From the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard in north Scottsdale, head 12 miles east to Fountain Hills. You will have many ethnic and cultural festivals to choose from during a Phoenix winter, but this is probably the loveliest of them. For the last 15 years, Matsuri organizers have brought together the sights and sounds of Japanese classical dancing, Taiko drummers, natives dressed in beautiful kimonos and artists displaying unusual crafts. Martial arts play a big part in the festival, too, with demonstrations in judo, Shotokan karate, swordsmanship and tae kwon do. Exhibits include bonsai demonstrations, origami folding, kite construction, fabric art and cooking demonstrations.
Booths serving Japanese food are in abundance.
Matsuri takes place mid- to late February over a Saturday and Sunday, and admission is free. On top of that are historical re-enactment groups, bagpipe and drum competitions, dances and children's activities. The weekend event is preceded by a Friday evening Celtic rock concert. Children younger than 5 are admitted free. The Scottish community of Phoenix has sponsored the gathering for 32 years.