March Madness is back, and Arizona is bringing the heat with some of the best watch parties, dining experiences, and themed events to celebrate the tournament. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan, a casual viewer, or just looking for a great time, there’s something for everyone. From rooftop screenings to beer tastings and margarita-fueled madness, here’s your guide to the ultimate March Madness experience in Arizona.
Hoops on the Roof at Skysill Rooftop
From March 16 through April 7, basketball fans can enjoy the NCAA tournament in style at Skysill Rooftop at The Westin Tempe. With a massive screen, beer bucket specials, and daily bracket challenge giveaways, this watch party is a slam dunk for those looking to catch every buzzer-beater. Guests even have the chance to win a $50 Skysill gift card to use during any game throughout the tournament if they can predict a winning team’s final score. This exciting March Madness event is free, open to the public, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Games will take place from 3 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.
Backyard Madness at Backyard Desert Ridge
Phoenix
At Backyard Desert Ridge in Phoenix, fans can watch the tournament on four massive 18-ft. LED screens while enjoying a lively atmosphere. This 8,000-sq.-ft. indoor/outdoor restaurant is the perfect spot to gather with friends and feast on game-day favorites like nachos, sticky ribs, wings, pizza, and burgers. With cocktails, shots, and beer flowing, this venue is a top choice for anyone looking for a high-energy sports experience this basketball season. For more information, visit backyarddesertridge.com.
March Madness at K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill
Scottsdale
With over 78 TVs, K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill in Scottsdale is the ultimate spot for catching every game from Selection Sunday to the Championship Final Four. Fans can enjoy beer buckets, craft cocktails, and a vibrant crowd on game days, while on the weekends, the excitement continues with Basketball & Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring buckets of bubbles, signature Bloody Marys, indulgent skillets, and oven cakes. For large groups, reservations are available to ensure a prime spot for all the action. For more information, visit kodonnells.com.
March Madness Membership Shop at Lululemon Biltmore
Phoenix
For those looking to mix fitness with fun, the March Madness Membership Shop at Lululemon Biltmore on March 29, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., is a unique way to celebrate the tournament. The event kicks off with an ambassador-led workout, followed by coffee, light bites, local vendors, and a DJ spinning tracks throughout the morning. Shoppers can enjoy a special gift with a purchase, making it an exciting way to combine sports, shopping, and socializing this March Madness in Arizona. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.
Beer Madness at Trevor’s Liquor
Scottsdale
On March 22, from noon to 3 p.m., beer lovers can get in on the madness at Trevor’s Liquor’s second-annual Beer Madness event. This Hazy IPA edition will feature blind taste tests and head-to-head matchups where attendees cast votes to determine the Beer Madness Champion. The competition will culminate in a final round where the top brew is crowned, and guests can celebrate with a pint of their favorite contender as they catch the game on an oversized projector wall. Paired with mouthwatering BBQ from Smoke Slab, this is a must-attend for craft beer aficionados. Tickets to attend are $30 per person, and this event is 21-plus only from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.
Marg Madness at JoJo’s ShakeBAR Scottsdale
Scottsdale
For those less interested in brackets and more interested in margaritas, JoJo’s ShakeBAR Scottsdale is offering Marg Madness every Monday in March. Guests can enjoy 50 percent off Patron Margarita Trees while indulging in nostalgia with classic 80s and 90s shows and movies playing throughout the night. Grab your crew, sip on some margs, and relive the best throwback moments in a lively, fun atmosphere (because who needs brackets when you have margs?). For more information, visit www.jojosshakebar.com.
March Madness at Chicken & Pickle
Glendale
Hosted by Highly Intelligent Co., March Madness at Chicken & Pickle in Glendale is a night of fashion, networking, and music. This event, taking place March 21 from 7 to 10 p.m., features shopping from local vendors, a DJ, and plenty of pickleball action across the courts. With great food and a vibrant crowd, it’s a unique way to celebrate March Madness in Arizona while enjoying an energetic social scene. Admission is free, though purchases may be required for some activities. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.
IPA Madness at Yardhouse
Phoenix
Hop lovers can get in on the action at Yardhouse in Phoenix with IPA Madness. For $15, guests can enjoy an IPA Madness Flight featuring four unique brews competing for the title of top IPA. Once the samples are tasted, participants can cast their vote and celebrate with a full pint of their favorite contender. With options ranging from a hazy house IPA to the fruit-forward Sweetwater Half-A-Gummie Fruit Punch IPA, this is an event that beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss. An assortment of Buzzer Beater Bites will be available to indulge in, including The MVP (Most Valuable Pizza), crispy Szechuan ribs, and loaded beer cheese fries. The basketball games will also be streamed on an assortment of flatscreens throughout the space. For more information, visit www.yardhouse.com.