeman Ln., 480-970-5000)
