Statewide Calendar
73 Scheduled Events
Daily 10 a.m.
Daily Guided Nature Hikes at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Every morning a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk include geology, wildlife, history, archaeology, and plant life.
Fridays through April 19 9 a.m.
Guided Bird Walk at Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Join us for a ranger led hike to learn about the diverse avian wildlife at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek.
First and Third Friday of the Month Varies by Date
Catalina Nights
Catalina State Park
Canceled 4/5/24. Witness Catalina State Park’s nocturnal wildlife and stargaze on a one-mile, guided night hike on the Nature Trail. You’ll learn fun facts about the Sonoran Desert’s nocturnal animals like scorpions, coyotes, and bats. When the stars come out, experience a guided constellation tour featuring a variety of cultures and astronomy facts.
Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m.
Guided Bird Walks at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Join us at Red Rock State Park for guided bird walks! Learn about Sedona's diverse and beautiful bird species while taking a stroll through this gorgeous park with a veteran bird enthusiast.
April 20, 2024 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Earth Day Event: Music on the Trails
Oracle State Park
Celebrate Earth Day at Oracle State Park with the annual Music on the Trail!
Saturday, April 20, 2024 5 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: KT Klassics
Catalina State Park
Join KT Klassics with Catalina State Park's Music in the Mountains Concert Series! KT Klassics plays your favorite classic rock covers.
Saturday, April 20, 2024 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Earth Day Celebration at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Celebrate Earth Day with us under the red rocks in beautiful Sedona! Learn from our park rangers, volunteers, and community partners about some of the plants, animals, and beautiful landscapes in the Sedona area and across Arizona.
Saturdays through April 27, 2024
Adventures at the Presidio
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Join the Friends of Tubac Presidio State Historic Park for a new family-focused program each month to explore nature and create your very own nature craft to take home.
April 20 Times Vary
Guided Hikes with Charles - Calloway Trail
Picacho Peak State Park
Join a park volunteer guide on the Hunter Trail and enjoy 360 degree views from the top of Picacho Peak.
Saturday, April 20, 2024 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Junior Ranger Experience at Kartchner
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Wondering about the Junior Ranger program at Kartchner Caverns? Come out and learn what it takes to protect Arizona's amazing natural resources!
Saturday, April 20 10 a.m.
Lost Mines, Treasures and Swindles of Southeast Arizona
Catalina State Park
Arizona’s history is filled with stories of lost mines and treasures because, “If it can’t be grown, then it must be mined”. Hear the infamous tales of the lost mines of Southeast Arizona and how swindlers cheated investors to get rich quick. Hold real samples of gold and silver ore from around the world and learn common mining terms.
Sunday, April 21, 2024 9 a.m.
Photography Tour at Oracle
Oracle State Park
Join a ranger for an exciting Oracle State Park Photography Tour! In this 1.5 hour program, you'll learn important concepts from an experienced photographer and try them out on real subjects at the park.
Sundays 10:30 a.m. | 1 p.m.
Faro Demonstrations
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Learn how to play the gambling game that took Tombstone by storm at our Faro Demonstrations every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. with park volunteer Steve!
Sundays and Wednesdays 7:00 a.m.
Guided Bird Walks at Catalina
Catalina State Park
Canceled 4/7/24. Experienced bird guides lead this bird walk. They will help you spot and identify various birds that live and visit the park. Novices, seasoned birders, and every experience level of birder will enjoy this event.
Sundays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. (Wed. & Sundays) | 2 p.m. (Sundays)
Tours of Goodfellow Lodge at Tonto Natural Bridge
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Join us for a ranger or volunteer led walk through the Goodfellow Lodge, with a history of the property, the Lodge, and the people that called Tonto Natural Bridge home. Reservations are required!
Apr. 21 10 a.m.
Picacho Peak Bird Walk
Picacho Peak State Park
Walk the trails with one of our rangers and learn of the many birds inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region!
Sunday, May 19, 2024 1:00 p.m.
Archaeology Hike at Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park
Come and hear the fascinating story of the pre-Columbian people who lived and traveled in the park. The hike will identify the various archaeological features visible from park trails and interpret them into the wider context of important regional Sinagua sites. The guide will also touch on ideas of other cultures that likely have made use of the park’s resources. Reservations are required.
Mondays 9 a.m.
Guided Bird Walks at Tonto Natural Bridge
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Join a ranger on a ~1 mile, mostly paved, walk through some of the most biodiverse terrain in central Arizona. A combination of plant communities and habitats surrounding the world’s largest travertine bridge supports a wide variety of bird species that call the park home and we will be searching for.
April - September Times vary
Moonlight Hikes at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
The Moonlight Hike is among the most popular interpretive hikes at Red Rock State Park in Sedona. Join us for an exciting evening under the night sky of Sedona.
Second and fourth Monday of the month 10 a.m.
Catalina State Park - Past, Present, Future
Catalina State Park
Join one of our park volunteers to explore the history of Catalina State Park and its surroundings from the 1850s to today, and get a sneak peek of exciting upgrades planned.
Wednesdays in April 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Native Plant Hike
Catalina State Park
Wildflowers and native plants are signs of the park’s vibrant ecosystem, but invasive species and wildfires threaten to change everything. Led by an Arizona Native Plant Society guide, see plant succession since the 2020 Bighorn Fire and the contrast between native plants and invasives like Lehmann Lovegrass on the Canyon Loop Trail.
April 25-28, 2024
Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Come to the park for a fun festival of exploring birds, bugs and nature!
April 25, 2024 8 a.m.
Earth Day Celebration at Lyman Lake
Lyman Lake State Park
Come celebrate Earth Day with us at Lyman lake State Park! Experience the expansive views, a beautiful lake, and gorgeous Arizona skies at this awesome event!
Saturday, April 27, 2024 10 a.m. to noon
Hike and Haiku
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Celebrate Trails Day at Kartchner Caverns with a hike and poetry workshop. Even if you don't think you're a poet, nature inspires so think again!
April 27 | April 28 8 a.m.
Geology Tour at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Join Oracle State Park’s volunteer geologist, Tom Buckley, on a tour of the unique geology of the Santa Catalina Mountains. This program is by reservation only.
Monthly, April-November 6 p.m. (Arizona time)
Star Party at Homolovi State Park
Homolovi State Park
Come out to Homolovi's Visitor Center Museum and Observatory for a night under the stars. Enjoy astronomy presentations featuring special guests with telescope viewing to follow. Bring your sense of wonder!
Saturday, April 27, 2024 6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Bat Walk
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns invites you to join us for a nighttime walk in the park to learn about bats! Guests will see and hear bats interacting within their natural environment while learning about the diversity of these awesome flying mammals. Registration required.
April 28 9:30 a.m.
Into the Snake Den
Picacho Peak State Park
Join our park rangers at Picacho Peak State Park and learn about some simply spectacular serpents! From the tricky hognose to the stunning rattler, these snakes are absolutely ecstatic to meet you!
Sunday, April 28 | May 26 1:00 p.m.
Ethnobotany Guided Hike at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Learn more about the native plants of Sedona and how they're interconnected with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, wildlife, and even modern society.
Saturday, May 4, 2023 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mothers and Daughters Tea Party at Lyman Lake
Lyman Lake State Park
Join us for a special mothers and daughters tea party at Lyman Lake State Park!
May 4 | Oct. 26, 2024 Varies by Date
Star Party at Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park
Imagine what you can see with telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association at Catalina State Park! Join us for an exciting, educational Star Party!
May 4 | June 1 | Sept. 7 | Oct. 5 | Nov. 2, 2024 1 - 9 p.m.
Star Party at Kartchner Caverns!
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Want to learn more about the stars and planets? Do you have any little ones curious about the cosmos? Then head to Kartchner Caverns, an International Dark Sky Park, for a star party!
Sunday, May 5, 2024 2 p.m.
Reptiles of the Verde Valley
Red Rock State Park
Join us for an interactive program about native snakes in Sedona and the Verde Valley. This program will cover snake identification, mimicry behavior and feature a meet-and-greet with “Cosmos.”
May 8 Times vary
Guided Bird Walk at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Join us at Lost Dutchman State Park for a program that covers the basics of bird watching and includes a guided walk on the trails searching for our feathered friends.
November - June Times vary
Stargazing at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Join a park ranger at Picacho Peak for a night of stargazing. You'll learn about constellations, wayfinding, and can even peer through a telescope for a closer look at the stars.
May 11 | Oct. 12, 2024 Varies by Date
Star Party at Cattail Cove
Cattail Cove State Park
Join us for a star party to explore the night sky at Cattail Cove State Park. Bring your sense of wonder!
Sunday, May 12, 2024 1 p.m.
Geology Hike at Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park
Our monthly-guided geology hike led by our knowledgeable volunteers will take you out on our trails to discuss how Sedona transformed into what we see today. This interpretive experience is for both the beginner and experienced hiker. Reservations are required.
May 12, 2024 3 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: The Women of the Riordan Mansion
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Step back to 1904 with a guided tour of the Riordan Mansion featuring the Riordan ladies and their stories.
May 13, 2024 12:15 p.m.
Lunchtime Lecture: Riordan Road's Hidden History - Images of the Lost Town of Milton
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Why is Milton Road called Milton Road? Because it linked Flagstaff with a neighboring small town called Milton. Milton's main street was Riordan Road. Historian and Riordan Mansion volunteer David Portree will share Milton's history and describe a plan to bring Milton back to life.
May 17-18, 2024 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. seatings each night
Whisky Tasting at Tim's Table
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
This limited-seating event is the perfect way to gather friends on a cool fall evening and enjoy the warmth of exceptional whiskies. You will have the rare opportunity to be seated in the dining room of Tim Riordan’s 1904 craftsman home. See the full even description to purchase tickets.
May 18, 2024 9 a.m.
Bike with the Mayor
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Join one of our favorite community events with the Verde Valley Cycling Coalition for a 5 mile bike ride with the mayor of Cottonwood through Dead Horse Ranch State Park!
May 18, 2024 10- a.m. - 3 p.m.
Living History Presentations - Frontier Regulars: The Infantry
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join Fort Verde State Historic Park for a living history presentation on Frontier Regulars: The Infantry.
May 18, 2024 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mariachi Festival and Wine Tasting
Patagonia Lake State Park
Welcome back to this popular area event! Join us to enjoy a day of international mariachi dancing and bands. Local food vendors and activities for the kids are all part of this fun event.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 5 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Dick Arnold
Catalina State Park
Join us for an evening of tight harmony vocals, relaxed guitars, funky originals and quirky covers.
May 18, 2024 1 p.m.
Guided Tours of the Historic Kannally Ranch House
Oracle State Park
Join us for a guided tour of the Historic Kannally Ranch House. Tours last about one hour and include interesting information and the story of the Kannally family and their time in Oracle.
May 18, 2024 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Plein Air Paint Out
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Artists of all skill levels are invited to paint plein air (painting outdoors) around the grounds of the Riordan Mansion.
Every Saturday, May 25-August 30 6 p.m.
Guided Hike on the Petroglyph Trail
Lyman Lake State Park
Come out to cool Lyman Lake State Park for a ranger-led hikes on the Petroglyph Trail.
May 25 | June 15 and 29 | July 6 and 20 | August 17 and 31 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fishing at Lyman Lake
Lyman Lake State Park
Join us for a fun morning of learning how to fish at the park - with equipment provided!
Friday, May 31, 2024 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Fool Hollow Lake 30th Anniversary
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fool Hollow Lake as a state park with fun family activities!
Saturday, June 1, 2024 6 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Nancy Elliott
Catalina State Park
Join Catalina State Park on for its popular Music in the Mountains concert series featuring a Southwestern Americana performance by Nancy Elliott!
Saturdays in June, July and August 11:15 a.m.
Riordan Mansion Nature Walk and Garden Tour
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Join a ranger for a twenty minute tour of the mansion grounds. Learn more about Flagstaff's ecology, native wildlife, and conservation. This tour will vary weekly depending on what is blooming and what wildlife shows off.
June 6-9, 2024
Buses By the Lake at Lyman
Lyman Lake State Park
Do you own a VW bus? Are you intrigued by the VW bus culture? Join us at the Buses at the Lake event at the park!
Apr. 13 | June 8, 2024 Varies by Date
Star Party at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Join us at Oracle State Park for a Star Party to enjoy interpretation of night sky objects and telescope viewing at this International Dark Sky Park.
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Parks on the Air
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Join Coconino Amateur Radio Club at Riordan Mansion to learn about amateur radio, talk to stations around Arizona, and even try Morse code!
June 9 | July 14, 2024 9-10:30 a.m.
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Historic Milton Walking Tour
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
A 90-minute guided walk from Riordan Mansion to explore the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company property and the town site of Milton.
June 10, 2024 12:15 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: Kate Cory - Arizona's Pioneer Artist
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Experience hearing from Territorial Pioneer Kate T. Cory in full costume as she shares her journey from "Gilded Age" NYC to the Mesas of the Hopi. Brenda Cusick will reveal details of Cory's life. Kate’s art was commissioned by the Santa Fe Railroad, the Department of the Interior and her work is in the Smithsonian and Museum of Northern Arizona collections.
June 15, 2024 10- a.m. - 3 p.m.
Living History Presentations - Frontier Regulars: Ordnance
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join Fort Verde State Historic Park for a living history presentation on Frontier Regulars: Ordnance.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 10 a.m.
Scavenger Hunt
Lyman Lake State Park
Do you like solving riddles? Then come to Lyman Lake State Park for an outdoor adventure!
July 6, 2024 5 p.m.
Stroll Your Roll Parade
Lyman Lake State Park
Bring your bicycle, tricycle, scooter, or stroller and as many red, white, and blue decorations as you can, and stroll or roll in Lyman Lake State Park's patriotic parade around the park!
July 20, 2024 10- a.m. - 3 p.m.
Living History Presentations - Frontier Regulars: Quartermaster
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join Fort Verde State Historic Park for a living history presentation on Frontier Regulars: Quartermaster.
August 17, 2024 10- a.m. - 3 p.m.
Living History Presentations - Frontier Regulars: Commissary
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join Fort Verde State Historic Park for a living history presentation on Frontier Regulars: Commissary.
August 31, 2024 6:30 p.m.
Patriotic Glow Boat Parade
Lyman Lake State Park
Join us at Lyman Lake for a patriotic water parade! Decorate your watercraft to participate!
September 21, 2024 10- a.m. - 3 p.m.
Living History Presentations - Frontier Regulars: Cavalry
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join Fort Verde State Historic Park for a living history presentation on Frontier Regulars: Cavalry.
September 28, 2024 10 a.m.
Colonel's Daughter
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Young women from the Camp Verde area compete in poise and horsemanship for a set of spurs and the title of "Colonel's Daughter," inspired by the 1882 novel by Capt. Charles E. King.
Every Saturday in October 6-8 p.m.
Haunted House
Lyman Lake State Park
Join Lyman Lake State Park for a spooktacular Haunted House event. All ages are welcome!
October 12-13, 2024
Fort Verde Days
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Fort Verde Days serves as the Town of Camp Verde's annual homecoming and celebrates the military post around which the town grew. There will be flag-raising and lowering ceremonies, artillery demonstrations, living history presentations with re-enactors, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, and military drills.
October 12, 2024 All day
Spooktacular Camping
Lyman Lake State Park
Decorate your campsite or cabin and join us for a trunk or treat event at the park! Plus, bring a pumpkin for a carving contest!
Saturday, November 2, 2024 Solar viewing - noon, Stargazing - 5 p.m.
Alamo Lake Star Party
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake offers some of the best conditions for stargazing. Join the solar observations from noon to 4 p.m., and following a 5 p.m. presentation, view the night sky through professional telescopes.
Saturday, November 16, 2024 11:00 a.m.
Flag Disposal Ceremony
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Fort Verde State Historic Park and American Legion Post #135 will be hosting the annual flag disposal ceremony.
November 16, 2024 10- a.m. - 3 p.m.
Living History Presentations - Frontier Regulars: Post Trader
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join Fort Verde State Historic Park for a living history presentation on Frontier Regulars: Post Trader.
December 2, 2024 - January 7, 2025 Normal park hours
Victorian Christmas at Fort Verde State Historic Park
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Celebrate the holidays with Fort Verde State Historic Park when we decorate the fort with Victorian-style holiday decorations.
December 7, 14, 21, 2024 5-8 p.m.
Candlelight Tours
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join us as we host candlelight tours through Fort Verde State Park's historic homes along Officer's Row.
December 7, 2024 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ornament-making Workshop
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Bring the kids to the park to make their own Victorian holiday ornament, also known as a “tussy mussy.”