Things to do / Travel Guide
January
January 1st is Fiesta Bowl time at Arizona State University's Sun Devil Stadium, located in Phoenix. In addition to the football game, the annual event includes a parade, marathon, bicycle races, and a Pageant of Bands.
February
The nine-day Tucson Rodeo (Fiesta de los Vaqueros) is billed as the premier event of the rodeo year. In addition to the competitive events, where cowboys show off their skills, the event features a Rodeo Parade that is perhaps the largest non-mechanized parade in the world.
The Tuscon Gem & Mineral Show, a two-week event held every February, is one of the largest gem and mineral shows in the world, and features many of the finest mineral specimens. Experts, retailers, collectors, and the general public are among the 50,000 people who come to see the displays, which are housed at several locations throughout the city.
April
The two-day Phoenix Jazz and Blues Festival is an annual event that takes place either in April or May every year. This wonderful event brings top jazz performers from all over the country to jam in the Valley of the Sun. Prices range from $35-$80 for one day.
The Phoenix Film Festival, Arizona's largest film festival, puts the spotlight on independent film and filmmaking. Cost and screening venues vary.
In Tucson, the five-day International Mariachi Conference gets underway this month, which culminates in a spectacular free concert.
May
On May 5th, or Cinco de Mayo, the Hispanic community of Tucson celebrates the 1862 expulsion of French forces from Mexico, with food, dancing, and music at Kennedy Park.
A Tucson institution for more than two decades, the free two-day Tucson Folk Festival, held in downtown Tucson, features nationally known headline acts and local entertainers.
July
The majestic saguaro cactus is the star of the one-day Saguaro Harvest Celebration, which takes place in early July at the La Posta Quenmada Rancho located near Colossal Cave Mountain Park. In addition, to learning all about this symbol of the Sonoran Desert, entertainment is provided by the Tohono O'odham Rain Dancers.
October
Come to Phoenix for the colorful three-week Arizona State Fair, where you'll see the state's champion livestock, as well as crafts exhibits. Rides, food, and entertainment cost extra.
At the annual Tohono O'odham All-Indian Rodeo and Fair, the tribe's cowboys show off their riding and roping skills. There are also crafts exhibits and traditional Native American food for you to enjoy.
Northwest Phoenix is the site of the annual Thunderbird Balloon and Air Classic, where hot air balloons fill the sky. Vintage and modern airplanes also take to the skies during this three-day event.
November
The annual Indian Heritage Month Social Powwow & Craft Market, held in Tucson, gives local Native American artisans an opportunity to display their unique handmade decorative and collectible items. While you're browsing through the wares, don't forget to take in the performances of traditional and contemporary ceremonial dancing, drumming, and music.
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