Photo: OdySea Aquarium is hosting a special event for families impacted by autism.
Free jazz in Chandler
Chandler Jazz Festival (Fri-Sat April 5-6). Performances start at 5 pm. Free. Jazz performances. Galleries, restaurants and shops open during festival. Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. chandleaz.gov.
Special event at OdySea
Autism Awareness Weekend (Fri-Sun April 5-7). 9 am-7 pm Fri-Sat, 9 am-6 pm Sun. OdySea has partnered with Pal Experiences to create a safe environment for families and individuals impacted by autism and related developmental differences. All Pal families will receive a $10 discount per ticket. OdySea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. odyseaaquarium.com
Events for the little ones
Avondale KidFest (Sat April 6). 10am-1pm. Free. The focus of this event is on literacy, education, healthy lifestyles, water safety, interactive activities and entertainment. Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale. avondalekidfest.com
Exclusively Little Expo (Sat April 6). 8 am-1 pm. Free; $2 train and carousel rides. Provides a one-stop-shop for families to find information about summer camps, school and education options, youth sports and recreation programs, indoor and outdoor activity opportunities and a wide range of programs and services provided by the city of Scottsdale. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. therailroadpark.com
Travel the world in Gilbert
Gilbert’s Global Village Festival (Sat April 6). 9 am-3 pm. Free. Highlights traditional and contemporary forms of music, dance, children’s activities, hands on displays from all over the world, and ethnic foods from multiple countries abroad. Gilbert North Civic Center, 50 E Civic Center Dr. Gilbert. gilbertaz.gov
Spend all day at Lake Pleasant
Paddlefest (Sat April 6). 8 am-5 pm. $7/vehicle. Try out different forms of paddle craft from paddle boards to canoes. Live music and activities. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Peoria. maricopa.gov/parks.
Lanterns at the Lake (Sat April 6). 4-9:30 pm $30 per lantern; $10 parking. Features live music, food trucks and thousands of lanterns launching simultaneously. Pleasant Harbor, 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria. pleasantharbor.com
Flower Show and Sale
Orchid Show (Sat-Sun April 6-7). 9 am-5 pm Sat, 10 am-4 pm Sun. Free. Orchids for sale and on display. Learn to grow orchids, repot them and bloom them at one of the daily classes held at noon and 2 pm. Berridge Nurseries, 4647 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. dvos-az.com
