Scottsdale April events, activities

April is Water Awareness Month. Celebrate Water Awareness Month by learning how to save water inside and outside your home. Take a free water efficiency class, request free landscaping and leak brochures, explore the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park and visit ArizonaWaterFacts to learn what’s real and what’s myth when it comes to our water supplies. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “water”

Parks & Rec’s summer class list and brochure hits the streets early April. Get details on summer camps, recreation programs and classes, special events, senior programs, fall afterschool programs, facility and pool schedules, park listings and more. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “recreation classes”

Sunday A’Fair outdoor concerts continue on the Civic Center Mall through April 8. Listen to the Valley’s top musicians and experience an arts-and-crafts market. The free afternoon events take place from noon to 4 p.m. most Sundays through April 8, on the Civic Center Mall. Bring a blanket and picnic basket, or buy food on-site. ScottsdalePerformingArts.org, search Sunday A’Fair

Enjoy Scottsdale ArtWalk — An American original. Every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Old Town Scottsdale hosts this feast for the senses featuring galleries, food and entertainment. ScottsdaleGalleries.com

Veg out at the Old Town Farmers Market in April. Buy fresh vegetables, fruits and creative crafts at Scottsdale’s Old Town Farmers Market. It’s held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through spring. The market is in the public parking lot at 3806 N. Brown Ave. ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets

Do you know a person or place that embodies the Spirit of Scottsdale? Scottsdale’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission wants to recognize the people and places that embody the “Spirit of Scottsdale.” How a person or place contributes to Scottsdale physically, aesthetically or socially are all reasons to nominate. Get more information and nominate today! ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “spirit awards”

Building with Earth & Mass topic of April 5 Green Building Lecture. Hear about the timeless technology and simplicity of converting earth into efficient and durable structures. The free program runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Granite Reef Senior Center. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Green Building”

Gold Palette ArtWalk features “A Taste of Scottsdale: Eat, Drink & Art,” April 5. Great art, luscious food and lovely wine are at their best when they are paired. Visitors can stroll the galleries from 6:30 to 9 p.m. to view remarkable original artworks by renowned artists while quenching their palates with wonderful noshes and beverages. ScottsdaleGalleries.com

Protect your identity by attending “Shred It” event, April 7. Bring your personal and/or commercial documents to the “Shred It” event from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, in the Walmart parking lot, 15355 N. Northsight Blvd. Cost is $4 per box. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “shred”

Run the Runway race offers “plane” old fun for a great cause. This one-of-a-kind race takes flight Saturday, April 7, on the Scottsdale Airport runway. A vendor fair with fun-for-the-whole-family activities follows. Use promo code “Playworks” for a 25 percent discount. RunTheRunwayAZ.com

Cycle the Arts pedals off April 8 and 15. Hop on your bike and get a personal look at some of the Valley’s best public art. Two events take place – one April 8 in Old Town Scottsdale; the other April 15 in north Scottsdale. Helmets are required. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “events”

Don’t throttle the thrill at Arizona Bike Week, April 11-15. Attend the biggest motorcycle event in the Southwest at WestWorld. Highlights include hundreds of world class vendors, stunt shows, live music, demos, exhibitions, contests, flat track racing, auctions and bike shows. Each night ends with a concert featuring big names in the rock world. AZBikeWeek

Please your palate at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival April 14 & 15. Expert chefs, scrumptious food creations and enthralling entertainment are all part of the mix, culminating with the Great Arizona Picnic. ScottsdaleFest.org

Attend free Scottsdale Philharmonic concert April 15. Hear a professional symphony orchestra concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E. Shea Blvd. The group receives support through the city’s Community Event Funding program. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “events”

Scottsdale Stadium hosts Night Out. Here’s a unique and fun way to spend with friends or your significant other. “Night Out at Scottsdale Stadium” runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 20, for those 21 and older. Enjoy stadium tours, food trucks, wine and beer. Cap the evening off with a movie on the field. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Stadium Night Out”

Can you help Scottsdale to be Clean & Scenic?  Celebrate the Keep Scottsdale Beautiful event Saturday, April 21, by organizing a group of friends to clean a road.  Registered groups receive free trash bags, safety vests and cotton gloves.  ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Adopt a Road”

Library hosts Italian Film Festival, April 21 & 22. Enjoy a weekend of the newest and most exciting productions of Italian cinema not yet shown in the United States. Meet the movies’ directors and participate in Q&A sessions after the films. The free showings run Saturday and Sunday in the Civic Center Library auditorium. ScottsdaleLibrary.org, click “Events,” then “Online Calendar”

Off-Road Expo takes place April 21 & 22 at WestWorld. This event features off-road industry professionals, celebrities, stunt teams, racing demonstrations, displays, a proving ground, good food and live music. OffRoadExpo.com

New session of “Books Can” kicks off April 24. This unique program for children up to 5 years old uses popular picture books, rhymes, songs and interactive activities to promote social and emotional development. The free six-week class runs from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesdays, April 24-May 29, at Paiute Neighborhood Center. Call 480-312-0038 to register. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “family resource center”

Entertainment Extravaganza showcases senior talent. Scottsdale Senior Services’ signature variety show returns at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Free admission with a canned food donation for Vista del Camino’s Food Bank. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “talent show”

Drowning is no joke – get pool safety information. “April Pools Day” features drowning prevention information, a mock rescue, interactive booths, games and raffles. The free event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “April Pools Day”

City information is just a phone call away by dialing 480-312-3111. Live operators provide the information you need or will forward your call to the correct department – from where to pay a traffic fine to where to park at a city event. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Caution … native wildlife active in spring. Bobcats, coyotes, javelina, raccoons and skunks can sometimes be seen in neighborhoods this time of year. Help to discourage wildlife from living in your area by removing habitat essentials such as water, food and shelter. Call the Arizona Game & Fish Department at 602-942-3000 for more information.

Avoid using remote vehicle starters. Starting your vehicle before you’re ready to drive wastes fuel, pollutes our air and can damage your engine. Afdc.energy.gov, search “idle”

Try these turf watering tips for April. Inspect your irrigation/sprinkler system to ensure it’s working properly. Water your turf areas deeply and thoroughly for best results. This time of year, Bermuda grass needs water only once a week and rye grass once every four to five days. Use our free watering guide or free online leak guide for more watering and leak discovery tips. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “water”

Library looking for summer teen volunteers. Those 14-17 years old can apply to volunteer at libraries starting April 1. Participants will help with the Summer Reading Program. ScottsdaleLibrary.org

Recycling makes cents. Recycling benefits us by preserving landfill space and by recovering and reusing nonrenewable resources. It also makes economic sense. By participating in Scottsdale’s Curbside Recycling Program, residents can lower the city’s cost of providing residential solid waste services. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “recycle”