Let your curiosity bloom this spring in the sunny Sonoran landscape of Greater Phoenix with a variety of fun exhibit openings and outdoor events designed to tickle the senses and capture your imagination.

Shed your winter coat and bask in the glorious Arizona sunshine as you take a stroll with hundreds of fluttering butterflies among the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world. Travel back to the times of jesters and kings and watch ornately-costumed characters joust in an expansive theater as the smell of seasoned mutton fills the air. Explore an unbelievable collection of oddities, anomalies and fantastic feats you never imagined possible outside of the big screen. And that's just the beginning.

Starting on March 26, visitors to the Phoenix Art Museum will have the chance to explore the ground-breaking Hollywood Costume exhibition that celebrates and explores costume design in cinematic storytelling. Arriving in Phoenix from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, this exhibition brings together more than 100 of the world's most iconic costumers from a century of filmmaking. *Image courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum.

In celebration of the spring season, Desert Botanical Garden will feature an exhilarating “Spring Butterfly Exhibit” from March 1-May 11. Walk through the beautiful Marshall Butterfly Pavilion and find yourself surrounded by stunning, ornate butterflies fluttering through the air. Watch as they sip nectar and spread their delicate wings in a lush, colorful habitat located in the world's finest collection of desert plans from around the world.

The Arizona Science Center has brought an exciting new addition to its guests this spring with the limited-time introduction of The Science of Ripley's Believe it Or Not! This unique exhibit presents an extraordinary collection of intriguing objects and astonishing artifacts that explore the real science behind the unbelievable. But it's only around until May 4.

The Heard Museum journeys beyond the Southwest in its exhibit Stories Outside the Lines: American Indian Ledger Art, which opens on March 29. Ledger book drawing began in the late 19th century when several tribes of the Great Plains were relocated by the U.S. government. The tradition has continued through the years as contemporary artists create stories and scenes inspired by these artists from long ago. *Image courtesy of Visit Phoenix.

To kick off the month of March, locals and visitors will have the chance to take part in the 26th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival. Bring the whole family to enjoy a one-of-a-kind medieval amusement park, 13-stage theater, 30-acre circus, arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast fit for a king. It's an all-day adventure in Sonoran paradise that's only around for a limited time.

ASU Gammage is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since opening in 1964, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed performing arts center has been the hearts of the arts in the Greater Phoenix community. ASU Gammage has presented the best the arts have to offer for decades, as well as producing new work and educational programs. Coming to ASU Gammage this spring is Once, a Broadway experience that tells the tale of a Dublin street musician's journey of love and music.

The most edible time of the year, Arizona Restaurant Week, is making its return Saturday, May 17 through Monday, May 26, sending diners on a 10-day tasting tour of the state. Participating restaurants are not only known for their exceptional cuisine, they also spare no expense to give diners an extraordinary culinary experience. Arizona Restaurant Week's goal is to position Arizona as one of the top culinary destinations in the nation by increasing awareness of the more than 8,500 dining opportunities available as well as stimulate business and revenue for restaurants throughout the state.

Every First Friday, downtown Phoenix welcomes artisans and visitors to Roosevelt Row for First Fridays Art Walk – The nation's largest, self-guided art walk. Tour various galleries, venues and art-related spaces to see a variety of artwork and to enjoy the spirit and culture of the city. Free event shuttles start at the Phoenix Art Museum, headquarters for First Fridays.T he First Fridays ArtWalk originated in 1993 with a handful of downtown Phoenix art galleries that agreed to have their show openings on the same night. Since these humble beginnings, First Fridays has grown to more than 70 participating galleries and art-friendly businesses. *Image courtesy of Visit Phoenix. 
 
Visitors will be thrilled to discover a number of unforgettable events and exhibitions only available in this Sonoran oasis. Break out of hibernation and find out what happens when the desert world springs to life.

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