Weekend Guide

Chocolate affairs, romance novels and damsels in distress—Valentine’s Day comes early this year

This weekend we’re ignoring the forecast for rain and heading outdoors for two of our favorite festivals. First up, go cuckoo for cocoa beans at the 15th annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire (the extra “e” just exudes class). Held at a downtown park, chocoholics will savor the decadent delights including chocolate truffles, tropical hot chocolate and, wait for it, deep-fried chocolate bars. Hopeless romantics, meanwhile, will want to check out the festival’s romance novel symposium, including book signings and free writing workshops. However, we’re heading out on Saturday for one reason and one reason alone: the Dancin’ Dads. Yes, the hokiest halftime show in town will be performing at noon on the Cocoa Cabana Stage. (February 5-7, 7017 N. 58th Ave., 623-930-2299)

Hope you saved some of your appetite, because our next stop is the mutton-fueled madness that is the Arizona Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace. And yes, we know that those giant grilled animal limbs are technically turkey legs, but if you can’t suspend your disbelief a little, this wacky fest is not for you. Located in the middle of nowhere (aka Apache Junction), get Medieval with falconry exhibitions and thrice daily jousting tournaments, or spiff up your castle with handcrafted goods from the sprawling marketplace. Or just kick up your knee-high boots and quaff some ales, honey mead or Dukes of Daiquiri. (Saturdays and Sundays, February 6 - March 28, 520-463-2700)