Planning ahead: Arizona’s best spring & summer festivals

Mark your calendars now for these Arizona festivals happening this spring and summer.

While winters are for cozying up on the couch with a good book, a heated blanket, and a steamy cup of tea, spring is all about getting out there for a fresh perspective. Summer in Arizona also wouldn’t be the same without breaking a sweat to enjoy something spectacular. While towns and companies continue to update the calendars, here are some of the set-in-stone spectacles to consider adding to your own agenda of fun things to do. So bust out that calendar, a pen in your favorite color, and get planning!

March festivals

Arizona Renaissance Festival

Time travel to Camelot with this themed festival that draws an annual crowd. Food, jousting, markets, and plenty of time-period ware to take you out of the modern world for at least a little while. The Arizona Renaissance Festival is the place to be from winter through spring.

When: Saturdays and Sundays, January through March

Where: 12601 US 60, Gold Canyon

Cost: $38 for adults, $26 for children

The Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival

Music, food, rides, entertainment, and general fun make up The Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival. Honoring the early days of ranching in Chandler, expect to see all things Ostrich. For a sneak peek, peruse the stores downtwon—there are some ostrich replicas to take pictures with year round.

When: Exact dates are TBD, though this fest typically spans two weekends in March

Where: 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler

Cost: $35 for adults, $25 for children, plus parking and rides

Superstition Blues, Brews & Arts Festival 

Enjoy Bluegrass with a view at the Superstition Blues, Brews, and Arts Festival in Apache Junction. The Superstitions sit in the background of this musical day full of food, brews, and arts and crafts.

When: March 14

Where: 100 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction

Cost: $25

Tucson Festival of Books

Clearly, you enjoy reading. The Tucson Festival of Books is an annual event that brings readers and authors together. Find your new favorite title—and author—at this festival that will draw out even the most introverted among us.

When: March 14-15

Where: The University of Arizona Mall, Tucson

Cost: Free

Tombstone Wild West Days

A celebration of men and women in the armed forces, Tombstone Wild West Days offer a glimpse into history with a parade, street entertainment, and an old shootout reenactment.

When: March 14-15

Where: Tombstone

Cost: Free

Aloha Fest 

Celebrate Hawaiian and Polynesian culture with a weekend full of dance, music, and food at Tempe’s Aloha Fest.

When: March 21-22

Where: 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe

Cost: Free

Party in the Desert

This three-day country music fest in Wickenburg takes place at historic Flying E Ranch. Party in the Desert is complete with music, camping, and plenty of fun. Some headliners for the upcoming show include Shenandoah, Corey Kent, and Chancey Williams.

When: March 26-29

Where: Flying E Ranch, Wickenburg

Cost: $60-250

AZ Rockabilly Bash

Like cars, music, and pinups? Who doesn’t! This year, Reverend Horton Heat will headline the AZ Rockabilly Bash as guests admire custom cars and cool rides, enjoying the rockabilly styling to the fullest.

When: March 27-28

Where: 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria

Cost: $35

April festivals

Arizona Poppy Festival

Join for a month-long celebration of poppies at the Poppy Festival in Globe. Poppies are said to have been brought to the region by a school teacher in the settlement days of the area. The month-long festival includes hikes, tours, art shows, and more, and nearly all street vendors hand out packs of poppy seeds to plant, for free!

When: All of April

Where: Globe

Cost: Free

Wake the Lake Country Festival

Wake the Lake Country Festival is a one-day event that includes music and fun activities for the whole family. Get ready to line dance and have a good time with some of the area’s top stars.

When: April 3-4

Where: Lake Havasu State Park

Cost: $44.52

Mesa Music Fest

Join the Mesa Music Fest for three days of music, art, and fun!

When: April 9-11

Where: 111 W. Main St., Mesa

Cost: Free

Country Thunder 

Many of the area’s rising country stars get their start at Country Thunder in Florence. Join to get the first glimpse at the latest and greatest in the genre that represents the heart of the Wild West.

When: April 9 through 12

Where: 20585 E. Water Way, Florence

Cost: $300+

Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival

Independent Arizona films find a start at the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival—including a recent flick called The Dog Bite Murders. Hosted the first weekend of April, this festival gives a glimpse into what independent filmmakers from all over have spent a great deal of time working on.

When: April 9-12

Where: $20+

Cost: Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff

Miami Loco Festival 

Located in the tiny mining town of Miami, the Miami Loco Festival is a weekend-long celebration of all forms of art, including music, poetry, physical art, performance, and more. Despite being devastated by the floods, the Miami Arts Commission, a 501(c)3, has decided that the show must go on!

When: April 17-19

Where: Sullivan Street, Miami

Cost: Free

Wilcox Wine Country Spring Festival 

Enjoy some high-quality beer and wine tastings at the Wilcox Wine Country Spring Festival. Note that this festival used to happen in May but has been moved up a month to better coincide with cooler weather and to avoid competing with school graduations.

When: April 18-19

Where: 157 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox

Cost: $15-45

Tucson Tango Festival

Watch and participate in 43 hours of dancing at Tucson Tango Festival.

When: April 23-26

Where: 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson

Cost: $70+

Sedona Yoga Fest

Get your zen on at this festival dedicated to the peaceful art of yoga. Sedona Yoga Fest attracts worldwide attention, ushering in attendees from all over the globe.

When: April 23-26

Where: 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona

Cost: $388+

May festivals

La Fronetea’s Tucson International Mariachi Conference

Immerse yourself in the traditions of mariachi and Baile Folklorico through the Tucson International Mariachi Conference.

When: April 29 through May 3

Where: 504 W. 29th St., Tucson

Cost: Free plus costs of workshops

Piano On the Rocks International Festival

Explore the “Geometry of Sound” through classical music via Piano on the Rocks located in Sedona. Showcasing world-class pianists, this free festival will leave you feeling lifted.

When: May 1-3

Where: 2030 W State Rte 89A, Sedona

Cost: Free

Sierra Vista Supernatural Conference 

The Sierra Vista Supernatural Conference is an event dedicated to exploring a wide range of topics related to ufology and the supernatural. Enjoy a meet-and-greet, a luncheon, and lectures from speakers with deep knowledge in their fields.

When: May 1-3

Where: 201 Yuma St., Huachuca City

Cost: $157

Route 66 Fun Run

This city-wide event includes drinks, dancing, a car show, and a 48-mile parade along historic Route 66. Named the Route 66 Fun Run, the name says it all—it’s sure to be a fun time.

When: May 3-5

Where: Seligman

Cost: Free

Sweet N Savory Fest Saint Johns 

The Sweet N Savory Festival in Saint Johns is a family-friendly event with a good ol’ fashioned small-town cook-off. Be sure to get there before 4 p.m. to cast your votes.

When: May 8-10

Where: 825 Fourth N. Saint Johns

Cost: Free

Restaurant Week

Throughout the greater Phoenix area, Restaurant Week celebrates all of the amazing food that is served up right around our capitol. Restaurants are officially announced by May 1, though you are welcome to explore the Mesa Fresh Foodie Trail before then.

When: May 15-24

Where: Phoenix and beyond

Cost: Depends on the restaurant

June festivals

Flagstaff Pro Rodeo

With shooting competitions, petting zoos, pony rides, and, of course, some bucking good shows, Flagstaff Pro Rodeo is a family-friendly time that gathers quite the annual crowd.

When: June 4-6

Where: Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff

Cost: $30+

Phoenix Fan Fusion 

This gathering of fantasy includes photo ops, camaraderie, exhibit halls, and ultimately, the meeting of the minds. Join Phoenix Fan Fusion for your love of anime, comics, sci-fi, horror, and all things fantasy.

When: June 5-7

Where: Phoenix Convention Center

Cost: $44+

Hullabaloo Flagstaff

Do you like bike parades, puppet shows, costume contests, Folklorico dancing, and live music? Hullabaloo Flagstaff may be for you!

When: June 6-7

Where: 212 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff

Cost: $15-20 for GA, $95-150 for VIP

Historic Route 66 Car Show

Sponsored by the American Legion, the Historic Route 66 Car Show transforms downtown Williams into a car show with a setting that matches the focus. Classic cars, muscle cars, customs, and more, the two-day celebration is definitely worth adding to the calendar.

When: June 6-7

Where: Downtown Williams

Cost: Free

Fantasy of Dreams Festival St. Johns

Dress up in your favorite steampunk or fantasy attire to join in this renaissance fair like no other. Fantasy of Dreams Festival is a steampunk imaginarium held each year at the Apache County Fairgrounds.

When: June 19-21

Where: 825 N. Fourth St., St. Johns

Cost: Free

Bisbee Pride

Comprised of a parade, pool party, doggy drag show, and more, the Bisbee Pride weekend is held every Father’s Day weekend. Since starting up in 2004, this has become a much-anticipated annual festival celebrating love and expression from all walks of life.

When: June 19-21

Where: Around Bisbee Historic District

Cost: Free

July festivals

Prescott Frontier Days

Wrangling animals and a crowd since 1888, Prescott Frontier Days is the World’s Oldest Rodeo. Join for a classic good time, complete with a Fourth of July celebration.

When: June 29 through July 5

Where: 840 Rodeo Dr Mackin, Prescott

Cost: $75+

Arizona Highland Celtic Festival 

Arizona Highland Celtic Festival is a celebration of Celtic culture with bagpiping, workshops, games, clan tents, food, and more. If you’ve never been to one, it is the promise of a memorable time—even if you’re not at all Celtic.

When: July 18-19

Where: Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff

Cost: $20+

August festivals

Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival

Known as the “greatest little birding festival in the United States since 1991,” Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival is where color comes to life and nature is celebrated. The festival is done via a series of field trips. Alternatively, you may want to join the Spring Fling in May.

When: Aug. 5-8

Where: Sierra Vista

Cost: $45+

Southern Arizona Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge Tucson

Live music, art, and some of the region’s best culinary creators gather for the flavorful Southern Arizona Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge. Block off your calendar as this is a weekend of flavor that you won’t want to miss.

When: Labor Day Weekend

Where: 4500 N. Oracle Road, Tucson

Cost: $100+

Elvis in Bisbeeland

Bust out those blue suede shoes and come dressed as your favorite version of Elvis or Priscilla for a night full of Elvis cover music. This is known as Elvis in Bisbeeland, a good time in the heart of this quirky town.

When: TBD

Where: 57 Subway Ave., Bisbee

Cost: Free

Music on the Mountain

Music on the Mountain is a great way to beat the summer heat while enjoying live music and family-friendly activities in the cool mountain town appropriately named Summer Haven.

When: TBD

Where: Mt. Lemmon / Summer Haven

Cost: Free

Hopi Arts and Cultural Fest 

While official dates are still to be determined, the Hopi Arts and Cultural Fest in Flagstaff combines traditional Hopi art, traditions, and community for a glimpse into the region’s indigenous culture.

When: TBD

Where: Continental Country Club Driving Range

Cost: Free