Things You'll Need:
- Reservations
- Maps
- Maps
- Walking Shoes
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Step 1
Taste the fare of Scottsdale's best chefs at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, held in April. The week-long festival features everything culinary, including wine, beers and gourmet food, with live entertainment adding to the ambience.
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Step 2
Drop in at the Saguaro Film Festival in early May. Sponsored by the Arizona Film Society, the festival features independent films from around the world, many of which are not in general release.
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Step 3
Chill out (literally) at the Downtown Cooldown in Tempe. Snow in June? You'll find it at the Cooldown, along with water games, a parade and plenty of activities for kids to enjoy.
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Step 4
Don't miss the Fabulous Phoenix 4th if you're in town on Independence Day. Enjoy live entertainment by top stars, a fun zone for kids and lots of food. The whole thing wraps up with a spectacular fireworks show said to be one of the best in the Southwest.
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Step 5
Go out of your way to visit the Grand Canyon Music Festival in early July and mid-September. All concerts are held in the Shrine of the Ages in Grand Canyon National Park, and this series features world-class music and musicians in a stunning setting.
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Step 1
Participate in the Phoenix Harvest Festival, held in mid-September. The convention center becomes a 19th-century village during this weekend festival, which features costumed exhibitors, strolling entertainers, live entertainment and food and crafts for sale.
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Step 2
Attend the Arizona State Fair from mid- to late October. You'll catch top name entertainers at the concerts, see thousands of exhibits and enjoy midway rides and auto racing events. There's great fun for the whole family at this annual event.
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Step 3
Visit the Arizona Cotton Festival, held in Chandler in late October. Many of the activities are centered around Halloween, with special fun for kids. There are also parades, special exhibitions, a petting zoo, pony rides and an all-cotton fashion show.
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Step 4
Watch the hot air balloons at the Thunderbird Balloon Classic, held in Scottsdale in November. The festival lasts for three days and is a colorful spectacle the whole family will enjoy.
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Step 5
Don't miss the MAMA Fall Festival of the Arts held in Tempe in late November or early December. A giant street fair features more than 600 artists selling their wares, and live entertainment and food add to the festivities. A spring festival is also held here.
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Step 6
Get caught up in the Fiesta Bowl activities, held in Tempe in January. ASU stadium is home to the football game, but you don't need a ticket to enjoy the parade and other activities held on New Year's Eve.
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Step 7
Mingle with the rich and famous at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale in mid-January. The five-day, world-class expo features more than 800 fine collector vehicles - all on the auction block. Bring your credit card, as some are frightfully expensive.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 3/16/2006 West of Western Culinary Festival presents over fifty notable Arizona chefs who have redefined the image of Western cuisine at a two-day party in downtown Phoenix in mid-March, with offerings from fifty wineries.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you are a parent or a parent-to-be, don't miss the Arizona Baby & Children's Expo. It has everything you need for the kids, the house and the pet.
It?s a fun day for the whole family, featuring hands-on children?s activities, family-friendly entertainment, educational workshops and a product and service showcase.
While the parents learn about important things like proper car seat installation, healthy school lunches, and pool safety, the kids will be having a great time with the Arizona-style reptile petting zoo, animated storybook characters, peanut pedal-powered tractor pulls and toddler play area.