Statewide Calendar

65 Scheduled Events

Saturday, April 18, 2026   4 p.m.

Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Kevin from KT Klassics

Catalina State Park
A person playing a guitar in front of green trees.

Join Kevin from KT Klassics with Catalina State Park's Music in the Mountains Concert Series!

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Saturday, April 18, 2026   9 a.m.

Tsüvó Trail and Diné Point at Homolovi

Homolovi State Park

Join a ranger lead walk on the Tsüvó Loop Trail and Diné Point. This 2-mile-long loop walking tail winds through high desert prairie of the upper-Sonoran grassland. View petroglyphs and enjoy panoramic views.

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Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays Through April 30, 2026   9-11 a.m. (Wed.) | 10 a.m. - noon (Sat.-Sun.)

Apple Packing Shed Open House

Slide Rock State Park
A photo of a barn with displays, antique equipment, and an interactive board that reads "Let's label the apple."

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.

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Saturday, April 18, 2026   10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Earth Day Celebration at Red Rock - FREE Admission from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.!

Red Rock State Park
The logo for Red Rock State Park's Earth Day celebration

Celebrate Earth Day with us under the red rocks in beautiful Sedona! FREE Admission to the park from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.! 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.

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Saturdays until April   10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Cancelled on April 4

Saturday Nature Program

Catalina State Park

Learn about and see many reptiles that live naturally in the Sonoran Desert. Listen to our experts talk about the creatures and their adaptions to survive in the desert.

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Daily   10 a.m. (9 a.m. June)

Daily Guided Nature Hikes at Red Rock

Red Rock State Park
A photo of the red rocks with text overlay that reads "Naturalist Guided Hikes daily."

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. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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Saturday, April 18, 2026   1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Star Party at Kartchner Caverns

Kartchner Caverns State Park
A starry sky with shadows of trees in the foreground.

Join Kartchner Caverns, an International Dark Sky Park, for a star party! This program offers daytime solar viewing, a presentation on protecting our dark skies as well as night sky viewing through high-powered telescopes.

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Saturday, April 18, 2026   4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Music on the Trail

Oracle State Park
Music on the Trails & Sunset Picnic logo on tan background with cloud in the sky, brown mountains in background

Stroll along the Nature Trail and hear talented musicians, playing folk, acoustic, classical and more! Enjoy this annual event hosted by the Friends of Oracle State Park.

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April 17-19, 2026   Times vary

35th Annual Lake Havasu Boat Show

Lake Havasu State Park

In its 35th year, the Marine Association originally designed this event to promote marine businesses in the Lake Havasu region, and, today, it is now one of the largest premier outdoor boat shows in the entire Southwest!

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Wednesdays and Saturdays   8 a.m. through May | June - 7 a.m.

Guided Bird Walks at Red Rock

Red Rock State Park
Hummingbird with Yellowish-green body and red head

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. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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3rd Saturday of each month (October-April)   10 a.m.

Guided Hike on the Calloway Trail

Picacho Peak State Park

Join our park guide as you trek the Calloway Trail at Picacho Peak! Learn about hiking safety as you enjoy the surroundings up to the Calloway overlook--situated under the face of Picacho Peak. All skill levels are welcome on this guided hike! Registration required. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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March 14 | April 18 | Sept. 12 | Nov. 7, 2026   times vary

Star Party at Cattail Cove

Cattail Cove State Park
Visitors look through telescopes under a starry night sky.

Join us for a star party to explore the night sky at Cattail Cove State Park. Bring your sense of wonder!

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Sundays and Wednesdays   Times vary

Guided Bird Walks at Catalina

Catalina State Park
A hummingbird in a tree

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. This is an Outdors250 event.

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Sundays through June 2026 (except for 3/29 and 5/31)   10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Faro Demonstrations

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park

Learn how to play the gambling game that took Tombstone and all the Wild West by storm at our Faro Demonstrations. Play your cards right and you might just walk away with a commemorative America250 Arizona Faro chip in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

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Sundays   10 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 1 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!

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Sunday, April 19, 2026   1 p.m.

Archaeology Hike at Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park
Red rocks with petroglyphs, or rock art, carved into them and a text overlay that reads "Archaeology Walk."

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. This is an Outdors250 event.

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Sundays - check dates in description   Times vary

Sunday Geology Walk at Catalina

Catalina State Park

How were the Santa Catalina Mountains formed? What are some of the different rocks in the park? Learn about the geology of the park with experienced geologist, Karen. This is an Outdors250 event.

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Mondays Starting April 20   9:15 a.m.

Nature Walks at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
natural bridge trail

Walk with a Park Ranger along our paved walking path as the park comes alive around you, where rustling trees and blooming wildflowers frame glimpses of the parks remarkable wildlife.

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April 6 and 20 | May 4 and 18   Time varies

Monday Guided Bird Walks at Catalina

Catalina State Park
A group of birders with binoculars at Catalina State Park

Located in the Tucson Sky Islands Important Bird Area, Catalina State Park is home to 150+ species of birds. Experienced birding guides will help you spot and identify beautiful birds as you walk through the park for 3-4 hours. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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Thursday, April 16 | Monday, April 20, 2026   7:30-9:30 p.m.

Owl Walks at Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park
A juvenile owl fledging from a tree.

Join us on a guided walk to learn about owls, which take flight during cool evening hours to hunt. Registration required. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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First and third Mondays, through April   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.

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Tuesdays and Fridays — Canceled Friday, April 17   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.

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Tuesdays in April   9:00 a.m.

Innovative Insects - Arthropod Presentation at Lost Dutchman

Lost Dutchman State Park
A pipevine swallowtail at Lost Dutchman State Park

Come learn about the diverse insects and arachnids that the Sonoran Desert has to offer during this presentation.

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Tuesday, April 21, 2026   Noon

The Little Daisy Hotel: Renovating an Icon of Jerome

Jerome State Historic Park

Join Jerome State Historic Park for an informative talk about the ownership history and renovation efforts of the Little Daisy Hotel, built in 1918.

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Tuesdays, beginning April 21   11 a.m.

Tours of Goodfellow Lodge at Tonto Natural Bridge

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Goodfellow Lodge

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!

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April 23-26, 2026  

Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival

Dead Horse Ranch State Park
A kingfisher bird perches on a branch with white dormant trees in the background.

Come to the park for a fun festival of exploring birds, bugs and nature! This is an Outdors250 event.

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April 23-26, 2026  

Desert Storm

Lake Havasu State Park

Check out one of the largest boating events in the western United States, held at Lake Havasu State Park on April 23-26!

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Apr. 24, 2026   Time varies

Star Party at Picacho Peak

Picacho Peak State Park
Visitors look through telescopes under a starry night sky.

Come out for a night under the stars at Picacho Peak State Park! The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be on site with high-powered telescopes and guides to the night sky.

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First Friday of each month   1:00 p.m.

First Friday Hikes at Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park
red rocks-tree with yellow leaves-bush with green leaves

Join a ranger led hike and learn about the history of Slide Rock State Park. This is an Outdors250 event.

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Monthly (April - September)   Varies by Date

Bat Walk

Kartchner Caverns State Park
Event Featured Image

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.

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Saturdays, Mar 21 | Apr 25, 2026   Time varies

Geology Tour at Oracle State Park

Oracle State Park
A close up of a unique rock with formations

Join Oracle State Park’s volunteer geologist, Maribeth Greenslade, on a tour of the unique geology of the Santa Catalina Mountains region. This program is by reservation only. This is an Outdors250 event.

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Saturday, April 25, 2026   10 a.m.

(Mother) Road to the Stars: Route 66 and its Space Heritage

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
A promotional image for the event

Lowell Observatory historian, Kevin Schindler's work bridges astronomy, history, and pop culture. You'll discover the Mother Road's surprising space legacy- from asteroid impacts to astronaut training- just in time for Route 66's upcoming centennial.

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Saturday, April 25, 2026   10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Picnic with the Pendleys

Slide Rock State Park
Apple tree blossoms in the foreground of the stunning red rock mountain at Slide Rock State Park

Join us for a fun spring event to learn more about the Friends of Slide Rock State Park!

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April 25-26, 2026   10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Saturday) | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Sunday)

Reenactment at the Fort

Fort Verde State Historic Park

Join us for a fun-filled weekend to watch the Arizona Reenactors Association reenact battles and artillery demonstrations at the Fort.

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Sunday, April 26, 2026   1 p.m.

Ethnobotany Guided Hike at Red Rock

Red Rock State Park
A trail leading through a grassy field with red rock formations in the distance.

Learn more about the native plants of Sedona and how they're interconnected with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, wildlife, and even modern society. This is an Outdors250 event.

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Sundays, March 29 | April 26   Time varies by date

Textile production at Homolovi : A review of the cultural significance and technical introduction to weaving

Homolovi State Park
Three colorful baskets

Textile production at Homolovi : A review of the cultural significance and technical introduction to weaving

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Sunday, April 26 and Friday, May 1   Time varies by date

Character Creation Workshops with Artist in Residence Jacob Buttry

Oracle State Park
photo of artist Jacob Buttry

We are thrilled to be hosting our next Artist in Residence, Jacob Buttry, a theatre artist, facilitator, and educator guided by compassion and connection.

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Second and fourth Mondays, through May   7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Romero Site Interpretive Hike

Catalina State Park

Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert.  The Romero Ruins Trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. There are no restrooms on-site. There is no shade on the trail so please bring plenty of water and sun protection like a hat and an umbrella.  Limited to 20 people: first come, first served. Meet at the Romero Ruins Ramada. This is an Outdors250 event.

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Tuesday, April 28   5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Riordan Mansion Evening Lecture: Milton, Arizona: A Conversation About Company Towns

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Historic photo of men working with lumber

Everyone in Flagstaff knows Milton Road, but few know that Milton once was a separate company town owned by the Arizona Lumber & Timber Compan

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April 1 and 30 | May 30 | June 28 | July 28 | Aug. 28 | Sept. 26, 2026   Time varies

Moonlight Hikes at Red Rock

Red Rock State Park
A group of hikers taking photos of the moon rising from behind a red rock escarpment in the distance.

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. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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First, Third and Fifth Fridays of the Month   Varies by Date

Catalina Nights

Catalina State Park
The night sky glows over the Catalina Mountains

Experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required. This is an Outdors250 event.

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Saturday, May 2, 2026   5 p.m.

Music in the Mountains: Gray Skies Blue and Treehouse Fire

Catalina State Park

Enjoy a relaxing evening of listening to American Indie Folk music at the park.

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Saturday, May 2, 2026   8-10 a.m.

Photography Hike at Oracle State Park

Oracle State Park
A panoramic view of mountains in the view with sunlight highlighting peaks and shadows on the landscape.

Join us for a hands-on photography experience at Oracle State Park, perfect for nature enthusiasts and aspiring photographers! Registration required.

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May 2-3, 2026  

Family Campout at Rockin' River Ranch

Rockin' River Ranch State Park

Arizona Family Campout Program weekends are designed for families that have little or no experience camping. We will introduce you to the great experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors!

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Sunday, May 3, 2026   11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Open Studio Day with Artist in Residence Jacob Buttry

Oracle State Park
Photo of Artist Jacob Buttry knealing with kids

We are thrilled to be hosting our next Artist in Residence, Jacob Buttry, a theatre artist, facilitator, and educator guided by compassion and connection.

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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. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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Saturday, May 9, 2026   10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Work in Progress Showing with Artist in Residence Jacob Buttry

Oracle State Park
photo of artist Jacob Buttry on a white chair

We are thrilled to be hosting our next Artist in Residence, Jacob Buttry, a theatre artist, facilitator, and educator guided by compassion and connection.

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May 9 | July 18   Varies by Date

Night Hikes at Picacho Peak

Picacho Peak State Park
A family at a campground surrounded by desert vegetation and cactuses with a mountainous peak in the distance.

Join us for a magical hike under the light of the full moon. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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Saturday, May 9, 2026   10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Living History Day at Fort Verde

Fort Verde State Historic Park
Four children dressed in period clothes in front of the fort

Did you know that many famous mountain men were Army Scouts? Learn about the knowledge that made these men excellent Scouts for the military and what it took to survive out here as a mountain man.

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Saturday, April 11, 2026 (Monthly, April - November)   7 p.m. (Varies by month)

Star Party and Guest Speaker at Homolovi State Park

Homolovi State Park
The Winslow Homolovi Observatory

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!

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May 9-10, 2026  

Family Campout at River Island

River Island State Park
A family on a boat during a Family Campout weekend at River Island State Park

Arizona Family Campout Program weekends are designed for families that have little or no experience camping. We will introduce you to the great experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors!

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Second Saturday of the month   1 p.m. | 2 p.m.

A Guided Walk of the Douglas Estate

Jerome State Historic Park

Join us for a lively and entertaining walk of the park grounds, featuring a brief overview of the town of Jerome, its mining operations, and its people.

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May 10, 2026   9-10:30 a.m.

Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Historic Milton Walking Tour

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
A sepia-toned historic photo of a road running through Milton townsite.

A 90-minute guided walk from Riordan Mansion to explore the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company property and the town site of Milton. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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May 12, 2026   10:30-11:30 a.m.

Outside Discovery Series: Roots, Tubers and Bulbs

Jerome State Historic Park
Flyer for event. Has contact information for Yavapai County Cooperative Extension, topics covered by the class

Learn about growing your favorite roots, tubers and bulbs, like garlic and potatoes.

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May 15th & 16th   5:30 and 7:00

Riordan Mansion Whisky Tasting at Tim’s Table

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
People sitting at the historic dinner table

Whisky Tasting at Tim’s Table

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Saturday, May 16, 2026   10 a.m.-4 p.m.

America250 Celebration at Patagonia Lake

Patagonia Lake State Park
A crowd sits in camp chairs under shady trees and watches mariachi performances in colorful dresses and suits on a stage.

Join us at Patagonia Lake State Park to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary! Enjoy live mariachi performances, folklorico dancing, tasty food from local trucks, local wineries, and a fun piñata activity for kids. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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Saturday, May 16, 2026   8 - 10 p.m.

Star Party at Oracle State Park

Oracle State Park
A visitor looks through a telescope at a Star Party

Join us for a special evening of stargazing, astronomy talks, and fish tacos at Oracle State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park!

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Saturday, May 23, 2026   9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wheels at the Lake Classic Car Show

Lyman Lake State Park

Come join us for fun in the sun, classic cars, door prizes, and prizes for best in categories!

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Tuesday, May 26, 2026   5:30-6:30 p.m.

Evening Lecture: Arizona at 250

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Narbona Panel at Canyon de Chelly courtesy of Bob Mark and Evelyn Billo

Dr. Kelley Hays-Gilpin is our special presenter as we look back at the founding of the United States, nearly 250 years ago. In the struggle between American colonists and the British Empire, how did Indigenous people and the Spanish Empire play a role? And what was happening in what’s now Arizona while a war for independence was raging in the east?

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Saturday, June 13, 2026  

Parker Tube Float

Buckskin Mountain State Park

In June, Parker, Arizona becomes Float Town, U.S.A.! Join us for the Annual Parker Tube Float. Float down the gorgeous Parker Strip on the Colorado River from Buckskin Mountain State Park to La Paz County Park.

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June 14, 2026   9 a.m.

Riordan Mansion Special Tour: The Next Doors

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Members of the Riordan family on horses

The regular guided tour of the Riordan Mansion takes visitors through the East House, the home of Timothy & Caroline, where you learn about their family. But what about the family in the West House?

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June 20 | 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.

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Saturday, July 4, 2026   6-8:30 p.m.

4th of July Celebration at Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Celebrate Independence Day with us on July 4th, 2026, at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area! Enjoy family activities and enjoy a beautiful day in the pines. Free entry into the park to see the fireworks is available starting at 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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Sunday, October 3, 2026   8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fall Fest at Slide Rock

Slide Rock State Park
A tractor with children on it at a previous Fall Fest

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!

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Saturday, November 7, 2026   9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Volkswagens in the Canyon at Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park
Apple orchard with mountain in the background

Save the date for Volkswagens in the Canyon

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