Yes, you read that correctly. April 22 is Earth Day and you should do your part. You can purchase an electric car, take public transportation, stay away from plastic grocery bags, or you can eat cupcakes. Every year, Sprinkles Cupcakes donates 100% of its profits to an environmental care organization. This year, the cupcakery is donating to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Who doesn’t love the botanical gardens? Since 2008, Sprinkles has donates over $68,000 to organizations like these. Way to go Sprinkles.

Photo by Kara Philp

Call it romantic, call it family fun, but whatever you do save yourself the sunburn by taking advantage of these local attractions once the sun has set thanks to their evening events and summer hours.

Take a sensory adventure and see, hear and feel the desert night. The Desert Botanical Gardens host summer flashlight tours from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays through September 1. This self-paced stroll along the main trail and 10 discovery stations is perfect for dates, families and children of all ages. Please bring your own flashlight. Member and nonmember garden admission rates apply. For more information call (480) 941-1225

So, apparently this term is usually used to describe some nation-wide college sporting event that takes over ESPN and involves teams in far off lands where sports don’t constantly disappoint, but how about all of the amazing events happening in March right here in the Valley of Eternal Sunshine? Read more to get the full list

Spring Butterfly Exhibit - Nothing says “spring” like caterpillars crawling out of their cocoons to become beautiful butterflies. Sure, it sounds cliche, but celebrate the new season by fluttering over to Desert Botanical Gardens from now until May 5.

»READ MORE

Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden is helping bring the autumn feel to the desert as The Great Pumpkin Festival arrives this October 21-24. And bring the kiddies; anyone under 12 can choose their own free pumpkin to take home and decorate. Details after the jump, including another patch where you can actually pluck your pumpkin right off the vine. »READ MORE

Whether you consider yourself a beer novice or a true connoisseur, this Beer Garden is for you. Hosted at the Desert Botanical Garden on September 24 (6-10 pm), hop heads will love meandering across the many winding, cacti-lined walking paths while they sip, and savor some of the finest craft beers made here in AZ, Germany and around the world. »READ MORE