LOCAL ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE WORLD GEOGRAPHY STUDY

Compiled and submitted by Maryanne Patterson July 27, 2005

We are studying World Geography this coming year and I've spent the morning gathering information about activities and events that would make fun family field trips to supplement our study of each country. Many are free, but some aren't. Hope it's helpful!




Mexico

Fiesta Patrias Cultural Festival, celebration of Mexican Independence. September 16-18, 2005 at Barrios Unidos Park, 16th Street and Mohave in Phoenix. Mariachi music, folklorico dance, food, etc. Free.

Christmas Mariachi Festical, December 10th, 2005. Location TBD. See www.eliasentertainment.com for more info.

Hispanic Heritage Festival, October 9, 2005 at Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. Free.

England

London Philharmonic Orchestra at Mesa Arts Center. Thursday March 16, 2006 8 pm. Tickets $35-105.

Victorian Christmas at Rosson House, Heritage Park, downtown Phoenix, December 10th, 2005. Free.

Israel

Israeli folk dancing at Dance Time Studio, 10339 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, every Tuesday evening beginning at 8:00 pm, $5

Sylvia Plotkin Judaica Museum at Temple Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th Street, Scottsdale. Call 480- 951-0323 for hours and admission.

Japan

Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix. 602- 256-3204. First Friday of each month from 4-7 pm is free admission. School tours/groups available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Matsuri Festival, February 25th-26, 2006 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm at Heritage Square, downtown Phoenix. Japanese Tea Ceremony, kimono fashion show, traditional Japanese drumming, food, arts and crafts, etc. Free.

Yamato Drummers of Japan at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Thursday, October 20, 2005, 7:30 pm. Tickets are $38. Call for student pricing.

Asian Festival, April 22, 2006 from 9 am-2 pm and April 23-24, 2006 from 10 am-5 pm at Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. Free.

Russia

Gallery Russia, fine Russian art. 7000 E. Main Street, Scottsdale. 480-596-9533. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am-5:30 pm.

Korea

Korean Cultural Festival, March 11, 2006 from 10 am-4 pm at Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. Free.

Thailand

Thai Cultural Days 2005, September 10, 2005 from 10 am-3 pm, Heritage Park, downtown Phoenix. Free.

Scotland

42nd Annual Arizona Scottish Highland Games, Caledonian Society of Arizona. February 25-26, 2006. Mesa Community College.

Austria

Von Trapp Children in Concert at Chandler Center for the Arts. April 1, 2006 at 7 pm. Ticket prices are $16-26, $4 discount for children 12 and under.

Brazil

DanceBrazil -- "Retratos de Bahia" a performance celebrating the rich culture of Brazil. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. February 10-11, 2006 at 8 pm. Tickets are $42 each. Call for student pricing.

Ireland

Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Saturday, October 29, 2005 from 10 am -5 pm. Call or see website for programs and events throughout the year. St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 11, 2006.

Leahy (Irish Family performing Celtic music) at Chandler Center for the Arts. February 17, 2006 at 8 pm. Tickets are $28-36, $4 discount for children 12 and under.

Dublin's Traditional Irish Cabaret at Mesa Arts Center. March 19, 2006 at 3 pm. Tickets are $24-36.

Lord of the Dance at Mesa Arts Center. October 7, 2005 at 8 pm, October 8th at 2 pm and 8 pm, and October 9th at 2 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are $35-50, but groups of 10 or more receive $4 discount per ticket. Special performance 10/8 at 2pm, balcony seats are $20 each for group of 10 or more.

Spain

Calo-Flamenco, traditional flamenco dancing. November 12, 2005 at 3 pm and 8 pm, Chandler Center for the Arts. Tickets are $28-36, $4 discount for children 12 and under.

Africa

Soweto Gospel Choir -- South African gospel music -- at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. March 6-7, 2006 7:30 pm. Tickets are $38 each, call for student pricing.

African Festival, October 22, 2005 from 10 am-4 pm at Heritage Square. Free.

Kwanzaa Celebration, December 3, 2005 from 10 am-4 pm at Heritage Square. Free.

China

Peking Acrobats from People's Republic of China (gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, tumblers) at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. April 7, 2006 at 8:00 pm and April 8 and 2 pm and 8 pm. Tickets are $36 each, call for student pricing.

"Chi" Shanghai Acrobats at Mesa Arts Center, Ikeda Theater. Wednesday November 2, 2005 at 8 pm. Tickets are $30-50 each.

Asian Festival, April 22, 2006 from 9 am-2 pm and April 23-24 from 10 am-5 pm at Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. Free.

India

Festival of India II featuring Indian sitar music, at Mesa Arts Center. May 12, 2006 at 8 pm. Tickets are $32 -70 each.

Discover India Cultural Festval, November 20, 2005 from 10 am-6 pm, Heritage Square, downtown Phoenix. Free.

Argentina

"Tango Pasion" 26 dancers and musicians from Buenos Aires, at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. November 8-10, 2005.

Greece

Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Avenue. October 7-9, 2005. $2 admission. www.holytrinityphx.org.

Germany

Way Out West Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake. September 30th, October 1st and 2nd, 2005. Free admission. Polka stage, Flags of the World parade, music, food, activities for kids, and more.

Polynesia

Aloha Festival, March 18-19, 2006 from 10 am-5 pm at Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. Free.

Italy

Cosanti Gallery featuring artwork by famous Italian sculptor Paolo Soleri. Tours of foundry available. 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Road in Paradise Valley. 480-948-6145.