- Noche de Luz Flashlight Parade
August 31
Tucson
Mission Road at the foot of "A" mtn
Finish Tucson' birthday month off with this parade honoring all our ancestors. Prizes will be awarded for the flashlight decorated to best represent an individual' personal heritage. The route is approximately one mile, round trip, free. 6:45 pm or www.tucsonsbirthday.org
- 2011 Southern Arizona Salsa Culinary Challenge
August 27
Tucson
La Encantada
Spicy event celebrates Tucson's Hispanic heritage with music, dancing, artwork and food, salsa features professional chefs and amateur competitions, also a fiesta featuring live mariachi music, art sales, Latin and flamenco dancing, beer and children's activities, $10 includes chips and sampling, 4-7 pm, 520-797-3959 or saaca.org/salsatequilachallenge.html
- 5th Annual Grape Stomp
August 27 - 28
Willcox
Coronado Vineyards
Looking for another way to cool off? How about grape stomping? You can do that at this festival as well as partake in wine tasting, enjoy the live music, taste wines paired with food and tour the vineyard. $10 includes a souvenir wine glass or www.coronadovineyards.com
- 11th Annual Apple Harvest Celebration
August 27- 28
Willcox
Apple Annie's Orchard
Come to celebrate the delicious apples grown in Willcox. You can take a free wagon ride to the orchard where you can pick apples. Arrive early for the all-you-can-eat apples and pancake breakfast or later in the day treat yourself to their apple-smoked burger lunches, homemade ice cream and pies. 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, 520-384-2084 or www.appleannies.com
- 20th Annual Family Cornfest, Arts & Crafts Fair
August 27 - 28
Phoenix
El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium
This fair takes place indoors with plenty of air conditioning so that you can take your time viewing the 60 arts & crafts exhibitors. You can buy fresh sweet corn, enjoy a meal with corn ($) and listen to music. Free admission and parking. Visit the website for a discount coupon for the meal. 602-231-0300 or www.el-zaribah.org
- 7th Annual Thunder Over the Coconino Fly-In
August 27
Valle
Grand Canyon Valle Airport
Last year over 3,000 people came out to this event featuring homebuilt, warbirds & antique airplanes in this fly-in. Additionally there is a car show, vendors, an antique tractor display, kids zone and pancake breakfast on Saturday. $30/family maximum, 8 am - 3 pm, 928-635-5280 or www.valleairport.com
- 8th Annual Dog Days of Summer
August 27
Show Low
Bring your pooch to participate in doggie activities, demonstrations, booths, the Hyperflite SkyHoundz Canine Disc Local Championship, dog dancing, a Me and My Mutt look-a-like contest and freestyle canine disc demonstrations, 928-532-4140 or www.showlowaz.gov/recreation
- 14th Annual Flagstaff Open Studios
August 27 - 28
Flagstaff
Featuring more than 80 studios, the self-guided studio tour spotlights a variety of art media. You can meet local art stars, including painters, sculptors, fiber arts, glass works, jewelers, photographers, stained glass, weavers and hands-on art projects for children, 10 am - 5 pm, 928-779-2300 or www.Flagstaff-Arts.org
- Prescott Jazz Summit
August 26 - 28
Prescott
Taking place in various locations throughout Prescott this annual jazz festival features international stars, Phoenix-based and local musicians including the best of Arizona high school musicians, 928-771-1268 or www.prescottjazz.com
- 3rd Annual Hell City Tattoo Festival
August 26 - 28
Phoenix
Biltmore Resort & Spa
Yes - this is held at the Biltmore! This festival allows the public to discover the world of tattooing by world class artists from all over the world. In addition to the talented artists, there are also exciting Tattoo Competitions for the crowd, Live Freakshows, Educational Seminars, Heck City Kids Zone, Live Bands, Custom Hot Rod Shows, Fine Art Gallery, The Art Fusion Experiment, The Wet Paint Project, Suicide Girls, Burnie the Mascot and much, much more. You can get passes for one or more days - kids 10 and younger are free, Fri & Sat noon - 11 pm, Sun. noon - 8pm or www.hellcity.com
- ASU Concerts at The Center: Opera and Operetta Extravaganza
August 22
Scottsdale
Scottsdale Center for the Arts
With ASU faculty artists performing some of the greatest hits from opera, operetta and musical theater repertoire. There will be a pre-concert talk at 6:30 pm, $10, 7:30 pm, 480-994-2787 or www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org
- NAU Wine & Dine in the Pines
August 21
Flagstaff
Arizona Snowbowl
Hailed as one of the best wine events in Northern Arizona you will experience the finest wines from around the world and culinary delights from the best restaurants in northern Arizona, benefit for NAU Athletic scholarships , 2-6 pm, 928-523-5353 or www.nauathletics.com
- Steve Martin
August 20
Flagstaff
Pepsi Amphitheater
Yes this is funny man Steve Martin showing a whole different side of himself - he plays the banjo with Steep Canyon Rangers for an evening of bluegrass. An all ages event, doors open at 6:30 pm, show at 8 pm, $50-86, 866-977-6849 or www.protix.com
- Children's Music and Arts Festival
August 20
Flagstaff
Wheeler Park
Music, theatre and dance performances by local youth, kids can make recycled arts and craft project, participate in musical instrument workshops and learn about painting & sculpture. More fun can be had on the carnival rides, climbing wall, Kiddie Cabooses and more. 10 am - 3 pm, 928-213-2312 or flagstaff.az.gov/recreation
- American Cancer Society's Climb to Conquer Cancer
August 20
Flagstaff
Arizona Snowbowl
Join hundreds of climbers in this non-competitive event on a seven-mile walk up the paved road to Snowbowl, 7 am, 928-526-2896 or www.flagstaffclimb.com
- World's Oldest Continous Rodeo - August Doin's Rodeo
August 19 - 21
Payson
For more than 125 years, Payson, Arizona has been celebrating the history and tradition of Pro-Rodeo. It is held the third weekend in August and it is considered the country's Best Small Rodeo. Experience the sport of the Old West! Some of the world's greatest professional cowboys and cowgirls compete for cash and prizes.
- Mountain Air Dressage Show
August 17 - 18
Flagstaff
Fort Tuthill County Park
Equestrian dressage show, Olympic sport where horse and rider compete by riding a pattern in an arena, 100 competitors and 3 rings, free, 7 am - 4 pm, 602-942-6062 or www.azdressage.org
- 41st Anniversary Presentation of the "Dancing White Stallions"
August 14
Phoenix
US Airways Center
Featuring the "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions performing a unique equine ballet that has no rival, $22.50-35, 2 & 6 pm, 602-379-2000 or www.ticketmaster.com
- Moonlight Hike
August 13 - 14
Sedona
Red Rock State Park
Includes a naturalist-led interpretive presentation along the trails, enjoy the sunset and moonrise, 2 hours, 6 pm, $5 for hike, reservations required, entrance to park is $10/car of 4, 928-282-6907 or www.azstateparks.com
- 2011 Night Flight Golf
August 13
Phoenix
Palo Verde Golf Course
This is for the golfer who just wants to have fun - the 9-hole course is lined with glow lights and players receive a glow necklace and glow ball, each foursome will receive a flash light to wave up the next foursome. The tournament format is a four-person scramble and includes prizes and a goodie bag for each player, $100/foursome, pre-register, 7 pm, 602-249-9930 or www.phoenix.gov/golf
- Murder at the High Noon Saloon Dinner Show
August 13
Chandler
Rawhide
A good ole' fashioned whodunit, a bawdy western comedy with good guys, bad guys, saloon girls and the ever present town drunk. The price includes dinner. $48, doors open at 6:15 pm, show at 7 pm, 480-502-5600 ext. 1204 or www.rawhide.com
- Cowboy Capital Professional Bull Riding
August 13
Prescott
Prescott Rodeo Grounds
"The toughest sport on dirt," Featuring 40 of the toughest bull riders against 40 of the toughest bulls - this is the wild west! 7:30 pm, 866-407-6336 or www.worldsoldestrodeo.com
- Indoor Summer Arts & Crafts Festival
August 13 - 14
Tucson
Hilton El Conquistador Resort
Another air conditioned event! This festival features exhibiting artists in a variety of mediums and genres. There will be artistic demonstrations, acoustic live music performances, and wine and culinary arts. 10 am - 5 pm or www.orovalleyfestival.org
- Mariachi Mystery Tour
August 13
Phoenix
Musical Instrument Museum
What if you reimagined the music of the Beatles through the lenses of mariachi? Led by a National Heritage Fellow from New Mexico who is also a tie-dyed-in-the-wool fan of four lads from Liverpool, the result is a seamless artistic and cultural collision. So, take a trip up the Mersey and down the Thames, all the while staying close to the banks of the Rio Grande! Raves the Albuquerque Journal, "Mariachi Mystery Tour doesn’t just make classic songs fresh, the group makes them new. . . . Makes you wonder what would have happened if John, Paul, George, and Ringo had spent some time with Pedro Infante." $25-30, 7 pm, 480-478-6000 or www.theMIM.org
- Mountain Artists Guilds 51st Annual Summer Festival of Fine Art & Crafts
August 13 - 14
Prescott
Courthouse Plaza
This juried art show features 120 artisans from throughout the West displaying and demonstrating work in painting, ceramic, metal art, woodworking, glass, fiber and jewelry. There will be live music. Free, Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun 9 am - 4 pm, 928-445-2510 or www.mountainartistsguild.org
- Turns'n'Wraps Dog Agility Contest
August 13 - 14
Williams
Cureton Park
Man's best friend is put to the test with competitions all weekend -it is amazing to see what dogs are capable of! 928-710-0006 or www.williamschamber.com
- High Mountain Music Festival
August 13 - 14
Pinetop-Lakeside
Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex
Featuring Whiskey Rodeo, Hollow, Tony Luca and other bands, $20/day or $30/weekend, Sat 11 am - 10 pm, Sun 11 am - 5 pm, 928-367-4290 or 800-573-4031 or www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com
- Pirates of the High Desert
August 12 - 14
Bisbee
The first in what they plan to be an annual event. Activities will include pirate-themed events such as a treasure hunt, a Caribbean steel drum band & BBQ, a pool party, costume contests, exotic rum tasting with mermaids, karaoke, a ball, a pirate plundering pub crawl, a spirited gallery walk, extreme volleyball and kids activities, 520-432-BREW (2739) or www.oldbisbeebrewingcompany.com
- Perseid Meteor Shower
August 12
Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
An indoor program that will focus on meteor showers such as the upcoming Perseids starting at 7 pm, you will also have the chance to observe breathtaking objects through telescopes, experience live presentations with the mini-planetarium, and view multimedia programs. 5-9:30 pm, 928-233-3210 or www.lowell.edu
- 63rd Annual Vigilante Days
August 12 - 14
Tombstone
Wild West history comes to life in the streets of Tombstone, "the town too tough to die". There will be street entertainment, an 1880s fashion show, a 10K race, shoot-outs, (everyone's favorite) hangings, a live concert, a chili cook-off and saloon girls.
- 4th Annual Bullhead City River Regatta - Pirates of the Colorado
August 12 - 13
Bullhead City
Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to put together pirate-themed floats and join this jolly extravaganza. The regatta welcomes fun-loving, outdoor enthusiasts to ride on adorned inner tubes; decked-out kayaks and canoes; and decorative, non-motorized parade-type floats for a colorful race down the Colorado River. On Friday evening there is the "Ye Gotta Regatta" pre-party, with live music, carnival games and food and then Saturday grab an inner tube and enjoy a lazy 8-mile float or build a creative, non-motorized float and parade down the Colorado River, post-party "Ye Hafta Afta" at Rotary Park, 928-542-8885 or www.bullheadregatta.com
- 2nd Annual Tucson Motor Show
August 6
Tucson
Tucson Convention Center
The 200,000 square foot air conditioned Tucson Convention Center is home to this show featuring antique cars, live skate competitions, food and a Motor Mall featuring sport and auto stores, displays of watercraft, aircraft, action sports, police and fire units, helicopter and USS Tucson submarine replica displays. Presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, $6, free for 10 and younger, 10 am - 8 pm, 520-797-3959 or www.tucsonmotorshow.com
- Fine Arts & Craft Festival
August 6 - 7
Flagstaff
Wheeler Park
Another great reason to visit the pines! There will be a large exhibit of unusual fine art & crafts, including photography, wall art, jewelry and more, free, Sat 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 9 am - 4 pm, 928-789-7222
- Dog Days of Summer
August 6
Glendale
Historic Downtown Glendale
This is an evening set aside to celebrate our four legged friends. Activities include photo stations, a variety of dog treats, an appearance by Topaz, the Glendale Fire Department's crisis response dog, watering stations, pet aura photos, a fashion show; pet gifts and accessories, 6-9 pm, 623-930-4500 or www.visitglendale.az
- 5th Annual Cool Country Classic World Series of Team Roping
August 6 - 7
Williams
A qualifying roping weekend in Williams to make it to the finals in Las Vegas, 928-692-8465 or www.williamschamber.com
- 62nd Annual Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture - Walk in Beauty
August 6 - 7
Flagstaff
Museum of Northern Arizona
There will be more than 75 Navajo artists, storytellers and cultural interpreters from many clans present to give visitors a true feeling for the Navajo experience. You will have an opportunity to meet basket makers creating works on-site, see rug weavers, silversmiths, potters, painters and listen to storytellers to learn about the Navajo "Beauty Way" philosophy of living in harmony. This family friendly weekend includes activities for the kids, $4-7, 9 am - 5 pm, 928-774-5213 or www.musnaz.org
- Citywide Birthday Bash
August 1 - 31
Tucson
Throughout the month of August special events will celebrate Tucson's 236th birthday, including walks, exhibits, musical acts, salsa challenges, heritage parades & parties. There are many free and family-friendly events, 520-327-7544 or www.TucsonsBirthday.org
- 9th Annual Art Unraveled
August 1 - 9
Phoenix
Embassy Suites
Get in touch with your inner artist! This year's theme is Coloring Outside the Lines - Join others from around the world in mixed media art workshops 9 am - noon, 1:00 - 4:30 pm and evening workshops 6:30-9:30 pm. The varied workshops include projects using painting, drawing, jewelry making, book making, collage, journaling, metal clay, etc. Workshops are priced individually so that you can attend 1 or many workshops. There is a shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, 8/6, 10 am - 4pm or www.artunraveled.com