Events
Search our guide to what's happening around Arizona. (Want your event listed? Send an email to Noah Austin at [email protected] Be sure to include the dates of the event, public contact information (phone and/or website) and a brief description.)
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Western
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7th Annual Sand, Water & RV Expo : Lake Havasu City
November 17 to November 18
951-501-0210 www.lakehavasuboatshow.com
London Bridge Resort hosts off-road vehicles, trucks, sand rails, ATVs, UTVs, 4x4s, buggies, golf carts, motorcycles and more, plus related accessory products and services, from 6 to 9 p.m. Free for spectators and entrants.
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Swim Race Across Bridgewater Channel : Lake Havasu City
November 23
928-855-0888 www.londonbridgeresort.com
The Festival of Lights kicks off with this swim race hosted by London Bridge Resort from 6 to 9 p.m. The race is free to enter and open to swimmers of all ages. The winner flips the switch to turn on the Festival of Lights of the English Village.
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23rd Annual Festival of Lights : Lake Havasu City
November 23 to January 5
928-855-0888 www.londonbridgeresort.com
From 6 to 10 p.m. nightly, bring the family for a stroll under London Bridge or take your boat on a night cruise through Bridgewater Channel as more than 500,000 lights set the night aglow. Santa visits Friday and Saturday nights. Free admission.
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Lake Havasu Chamber of Commerce Desert Bash & Off-Road Poker Run : Lake Havasu City
November 30 to December 2
928-855-4115 www.havasuchamber.com
Standard Wash (near Mile Marker 173) hosts a desert weekend of camping, an off-road poker run and plenty of activities for everyone.
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Central
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Paystone Rimstones Annual Gem & Mineral Show : Payson
November 17 to November 18
Payson High School hosts gems, minerals, fossils, lapidary equipment, jewelry, books, education items and more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults; children under 12 are free.
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Jewelry Studio Tour : Scottsdale
November 16 to November 18
775-304-6756 www.highdesertcreations.com
Jewelry designer Kathi Turner opens High Desert Creations to the public during the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour & Sale. Stones native to the Southwest are set in sterling silver and 100 percent copper, enhanced with Western accents.
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Jewelry Studio Tour : Scottsdale
November 23 to November 25
775-304-6756 www.highdesertcreations.com
Jewelry designer Kathi Turner opens High Desert Creations to the public during the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour & Sale. Stones native to the Southwest are set in sterling silver and 100 percent copper, enhanced with Western accents.
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Gedion Nyanhongo Galleries in Tour : Carefree
November 16 to November 18
480-255-4184 www.gediongalleries.com
Shona Art sculptor Gedion Nyanhongo will be at Toni Perrin Studio — open to the public during the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour and Sale. 100 percent by hand, Nyanhongo chisels, carves, files and polishes stones imported from Zimbabwe.
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Gedion Nyanhongo Galleries in Tour : Carefree
November 23 to November 25
480-255-4184 www.gediongalleries.com
Shona Art sculptor Gedion Nyanhongo will be at Toni Perrin Studio — open to the public during the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour and Sale. 100 percent by hand, Nyanhongo chisels, carves, files and polishes stones imported from Zimbabwe.
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"Elf: The Musical" at Phoenix Theatre : Phoenix
November 14 to December 30
Phoenix Theatre (100 E. McDowell Road) hosts this jolly musical about Buddy the elf, Santa Claus and all things Christmas. Tickets are $29 and up.
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Apache Junction Gem & Mineral Show : Apache Junction
November 17 to November 18
Skyline High School (845 S. Crismon Road) hosts rocks, gems, fossils, jewelry, minerals, jewelry supplies and rare and unusual crystals from vendors from all over the state. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. $3.
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ArtFest of Scottsdale : Scottsdale
November 17 to November 18
Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza (75th Street and Indian School Road) features 150 artists from across the country, plus fine art and crafts, local authors, live music, food, kids activities and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free admission.
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Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade : Tempe
November 23
www.downtowntempe.com/events/opening-night-parade
From 5 to 9 p.m., downtown Tempe hosts visits with Santa, holiday shopping, live entertainment and holiday lights.
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Tempe Festival of the Arts : Tempe
November 30 to December 2
www.tempefestivalofthearts.com
More than 300 artist booths fill the streets of downtown Tempe from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, along with art, live entertainment, food and beverages.
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37th Annual Fort McDowell Orme Dam Victory Days : Fort McDowell
November 16 to November 18
The FMIC Rodeo Grounds presents an all-Indian rodeo, a powwow, cultural performances, a parade, traditional food, golf, softball, basketball, a horseshoe tournament, a traditional fashion show, a Zumbathon, a 5K run, dance and concerts.
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40th Annual Gilbert Days Rodeo at Welcome Home Ranch : Gilbert
November 16 to November 18
Enjoy a rodeo, a Little Dude rodeo, Gilbert Days Barrel Race and roping, and rodeo dance.
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Art Quilts XXIII - Artistic Ecologies : Chandler
November 16 to January 11
480-782-2695 www.chandlercenter.org
Over a 23-year period, Chandler Center for the Arts' Art Quilts exhibition has grown from a local and regional quilt show to a respected vehicle for contemporary works. Experience quilting as an art form. Free.
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7th Annual Light up the Mountain : Jerome
November 22
Luminaries light the streets at 5 p.m. The Mingus Union High School Choir and Jazz Band performs festive selections as Santa stops by for photos and to flip the switch at 6 p.m., lighting the park with a fabulous display of holiday cheer.
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86th Annual Florence Junior Parada : Florence
November 23 to November 24
www.florencejrparadarodeo.com/
Charles Whitlow Rodeo Arena hosts the world's oldest continuous junior rodeo, featuring cowboys and cowgirls ages 5 to 18, in competition for calf roping, bull dogging, barrel and pole racing, saddle bronc, breakaway roping and goat tying.
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48th Annual Sun City Fall Arts and Crafts Festival : Sun City
November 23 to November 24
623-561-4660 suncityaz.org/event/sun-city-az-arts-crafts-festival/
Sundial Recreation Center hosts artisans from more than 40 Sun City clubs offering award-winning handcrafted items. Find jewelry, fine art, stained glass, pottery, leather items, wood and metal crafts, calligraphy, ceramics, needlecraft and more.
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25th Annual Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend at Murphy Park : Glendale
November 24
623-930-2299 www.glendaleaz.com/events
The nighttime sky lights up with 1.6 million twinkling light. Opening nights include holiday entertainment, food, crafts, a children's wonderland and snow, horse-drawn carriage rides and a special lighting ceremony.
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61st Annual Christmas Idea House & Home Tour – Believe : Queen Creek
November 29 to December 1
480-649-9627 www.christmasideahouse.org
This luxury home tour offers guests fabulous holiday shopping opportunities, handmade crafts, decor and gourmet treats.
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The Day of the Dog : Scottsdale
November 17 to November 18
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Old Town Scottsdale (Second Street between Goldwater Avenue and Marshall Way) hosts bulldog races, wiener dog races, a puppy stampede and Chihuahua races. Free and pet-friendly.
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Canal Convergence : Scottsdale
November 9 to November 18
This Scottsdale Public Art event features 10 consecutive days of engaging, interactive experiences that celebrate water, art and light along Scottsdale's historic waterfront. This free event features art, workshops, live music and more.
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Woman Arising — Empowering Weekend for Women : Sedona
November 16 to November 18
520-921-9991 www.womanarising.com
This weekend features dynamic workshops, ceremonies, initiations, presentations, empowerments, body movement, dance, yoga, hiking, meditation and hands-on practices that explore sacred feminine knowledge. Tickets available online.
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Old Settlers Christmas Village and Festival of Lights : Pine
November 24 to December 16
www.facebook.com/Old-Settlers-Christmas-Village-in-Pine-433164223876480/
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, enjoy Main Street lit up for the holidays, plus a bonfire, Christmas cheer, a children-only shopping area and appearances by Santa. Free admission.
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Black Nativity : Phoenix
November 30 to December 16
602-258-8129 blacktheatretroupe.org
The Black Theatre Troupe presents Langston Hughes' work featuring musical selections and text, dynamic gospel choruses, soloists and dance ensembles at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center (1333 E. Washington Street). Tickets are $38.
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Alternative Black Friday Vintage Market at CityScape Phoenix : Phoenix
November 23
602-772-3900 cityscapephoenix.com
From noon to 7 p.m., enjoy more than 30 local makers, curators and businesses showcasing their goods along Central Avenue, along with live music and festive drinks.
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MCC Red Mountain Campus Car Show : Mesa
November 30
From 5 to 8 p.m., the campus (7110 E. McKellips Road) hosts rods, customs, classics and more, plus live entertainment, free prize drawings, food trucks, carolers, family fun and a holiday boutique. No registration fee for vehicles.
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MCC Red Mountain Holiday Boutique : Mesa
November 30
The campus (7110 E. McKellips Road) hosts gifts, jewelry, crafts, home goods and more, plus family fun and live entertainment, from 5 to 8 p.m.
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CitySkate at CityScape Phoenix : Phoenix
November 23 to December 16
The Valley's largest and most visited outdoor holiday ice rink returns to CityScape with a new Unity Tree, festive art installations and the "Skate It Forward" philanthropic series. Hours and events vary by day; see website for full schedule.
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10th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and AAWL Holiday Bazaar : Scottsdale
November 27
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia/things-to-do/upcoming-events/holidays
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa hosts this annual tradition, which features live music, holiday-inspired cuisine and cocktails, kids activities and free photos with Santa, plus boutique shopping to support the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
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Miracle by Blue Hound : Phoenix
November 23 to December 30
602-258-0231 bluehoundkitchen.com
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Phoenix turns into a winter wonderland as the Valley's first "Miracle," the nationally known brand of Christmas cocktail pop-up bars. Enjoy seasonal cocktails, a festive menu, holiday decor and more.
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Light Up the Mountain Celebration : Jerome
November 24
The Upper Park hosts an afternoon of photos with Santa, music by the Mingus Union High School Choir and Jazz Band, luminarias, a tree lighting ceremony and more.
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Civil War in the Southwest : Phoenix
November 17 to November 18
The Pioneer Living History Museum (3901 W. Pioneer Road) hosts living-history demonstrations, battle re-enactments (including the Battle of Picacho Pass), artillery demonstrations and self-guided tours of village and military camps.
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Southern
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Artists of the Southwest Fine Art Show : Tucson
November 24 to November 25
Celebrate original artwork by talented artists of the region at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (3482 E. River Road) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event also features live music and food trucks.
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Festival of Trees : Sierra Vista
November 17 to December 5
520-417-6960 www.sierravistaaz.gov
The Mall at Sierra Vista (2200 El Mercado Loop) hosts Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and gingerbread displays donated by businesses and individuals, judged and auctioned. Proceeds benefit local charities. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
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Altai Kai Throat Singers Workshop and Concert : Tucson
November 30
520-398-2542 theseaofglass.org
The Sea of Glass Center for the Arts (330 E. Seventh Street) hosts a workshop ($40) from 2 to 4 p.m. and a concert ($20-25) at 7:30 p.m. featuring Altai Kai, a world-renowned four-piece ensemble of throat singers from the Republic of Altai.
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Thanksgiving at Maynards Kitchen : Tucson
November 22
520-545-0577 maynardstucson.com
From noon to 7:30 p.m., Maynards offers a prix fixe menu ($55 per person, $20 for ages 12 and under) featuring four holiday courses. View the menu and make reservations online. Regular menu will be unavailable.
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Northern
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Polar Express on Grand Canyon Railway : Williams
November 9 to January 5
During a one-hour train journey, guests enjoy treats, carols and a reading of the classic Christmas story on the way to the North Pole, where Santa boards the train and presents young passengers with bells representing the spirit of Christmas.
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North Pole Experience at Little America : Flagstaff
November 16 to December 28
This family-focused holiday attraction takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes adventure at Santa’s workshop, where children and their parents build toys with Santa and the elves, meet Santa and read stories and craft with Mrs. Claus.
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