2009 Calendar of Events

June 29 - July 5

Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. World’s Oldest Rodeo®

The thundering hooves, bucking broncos and tough-as-leather cowboys are sure to get your blood pumping during the daily performances of Prescott Frontier Days & the World's Oldest Rodeo. The Rodeo and a wide array of other special events take place in the cool pines of beautiful downtown Prescott.
www.worldsoldestrodeo.com
Phone: (866)-407-6336

July 3 - July 5

Hopi Festival of Art and Culture/The Oldest Hopi Art Show in the World

More than 55 booths brim with fine arts and crafts. Visitors gain insight from carvers, painters, jewelers, potters, quilters, and basket and textile weavers against a backdrop of cultural presentations, storytelling, music, and dancing. Take a taste of Hopi bread or piki baked in outside ovens. Watch Hopi pottery being shaped, painted and traditionally fired. Walk the Museum’s Rio de Flag Nature Trail with a Hopi medicine woman. And take part in insightful discussions about the Hopi values of humility, cooperation, respect, balance, and earth stewardship.
www.musnaz.org
Phone: (928) 774-5213

July 4

Verde Canyon Railroad Firecracker Express

The “Firecracker Express,” rolls into the depot highlighting the Railroad’s mid-summer season. Celebrate America with a picnic on the patio and good old-fashioned, patriotic music. Verde Valley July 4th EventsDates vary during the week of July 4th. Events are listed be low by community. Fireworks are scheduled for Cottonwood only. Sedona does not offer a fireworks program for the community due to wild fire danger.
www.verdecanyonrr.com
Phone: (800) 293-7245

Camp Verde

Activities include water games, watermelon and pie eating contests, and lots of good old-fashioned fun at Butler Park. For more information call (928) 567-0535, Ext. 135.

Cottonwood

Activities include kids games, free hot dogs and hamburgers (while they last) beginning at 3:30p.m. Fireworks start at 8:45 p.m. Bring chairs and/or blankets for seating. Kids Park at 12th Street and Cherry Street (in front of the Verde Valley Fair Grounds.) For more information call (928) 639-329900, Ext. 0.

Clarkdale

Clarkdale’s Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Event in the Clarkdale Town Park. The annual Children’s Parade beginning at the Clarkdale-Jerome School, with prizes in a variety of categories. Fourth of July events and activities take place in the Town Park including children’s carnival games, fire engine rides, and ice cream social. For more information call (928)639-2495.

Lake Montezuma

The tranquility of Sycamore Park is briefly disrupted during the 4th of July Kiwanis Duck Race. This annual event provides plenty of family fun and a chance to win a percentage of the proceeds. Tickets may be purchased at multiple locations throughout McGuireville, Rimrock, and Lake Montezuma. The event also includes a pancake breakfast, parade, and other activities throughout the day. Call Carol for more information (928) 567-0457.

July 11 - July 12

Prescott Indian Art Market

Join in celebrating the annual Prescott Indian Art Market (PIAM) to be held on the tree-shaded grounds of the Sharlot Hall Museum. The Museum’s flower-lined walkways and commemorative rose garden provide an inviting backdrop for the impressive display of Indian art. The market features both traditional and contemporary works of art, including distinctive jewelry, exquisite ceramics, hand-woven baskets and blankets.
www.sharlot.org
Phone: (928) 445-3122

Camp Verde Corn Fest

There will be games and fun for all ages and contests including ’The Corniest Corn Joke,’ to be followed by the ’Corn Shucking Contest,’ ’Corn Eating Contest,’ and last but not the least, the ’Hog Calling Contest.’ In addition to the exciting activities at the Community Center Grounds the 5th annual Cornfest Boxing Championships take place in the Gymnasium.
www.cvaz.org
Phone: (928) 567-0535, Ext. 135

National Day of the American Cowboy

National Day of the American Cowboy, proclaimed by President Bush in 2005, is celebrated with a free community event along “Main Street” (Hwy. 89A) in Uptown Sedona. Come enjoy “a whole lot of cowboy going’s on” including non-stop live performances, demonstrations, and live entertainment. An American Cowboy Parade takes place on Jordan Road, so bring a chair to sit and enjoy the festivities.
www.sedonamainstreet.com
Phone: (928) 204-2390

July 31 –
August 2

Navajo Festival of Art and Culture

A visit to the Navajo Festival is like traveling to the Navajo Nation. An authentic presentation of the Navajo “Beauty Way” philosophy of living in harmony is offered by more than 55 Navajo artists, storytellers, and cultural interpreters from many clans. Witness multi-generations of rug weavers working on traditional upright looms throughout the Museum of Northern Arizona. Diné Women’s presentation of rug weaving takes the audience on a journey from sheep shearing to weaving techniques and the meanings behind intricate rug designs.
www.musnaz.org
Phone: (928) 774-5213

August 29 – August 30
&
September 5 - September 6

Red Rocks Music Festival

This festival is for those who love red rock country and classical music with featured composers and world-class musicians. The 2009 festival celebrates Mendelssohn’s birthday, presents Steinway artists, the Mack Sisters, in four-hand piano, and returns the popular Classical Meets Jazz, Part II.
www.redrocksmusicfestival.com
Phone: 877-733-7257

September 5 - September 7

Moonlight Madness with Main Street Sedona Program

This street festival includes free music and entertainment, children’s activities, and sidewalk sales in numerous locations along Hwy 89A and Hwy 179 in Uptown Sedona. Bring the entire family to Uptown Sedona for a special time of fun, food, music, and shopping! Sidewalk sales and some of the entertainment continue throughout the Labor Day weekend.
www.sedonamainstreet.com
Phone: 928-204-2390

Fiesta del Tlaquepaque

A celebration of Mexican Independence Day, continuing a long tradition of fabulous food, music, dance and entertainment for young and old. The flower-strewn streets of Tlaquepaque ring with the music of strolling mariachi and fiery flamenco dancers. Enjoy Ballet Folkloric and visit the variety of artists located throughout the Arts and Crafts Village representing shops and galleries. Admission is free with a free shuttle service from the Uptown Sedona parking lot.
www.tlaq.com
Phone: 928.282.4838

Verde Canyon Railroad Grandparent’s Day

Honor treasured relatives on a special Grandparents Day. Be sure to make time for a visit to the John Bell Train and Mining Museum. The museum has its own home, trackside, just outside the depot doors. A fully renovated 1940’s Boxcar that was used to haul ammunition for the U.S. Army has been set up complete with track and wheel bed for effect.
www.verdecanyonrr.com
Phone: (800) 293-7245

Sedona Community Fair

The City of Sedona, Chamber of Commerce, and the Sedona Airport Authority come together to create a community festival at the Sedona Airport. The fair is an all-day fair with booths, food, children’s activities, professional entertainment, aircraft on display, and a classic car competition. The event is a non-profit effort to create a ’small town’ gathering as a community festival reminiscent of Sedona’s past.
www.sedonafair.com
Phone: 928-862-0210

September 19 - September 20

Slide Rock State Park Apple Festival, 4th Annual

The Park for many years was a large orchard and today is still a working commercial apple ranch producing more than 1,200 boxes of apples a year. Apple Festival guests are encouraged to pick apples from the 13 varieties of trees in the Park and take them home. Apple recipes can be taken from the Apple Fest Cookbook featuring recipes from Arizona notables, local celebrities, and other Slide Rock friends. The Apple Festival activities include a bird walking tour, history walk, arts and crafts, food, music, games for kids, and a silent auction.
www.arizonastateparksfoundation.org
Phone: (928) 282-3034

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks 28th Season

Founded in 1981, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks celebrates jazz as a living art form through
education and performance programs. A not-for-profit organization dedicated to furthering the talents of young Arizona jazz musicians, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks brings the greatest names in jazz to one of the most beautiful places in America. Each festival showcases a diverse array of jazz performers from legendary to emerging, coming together for five days of incredible music.
www.sedonajazz.com
Phone: (928) 282-1985

State of the Art
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

A veritable banquet of sumptuous art will delight and amaze. Admission is free. Plan on being immersed in world-class arts and entertainment. Designed for the new art collector and the seasoned connoisseur, this end-of-summer banquet of sumptuous art will delight and amaze. Special event art shows, demonstrations and one-on-one time with national award-winning artists are exclusively available for State of the Art attendees.
www.tlaq.com
Phone: (928) 282-4838

September 26 - September 27

Verde River Day at Dead Horse Ranch State Park

The activities during Verde River Days promote preservation and care of the environment by showcasing informative exhibits on the Verde’s riparian habitat. The celebration brings together 40-plus nature-based exhibits, sandcastle building, a menagerie of live animals, non-stop activities including canoe rides, nature hikes, continuous entertainment and local food vendors.
www.azstateparks.com
Phone: (928) 634-5283

October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31

Verde Canyon Railroad Ales on Rails
Every Weekend in October

Enjoy specialty beers, brats, and other food and spirits along with a great view. See the deep blue skies, highlighted by the crimson-colored sandstone cliffs. The Verde Canyon is often called “Arizona’s other Grand Canyon” with spectacular canyon scenery on a train trip that offers visual feasts including seasonal spring flowers, fall foliage, and hundred of migratory birds, including the majestic bald eagle.
www.verdecanyonrr.com
Phone: (800) 293-7245

Fort Verde Days

This annual bash features a parade, horse events, cavalry drills, an art show with handmade crafts and quilts, loads of barbecue and opportunities for all ages to learn about the area’s past as a military outpost. Fort Verde Days takes place at Fort Verde State Historic Park, one of the main visitor attractions of Camp Verde, and a must-see for military history enthusiasts, or those who just want a glimpse of Arizona pioneer life.
www.cvaz.org
Phone: (928) 567-0535, Ext. 35

Sedona Arts Festival

The Sedona Arts Festival is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and funding the arts in Sedona. The Festival features over 130 of the nation’s finest artists and crafts persons, continuous live entertainment, a raffle with great prizes, and an interactive Kid Zone. Barbara Antonsen Sedona Artist Invitational, named after the Festival’s founder, offers fantastic exposure for regional artists.
www.sedonaartsfestival.org
Phone: (928) 204-9456

October 23 - October 25

Celebraciónes de la Gente, 5th Annual

The Museum comes to life for Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, an ancient Meso-
American holiday held throughout Mexico, Latin America, and the Southwestern United States. Transforming grief into celebration, this ritual pays homage to the lives of lost loved ones by inviting them back to enjoy their favorite music and foods, and to honor their contributions in life. More than a dozen Flagstaff families bring ofrendas (altars), from their homes to share in a courtyard exhibit.
www.musnaz.org
Phone: (928) 774-5213

October 24 – November 1

Sedona Arts Center 4th Annual Plein Air Festival (Presented by L’Auberge de Sedona)

Sedona Plein Air Festival is a celebration of Sedona’s extraordinary beauty as seen through the eyes of 30 of the finest plein air painters in the country. The weeklong festival features these painters all over town - on the streets, trailheads, creeks, and vistas - capturing the beauty of the Sedona area on canvas.
www.sedonaartscenter.com
Phone: (928) 282-3809 or toll free (888)954-4442

October 31

Annual Safe and Fun Trick or Treat In Sedona

This community tradition began years ago when local children needed a safe and fun
experience for Halloween night, instead of wandering the dark and eerie residential streets of Sedona. Uptown merchants decorate their windows with jack-o-lanterns, dress in their spooktac-ular costumes, and hand out candy to children of all ages with their mummies and daddies.
www.sedonamainstreet.com
Phone: (928) 204-2390

October 31

Verde Canyon Railroad Haunted Halloween Express

It’s never a spooky ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad where passengers are treated with pleasure – not tricked. Ghosts and goblins, witches and warlocks – pint-sized and full-grown –are invited to join in the Railroad’s frightening good fun.
www.verdecanyonrr.com
Phone: (800) 293-7245

November - December

Festival of Wreaths at Sedona Public Library

An annual fundraiser presented by The Friends of the Sedona Library. Wreaths, tabletop trees and centerpieces are donated by local businesses, artists, and crafty individuals, ranging from traditional to whimsical to just plain fabulous. A Pre-Sale Gala Reception is held for members. Sale of the wreaths to the general public is held during regular Library hours.
www.sedonalibrary.org
Phone: (928)282-7714

Lights on November 19 – Lights off January 2

Spectacular Red Rock Fantasy at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa

Nestled within the world-renowned red rocks of Sedona, the spectacular Red Rock Fantasy is a festival of more than a million lights providing a man-made marvel within the scenic beauty that has drawn visitors for the past one hundred years. The festival promises never-before-seen marvels of light that leave children in wonderment and move adult minds to enjoy the holidays as they did when they were young.
www.redrockfantasy.com
Phone: (928) 282-1777

December 2,
5-6, 9, 12-13, 16, 19, 20, 23

Verde Canyon Railroad Santa Claus Express

The iconic vision of a train under the Christmas tree is never more authentic than at Verde Canyon Railroad. The Santa Claus Express is ready to roll! Whether child-like or simply young-at-heart, all passengers will have the opportunity to spend quality time with Santa and Mrs. Claus on each journey in December.
www.verdecanyonrr.com
Phone: (800) 293-7245

Sedona Annual Tree Lighting and Santa Visit

Visits held in Uptown Sedona. Come to enjoy all the festivities, see the new holiday tree, and sing along with traditional carols. Munch on cookies and sip hot beverages. Santa will listen to the hopes and dreams of each child and will stay until all our children have had individual time for their wishes to be heard. Free Polaroid photos with Santa will be available.
www.sedonamainstreet.com
Phone: (928) 204-2390

Festival of Lights - The Lighting of 6000 Luminarias
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

A cherished tradition that involves the lighting of six thousand luminarias in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways. Dozens of entertaining events, including performances by carolers, musicians and dancers will be scheduled along with a living nativity with live animals. Specially designated luminarias honoring cancer survivors, victims can be purchased in advance.
www.tlaq.com
Phone: (928) 282-4838

December 18 - December 20

Pilgrimage to Bethlehem

The "Pilgrimage to Bethlehem," is a musical re-enactment of the first Christmas of Bethlehem of 2000 years ago. This free community event is a re-enactment of the Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The Bethlehem Market begins in the afternoon with a Christmas concert following. The location of the event to be announced.
www.pottershandproductions.com
Phone: (928) 300-3968