Now, picture that scene with a madcap, boozy twist, and you’ve got the annual Brides of March in downtown Phoenix — a gonzo, costumed bar crawl where people of all gender identities don thrift-store wedding gowns and visit drinkeries along the light rail.
Organized by the Arizona Cacophony Society, Brides of March is a marriage of an urban prank, a flash mob and a satire of wedding traditions. The event, which benefits St. Mary’s Food Bank, has taken place in metro Phoenix almost every year since 2009 and also features such over-the-top activities as a high-heel footrace and garter belt-tossing contest.
This year’s Brides of March bar crawl is on Saturday, March 15. Here’s everything to know, including the complete schedule, a list of drink specials at participating bars and where to get a secondhand wedding dress in the Valley.
What day is Brides of March?
The 2025 Brides of March bar crawl is on Saturday, March 15, in Phoenix. What time is Phoenix Brides of March?
Participants in the Brides of March bar crawl will gather at Charlie’s Phoenix, 727 W. Camelback Road, beginning at noon. The crawl will spend approximately two hours at each bar before heading to a new stop.How much is Brides of March bar crawl?
The event is free to join and participating bars won’t charge admission. Participants are responsible for the cost of their drinks and the dress they're wearing. 
Participants of the 2024 Brides of March bar crawl outside of Charlie's Phoenix.
Benjamin Leatherman
Who can join the Brides of March?
Anyone 21 and over, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can participate in the Brides of March bar crawl. Dawn O’Brien, one of the organizers of the event, told Phoenix New Times in 2024 the event isn’t specifically an LGBTQ+ event and is open to anyone of legal drinking age. “It includes everybody, no matter who you are, what you’re into or what your gender happens to be,” O'Brien says. "It's for anyone who's willing to wear a wedding dress in public and have fun.”Is wearing a wedding dress required?
Yes. Wedding dresses are mandatory to join Brides of March. As the event’s Facebook states, “Step out of your comfort zone and into a wedding dress … whether you're male or female, married or single, find an old gown or secondhand treasure and embrace the experience.” Groomsmen costumes also aren't allowed.Where to buy a secondhand wedding dress in Phoenix?
Many metro Phoenix thrift stores like Savers and Goodwill have a selection of low-cost wedding dresses. You can also try overstock liquidation companies like Nellis Auction or online marketplaces like Craigslist and OfferUp.
Can you take Valley Metro Rail to bars?
Yes. All bars participating in Phoenix Brides of March are located near Valley Metro Rail. It costs $2 per ride or $4 for a day pass if you use a reloadable Copper Card or the Valley Metro app. What charity will Brides of March benefit?
Participants are encouraged to donate cash and nonperishable food items to support St. Mary’s Food Bank. A drop-off location will be available at Charlie’s. Each person who brings a full bag of food will receive a penny drink ticket and one entry into a prize raffle for a Betsy Johnson purse at 1 p.m.When and where is the high-heel race?
The annual Brides of March high-heel race will take place at 2 p.m. in the Charlie's parking lot. You must be wearing three-inch heels to compete and wedges won’t be allowed. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place finishers.
Brides of March 2025 bar list and schedule
Here’s a full rundown of Phoenix bars Brides of March will visit on Saturday, including activities at each stop: Noon to 2 p.m.: Charlie’s Phoenix, 727 W. Camelback Road
- 1 p.m.: Champagne toast, wedding cake and raffle drawing for a Betsy Johnson purse
- 1:30 p.m.: Group photo on the rear patio
- 2 p.m.: High-heel race
- 3 p.m.: Dress contest with categories for sexiest dress, most blinged-out dress, most ruffles, longest train and best bearded bride.
- 5 p.m.: Garter belt toss
- 7 p.m.: Bouquet toss
Brides of March drink specials
Each participating bar will offer a variety of drink deals. Here's the list of specials:- Charlie's Phoenix: One-cent drink if you bring one to two full bags of nonperishable food items (limit one per person). Happy hour specials will also be available.
- Cornish Pasty Co.: $4 14-ounce beers and $5 wine and wells
- 810 Billiards & Bowling: Food and drink specials include $5 craft pints, $7 St. Paddy’s cocktails, half-off all starters, $10 cheese pizzas, and $4 well liquors, house wines and domestic pints. There will also be specials on Brides of March-themed drinks like the French Kiss, The Veil, Garter, The Bride and Bridezilla.
