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MXSW Weekend Guide for Feb. 17-19

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Arizona Cocktail Week kicks off

Mixologists and spirit specialists come from all over the country will showcase their talent at 25-plus different tasting stations at Cocktail Carnival, the kickoff to Arizona Cocktail Week, from 7-10 p.m. tonight at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale. Admission to the week’s signature event is $40 in advance or $50 at the door. From 8 p.m.-midnight Sunday, the popular Top Bars will feature more than 30 of the world’s best bars at The Croft Downtown in Phoenix.

Arizona Beer Week wraps up

Haven’t made it to any Beer Week events so far? You still have plenty of opportunities. Tonight, Spokes on Southern in Tempe rolls out a half-dozen barrel-aged beers from Bell’s and Founders for its four-year anniversary. Saturday’s smorgasbord includes the Night of a Million Randalls at The Brass Tap in Mesa, an Epic Baptism by Bacon beer dinner at The Hungry Monk in Chandler, and the annual BarleyWine Fest at The Handlebar in Tempe.

Party Gras at The Perch Brewery

Doors open at 4 p.m. Saturday for Party Gras, the three-year anniversary celebration at The Perch Brewery in downtown Chandler. The 21-and-over event, which also will compass sibling restaurant 55 Chicago next door, will feature Cajun food specials and more than 20 Perch beers on tap. Rock Lobster and Metalhead headline the music lineup.

Free buffet at The Draft Sports Grill

Speaking of anniversaries, The Draft Sports Grill across from Fiesta Mall in Mesa marks the end of its second year with its own big party Saturday. For adults, there’s a free happy hour buffet from 5-7 p.m. and a Founders tap takeover. There also will be food and drink specials, raffles, and giveaways all night. Kids 12 and under eat free all day.

Corks & Cactus at Desert Botanical Garden

Sample 40 different wines each day at Cactus & Corks, which takes place 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Cost is $35 for DBG members and $40 for non-members. All 80 wines will be available to purchase in the garden’s wine retail store.

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