This long-running annual event is a weeklong salute to the culinary arts, held the middle of each April. The picnic takes place the second weekend of the festival. Live music on two outdoor stages goes on throughout the day and evening of that Saturday and Sunday, so there's plenty to excite the senses. Country Thunder takes place in mid- to late April at a large campground site in Queen Creek, enabling those traveling in RVs to stay close to the festivities. There are activities for kids, a hot-air balloon glow and food booths to go along with the concerts.
Discounted tickets are available in advance of the show.