First Ever Viewers Like You Festival Comes to Peoria

viewers-like-you-logoEight, Arizona PBS launches ‘Viewers Like You Festival,’ a brand new event that embraces its award-winning programming, Sun. Nov. 1, at Trilogy® at Vistancia®, in Peoria. Tickets for Viewers Like You Festival are on sale Sat., Aug. 1, at www.azpbs.org/festival.

The event delivers a thematic PBS experience with six featured “neighborhoods” that highlight popular elements of the Eight, Arizona PBS universe and offers delicious food, fine wine and craft beer; live presentations and a chance to meet the hosts of popular Arizona PBS programs. Plus a live concert performance is planned; details to be announced.

“We are proud to deliver an event that amplifies the Eight, Arizona PBS viewing experience,” said Kelly McCullough, General Manager, Eight, Arizona PBS. Viewers Like You Festival, with its diverse neighborhoods, will be like coming home for PBS fans – our viewers and supporters. We’re celebrating the shows and themes they know and enjoy on Eight. It’s also a chance to learn more about Eight, Arizona PBS.”

Viewers Like You Festival features six neighborhoods:

CULINARY CORNER. This is a reprise of Eight’s Great GrillFest with an added twist and more than grilling. In this iteration, fans are invited to discover new restaurants, watch cooking demonstrations and sample a variety of culinary tastes from some of the area’s top chefs. Culinary talent lighting up the SubZero/Wolf stage includes Arizona culinary doyenne and official event host, Barbara Pool Fenzl, who also stars in Eight’s “Savor the Southwest.” Fan favorite and James Beard Foundation award-winner who also hosts the station’s #1 locally produced show, Eight’s “Check, Please! Arizona,” Chef Robert McGrath, also will appear at Viewers Like You Festival. Plus, fans will have the chance to audition for this ever-popular #1 show.

BOOKLOVERS DELIGHT. Bookworms will have the opportunity to meet Arizona’s Poet Laureate and “Books & Co.” host, Alberto Álvaro Ríos. Award-winning Ríos will sign books and host an intimate Q&A session where audience members can learn more about his work. A collection of books and cookbooks from PBS personalities will also be available for purchase.

BRITISH DRAMA FUN. Travel back in time to Edwardian England, dress up like your favorite “Downtown Abbey” characters, sip a cup of tea and sample authentic specialties from local British restaurants.

ADMIRE THE ARTS. With the help of local artists, the community will combine its artistic talents and passion for PBS to paint a community mural. Participants also will have the opportunity to dress the part for fun selfies in this creative neighborhood.

SCIENCE & THE STARS. Learn more about the astronomical universe around us with this special educational experience, featuring insight from seasoned professionals in the academic community.

PBS GEAR. Show off your Eight, Arizona PBS spirit with a thematic collection of merchandise, including PBS Nerd shirts, Arizona Collection items and much more.

TICKETS. Tickets are available at www.azpbs.org/festival; click on the ‘buy tickets’ link. Admission to the event is $60 and includes food, wine and beer tastings. VIP tickets are $80 and include early entrance to the event (11am-12pm) to beat the lines for food.

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