Things to do February 8-10m 2013

For those looking for something to do this weekend, here's a few ideas:

Friday, February 8 2013

Glendale Chocolate Affaire

This weekend, is a delicious delight for the senses as the Glendale Chocolate Affaire takes over downtown Glendale to create a chocolate-lover’s dream!  Chocolate purveyors from Arizona and around the nation gather in Glendale for this award-winning festival, which celebrates not only chocolate, but romance and the arts as well. Chocolate confections will include items such as fried ice cream with chocolate and strawberries, chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate-covered churros, chocolate-covered key lime pie, , chocolate-covered crepes and much more.

Details:  Friday 5-10p.m., Saturday 10a.m-10p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5p.m.  The event is located in the heart of historic Downtown Glendale,  at 58^th Ave and Glendale.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

White Tank Black Rock Long Loop Hike

Whether you are looking for quiet time, family time, exercise time or just a fun time, join us as we hike in the gorgeous Arizona outdoors! Every hiker’s supplies should include comfortable walking shoes, layer clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, small emergency first aid kit, water, and light snacks. Hikers will meet at the Litchfield Park Recreation Center south parking lot, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park at the time specified. The entrance fee to participate in the hike is $6.00 per car so carpooling is encouraged to reduce the entrance fee per person.

Details:  10:00a.m. meet at South parking lot Litchfield Park Recreation Center, $6.00 per car.

Mardi Gras Parade, pub crawl

Downtown Phoenix transforms into a mini New Orleans for this big festival, parade and pub crawl.  The Downtown Phoenix Partnership goes all out for this annual event, which is even bigger and better this year.

Details:  3-10p.m. festival and parade, 9p.m.-1a.m. pub crawl.  CityScape, Washington Street and Central Avenue.  Free for all events, limited $15 pub-crawl trolley tickets available.

D-Back Fan Fest

The day will kick off at 8a.m. with the first D-Backs Race Against Cancer, a 5K that includes a T-shirt, medal and drawstring backpack for participants, followed at 9:30 a.m. with a family 1K walk.  Afterward, kids can practice their swings with players on the Whiffle Ball field and play in a family fun zone.  There will also be Q&A sessions with D-Backs players, clubhouse tours, arts and crafts projects and a yard sale. 

Details:  Race Against Cancer 5K at 8a.m., $50; 9:30a.m. family walk $30; $5 kids younger than 12.  D Backs Fan Fest 10a.m. Free Admission.  Chase Field, Seventh and Jefferson streets.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Arizona Renaissance Festival

It’s time for the annual trip back in time for turkey legs, corsets and leather mugs.  Enjoy this family-friendly medieval-themed carnival, complete with jesters and jousters, shops, music and other Renaissance-era revelry.

Details:  10a.m.-6p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Feb 9- March 31.  Renaissance Festival Grounds, 12601 E Highway 60, Apache Junction.  $21, $11 for ages 5—12 online in advance; $22, $12 for ages 5-12 at the box office.