Statewide Calendar
53 Scheduled Events
Sundays 10:15, 11:15, 12:15 p.m.
Geology Tour and Presentation
Jerome State Historic Park
Learn how powerful geological forces shaped the Verde Valley and laid the foundation for Jerome's rugged landscape and rich mining history. Perfect for history lovers, rock hounds and curious minds of all ages!
August 3 - October 12, 2026
Flash Fright Night Tours - Open Call!
Jerome State Historic Park
Flash Fright Night Tour Open Call for Ghosts, Guides and Otherworldly Historic Roles
Daily 8:30 a.m. (9 a.m. Sept.)
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.
August 9, 2026 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.
Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. - Noon
Apple Packing Shed Open House
Slide Rock State Park
Experience a piece of Arizona history. Get an opportunity to explore the Pendley Homestead Apple Packing Shed. A ranger will be available to answer any questions about the homestead history. Come and see the Bean Cutler 1933 Sorter and Bean Cutler Polisher added in 1946.
Every Wednesday 2:00 p.m.
Ranger Nik at the Adair Amphitheater
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Ranger Nik will be at the Adair Amphitheater every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Stop by to learn about the park, wildlife and the natural world and other wonders. fascinating fo
Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 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.
Every Thursday 9 a.m.
Ecology Hikes at Fool Hollow
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Explore the park's diverse plants, wildlife, and ecosystems while learning about the natural history and unique features of the area.
Fridays in August 9 a.m.
Nature Walk at Fool Hollow Lake
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Join a U.S. Forest Service ranger for a walk at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area! Learn about the park and spot birds and wildlife along the way.
Fridays in July and August 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Historical Walking Tours
Jerome State Historic Park
Join volunteer Hal Hatfield on a historical walking tour of Jerome State Historic Park: July 17, 24 and 31 and August 7, 21 and 28
Saturdays, July 18 | August 15 | Sept 19 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Living History Day at Fort Verde
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join the Fort Verde Interpretive Association and take a step back in time and see what life was like as soldier here at the Fort.
August 15, 2026 7:15pm
Black Bears
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Join us to learn about black bears.
Saturday, August 15, 2026 4 p.m.
Children's Program: Superhero American Beaver
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Check out this children's program and meet the Superhero American Beaver!
Saturdays, July 4 - September 26 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Monsoon Magic
Catalina State Park
Did you know Arizona actually has five seasons? Monsoon Magic is an interactive nature exhibit where you’ll learn about the wildlife and meteorology of the southwest’s rainy season.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 8:30 a.m.
Hopi Farming Talk and Harvest at Homolovi
Homolovi State Park
Come join a ranger at the Hopi demonstration garden near the front entrance to the visitor center.
August 20, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Plein Air Artists
Jerome State Historic Park
Artists of all skill levels are invited to paint plein air (painting outdoors) around the grounds of Jerome State Historic Park
First, Third and Fifth Fridays of the Month Varies by Date
Catalina Nights
Catalina State Park
Experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required.
Monthly (April - September) Varies by Date
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.
August 22 Time varies
Thank the Stars Above at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Come down to Picacho Peak State Park and take a look at the beautiful stars above. In this program, you will learn about some of the constellations in our night skies.
Saturday, August 22, 2026 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The Jordan Family: The Women, the Land, and the Verde Valley
Jerome State Historic Park
The presentation explores the resilience, perseverance, and sense of adventure of generations of Jordan women and their experiences as part of Arizona’s early history.
Saturday, August 22, 2026 7:00 p.m.
Batty for Bats
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Come and learn more about bats!
August 22 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Living History Day at Jerome State Historic Park
Jerome State Historic Park
Take a step back in time and see what life was like in a mining camp, learn about women's fashion, enjoy magic tricks and much, much more.
Saturday, August 22, 2026 4 p.m.
Children's Program: Wildlife Detectives
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Check out this children's program that teaches about wildlife in the area.
Saturday, August 22, 2026 8 a.m.
Geocache Plants
Roper Lake State Park
Join us for a lesson on the type of plants native to Roper Lake State Park.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Evening Lecture: The First 100 Years of Route 66 in Arizona: Reflections on the Visual Imagery and Stories of Route 66
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Join presenters Ivan Pacheco and Peter Runge to trace Route 66’s evolution from a rugged transportation corridor to an enduring cultural icon, highlighting the communities, businesses, and landscapes that defined travel across northern Arizona. The presentation will be free thanks to Riordan Action Network. Registration is required.
Thursday, August 27, 2026 7-10 p.m.
Lunar Eclipse Night at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Experience one of the year's most impressive celestial events at Oracle State Park as the moon passes through Earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse!
Aug. 28 | Sept. 26, 2026 Time varies
Moonlight Hikes at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Enjoy a rare opportunity to take in the sunset and moonrise from an overlook at Red Rock State Park! Learn about Sedona and the surrounding area with a knowledgeable guide. Registration is required.
Saturday, August 29, 2026 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Before Jerome: Early People of the Verde Valley
Jerome State Historic Park
A fast-paced, sometimes humorous overview of the history of people in the Middle Verde Valley, from the earliest Paleoindians until the town of Jerome was incorporated in 1899.
Saturday, August 29 7:00 p.m.
Fool Hollow's Connections to the Coast
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Ever wondered if you could have Ocean Front Property in the White Mountains? Come and learn about Fool Hollow's connections to the coast.
Saturday, August 8 and 29, 2026 7-9 a.m.
Birding Meetup at Ranch House Patio
Oracle State Park
Birding Meet-Up at Ranch House Patio at Oracle State Park. Stop by the patio at the historic Kannally Ranch House and talk to one of our knowledgeable volunteers, then enjoy the dozens of bird species that frequent the park and patio.
Saturday, August 29, 2026 4:00 PM
Children's Program: Trees
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Ponderosa are more than just a trees, they affect every aspect of White Mountain habitats. What is a ponderosa pine? Why does the Southwest have the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world?
Tuesdays and Fridays 11 a.m.
The Inside History of Jerome
Jerome State Historic Park
An engaging and exclusive presentation of the town of Jerome, as told by long-time local, Henry Vincent, in an outdoor setting.
First Saturdays of the Month (September-May) 8 a.m. - noon
Buffel Slayers
Catalina State Park
Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
First Sunday May-September 10 a.m. (unless otherwise noted)
Nature Walk at Rockin' River Ranch
Rockin' River Ranch State Park
Join us on the first Sunday of every month for a guided nature walk.
Sept. 12 | Nov. 7, 2026 times vary
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!
2nd Saturday of the Month, April - November 7 p.m. (April-Aug.) | 6 p.m. (Sept.-Nov.)
Star Party and Guest Speaker 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 to the only Arizona state park with a permanent observatory!
Sunday, September 13, 2026 1-3 p.m.
Tea on the Veranda
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Step into 1904 and have tea on the veranda, just as the Riordans did at the beginning of the last century. This event is brought to you by Riordan Action Network and Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 6-9 p.m.
Star Party at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Join us for a special evening of stargazing at Oracle State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park!
Saturday, September 19, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Bat-ember
Roper Lake State Park
Come out for a night event to witness and learn about the local bats at the park.
Saturday, September 26, 2026 5-8 p.m.
Taste of the Bridge
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Join us for an evening of wine and beer tastings, live music, gourmet food, and a charity auction. This event will raise funds to benefit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Tickets required.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fall Fest at Slide Rock
Slide Rock State Park
Fall is on its way, and it’s time to celebrate the changing seasons at Slide Rock State Park! Join us for the annual Fall Festival. Colored leaves, red rocks, and cooler temperatures will have the whole family enjoying the transition to autumn!
Saturdays, Oct 3, 2026 and Oct 24, 2026 8:30 a.m.
Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo Tour and Petroglyphs
Homolovi State Park
Join a ranger lead hike at the Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo. Guests will see the outline of five domestic rooms and a reconstructed ceremonial structure (kiva). The petroglyphs are located below the mesa.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 3-4:30 p.m.
Helldorado Days Film Screening: According to Kate
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Join us for a captivating film screening during Tombstone's Helldorado Days! We invite you to experience "According to Kate," a poignant short film that sheds light on the life of one of the American West's most misunderstood women, Big Nose Kate. This film is recommended for ages 14 and up and promises to be an unforgettable exploration of history. Registration required.
Sundays, Oct 18 and Nov 1 10 a.m.
Textile production at Homolovi : A review of the cultural significance and technical introduction to weaving
Homolovi State Park
Textile production at Homolovi : A review of the cultural significance and technical introduction to weaving
Saturday, October 31, 2026 9:00 a.m.
Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo Tour
Homolovi State Park
Take a guide walk with a Ranger to the Homolovi II pueblo. Homolovi II is the largest of the seven villages that comprise the Homolovi settlements.
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Alamo Lake Star Party
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake offers some of the best conditions for stargazing. Join us to view the night sky through professional telescopes.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Volkswagens in the Canyon at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park
Saturday, November 14, 2026 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup
Slide Rock State Park
Join us for a collaborative clean up event with many of the organizations who care for Oak Creek and surrounding lands. Keeping Oak Creek clean takes all of us!
Thursdays, Monthly (November - March) 8:30-10 a.m.
Desert Birding at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Meet in the Palo Verde Day Use area to learn how to distinguish between birds and seek out hawks to hummingbirds all throughout the trail! This is an Outdoors250 event.
Saturday-Sunday, November 21-22, 2026 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
An American Civil War Encampment: Special Event
Picacho Peak State Park
Learn about the life of a Civil War soldier! Enjoy food from Calvin's Still Smokin BBQ, a Ranger talk, and weapons demonstration! - CANCELED
Monthly Times vary
Music at Lost Dutchman with Steve Jones
Lost Dutchman State Park
Yampa Valley Steve (Steve Jones), a singer-songwriter, will entertain you at Lost Dutchman State Park.
Monthly, October 2026 - January 2027 Time varies by date
Sonoran Desert Botany Hike
Lost Dutchman State Park
Get to know the plant life of the Sonoran Desert on this guided hike. Explore the trails and learning about local cacti, trees, and shrubs, seeing how they've adapted to grow in and support this ecosystem. This is an Outdoors250 event.