The Happenings List

This is my handpicked list of intriguing things I found going on throughout Arizona – as well as some you can enjoy anywhere!

 

What to know…

• *Stars highlight discounts, extras, and other goodies!
• Pricing listed is typically the approximate price for 1 adult, single-day general admission.

$ = under $25
$$ = $25-74
$$$ = $75-149
$$$$ = $150-299
$$$$$ = 300 and up

• While the list focuses on Arizona events, I highlight several ways to participate ANYWHERE.

Anniversaries and Commemorations

• June is, of course, Pride Month.
• July is National Parks and Recreation Month.
• July 14 is International Nonbinary People’s Day
• July 29 is Global Tiger Day
• July 30 is World Embroidery Day
  • *Free printable embroidery patterns from Tatreez + Tea.
• August 2-8 is National Farmers Market Week (NFMW)

For more Heritage and Awareness Months, check out the American Alliance of Museums list.

 

“An artery of transportation, an agent of social transformation, and a remnant of America’s past, [Route 66] stretches 2,400 miles across two-thirds of the continent.”

–National Park Service Travel Route 66: Essay Series

• Route 66 Centennial – Route 66 turns 100 this year, and there are celebrations all along the iconic highway – some of which are on this List! We’ll also have more for you coming up on the art and local flavor along the “Mother Road!”
  • *Free Flagstaff, AZ Route 66 commemorative magazine 
• U.S. Semiquincentennial – a.k.a. the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence or America250. Branching off of that are initiatives like Vote250, which encourages voter registration, as well as Trails250 and Birding250, which promote spending time outside.

 

National Parks Free Admission Days for U.S. residents:

• June 14: Flag Day
• July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
• August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service

Until this year, free entrance days were open to all National Park visitors, which is how I believe it should be. Unfortunately, it now only apples to U.S. citizens and residents.

• Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
• At the following national parks, nonresidents age 16 and older must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the regular entrance fee): Acadia National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Everglades National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia + Kings Canyon National Parks, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park.

 

ANYWHERE

International Nature Journaling Week

June 1 – 7
Worldwide

Week encouraging everyone to sketch from nature with daily prompts to inspire you to try something new.

• Free
• More on this: Notes on nature sketching from a talk by Roseanne Hanson.
• *ANYWHERE: Field arts community forum 

 

NMWA Virtual Art Chats

June 12 + 26, July 24, Aug. 14 + 28 at 5pm ET
online via NMWA

On select Fridays, join National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) educators online for informal 45-minute art chats about a different sampling of artworks from the museum’s collection each time.

• Each chat is limited to 45 participants.
• Free. Registration required.

 

ARIZONA

• Central Arizona •

Dog Days of Summer: Furry-friend hours at DBG

now – September 26 on Saturdays, 6-10am
Desert Botanical Gardens (DBG), Phoenix

Dogs are allowed to walk garden trails on summer Saturday mornings! Leash up your pup and find water refill stations and shady rest stops throughout the garden.

• • Make sure you and your dog stay well hydrated and don’t overheat.
  • Included with admission

 

Exhibition: Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan

now – September 13
Phoenix Art Museum (PhxArt), Phoenix

40 avant-garde clay sculptures by women artists from post-World War II Japan, whose innovative approaches expanded the possibility of the medium. These artists embraced bold approaches to form, color, and surface texture, as they explored motifs of flora, geology, human anatomy, and fantastical abstract forms.

• Included with admission
• *Discounted all-summer passes available.
• *June 13: Discounted admission all day in honor of Juneteenth and in collaboration with Black Rodeo USA Foundation and The Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration.
• ANYWHERE: See highlights from all PhxArt’s collections

 

Rolling Ring Workshop

June 6, 10am
KP Studio, Phoenix at 2801 N 24th St., Suite 1

Learn how to make a rolling ring in silver, while improving your soldering skills at the same time.

• Prerequisites: Beginning jewelry or equivalent experience.
• Materials are not included. Make sure to purchase them before the class begins.
• 3 hours of studio time are provided with this workshop (must be used within 90 days).
• Registration required.
• Instructor: Michelle Moyer
• $$$
• ANYWHERE: Solder Troubleshooting online workshop ($$)

 

The Carver’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival

June 13, 10am-3pm
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (GWCMCC), Phoenix

Midday gathering honoring freedom, history, and the enduring contributions of the Black community.

• Free

 

Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration

June 13, 5-9pm
Eastlake Park, Phoenix

A tradition in Phoenix for over 20 years, the event features live entertainment, educational workshops and presentations, children’s activities, and free health screenings, as well as recognition of community youth and award student scholarships.

• • Free parking: Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church parking lot and on surrounding streets.
  • Bus #1 stops right at the park.
  • Nearest light rail stops: 12th St/Washington (westbound) about .5 miles away or 12th St/Jefferson (eastbound) about .3 miles away
  • Accessibility note: Eastlake Park is on fairly level ground with lawns and paved pathways throughout.
  • food and beverages available for purchase
  • arts and crafts, games and prizes, fine art display, retail and resource vendors
  • Free entry
  • *ANYWHERE: Celebrate Juneteenth Playlist

 

Talk: Explore Public Art: Discover Our Uniquely Beautiful and Vibrant City

June 18, 5pm + July 18, 2pm
Century Library + Mesquite Library Meeting Room, Phoenix

Joint presentation of the Phoenix Public Library and the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture about some remarkable Phoenix Public Art projects and how to find them using the online Public Art Archive.

• • June 18, 5pm at Century Library
  • July 18, 2pm at Mesquite Library
  • Free

 

Anthem’s Independence Day Celebration

July 3, 5:30-9:30pm
Community Park, Anthem

Independence Day Celebration for the community of Anthem. There will be a fireworks display, water slides, activities, and festival food!

• 9pm: Fireworks finale (weather permitting)
• Roving entertainers, glow vendors
• DJ: Lionel Ray Music
• Glitter tattoos, balloons, henna (fees apply)
• Purchase ride wristbands for unlimited water slides/obstacle course for all ages
• food trucks / vendors, beer garden
• Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and dress for outdoor conditions.
• Free entry and free parking
• *Save $5 by purchasing ride wristbands between June 1 and July 2 at the Civic Building or Community Center. They will also be available on-site July 3 for $20.

 

2026 Fabulous Phoenix 4th

July 4, 6-10pm
Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix

Annual free event featuring one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest and activities for all ages. Food and artisan goods will be available for purchase from local vendors.

• • 9:15pm: Fireworks show
  • activities for kids, arts and crafts market, live music / performance, local food vendors
  • Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited. Coolers, backpacks, etc. are subject to search.
  • Prepare for the heat! Put on sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water. Personal shade devices are allowed and encouraged until sunset.
  • No public parking at the event.​​​
  • Transit: Valley Metro Light Rail will begin enhanced service at approximately 5pm on July 4. Stops near the park’s pedestrian entrance at Central Ave. and Glenrosa: Central/Campbell (just north of entrance) or Central/Indian School (just south of entrance)
  • Tip: Load money for your transit fare onto your Copper card or ValleyMetro app in advance to save time on event day.
  • Free entry

 

• Northern AZ •

Art Show + Sale: Botanical Blacksmiths Exhibit

now — September 19
The Arboretum, Flagstaff

Seasonal art installation of metal garden sculpture available for purchase. Thirty percent of all sales benefit The Arboretum at Flagstaff.

• Art works are located around stage and picnic area.
• Dress for outdoor conditions
• Included with admission

 

Performance: Fiddler of Flagstaff Contest

June 5, 7-9:30pm
Charly’s Pub + Grill, Flagstaff

Part of the Wild Flagstaff Concert Series, this is a family-friendly event with live music and dance, plus prizes.

• at Weatherford Hotel
• Free

 

Route 66 Centennial – Flagstaff

Heritage Square, Flagstaff
June 6, 10am-5pm

Day of festivities in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which goes right through Flagstaff. There will be live music, hands-on activities, reenactments, a classic car show, interactive streetscape art installations, and a photo booth.

• Live performances by Ukulele Club, Rapture in Blue Swing Band, Kyle Benedict Band, and Flagstaff Community Band.
• Craft stations for making a Historic Route 66 Association keychain and Lowell Observatory planetary button
• Kids activities including balloon animals, face painting, bookmobile with storytelling area, and a Discover Flagstaff coloring station
• Axe throwing trailer provided by FlagTag AZ (ages 12+)
• 11:30am: Sky writing above Heritage Square!
• 5pm: Movies on the Square activities begin. Disney’s Cars will show at dusk.
• Free
• *Free 66 Things-to-Do digital passport providing quintessential Route 66 activities.
• *ANYWHERE: Free Flagstaff, AZ Route 66 commemorative magazine 
• Read more: Our stay at refurbished Flagstaff motel.

 

“We believe that coming together in-person strengthens our bonds and helps us all remember we are part of something larger than ourselves.”

–Flagstaff Hullabaloo LLC

Festival: Flagstaff Hullabaloo

June 6 – 7
Wheeler Park, Flagstaff

Community festival featuring giant puppets, a bike parade, costume contests, performance stages, a kids area, local vendors, and craft beverages and food!

• live music / performance: Mitchum Yacoub, Onus B Johnson, Resposado, Innastate, Giovanni Kiyingi, The Skavelinas and more!
• all local food and craft vendors, photo booth
• activities for kids
• Bring: Sealed water bottles (no cans or glass), umbrellas, sunscreen, and a low back chair or blanket to sit on.
• Costume wear and festive clothing encouraged.
• No pets.
• Donation drive: Non-perishable food items
• $
• *Goodies: Free admission for the first 250 attendees each day who donate three or more non-perishable food items for Flagstaff Family Food Center

 

Flagstaff Wool + Fiber Festival

June 6 – 7
Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds, Flagstaff

• • demos / workshops, activities for kids, arts and crafts market with 50+ artisan vendors
  • food and beverages available for purchase
  • $

 

Festival: Flagstaff Juneteenth Celebrations: The Rhythm of Resiliency

June 17 – 20
Flagstaff’s Historic Southside

• • June 17, 5:30-7:30pm: Concert in the Park at Cleo Murdoch Park. Juneteenth events kickoff with live music and community fun. Free
  • June 18-20: The Rhythm of Resilience Art Exhibit at Murdoch Center. Art pieces will be available for purchase at the Juneteenth Gala, and artists will be encouraged to donate a portion to the Southside Community Association to help us continue our positive work in the community.
  • June 19, 6pm: Juneteenth Gala at Little America Hotel. More formal celebration of the Southside Community Association with uplifting music performances, raffles, recognition of contributions by community partners, and dinner followed by dancing.
  • June 20: Street Festival on E. Brannen Ave. Live music, a DJ, games, food trucks, a chess tournament, raffles, and entertainment for the whole family. Free

 

Nature walk: Monthly Wildflower Walks

June 26, July 24, Aug 14, Sep 11 at 9:30am
The Arboretum, Flagstaff

Morning walk through the gardens to explore colorful North American wildflowers.

• Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Registration required.
• Lead by Arboretum staff
• $
• *Goodies: Fee includes Arboretum admission

 

Market: Pine Strawberry Arts and Crafts Festival

July 4-5
Pine Community Center, Pine-Strawberry

Arts and crafts market with handcrafted items from over 80 vendors, whose work must meet Pine Strawberry Arts and Crafts Guild’s standards for quality and originality.

• 8am: pancake breakfast
• food and beverages available for purchase
• Free entry

 

Market: July 4th Fine Arts and Crafts Festival

July 3 – 5
The Orchard at Charlie Clarks, Pinetop-Lakeside at 1701 White Mountain Blvd.

Arts festival with live music, food and drink in the park-like setting adjacent to Charlie Clark’s restaurant. The Festival is organized by the High Country Art Association, a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to showcasing creative, original visual arts and fine crafts in the White Mountains.

• silent auction supporting HCAA’s education programs throughout the community
• Free entry

 

The Arb Plant Sale

July 11, 11am-2pm
The Arboretum, Flagstaff

Semi-annual plant sale featuring native plants from the Arboretum, as well as other local growers.

• • *Free admission to the Arboretum all day!

 

Sew-N-Sew Pajama Party

All-night sewing shenanigans 

July 25 – 26, 6pm-6am
Sew-N-Sew Fabric, Notions + More, Chino Valley

Bring your projects, sewing machine, tools and PJs and sew all night – or as long as you last!

• • Coffee, water and pizza will be provided. Bring a side, drink or dessert to share.
  • Bring your projects, sewing machine, tools, PJs, sleeping bag, and air mattress.
  • $

 

Hopi Arts + Cultural Festival

August 29 – 30
Flagstaff Mall, Flagstaff

Artisan market that connects the public to Hopi artists, culture and traditions.

• Hopi art + craft vendors selling their own work.
• Dance, traditional music
• Free entry

 

• Southern AZ •

Workshop: Creative Cartel

Art Exploration for Grown-Ups

Ongoing, every Saturday at 10am
The Center of Art and Heritage, Willcox at 134 N. Railroad Ave

Learn principles of art and experiment with a variety of art media plus enjoy open studio time for your own projects

• • Workshop
  • No registration required.
  • Free
  • H/T Willcox Theater and Arts

 

“The show is inspired by Tucson summer, that mix of stillness and intensity the season brings and we’re embracing it through art.”

–Bun Bun vending

Art Show + Sale: smol worx.

Snack-sized local art 

now – July 25
Tucson Hop Shop, Tap & Bottle North, and Crooked Tooth Brewing, Tucson

Vending machines transformed into tiny rotating art galleries featuring original works by 30 local artists and makers inspired by Tucson summer.

• • July 25: Closing party at Tucson Hop Shop

 

Arizona Biennial 2026: Artwork from Across Arizona

now — September 27
Tucson Museum of Art (TMA), Tucson

Survey of contemporary art by emerging Arizona artists that investigates the intersections of art and place or heritage. The 2026 exhibition juror responsible for selecting the works and creating a cohesive exhibition offering a snapshot of artistic creativity in Arizona is Julie Rodrigues Widholm.

• In the James J. and Louise R. Glasser and Earl Kai Chann Galleries
• Accompanied by a series of public programs TBA
• Included with paid admission

 

Installation: Jessica Gonzales: Mask of Many Stories

now – December
Tucson Museum of Art (TMA), Tucson

Mural of a cat-like mask design inspired by Mexican folk art from TMA’s collection.

• Included with admission
• *Pay-What-You-Wish admission times

 

Installation: Vivimos Siempre Como Hermanos

now – December
La Casa Cordova at Tucson Museum of Art

Chinese grocery store pop-up by the Chinese Chorizo Project. It is inspired by the 100 or more Chinese grocery stores that existed in the Barrios of downtown Tucson and functioned as centers for community from the 1870s to 1970s. Shelves are stocked with “goods” with custom labels that feature stories and historic photos, courtesy of Arizona Historical Society.

• • Open during Tucson Museum of Art hours
  • Included with admission

 

Juneteenth Art Expo

June 1 – 8
The Drawing Studio, Tucson

Month-long celebration honoring resistance, resilience, reverence, and joy through art, culture, and community.

• • June 19, 10am-8pm: All day interactive event, including art, food, and shopping
  • June 27, 4-6pm: Film Festival. Watch shorts by local artists, followed by Juice with Tupac Shakur and enjoy free popcorn

 

Concert Series: Lutes Summer Jazz Series

June 5 — August 28 every other Friday, 7-9pm
Lutes Casino, Yuma

Weekly live jazz during hot Yuma summers in local favorite eatery Lutes Casino.

• • comfort food and cold beverages available for purchase, bar
  • Free entry
  • *Listen to Some Tequila and a Plan by Yuma Jazz Company

 

Tasting: Wine + Cupcakes

June 6, 11am-4pm
AZ Hops and Vines, Sonoita

6 wines paired with 6 cupcakes from PinUp Pastries! Also includes a souvenir glass and live music.

• • $$

 

Vegan Tucson Night Market

June 6, 6-10pm
Heirloom Farmers Market Pavillions at Rillito Park, Tucson

Quarterly food festival that celebrates sustainable and cruelty-free deliciousness. It is produced by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie for Tucson’s vegan and vegan-curious community.

• at 4502 N. 1st Ave. in the Food/Farmers Market Pavilions
• local food trucks / vendors, food and beverages available for purchase, bar
• arts and crafts market
• DJ
• Dress for outdoor conditions – rain or shine event
• Free entry

 

Made in Marana Market

June 6, 4-8pm
9150 N Coachline Blvd, Marana

Handmade gifts, baked goods, body care, food trucks

• • food and beverages available for purchase
  • activities for kids, arts and crafts market, all local vendors
  • Free entry

 

Desert Haze Market

June 13, July 18, August 15 from 11am-4pm
La Rosa Arts Center (formerly Benedictine church), Tucson

All vintage clothing and accessories market.

• • Free entry

 

Tucson Juneteenth Festival

June 20, 6-10pm
Kino Sports Complex, Tucson

A day of unity for people of all backgrounds to commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate African American culture with musical performances, inspiring speakers, storytelling, cultural exhibits, and religious observances.

• live music / performance, speakers, car show
• kids’ activities and free toys
• food trucks, retail vendors, job information booths
• Event will follow Kino Sports Complex clear bag policy. You may bring in one 16-ounce bottle of water (or sports drink), but no large coolers.
• Bring a chair or blanket to sit on
• Free entry
• ANYWHERE: Sweet video of moments from a past Tucson Juneteenth Festival

 

Summer Solstice Star Party

June 20, 8-10pm
Catalina State Park, Tucson

A night of stargazing, astrophotography tips, and spacey music! Meet at the Ringtail Group Area – follow signs for “Star Party” and “Group Areas.”

• • BYO telescope
  • Dress for outdoor conditions
  • No registration required.
  • Included with admission

 

Summer Night Market

June 26, July 31, Aug. 28, Sep. 25, Oct. 30
MSA Annex, Tucson

Artisan market with over 60 maker-vendors in the Mercado District on the last Friday evenings of the month, May through October.

• arts and crafts market
• food trucks / vendors, bar
• Many of the regular MSA Annex shops and restaurants stay open late
• Dress for outdoor conditions, leashed dogs are allowed
• Free entry
• Read more about Summer Night Markets at MSA

 

Scented Leaf Night Market

June 28, 4-8pm
Scented Leaf (6612 E Tanque Verde Rd, location), Tucson

“Local vendors, local food, and avoiding the heat”

• • food and beverages available for purchase
  • all local vendors

 

Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Jeremy Gilliam of Grand Dorado

July 4, 6pm
Catalina State Park, Tucson at the Trailhead Stage

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with rock, country, blues, and jazz performed by Jeremy Gilliam of Grand Dorado! Trade noisy fireworks for the serene mountain views at Catalina State Park.

• • BYO food + drink, picnicking encouraged
  • No glass containers
  • Bring a chair or blanket to sit on
  • Prepare for the heat! Put on sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water!
  • Leashed dogs are allowed
  • Part of the park’s monthly Music in the Mountains Concert Series
  • Park is open until 10 pm
  • Included with admission

Festival: HarvestFest at Sonoita Vineyards

August 1, 10am-5pm
Sonoita Vineyards, Sonoita

Harvest season kickoff with grape stomping competitions, tastings of the latest releases from local wineries, food, live music, and artisan vendors!

• • 1pm: Grape stomping
  • food trucks / vendors
  • arts and crafts market, live music / performance, hands-on activities, local wines
  • $$
  • *Advance purchase discount.
  • *Discounted tickets available for non-drinkers.

 

Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival

August 5-8
The Mall at Sierra Vista, Sierra Vista

Arizona’s oldest birding festival, Southwest Wings is an educational celebration of the diverse wildlife of the Sky Islands in Southern Arizona, where three climate zones meet.

• Series of free talks open to the public, no registration necessary.
• Small group field trips limited to a maximum of ten people plus a guide.
• Cost varies.

 

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

August 12 – 16
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park, Tucson

Four-day festival for recreational birders, featuring a Nature Expo / vendor fair, field trips, workshops, and social hours. It’s organized by Tucson Audubon Society, a nonprofit for engaging people in the conservation of birds and their habitats.

• • The Nature Expo is free and does not require registration.
  • Field trips, workshops, and evening programs have varying fees + $35 registration fee for the festival.
  • Aug. 14, 8pm: Singer/songwriter/birder Bonner Black concert at  191 Toole. $30
  • *Goodies: Special Festival rate for stays at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park during the Festival.

 

Tucson Comic Con 2026

September 4 – 6
Tucson Convention Center (TCC), Tucson

Community-based pop culture event that seeks to be America’s friendliest convention! It features Q+A panels, workshops, costume contests, photo ops, kids’ activities, scavenger hunts, fan group meetups, and a large exhibitor hall. Special guests typically include actors, authors, comic book artists, and cosplayers.

• Meet the artists / makers, small business vendors, demos / workshops, activities for kids, community and non-profit info tables, gaming room
• Food trucks / vendors
• Accessibility note: Inclusive quiet zone
• Parking: Paid parking available at the Convention Center.
• Transit: Sunlink streetcar is free to ride! Use stop 4 or 5.
• $$
• *Advance purchase discounts

 

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Double check event details with the organizer or venue. I’ve tried to make this as accurate as possible, but things can change!