Can’t-miss Arizona events and festivals in 2024

Now is the time to look forward, and in the Grand Canyon State, there’s plenty to look forward to in the new year. While you’re thinking about your resolutions, you should also be thinking about all the fun you’ll have, starting with a few of these can’t-miss 2024 events in Arizona.

Carnival of Illusion

Various dates and locations

Once again, magic is on the move through Arizona. In 2024, Carnival of Illusion, Arizona’s own award-winning, nationally ranked magic show and vaudeville experience, will be touring throughout the state, bringing their unique blend of close-up magic, historical sleight-of-hand, and a few unique twists to a venue near you. Due to the nature of the show, guests must be 8 years old or older.

See How They Run

Jan. 1-Feb. 10, Gilbert

For a night at the theater full of laughs with a touch of history, head on down to Gilbert. The historic Hale Centre Theatre will host See How They Run, a zany and exciting comedy featuring “mistaken identity, an American actor, an escaped convict, and two extremely punctual vicars” in a mad two-hour dash. This is the kickoff to the Hale Centre’s 2024 season, which includes musicals, tribute concerts, and more to enjoy throughout the year.

Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair

Jan. 18, Lake Havasu City

Early in 2024, one of the Grand Canyon State’s most visually stunning events is back—the 13th annual Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. Ranked one of North America’s can’t-miss events by the American Bus Association, this day-long fair features not only the spectacular hot air balloons, but boat launches, a family-friendly carnival, a 10K “balloon run,” and more.

Phoenix Scottish Highland Games

March 1-3, Gilbert

The Arizona desert might feel like a long way from the Highlands of Scotland for much of the year, but not during the Phoenix Scottish Highland Games. This festival of Scottish culture, which celebrates its 59th year in 2024, brings together all things Celtic including music, food, drink, and the infamous Highland Games. Watch caber tossing; enjoy the Phoenix Twilight Tattoo, an outdoor concert under the stars; or have a dance at the evening’s ceilidh, a social event featuring Scottish folk music and singing, traditional dancing, and storytelling. 

Lake Havasu Stampede

March 15, Lake Havasu City

For all Arizona cowboys and cowgirls, the Lake Havasu Stampede, hosted by Arizona’s largest professional rodeo association, is back again in March 2024. Attendees can watch all the wildest and most talented rodeo stars compete in bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, and more. Future cowpokes aged 4-7 can also enjoy sheep riding. Just remember to bring your own cowboy boots. 

Mul-Chu-Tha Fair and Rodeo

March 15-17, Sacaton

In 2024, the Gila River Indian Community will celebrate the 60th annual Mul-Chu-Tha Fair and Rodeo, one of the largest and oldest tribal fairs in Arizona, which celebrates and raises funds for a community that can trace its roots in the area back over 2,000 years. The three-day event features traditional Native American sporting events, a rodeo, a parade, arts competitions, and more.

Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Fair

May 25-27, Prescott

Looking to explore your creative side? The Phippen Museum in Prescott will celebrate its 50th annual Western Art Show and Fair in May 2024. This event draws in artists, art collectors, and enthusiasts from across America to historic Prescott, where they can enjoy a slice of history in the downtown district, view some of the year’s best art celebrating the American West, and maybe even take home a piece of it themselves.

Navajo Nation Fair

Sept. 2-10, Window Rock

Native American communities have strong roots in Arizona, as can be evidenced at the Navajo Nation Fair, which celebrates its 75th year running in 2024. This year’s “Pearl Anniversary” fair describes itself as a “celebration of the Navajo way of life” with a new, nine-day program to fit in all that this year’s fair has to offer. That includes competitions, cultural exhibitions, a parade, a carnival, a rodeo, and more.

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