http://www.arizonafineartexpo.com/ Arts, crafts, entertainment, wine. Over 160 artists will have displays. This is Arizona's largest wine tasting event, featuring wines from Arizona, California, Australia, Germany, Austria, France and Italy. Sponsored by Thunderbird Artists. (480) 837-7163. In 2009: Jan. 15th - Mar. 29th, 2009
Arizona's largest livestock show. Exhibits and competitions. Held at WestWorld in Scottsdale. In 2009: January 2 - 4
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Each year in Apache Junction you can enjoy music, theater, comedy, food and drink, crafts, games and knights jousting at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. In 2009: February 7 - March 29
1826 W Mcdowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 252-6771 In 2009:October - November
Arizona Family Women’s Expo
This annual mid-March exposition at the Phoenix Civic Plaza ranks as one of the state’s top five consumer events, attracting more than 65,000 each year with inspired education, entertainment, free health screenings, beauty makeovers and more. Call (602) 262-6225 for more information.
In 2009: March
Arizona Kids Count
Every March, the Rotary Club of North Phoenix sponsors a two-day fair with live music, rides, a visit from the Easter Bunny and much more, to benefit the Phoenix Children's Hospital, John C. Lincoln's Desert Mission and Lura Turner Homes, at the Firebird International Raceway in Chandler. Call (877) 772-5425 for more information.
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/ Every January at West World in North Scottsdale people, including the rich and famous, flock to the Barrett-Jackson Antique Auto Auction. It is billed as the world's most valuable classic car auction. In 2009: January 11 - 18, 2009
This event attracts artists and art collectors from across the nation, sharing appreciation for magnificent fine art. The town of Carefree, in the Sonoran Desert, is about 5 minutes from the Scottsdale border. Call (480) 837-5637 for more information.
In 2009: March 06, 2009; Friday at 10:00 am to Sunday , March 08, 2009 at 5:00 pm
http://www.celebrateart.com/ Scottsdale hosts over 100 artists from Arizona and elsewhere in its big white tents. Event lasts for two months. In 2009: January 16th - March 29th, 2009. Open Daily 10am to 6pm
http://www.sunsnitehoops.org/celebrity_shootout.php The Celebrity Basketball Shootout is an exhibition basketball game featuring stars from the music, television and movie industries who duel it out on the court to benefit charity (Suns Nite Hoops and Cox Charities). US Airways Center. In 2009: January 2009 (Check site for updates on venue schedule)
CFA Cat Show
At El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium, the CFA Cat Show features dozens of breeds along with a household pet competition. Cats and kittens are available for purchase or adoption to living homes, all so purr-fect for Valentine’s Day. Call (623) 327-2323 for more information.
http://www.phoenixopen.com/ In North Scottsdale the pro golfers will get together for the first PGA tournament of the year. The PGA FBR Open Golf Tournament, formerly known as the Phoenix Open, is held at the TPC Scottsdale course at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This tournament attracts some of the largest crowds of any PGA event. In 2009: January 26th - Feb. 1st, 2009
Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
Fourth of July Celebration Live entertainment, food, amusement rides, a water play area, and the largest fireworks display in Arizona unfold in downtown Phoenix near Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza. Call (602) 534-FEST for more information.
http://www.fiestabowl.org/ The Fiesta Bowl is played at Tempe's A.S.U. Stadium and is always one of the top four college football bowl games. There are other Fiesta Bowl events, such as a parade, associated with the game. In 2009: January 5th, 2009
http://www.rawhide.com/calendar.html Rawhide, Wild Horse Pass. 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. $6 for adults, $3 for kids ages 3 to 12, under 3 are free. Tickets are good for both shows. Children can sign up for sheep and calf riding for a nominal charge. In 2008: January - December
http://www.glendaleaz.com/events/index.cfm Holiday lights continue through mid-January. More than a dozen bands, hot air balloons, street performers and more. In 2008: Glendale Glitters November - January
http://www.ci.glendale.az.us/Library/ Musical entertainment from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Main Library at 5959 W. Brown St. Concerts are free. In 2008: Every Thursday night
http://www.canadianpicnic.com/Home_Page.html Local Canadian residents and winter visitors celebrate Canadian culture with live music, games, and door prizes. Will be held at the South Mountain Preserve in Phoenix. In 2009: February 7th, 2009 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
Holiday Lights
From late November through year’s end, stroll through Heritage Square to enjoy the city’s largest Christmas tree along with the park’s illuminated historic homes. Free admission. Call (602) 262-5029 for more information.
http://www.kruse.com/auctions/index.asp Collectors of all different types of cars enjoy this event which lasts several days. Held at Arizona State Fairgrounds. In 2009: January 22 - 25
Thie event debuted in 1976, since becoming a Scottsdale summer highlight attracting some 7,000 kids. Every year tons of dirt and water are pumped into fresh-dug pits for filthy fun. Participants bring canned goods for the food bank. Call (480) 312-2353 for more information.
The Subway Fresh 500 at The Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale is the site for this NASCAR competition. To make reservations and purchase tickets, click here In 2009: April
http://www.nativeart.net/indianartistcalendar.php Litchfield Park, west of Phoenix. More than 200 award-winning artists. Traditional and modern masterpieces, authentic foods, artist demonstrations and musical performances celebrating the cultural traditions of the Native Southwest. Sponsored by the West Valley Fine Arts Council.
http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com/ Every Thursday evening the Scottsdale Art District invites you to spend a casual evening walking downtown and enjoying fine art. Free. In 2008: Every Thursday evening 7pm - 9pm
In 2009: Every Thursday evening 7pm - 9pm
Summer Spectacular ArtWalk
In Downtown Scottsdale hosts Summer Spectacular ArtWalk, ideal for casual evenings with friends and family or for those searching for that special piece of art. Exhibitions, demonstrations and entertainment. Free admission. Call (480) 990-3939 for more information.
In 2008: Thursday nights year round, with special events in summer.
In 2009: Thursday nights year round, with special events in summer.
http://www.magicbirdfestivals.com/ Annual Surprise Party featuring arts and crafts by Arizona artisans. In 2009: Friday 12/5 from 6 - 8pm & Saturday 12/6 from 11am - 5pm
On the first weekend of October for more than three decades at Tempe Beach Park, Oktoberfest takes on western oompah flair with entertainment, drink and food. Kinderfest includes free arts and crafts for youngsters. Call (480) 491-FEST for more information.