Native American Crafts in Phoenix

Arizona

Collectors consider the 42nd annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market, March 4 and 5 in Phoenix, second only to the Santa Fe market as a place for great finds. More than 500 Native American artists will sell their pottery, baskets, jewelry, weavings, clothing, sculpture, paintings and more. Indian music and dance performances take place at the museum’s outdoor amphitheater. The food booths offer acorn soup, Hopi stew and fry bread. For more information, contact the Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004; telephone (602) 252-8840.

Washington, D.C.

The annual Smithsonian Kite Festival, this year March 25 on the west side of the Washington Monument, is one of the most popular events on the National Mall. The theme this year is “A Century of Flight: Looking Forward,” celebrating technological advances in flying and the various materials used in making kites. Competitions range from handmade-by-the-flier kites to stunt demonstrations. Rain date: March 26. For more information, contact the Smithsonian Associates, 1100 Jefferson Drive S.W., Room 3077, Washington, DC 20560; tel. (202) 357-3030.

Tennessee

Mule Day, March 30 to April 2, in the town of Columbia, has been a rite of spring here since the 1930s. Highlights include a parade (with bands, floats and plenty of mules), mule pulling and mule driving competitions, and a mule sale. For more information, contact the Maury County Bridle and Saddle Club, P.O. Box 66, Columbia, TN 38401; tel. (931) 381-9557.

Louisiana

The 14th annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, a “Weekend Named Desire,” honors Williams and his literary heritage March 22 to 26. Alec Baldwin and Elizabeth Ashley, who have starred in Williams’ plays on Broadway, will read from “The Night of the Iguana” at the opening benefit. Other highlights include more than 24 literary panels, a production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” master classes, poetry readings and a musical tribute to jazzman Danny Baker. The finale is a spirited Stella and Stanley shouting contest. For more information, contact the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, 225 Baronne St., Suite 1712, New Orleans, LA 70112; tel. (504) 581-1144.

South Carolina

The tour schedule for the 53rd annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 16 to April 15 in Charleston’s historic district, is different every day. The focus on these self-guided walking tours moves from street to street, from Wentworth Street, with a concentration of antebellum homes, to Anson Street, where visitors will see the home of its namesake 18th century British naval officer. For tickets and more information, contact the Historic Charleston Foundation, P.O. Box 1120, Charleston, SC 29402; tel. (843) 722-3405.

Events appears monthly.