Phoenix Calendar of Events
Phoenix, Arizona hosts popular family, cultural and athletic events year-round. With a convenient location adjacent to I-17 and free shuttle service to the METRO Rail, Crowne Plaza Phoenix Hotel is always a fine choice for any attraction. Browse this Phoenix calendar of events before your next trip to the "Valley of the Sun."
JANUARY
Fiesta Bowl
University of Phoenix Stadium | Website
Phoenix gets the year off to a great start with hard-hitting college football. The annual Fiesta Bowl is part of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and always features a competitor from the Big 12 Conference.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
WestWorld of Scottsdale | Website
One of the Western United States' premier car shows. The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction brings out only the very best in vintage cars, exotics and one-of-a-kind vehicles.
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Phoenix
Throughout Phoenix | Website
This annual marathon and half-marathon gives Phoenix a healthy start to the year. Events also include a concurrent Health & Fitness Expo.
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FEBRUARY
Waste Management Phoenix Open
Tournament Players Club Scottsdale | Website
The most attended stop on the PGA Tour. More than 16,000 golf fans make the trip to Phoenix every year to see the very best in the game compete at the beautiful TPC Scottsdale.
All-Arabian Horse Show
WestWorld of Scottsdale | Website
For nearly 60 years, the Scottsdale All-Arabian Horse Show has set the standard for events of its type around the world. In addition to the competition and judging, attractions include gala parties and seminars.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500
Phoenix International Raceway | Website
This annual stock car race boasts 500 kilometers and 312 laps of high-speed competition.
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Apache Junction, AZ | Website
Plan a full day of family fun and amazement at the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival, held east of Phoenix in Apache Junction. Top attractions include costumed presenters, the Joust, a 30-acre circus, live period music and, one night only, the Pleasure Feast, a six-course Medieval feast fit for a king. Costumes welcome!
Glendale Chocolate Affaire
Historic Downtown Glendale | Website
Chocolatiers from Arizona and all around the country come to participate in this award-winning festival dedicated to romance, the arts and, of course, lots and lots of chocolate. And the best part: it's free to attend!
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MARCH
Cactus League Spring Training
Greater Phoenix Area | Website
Every February and March, the Greater Phoenix Area is proud to host Cactus League Spring Training, featuring over a dozen MLB teams all training within 40 minutes of Phoenix, Arizona. The stadium are close enough that you can easily see your favorite team play every "home" and "away" game.
Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market
Heard Museum | Website
One of the largest and most significant cultural events, state-wide. Over 20,000 visitors come to see this stunning showcase of traditional Native American art, jewelry, textile, weaving and much more.
Ostrich Festival
Tumbleweed Park in Chandler | Website
One of Arizona's lesser-known traditions is celebrated every year at the Ostrich Festival in Chandler, AZ. The three-day festival includes performances by national recording acts, midway games and delicious festival cuisine, including the famous "Ostrich Burger."
Scottsdale Arts Festival
Center for the Arts | Website
This top-rated arts festivals showcases work from over 200 of the most popular and acclaimed living artists, much of it available for on-the-spot purchase. Additional attractions include live music, impromptu art projects and family entertainment.
Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts
Mill Avenue in Tempe | Website
This traditional arts festival welcomes the springtime with live music from nationally touring acts, arts and crafts booths and delicious food.
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APRIL
Phoenix Film Festival
Harkins 101/Scottsdale Theaters | Website
Attendees of the Phoenix Film Festival have an exciting opportunity to Q&A with producers, directors, screenwriters and actors just moments after seeing the new films. Over 150 films and short films will be presented.
Arizona Asian Festival
Heritage Park | Website
This free festival in downtown Phoenix celebrates the music, dance, martial arts and cuisine from nearly a dozen Asian countries. The Arizona Asian Festival also places a large emphasis on fun activities for younger guests, so it's always a family favorite.
Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival
Historic Downtown Glendale | Website
At this unusual jazz festival, two talented visual artists accompany the music performance, giving attendees an interactive experience unlike any other. Plus, there are a variety of fine foods, wine tastings and crafts.
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall | Website
The country's longest-running culinary festival. Different than a traditional food festival, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a celebration of both food and the culture surrounding, with remarkable Chef Tribute dinners, picnics, cooking seminars, wine tastings and local vendors.
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MAY
Peach Festival
Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek | Website
The Phoenix area welcomes peach season every year at Schnepf Farms. Activities include celebrity chef cooking demos, peach recipe sampling, peach picking and plenty for the kids.
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JUNE
Prescott Territorial Days
Prescott Courthouse Plaza | Website
A free arts and crafts show kicking off a full summer of fun concerts and events in downtown Prescott, Arizona, all situated at the beautiful and historic Prescott Courthouse.
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JULY
Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
Steele Indian School Park | Website
Don't miss this humongous 4th of July Celebration in Phoenix, Arizona. Attractions includes three live music stages, inflatable rides for the kids, a patriotic entertainment program with F-16 flyover, awesome outdoor-style cuisine and, of course, a massive fireworks display. Admission is free.
Summer Spectacular ArtWalk
Scottsdale Arts District | Website
This summer arts festival has a decidedly "chill" theme with mesmerizing ice sculptures at every turn. Also live music and several quality art installations.
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AUGUST
World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo
Payson Event Center | Website
The country's "Best Small Rodeo" is also its longest running annually, with over 125 straight years of competition. Even though it's a smaller event (the way they like it!), it still brings out some of the best cowboys and cowgirls who love the opportunity to show what they can do.
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SEPTEMBER
CALA Festival
Throughout Phoenix | Website
This young festival began in 2011 as a showcase of Latino arts in Arizona. Exciting artistic and musical exhibits are hosted at venues throughout the Greater Phoenix area over the course of two months.
Arizona Fall Frenzy
Tempe Beach Park | Website
This soon-to-be-major music festival began in 2009 and has already attracted big name acts including Blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, Matt and Kim and more.
Arizona Restaurant Week
Throughout Phoenix | Website
The most exciting opportunity to sample the very best dining in Phoenix and the surrounding cities. Over 200 fine dining establishments, as well as other restaurants, will offer exclusive 3-course menus for $20-$40 per person. Recommendations highly recommended.
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OCTOBER
Arizona State Fair
Arizona Exposition & State Fair | Website
The annual Arizona State Fair is packed with traditional fair attractions as well as diversions you won't find anywhere else. Popular entertainments include the United States Arm Wrestling Championships, Arizona Backyard Lottery and plenty for the family.
Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure
State Capitol District | Website
The annual Phoenix Race for the Cure has a variety of events for participants at any level, including a Breast Cancer Survivors' Parade, one-mile family fun run, a 5k run and a 5k walk. There is also on-site entertainment for families and young children.
Greater Phoenix Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community Center | Website
Make a visit to this annual three-day celebration of Greek culture, food, music and dance. Admission is an affordable $3 per person, free under 12.
Rainbow Festival and Street Fair
Heritage Square Park | Website
One of the largest LGBT events in the state of Arizona, featuring a rowdy street fair and live entertainment at the Rainbow Festival in Heritage Square Park.
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NOVEMBER
ArtFest of Scottsdale
Downtown Scottsdale | Website
Another popular arts festival in Scottsdale, Arizona, this one specially designed to welcome the holidays. Visitors will enjoy a vast array of entertainments, including top quality art, fine crafts, local authors, live music and a sculpture garden. A great place to find a gift, too!
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500
Phoenix International Raceway | Website
Another major stock car racing event in Phoenix. One of the newest events in the Sprint Cup Series, with its inaugural race in November 2011.
ZooLights
Phoenix Zoo | Website
A spectacular way to experience one of the nation's most celebrated zoos. As night falls, watch the Phoenix Zoo come alive with over 3.5 million lights and more than 600 animal light sculptures. Plus rides and other attractions. Great for the whole family.
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DECEMBER
Las Noches de Las Luminarias
Desert Botanical Garden | Website
The famous Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix hosts this annual holiday celebration. Every night, more than 8,000 luminaria bags are hand-lit, creating a magical glow in which to enjoy the gardens. Live music nightly.
Christmas Mariachi Festival
U.S. Airways Center | Website
Terrific traditional mariachi bands as well as headline acts from Latin America come to perform at the U.S. Airways Center for this annual festival and Southwest holidays tradition.
Insight Bowl
Sun Devil Stadium | Website
Every year, the Big Ten and Big 12 meet on the gridiron at Sun Devil Stadium for the Insight Bowl. The Insight Bowl is always held toward the end of December and often on New Year's Eve.
Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market
Pueblo Grande Museum | Website
Over 200 Native America artists showcase their work across a broad array of disciplines - painting, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, doll-making, carving and more. The Market also hosts traditional Native American music, dance and cuisine.
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