Dance to authentic music, sample South American foods, and celebrate all things Brazil at the Brazilian Day Arizona Festival on September 19, from noon-5 p.m. Held at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and presented by Afro:Baile, the festival celebrates the country’s independence from Portugal and is the largest of its kind in the Valley.
During the festival, live Brazilian bands will play samba, bossa nova, pagode, foro, and more traditional music on the main outdoor stage. Sit back and listen, or join in the fun and dance. Instructors will be on hand to teach you various dances, including samba and afro, if you want to learn some new Brazilian moves.
For a different take on music and movement, be sure to catch martial arts experts demonstrating capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that was developed by Africans as a way of defending themselves against slave owners. Think you have what it takes to perform the quick, complex moves? You’ll have the chance to prove it when the experts offer lessons.
In addition to the music and martial arts demonstrations, you’ll be able to shop for authentic merchandise in the outdoor market area. Kids can enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, and kid-themed dance and music lessons.
Inside the performing arts center, you can learn to play various Brazilian instruments, including percussion instruments from Carnival.
Tickets are $12 for ages 11 and up and $5 for kids 10 and under. Kids two and under are free. Music and activities are included in the cost of admission, but food and drinks are sold separately.
Free parking is available in the public parking garage located to the west of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Wells Fargo Avenue. Additional free parking is available at the Old Town Parking Corral at East Second Street and Brown Avenue and at the Civic Center Library parking garage located on Drinkwater Boulevard at East Second Street.
The event will be held rain or shine, and as temperatures cool down in September it's guaranteed to be a beautiful day.
For information on other huge fall events coming up, give me a call today or feel free to send any questions via the form below.
