January Events
Glendale Glitter and Glow Annual Block Party
Features Hot Air Balloons and over 500,000 twinkling lights, live music, and street performers make this a special event each year. Get more details at http://www.glendaleaz.com/events/.
Arizona Balloon Classic
Arizona’s premier hot air balloon and race and festival. Find out more information at http://abcfest.com/.
Annual Arizona National Quarter Horse Show
WestWorld, One of Arizona’s largest Quarter Horse shows, a 4-H/FFA horse show, Appaloosa show, and a youth horse judging contest, NRHA sanctioned reining classes and Ranch Horse Pleasure classes, and Open Cow Horse class – See more at http://www.anls.org/.
Vanguard Artists Art Exhibit
Vanguard Artists has approximately 70 members who meet monthly to network and share ideas and accomplishments. Their goal is to educate and present fine art to the public. Check out more information at http://vanguardartists.blogspot.com/
Annual Resolution Run 5K
At Papago Park. A traditional way to start the New Year, shirts, refreshments, drawings for prizes, 5K run and walk with age division winners. Find more information at http://www.runningmasters.net/.
San Tan Scramble Trail Runs
Race in the Desert Runner Trail Series, 9K makes a loop of the San Tan, 27K makes a loop of the San Tan trail with an out and back to the Goldmine Trailhead plus the 9K course, the 50K course includes the others as well as a very steep rocky trail and portions are in a sandy wash. For more race information go to http://www.aravaiparunning.com/san-tan-scramble/.
Arizona Bridal Show
The Arizona Bridal Show is proud to be the largest expo of it’s kind in the United States. Held bi-annually in January and June each year at the Phoenix Convention Center, the show features more than 450 of the valley’s top wedding experts all in one place. It is the perfect opportunity to begin planning your special day! – See more at http://arizonabridalshow.com/.
Annual Big Maricopa County Home & Garden Show
Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1000 exhibit spaces with home improvement companies, interior designers vignettes, specialty products garden pavilion, ask the experts, landscape display, boutique products marketplace, seminars on remodeling/decorating & gardening. See more at http://maricopacountyhomeshows.com/.
Annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
Begins at CityScape, run through Phoenix, Tempe & Scottsdale, fast, flat course, more than 70 live bands, 40 cheer squads, aid stations at each mile, music at every mile, free headliner concert. See more at http://www.runrocknroll.com/arizona/.
Annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction
WestWorld, largest, most prestigious antique/classic car auction in the world, 700+ American & European classic, sports & racing cars, buyers from around the world – See more at http://www.barrett-jackson.com/.
Annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance
Arizona Biltmore, featuring ninety rare and exceptional automobiles including the personal roadster of Frank Lloyd Wright, famous creations celebrating the 100-year history of a famous Italian design house, champion race car drivers, special feature events with racing legends and much more – Check out more information at http://arizonaconcours.com/.
Waste Management Open
Named “The Greatest Show on Grass”! The Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale has no problem living up to its name. In addition to playing host to the greatest players in the game, the tournament is the PGA TOUR’s best-attended event – drawing nearly 500,000 enthusiastic spectators each year. Get more information at https://wmphoenixopen.com/.
February Events
Annual Chocolate Affaire
Glendale’s Own Cerreta Candy Company Presents the Sweetest Event in Town. Visitors will delight in the nearly 40 chocolate purveyors, featuring delights like chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-drizzled kettle corn, chocolate-covered nuts, chocolate-covered cheesecake and bananas, fried Twinkies, fried Snickers dipped in chocolate and much more, all along with free admission. Find out more about this event at http://www.visitglendale.com/.
Annual Great Canadian Picnic
The 65th Annual Great Canadian Picnic, which welcomes 3000 attendees from Canada and the U.S., is set to take place on Saturday February 4, 2017 at the South Mountain Park Activity Complex. It is a family fun day filled with activities, games, live music, snow games, hay rides, classic cars, door prizes, great food and so much more for both adults and kids! An annual highlight of many Arizona-Canadians and their friends, it is open to the public and admission is free. More information can be found at http://canadianpicnic.com/.
Annual Runner’s Den Pancake Run
Presented by IHOP. Paradise Valley Mall, Diaper Derby, 5K or 10K, pancake flat USAT&F certified courses, includes pancake breakfast, tech T-shirt, raffle, video recall of your finish. Find out more at http://www.runnersdenpancakerun.com/.
Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival
Scottsdale Waterfront, more than 125 juried fine artists will line the banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront, along with wineries and live musical entertainment – See more at http://www.thunderbirdartists.com/.
Annual Strong Beer Festival
Steele Indian School Park, the official launch of Arizona Craft Beer Week and Arizona’s premier craft beer festival, focusing on beers “strong” in flavor and character from across the country, draws visitors from across the state and country to Arizona, A tasting featuring strong beers, also offering tastes of other craft beer types and styles, music and food vendors, more than 75 breweries. Find more information at http://www.craftbeeraz.com/.
Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show & Shopping Expo
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show where Wild West meets upscale arts, culture, and fine dining. The largest event of its kind in the world, the show attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators. Exciting competitions, gala parties, educational seminars and an international cuisine court, the event features more than 300 vendor booths, offering everything from lavish jewelry, clothing, and works of art. See more information at http://www.scottsdalshow.com.
The Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival
Take a trip back in time! The Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 13-stage theatre, a 30-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a Jousting Tournament and a feast, all rolled into one non-stop, day-long, family adventure! Find out more about the festival at http://arizona.renfestinfo.com/.
March Events
Superstition Kennel Club Dog Show
State Fairgrounds, One of the largest AKC canine venues in Arizona representing 182 dog breeds. Westminster Kennel Club’s “Best In Show”, over 2,000 Purpose Bred Dogs, etc. See more at http://www.superstitionkc.com.
Arizona Sun Country Circuit Quarter Horse Show
WestWorld, One of the top ten American Quarter Horse shows in the nation, this circuit is full of six shows including three youth shows, all events are offered in English & Western jumping, more than 36 states, Canada, Germany, and England compete, competition for more than $200,000 in awards & prize money, vendors for shopping, free – See more at http://www.suncircuit.com/.
Annual Ostrich Festival
Tumbleweed Regional Park, Ostrich races, carnival rides, live headline entertainment each day and the Music Coop showcasing local community performing groups and bands, exotic petting zoo, camel and pony rides, Kidzone, arts & crafts vendors. For more information check out http://www.ostrichfestival.com.
Annual Scottsdale Arts Festival
Civic Center Mall, one of the top festivals in the nation, a celebration of visual, performing and culinary arts, 200 jury-selected artists from the U.S. and Canada, continuous live music and entertainment on two stages, local gourmet food trucks, creative activities for kids, an interactive art installation by Scottsdale Public Art. Check out more information at http://www.scottsdaleartsfestival.org.
Annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer
Grand Canyon University, 10K/5K & Cancer Survivors Walk to benefit Children’s Cancer Network, Enjoy the post-race festival for some family fun! Activities include a vendor expo, arts and crafts, jump castles, music and more! Registration includes official runner tech shirt, a commemorative medal for all participants and a runner bag at packet pick-up. Find out more at http://www.runtofightcancer.com.
Camping World 500
Phoenix International Raceway, PIR’s spring event weekend, headlined by the Camping World 500 featuring the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. For more information go to http://www.phoenixraceway.com.
Spring Training
An Arizona Tradition! 15 teams train in the Phoenix metropolitan area in the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere in the United States. For visitors, the Cactus League couldn’t be more convenient, with short drive times between ballparks and a full range of hotel, dining and shopping amenities. Truly, the Cactus League is the premier destination for baseball lovers. Check out all the information at http://www.cactusleague.com
April Events
Annual Pow Wow at ASU
Tempe, Arizona The Arizona State University Pow Wow Committee is a student organization whose primary purpose is to coordinate and host an annual Spring Pow Wow. This event is a culmination of Native beliefs and traditions that inspire, communicate, and support the Native American culture. As part of the diversity at Arizona State University, Native Americans are beginning to represent an increasing percentage of the student population. It is with pride that we seek enrichment, not only academically, but also culturally, by maintaining and sharing our heritage and traditions. – See more at http://www.powwow.asu.edu.
Country Thunder
Country Thunder is the premier Country Music Festival to roll into Arizona for the past 23 years. Country Thunder performers have included huge country artists such as Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, and Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Jake Owen only to name a few. Country Thunder’s lineup will keep on dazzling spectators and exceeding expectations, so grab a cowboy hat, a RV or tent if you want to camp, and come and enjoy the world’s premier country acts with the camaraderie of over 100,000 fans. Get more information at http://www.countrythunder.com.
Arizona Diamondbacks
April brings back baseball and you won’t want to miss a single game. Check out the full schedule at http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ari.
May Events
Phoenix Comic Con
Amazing Arizona Comic Con celebrates with the best and brightest in comicbook and pop entertainment. Meet your favorite creators and celebrities at this 3-day event, filled with a giant exhibitors hall, an international artist alley, video game arena, hundreds of people in costume, and more. There is something for everyone. Check out more information at http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/home.
Salt River Tubing
Cool off and relax in a tube down the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. It is a fun relaxing way to spend the day. Check out more information at http://www.saltrivertubing.com/.
Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury is the Women’s professional basketball team based in Phoenix. The season starts in May. Check out a game at the Talking Stick Resort Arena. Find out more information at http://mercury.wnba.com/.
June Events
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Concert Series
Rock and roll at the Railroad Park! Enjoy free concerts every Sunday evening with a variety of local bands. With Classic Rock, Retro 80s, Country, Rhythm and Blues and Retro 90s, we’ve got a little something for everyone. Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park. Food is available for purchase. The park’s iconic steam engines pull the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. Train and Carousel rides are $2. Children two and under ride free with a paying adult. Get more information at http://www.therailroadpark.com/?post_type=event&p=205.
Annual Bloomin’ Beerfest
The Irish Cultural and Center and McClelland Library present The Annual Bloomin’ Beerfest at the Irish Cultural Center in Downtown Phoenix. Get more information at http://www.azirish.org/bloomsday/.
July Events
There are over 27 fireworks displays, events, festivals around the Valley. A few are:
Red, White and Boom
If you are visiting Ahwatukee, you will not want to miss the Red, White and Boom event. Have the little ones bring their bathing suit to play in the pool playground and splash pad. There will also be a zip line and carnival games. Get more information at https://www.facebook.com/ahwatukeeredwhiteboom.
Mesa’s Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Ring in the Fourth with a huge festival in Mesa. Zona Road, Georgia Chrome, 108th Army Band will provide live music on the main stage, while Rock Lobster and B-Platinum entertain from the Stars & Stripes Stage. For the kids, there will be carnival games and a splash zone. Get more info on this event at http://www.mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/arizona-celebration-of-freedom/.
Tempe Town Lake 4th of July Festival
Bring your lawn chairs, a blanket, the family and some snacks to Tempe Beach Park and watch the fireworks sparkle over Tempe Town Lake. There will be music, a flyover, an inflatable village for the kids, and a beer garden for the adults. Find more information at http://www.tempetourism.com/events/.
August Events
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals begin pre-season football games in August. They play home games at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Check out their schedule at http://www.azcardinals.com/schedule/season-schedule.html and catch a game.
Birds in the Garden
Desert Botanical Garden. Join expert birders for a morning bird walk along the Garden trails. Everyone, including first-time birders, is welcome. Wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Bring binoculars if available. Get more information at https://www.dbg.org/.
September Events
Arizona Coyotes Hockey
Pregame season starts in September. Don’t miss a single game. Check out the schedule at https://www.nhl.com/coyotes.
Brazilian Day Arizona Festival
The Annual Brazilian Day Arizona Festival is the largest, most authentic Brazilian Independence Day event in the valley. The all-ages Brazilian Festival is a great opportunity for the whole family to come and experience a variety of Brazilian culture, including – Live Brazilian Bands, Dancers, Performers, DJ’s, Martial Arts, Brazilian Food, Drinks and more! Get more information at http://www.braziliandayarizona.com/.
October Events
Arizona State Fair
There’s nothing quite like the Arizona State Fair. Arizona’s playground, the state fair is filled with great entertainment, family-friendly fun—from the food to the rides, attractions, and events. Not yet ready to grab an Indian Fry Bread and head for the roller coasters! Learn more about the fair at https://azstatefair.com/.
Mesa Arts & Crafts Festival
(MACFest) will be held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, October thru April. The festival is located on N. MacDonald Street between Pepper Place and Main Street. This is a free event featuring unique artist creations, music, and fun for the whole family. The Festival features the work of established and emerging artists and crafters including woodworking, metal crafts, food items, jewelry, photography, handmade soaps, gift items, ceramics, and so much more. See more at http://www.macfestmesa.com/.
Phoenix Suns
Check out a basketball game with the Phoenix Suns at the Talking Stick Resort & Casino. Games start in October. To find a game, visit http://www.nba.com/suns/schedule.
November Events
Skate Westgate
An outdoor skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, nightly snowfall, free visits and photos with Santa and Chabad Menorah lighting. For more information visit http://www.westgateaz.com/skate/.
Zoolights
ZooLights shines with millions of lights, a three-story-high holiday tree, hundreds of glimmering light displays and lakeside music-in-motion shows, live animals are not on exhibit. Check out more information at http://phoenixzoo.org/.
CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink
Phoenix’s only real outdoor ice rink returns to CityScape
in the heart of downtown Phoenix. For more information go to http://www.phxicerink.com/.
December Events
Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms Winter Wonderland and Ice Skating. Ice Skating, Snow and Sled Days, Breakfast with Santa and so much more! Check it out at http://www.schnepffarms.com/.
Fiesta Bowl Game & Parade
The Fiesta Bowl is played at the University of Phoenix Stadium and is always one of the top four college football bowl games. There are other events associated with the game and parade. Don’t miss any of the action. For more information go to https://fiestabowl.org/.
For more resources try:
http://www.azcentral.com/things-to-do/seasonal/
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/events/a/festivals01.htm
