Handy Neighbors

To experience the true essence of Japanese culture, visit the Arizona Matsuri Festival of Japan in downtown Phoenix every February. This popular event is one of the biggest Japanese festivals in the US, featuring over 60 vendors offering food and merchandise and exhibits by local schools, universities, and organizations. This event has four stages to witness thrilling performances, including Taiko drumming, martial arts displays, and traditional Japanese dance shows. The best part? It's completely free, and there are plenty of activities for people of all ages to enjoy. This is an incredible opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Japan's vibrant culture and make unforgettable memories.

If you're a music lover, the Musical Instrument Museum is a must-visit spot in Phoenix. You'll hear the history of sound and song uniquely using the wireless headsets issued to each visitor. The accompanying sounds near each display will transport you to the world of music and help you connect with your heritage while seeing over 4,200 instruments on display from every corner of the globe. From the beginning, the goal has been to deliver a musical experience that is enriching, inspiring, interesting, and fun. Today, the museum has a collection of more than 7,500 instruments from more than 200 world countries and territories, reflecting the rich diversity and history of many world cultures. Come and see why music is the language of the soul at the Musical Instrument Museum.

If you're a fan of architecture or appreciate stunningly designed structures, you won't want to miss touring Taliesin West. Frank Lloyd Wright-designed this masterpiece as his private winter home, studio, and architectural campus. Its prehistoric grandeur and deep connection to the surrounding desert will captivate you. What's even more impressive is that Wright and his apprentices built and maintained the building almost entirely by hand, making it one of the most personal creations of his career. Public tours are available daily, with themed terms incorporating Wright's architectural theories also on offer. As Wright once said, his mission was to "make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give reason, rhyme, and meaning to life." The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation seeks to continue this legacy by inspiring people to connect with nature, the arts, and each other through architecture.

Get ready to be amazed at the Orpheum Theater. This vibrant and popular cultural facility is the perfect place to enjoy public performances by the Phoenix Opera, the Phoenix Ballet, and various other talented artists. The theater has undergone a complete restoration and now features state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, making it the perfect venue to showcase the best entertainment. As the central entertainment hub in downtown Phoenix, the Orpheum Theater draws crowds from all over the city and beyond. Whether you're a fan of concerts, Broadway productions, comedy shows, or any other performance, you won't miss the chance to experience the magic of the Orpheum Theater.