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Festivals & Fiestas
by Chris Becker > > Winter 2007–2008
> Spring has sprung in Greater Phoenix, bringing with it all the best the season has to offer—great weather, terrific cultural experiences, and family fun galore. From Native American festivals to fruity harvests and carnivals, you can’t go wrong.
GLENDALE SUMMER BAND CONCERTS
GLENDALE
through July 24
Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy music under the stars. This free festival features the talents of more than 100 musicians who play in the beautiful outdoor Glendale City Hall Amphitheater. The whole family is welcome to enjoy show tunes, ballads, and marches conducted by John C. Faris. Take in the show every Thursday evening at 8 p.m. The amphitheater is located at 5850 W. Glendale Ave. For more information, call 623-930-2042.
TSUNAMI ON THE SQUARE
TSUNAMI ON THE SQUARE PRESCOTT
June 14
Kick off the summer season in Prescott with this all-ages performance extravaganza. The 10th annual version of the event will feature modern and ethnic dancers, performance artists, and circus acts from around the world. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the festival’s theme this year is Starfishing, which blends the beauty of celestia gazing with the magic of the sea. The festival happens 8 p.m.–10 p.m. Friday and noon–11 p.m. Saturday on the Courthouse Plaza. For more information, call 928-445-5540 or visit www.tsunamionthesquare.org.
27TH ANNUAL PRESCOTT BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
PRESCOTT
June 21–22
This free festival showcases the originality, virtuosity, and soul of bluegrass players, bringing together luminaries from the bluegrass world for 2 days of pickin’ and singin’. Concerts take place on Courthouse Square from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Sunday’s events run 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Camping is available one block south and west of the Courthouse Square at Mile High Middle School on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 928- 445-2000 or hit www.prescottbluegrassfestival.com.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
July 4
If you happen to be in the metropolitan area during the 4th, you’ll have all sorts of party options to choose from. Glendale (623-930-2299) hosts its Hometown Fourth of July celebration at Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Ave., starting at 1 p.m. with free swimming in the GCC pool. The gates open to the rest of the festivities at 6 p.m., with entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. Mesa’s Independence Day celebration (480-969-2607) takes place 6–9 p.m. at Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave., with fireworks launching at 9 p.m. In Tempe (480-350-5189), the Kiwanis Fourth of July Celebration kicks off at Tempe Town Lake (located at Mill Avenue and the Rio Salado Parkway) at 4 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Chandler’s party (480-782-2735) goes off at Tumbleweed Park on the southwest corner of Germann and McQueen Roads. Gates open at 4 p.m., with fireworks set to blow at 9:30 p.m. Phoenix’s Fabulous Phoenix Fourth (877-225-5749) features 4 stages of entertainment with local and national bands, a kids’ area complete with rides and carnival-style games, and a display of historic military vehicles. The celebration starts at 6 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School Road.
SUMMER SPECTACULAR ARTWALK
SCOTTSDALE
July 10
Find artist demonstrations, gallery show debuts, live music, and free food as you hop from gallery to gallery, taking in the art (and air conditioning). The galleries offer something for every aficionado, from the Russian and Soviet art of Gallery Russia to Joan Cawley Gallery’s collection of contemporary Southwestern art. Festivities run from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call the Scottsdale Arts District at 480-377- 9366 or visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com.
RENAISSANCE IN THE PINES
FLAGSTAFF
June 21–22
People eating entire turkey legs, mudcovered roustabouts making a fun ruckus, knife- and axe-throwing games—you’ll find all of this and more during this entertaining festival. The demonstrations and street performances include everything from medieval combat exhibitions to artisans practicing a whole slew of skilled crafts (blacksmithing, weaving, calligraphy, etc.). The fair takes place 10 a.m.–6 p.m. both days at Fort Tuthill County Park, located off Interstate 17 at exit 337. For more information, including admission fees, call 928-636-9151 or visit www.renaissanceinthepinesinc.com.
PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS & WORLD’S OLDEST RODEO
PRESCOTT
June 30–July 5
Every year the festivities get bigger, the bull riding gets hairier, and the whole show just gets better. Boot scootin’, a kiddie parade, and an arts & crafts show highlight the non-rodeo events. At the daily and nightly rodeo performances, you’ll get more than your fill of cattle rustlin’ and bronco bustin’—8 performances altogether. The festivities take place throughout Prescott, with the rodeo events happening at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 840 Rodeo Dr., in Prescott. For more information and tickets, call 928-445-3103 or 866-407- 6336, or visit www.worldsoldestrodeo.com.
HOPI FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CULTURE
FLAGSTAFF
July 4–6
This annual gathering brings together young Hopi, elders of the tribe, and those of us who want to enjoy this Native American culture. Carvers, painters, weavers, and jewelers—more than 50 arts & crafts booths in all—demonstrate Hopi craftsmanship, while storytellers, dancers, and cooks offer their own brands of ethnic insight. The festival happens at the Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., 3 miles north of downtown Flagstaff on US Highway 180. Call 928-774-5213 or visit www.musnaz.org.
ASU ART MUSEUM FAMILY FUN DAY
TEMPE
July 12
Looking for a great way to expose your kids to fantastic contemporary art? Look no further than this long-running, well-attended, free festival on the Arizona State University campus—a fixture on the ASU Art Museum’s calendar for 7 years. The bevy of activities and performances include hands-on projects and exhibitions, opera performances, dancing, and a whole lot more. The fact that the entire event takes place in air-conditioned comfort doesn’t hurt either. You’ll find the museum at 10th Street and Mill Avenue. Phone 480-965-2787 for additional information or visit http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu.
PRESCOTT INDIAN ART MARKET
PRESCOTT
July 12–13
See and purchase traditional and contemporary works covering every medium—from jewelry and ceramics to hand-woven baskets and cloth goods. Scheduled entertainment includes Native American dancing, singing, and music. The fun takes place at the Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., in Prescott. Outdoor market and entertainment run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5, children free. For more information, call 928-445-3122 or visit www.sharlot.org.
MIGHTY MUD MANIA SCOTTSDALE
July 18
Tots to teens participate in races through muddy obstacles and puddles while their parents cheer them on. Registration for this huge and fun mess starts at 8 a.m. It doesn’t cost anything to enter, but the organizers do ask that you bring a can of food for the Vista del Camino Food Bank. Join in on the action at Chaparral Park, 5401 N. Hayden Rd., in Scottsdale—it goes off rain or shine. The festivities begin around 8:30 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. Call 480-312-2771 for permission slips ahead of time, or see www.scottsdaleaz.gov/mightymudmania.
ARIZONA HIGHLAND CELTIC FESTIVAL
FLAGSTAFF
July 19–20
This summertime festival features Highland dancing, bagpipers, Scottish games, and a kids’ area where the little ones compete in the oatmeal toss, which is as messy and silly as it sounds. The fun takes place at Foxglenn Park, 4200 E. Butler Ave., in Flagstaff, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for adults are $10 for one day and $15 for both; kids ages 3–12 get in for $4 for one day or $6 for both days. For more information, call 928-556-3161 or visit www.nachs.info.
THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY
APACHE JUNCTION
July 26
Founded in 2005 to honor cowboys’ contributions to American culture, this celebration is a fun-filled day for the whole family. Located at the historic Goldfield Ghost Town, this free festival includes 19thcentury- style shopping, mine tours, and the chance to have a drink at an authentic saloon. Don’t miss the Arizona Shootists Fast Draw Competition, Lulu’s Beautiful Bordello Girls, and the Goldfield Gun Fighters. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. For information call 480-982-3141 or visit www.nationaldayofthecowboy.org.
EAGAR DAZE
EAGAR
August 1–2
This year’s celebration, a community fixture since 1985, commemorates the 60th anniversary of the town of Eagar, its history and heritage, as well as the town’s ability to show visitors a rollicking good time. The festivities include logging competitions, a rodeo, a Dutch-oven cook-off, dancing, and crafts, as well as live entertainment. Festivities run 4–9 p.m. on Friday and 7 p.m.–midnight on Saturday. Free admission. For more information, call 928- 333-4128, ext. 251, or visit www.eagar.com.
NAVAJO FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CULTURE
FLAGSTAFF
August 2–3
Discover the endangered art of basket making among the Navajo at this 59th annual gathering of artists and artisans. Basket makers compete in a juried show, create works on-site, and talk about the craft. It’s the featured art form in this free festival, which also includes rugs, silver jewelry, pots, and paintings. Spend the day listening to stories, exploring the Navajo language, and enjoying entertainment at the Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., 3 miles north of downtown Flagstaff on US Hwy. 180. Phone 928-774-5213 or take a look at www.musnaz.org.
WHITE MOUNTAIN BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL
PINETOP
August 9–10
Bluegrass was born in the 1940s when artists such as Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs mashed country, gospel, and blues together with the British and Scottish music of their heritage. Today, bluegrass enjoys an enthusiastic following, as this annual festival demonstrates. Featured performers in previous years have included Fiddlemania, the Red Mountain Boys, Valerie Smith, and Liberty Pike; this year’s roster should be just as stellar. Tickets are $10 at the gate, with kids 12 and under getting in for nothin’. For advance tickets ($8) and more information, call the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce at 800-573-4031 or visit www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com.
ARIZONA COWBOY POETS GATHERING
PRESCOTT
August 15–16
More than 125 performers are set to appear during this 3-day festival, singing their praises to working cowboys of the past and present. Day and evening shows take place at the Yavapai College Performance Hall, located on the college campus at 1100 E. Sheldon St. Tickets for these readings run $16 and are available by calling 877-928-4253. Free daytime readings take place Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. For more information, call 928-776-1275 or visit www.azcowboypoets.org.
WORLD’S OLDEST CONTINUOUS RODEO
PAYSON
August 15–17
Payson’s annual institution since 1884 has earned the moniker of World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo. Riders from around the world compete for prize money in this Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned event, testing their skills in bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing, among other wellknown rodeo staples. Spectators enjoy the action, as well as outside festivities like the rodeo parade and live music. The competition kicks off Friday night, with the parade taking place at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets run $14 with discounts for seniors and little cowpokes. Call 800-672-9766 or check out www.rimcountrychamber.com.
FIESTA SEPTIEMBRE
WICKENBURG
September 6
Wickenburg’s Hispanic heritage has never seemed more inviting. This festival offers mariachi music, traditional Mexican folklórico dancing, and a salsamaking contest. Arts & crafts booths offer traditional mementos for sale, and the food fair ensures that your belly stays full of good—if occasionally spicy—stuff. The fun begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m. at the Wickenburg Community Center, 160 N. Valentine St. Admission is free. For more information, call 928-684-5479 or visit www.wickenburgchamber.com.
FIESTA DEL TLAQUEPAQUE
SEDONA
September 13
This venerable festival immerses attendees in Mexican culture. Events include strolling mariachi bands, traditional dancing, and a whole slate of delicious south-of-the-border treats. The banks of Oak Creek play host to pretty little shops where you can browse, shop, and fill a whole suitcase with Mexican goods to take home with you. The festival runs 10 a.m.–6 p.m. in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village of Sedona, 336 Highway 179. Admission is free, as is the shuttle service to the event from the uptown parking lot. Call 928-282-4838 or visit www.tlaq.com for more info.