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!

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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

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Daily   8:30 a.m. (9 a.m. Sept.)

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.

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August 9, 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.

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Saturdays and Sundays   10 a.m. - Noon

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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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

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Wednesdays and Saturdays   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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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
Four children dressed in period clothes in front of the fort

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.

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August 15, 2026   7:15pm

Black Bears

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Join us to learn about black bears.

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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!

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Saturdays, July 4 - September 26   7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Monsoon Magic

Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park staff hold a snake so that a park visitor in a blue baseball cap can touch it. Eight other visitors look on.

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.

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Saturday, September 19, 2026   8:30 a.m.

Hopi Farming Talk and Harvest at Homolovi

Homolovi State Park
Homolovi park entrance sign

Come join a ranger at the Hopi demonstration garden near the front entrance to the visitor center.

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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

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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.

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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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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, August 22, 2026   11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Jordan Family: The Women, the Land, and the Verde Valley

Jerome State Historic Park
Photo of 7 of the Jordan Women of the Verde Valley

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.

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Saturday, August 22, 2026   7:00 p.m.

Batty for Bats

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Come and learn more about bats!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
A classic red car on a highway bordered by joshua trees with mountains in the distance.

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.

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Thursday, August 27, 2026   7-10 p.m.

Lunar Eclipse Night at Oracle State Park

Oracle State Park
A photo of a lunar eclipse with Lunar Eclipse Night August 27, 2026

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!

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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.

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Saturday, August 29, 2026   11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Before Jerome: Early People of the Verde Valley

Jerome State Historic Park
A stone wall of an archaeological pueblo site underneath a blue sky with puffy white clouds.

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.

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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.

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Saturday, August 8 and 29, 2026   7-9 a.m.

Birding Meetup at Ranch House Patio

Oracle State Park
northern cardinal next to a tree branch

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.

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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?

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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.

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First Saturdays of the Month (September-May)   8 a.m. - noon

Buffel Slayers

Catalina State Park
A group of volunteers with shovels and pick axes working in a natural area surrounded by grass and cactuses.

Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!

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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.

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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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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
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 to the only Arizona state park with a permanent observatory!

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Sunday, September 13, 2026   1-3 p.m.

Tea on the Veranda

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Teacups on a finely set table with linens, china, and flowers in a vase.

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.

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Saturday, September 19, 2026   6-9 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 at Oracle State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park!

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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.

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Saturday, September 26, 2026   5-8 p.m.

Taste of the Bridge

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Two women hold wine glasses to the camera; in the background, people sit underneath a white tent set up outside.

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.

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

Fall Fest at Slide Rock

Slide Rock State Park
A tractor with people next to 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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Saturdays, Oct 3, 2026 and Oct 24, 2026   8:30 a.m.

Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo Tour and Petroglyphs

Homolovi State Park
petroglyph on a rock

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.

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Saturday, October 17, 2026   9 a.m.

Tsüvó Trail and Diné Point at Homolovi

Homolovi State Park
petroglyph on a rock

Enjoy a hike along ancient trails with a Park Ranger.

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Saturday, October 17, 2026   3-4:30 p.m.

Helldorado Days Film Screening: According to Kate

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
A movie poster for a film called "According to Kate" with an image of a woman and two men wearing late 1800s period clothing.

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.

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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
Three colorful baskets

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

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Saturday, October 31, 2026   9:00 a.m.

Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo Tour

Homolovi State Park
petroglyph on a rock

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.

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Saturday, November 7, 2026  

Alamo Lake Star Party

Alamo Lake State Park
The night sky at Alamo Lake State Park

Alamo Lake offers some of the best conditions for stargazing. Join us to view the night sky through professional telescopes.

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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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Saturday, November 14, 2026   8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup

Slide Rock State Park
Savew the date flyer for Oak Creek

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!

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Thursdays, Monthly (November - March)   8:30-10 a.m.

Desert Birding at Lost Dutchman

Lost Dutchman State Park
A close up of a roadrunner's face

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.

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Saturday-Sunday, November 21-22, 2026   9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

An American Civil War Encampment: Special Event

Picacho Peak State Park
A group of soldiers in uniform

Learn about the life of a Civil War soldier! Enjoy food from Calvin's Still Smokin BBQ, a Ranger talk, and weapons demonstration! - CANCELED

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Monthly   Times vary

Music at Lost Dutchman with Steve Jones

Lost Dutchman State Park
A cowboy wearing a denim shirt and a white hat poses next to a horse saddle.

Yampa Valley Steve (Steve Jones), a singer-songwriter, will entertain you at Lost Dutchman State Park.

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Monthly, October 2026 - January 2027   Time varies by date

Sonoran Desert Botany Hike

Lost Dutchman State Park
A cholla in the foreground and Saguaro cactuses stand in a valley leading up to the rocky Superstition Mountains.

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.

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