On Thursday, March 19, Scottsdale, Ariz., will kick off the Glass Act Festival ArtWalk, a combination of two of the city’s most beloved events, the Scottsdale ArtWalk and the annual Scottsdale Arts Festival. Starting at 7 p.m., residents and visitors alike can stroll down Main Street and Marshall Way and peruse work by some of the area’s most celebrated artists. Learn how to become a glass master yourself by watching one of several flameworking demonstrations given by professionals. A Glass Act is great for residents or visitors on a budget: Enjoy free admission, free trolley service to the event or free parking. 

If you’re willing to spend a few bucks, for $65 you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the exciting glass medium. One of the tour’s highlights is a backstage look at celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly’s installation at the Desert Botanical Garden. Afterwards, enjoy a private glass-art reception from three art galleries in the Scottsdale Arts District. The tour starts at 1 p.m. on Thursday and will end in time for the ArtWalk’s opening.

The ArtWalk is just an appetizer for the weekend-long celebration of everything art in the Arizona desert. The 39th Annual Scottsdale Art Festival starts on Friday, March 20, at the nearby Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Nearly 200 jury-selected artists using a variety of media showcase their unique work, with everything from textiles to glass to photography. The festival also features of variety of musical performances from performers of many genres, a kids’ area, as well as food and beverages. Starting on Saturday, art connoisseurs can participate in an online art auction. Admission to the Art Festival is $7 for adults and $5 for kids. Two-day passes can be purchased for $10.