Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

NPR’s Ailsa Chang hosts VIP event to open First Press Fine Wine Festival on February 20, 2027

Early Bird Tickets on sale now

September, 2026, Tempe, Arizona -- Friends of Public Radio Arizonawill kick off the First Press Fine Wine Festival with the inaugural First Press VIP Prelude & Brunch featuring award-winning journalist Ailsa Chang, host of NPR's All Things Considered. Guests will enjoy a sparkling morning of fabulous food followed by a KJZZ Q&A with Ailsa just before the festival opens.

Early bird tickets for the February 20^th event at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in North Phoenix are available now through Thanksgiving Day at firstpressarizona.com.

First Press Fine Wine Festival has a 20-plus year history as a fun, yet elegant affair featuring a curated selection of exceptional wines from renowned wineries, perfectly paired with tasteful appetizers.

Participating wineries come back year after year, having seen a return on their investment. Here are thoughts from just one of them:

“Piattelli has been a part of the First Press Wine Festival for the past several years, and we love working with the team. The guests are energized, engaged, and want to learn, taste, and explore. Great event, great people, and a great way to share your wines with the world!” Grant Jennings (Owner), Piattelli Vineyards

Winery information and registration here.

This highly anticipated annual event benefits Friends of Public Radio Arizona, which supports the programs and outreach of public radio in Phoenix. including KJZZ 91.5 FM, KBACH 89.5 FM, and the SPOT 127 Youth Media Center.

2027 early bird tickets can be purchased here. For insights into the atmosphere and experience, see our 2026 photo gallery.

First Press sponsors are welcome and will find more information here.

Friends of Public Radio Arizona assures the future vitality and excellence of our community’s public radio and broadens its support. For more information on Friends of Public Radio Arizona and the programs and services it supports, visit fpraz.org.

About the venue: The Musical Instrument Museum, or MIM as it’s known to locals, is located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in North Phoenix. Opened in April 2010, it is the largest museum of its type in the world. The collection of over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects includes examples from nearly 200 countries and territories, representing every inhabited continent.