Small town Arizona is a special place. You’ll find a variety of towns with their own personalities, a quiet environment, and plenty of history. What else will you find? Some pretty fun festivals, actually! Let’s check out some cool ones you can attend around the state.
1. Wyatt Earp Days, Tombstone (May)
Taking place during Memorial Day weekend, Wyatt Earp Days honors Tombstone’s most well-known lawman. During the multi-day event, you’ll get to experience a chili cook-off and gunfight reenactments.
2. Pine-Strawberry Festival, Pine (June)
Held in the tiny communities on the Mogollon Rim, this summer festival gives you a chance to experience the cool mountain air and plenty of fresh strawberries. You’ll also get to find plenty of vendors selling arts and crafts and family activities.
3. Camp Verde Corn Fest, Camp Verde (July)
Now in its 26th year, the weekend-long festival takes place at the height of corn season and celebrates this time of year with music, family activities, and tons of sweet corn. You can buy fresh-cooked sweet corn that’s hot and buttery or a crate of uncooked corn to take home.
4. Prickly Pear Festival, Superior (August)
Did you know this iconic cactus produces tasty fruits? That’s right and this festival in Superior celebrates those unique flavors with a festival that features foods, desserts, drinks, and plenty of other treats made from the prickly pear fruit.
5. Salsafest, Safford (September)
Part of Arizona’s Salsa Trail, Safford holds this festival with plenty of delicious salsa to sample and munch on. You can find salsa eating contests, chihuahua races, car shows, and live music during this two-day event.
6. Territorial Capital Days, Chino Valley (September)
If you remember your Arizona history, you might remember that Phoenix wasn’t always the capital of the state. At one point, Tucson, Prescott, and Chino Valley served that role, with Chino Valley’s Fort Whipple being the first in 1863. This event starts with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade and family-friendly activities.
7. Rex Allen Days, Willcox (October)
Held in honor of the Arizona Cowboy, Rex Allen Days is held several days every fall since 1951. You’ll find rodeos, a parade, gun shows, and plenty of other fun activities.
8. Butterfield Overland Stage Days, Benson (October)
This two-day event celebrates the short but impactful lift of the Butterfield Overland Stage, which delivered mail and offered passenger services to the West. During the event, you can witness reenactments of the Pony Express and other historic events, plus a rodeo and parade.
9. Fort McDowell Orme Dam Victory Days, Fort McDowell (November)
Celebrating the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation won an underdog defeat against the construction of Orme Dam, which would have flooded more than half of their land. The two-day celebration includes a pow wow, rodeo, parade, and carnival.
10. Somerton Tamale Festival, Somerton (December)
Hosted by alumni of Arizona State University, this massive festival not only celebrates the deliciousness of tamales but also the community near Yuma. The event also acts as a scholarship fundraiser for community members in college.
Have you been to any of these festivals? What are some other favorites you love?
Want to find other incredible things to do around the state? Read 11 Things You Must Do Underneath The Summer Sun In Arizona for some great ideas both indoors and out.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!