Statewide Calendar
65 Scheduled Events
September 23 - October 31, 2023 Regular park hours
Unlock the Mansion
Jerome State Historic Park
Make plans to visit Jerome this fall to see if you can unlock the mansion in this family friendly interactive escape room experience.
September 23, Oct. 7 and 21, Nov. 4 and 18 8 a.m.
Guided Geology Hike at Oracle
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.
Daily 9 a.m. (10 a.m. in October)
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.
Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 a.m. (8 a.m. in October)
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.
Sundays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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!
Sundays 8 a.m.
Sunday Guided Hikes
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Hike the trails of Dead Horse Ranch State Park with an experienced hiking guide.
September 24, 2023 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.
September 27, 2023 6:30-8 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.
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.
Sept. 29 | Oct. 27, 2023 Varies by Date
Full Moon Hike at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
This beautiful program is designed to start with a famous Arizona sunset draping gracefully over the Superstition Mountains, and end under the light of the full moon.
Sept. 29, 2023 Varies by Date
Desert Scorpion Hunt at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Enjoy the desert under the glow of black light in search scorpions! Listen to a brief informative talk about scorpions before journeying into the desert night on your hunt.
September 30-October 1, 2023
Family Campout at Kartchner Caverns
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Arizona Family Campout Programweekends 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!
September 30 Starts at 4:30 p.m.
Happy Hour at the Beach
Patagonia Lake State Park
The Desert Bluegrass Association will host an evening filled with good vibes and great music at "Happy Hour at the Beach" on Saturday, September 30.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 9 am - 3 p.m.
Verde River Day
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Celebrate all things outdoors while learning about the dynamic ecology of the Verde River. All-day events and free activities for the whole family!
Wednesdays 7:30 a.m.
Wednesday Guided Bird Walk at Catalina
Catalina State Park
Both novice and seasoned birders enjoy the variety of birds that visit and live in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
First and Third Friday of the Month Varies by Date
Catalina Nights
Catalina State Park
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.
Twice monthly, October through March 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Raptor Demonstration
Catalina State Park
Learn about the behavior and biology of native raptors and how the ancient art of falconry has shaped modern raptor conservation efforts.
October 7, 2023 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, October 7, 2023 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!
October 7, 2023 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.
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Catalina State Park 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.
Saturday, October 7, 2023 10 - 11 a.m.
Beef, Wheat & Chiltepín: Sonora's Culinary Heritage
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Join historian Alex La Pierre to find out what shaped the culinary culture of the Sonoran Desert.
Sunday, October 8, 2023 1:00 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.
Sundays beginning Oct. 8 7:30 a.m.
Sunday Guided Bird Walks at Catalina
Catalina State Park
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.
October 9, 2023 12:15 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: Comparing Photographs from 1872 and 1968 Grand Canyon Expeditions
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Join us at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park to learn about the two geologists, two photographers, and the dozens of Grand Canyon locations that were photographed 96 years apart. Registration for this event is required.
October 12-15, 2023
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!
Saturday, October 14, 2023 10 - 11 a.m.
The Moorish Southwest: African & Arabic Influences in the Borderlands
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Learn about the elements of Islamic Spain and the Moorish origins of material and immaterial culture that can still be seen today with this talk at Tubac Presidio.
October 14, 2023 Times vary
Star Party at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Want to learn more about the stars and planets? Then head to Lost Dutchman State Park for a star party! Registration is required!
October 14-15, 2023
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.
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!
Oct. 15, 22, 28 and Nov. 4 Time varies
Volunteer at Red Rock State Park!
Red Rock State Park
Volunteer opportunities are available at Red Rock State Park! Click to learn more about how to become a volunteer at this beautiful Arizona state park!
Sunday, October 15, 2023 2 p.m.
Sofia Talvik at Tubac Presidio
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Join Tubac Presidio for live music.
Sunday, October 15, 2023 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.
Dom. 15, Oct. 2023 1-2 p.m.
Criaturas Curiosas
Lost Dutchman State Park
¡Descubre el mundo extraño del desierto y sus habitantes en esta presentación!
October 21, 2023 Starting at 5 p.m.
Shadows of the Past
Jerome State Historic Park
Uncover the darker side of Jerome’s mining history in a guided tour through the Douglas Mansion, circa 1916, just beyond Hogback Cemetery. Join us for a living history experience, as we walk down the dimly lit halls of history to be transported back in time to the wickedest town in the west.
Saturday, October 21, 2023 11 a.m. | 2 p.m.
Award Winning Author Mark Warren's Helldorado Lectures
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Join award-winning author Mark Warren for two lectures on October 21: What Made Wyatt Earp Tick? and Our Favorite Outlaw of the American West.
October 21-22, 2023
Family Campout at Roper Lake
Roper Lake State Park
Arizona Family Campout Programweekends 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!
Sunday, October 22 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.
Sunday, October 22, 2023 10-11 a.m.
Power Hour: Rattlesnakes Alive!
Lost Dutchman State Park
This live animal presentation empowers you with knowledge from special guests and rangers at the park.
October 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2023 7, 8, and 9 p.m. each night
Riordan Mansion Halloween Tours
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The historic Riordan Mansion makes a great backdrop for spinning yarns appropriate to the Halloween season. This very popular guided tour for adults is a storytelling session involving tales of the fantastic and the factual.
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 2-3 p.m.
Music in Lost Dutchman State Park: Singer Songwriter Steve Holmquist
Lost Dutchman State Park
Local singer, guitarist, & songwriter from Copper Country will be performing all original stories and songs focusing on our local areas, animals, and characters. Bring a chair and join us around the campfire!
Sunday, October 30, 2023 6:30 p.m.
Legends of the Superstitions
Lost Dutchman State Park
The Superstition mountains have long been shrouded with mystery, intrigue, and an element of fear. Those who frequent them may say they are sacred, serene, or even spooky.
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Desert Birding at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Meet in the Saguaro day use area to learn how to distinguish between birds and seek out hawks to hummingbirds all throughout the trail!
November 4, 2023 4 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Old Arizona Brass Band
Catalina State Park
A beautiful evening of classical music and elegant compositions.
November 4-5, 2023
Family Campout at Oracle State Park
Oracle 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!
Saturday, November 11 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Learn To Scope Star Party
Oracle State Park
Learn how to use a telescope at our ranger-led workshop from 5:30-6:30, then view the stars at a star party!
November 12, 2023 3 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Stickley Room by Room
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
In celebration of Gustav Stickley’s birthday, join us for a tour focused on the Stickley furniture and the Arts and Crafts Style.
November 13, 2023 12:15 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: Brave the Wild River—The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Learn about the two women and their historic boat trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with science journalist Melissa L. Sevigny at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park! Registration for this event is required.
Saturday, November 18, 2023 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.
Nov. 18, 2023; Jan. 6 and March 16, 2024 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Star Party at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
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.
December 1 - January 6
The Riordan Mansion is ready for Christmas
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Mansion is festively decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours during this time include glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas, both past and present.
December 2, 2023 - January 7, 2024 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 2, 2023 3 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Shawn Lewis
Catalina State Park
Wide range of guitar and vocal selections that span many decades.
December 2, 9, 16, 2023 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 2, 2023 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.”
Saturday, December 9, 2023 6-8 p.m.
Ugly Sweater Star Party
Oracle State Park
Wear your worst festive sweater as we celebrate the holiday season with a star party.
December 11, 2023 12:15 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: Women of the Riordan Family with Kathy Farretta
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Have you ever wondered about the women who lived in these historic houses? Join us to learn more about the family! Registration for this event is required.
December 16-17, 2023
Family Campout at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman 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!
Thursday, December 20, 2023 4-6 p.m.
Strolling With Santa
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Weather permitting, the grounds will be lit with luminarias and Santa will be strolling the grounds, Visitor Center, and West House museum to visit with children to hear their Christmas wishes. Hot apple cider will be available in the visitor center.
December 20, 21, 22, 23, 2023 4:30-6 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Luminaria Walk
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Enjoy the view of the Riordan Mansion by the light of luminarias lining the path. The grounds will be open until 6:00 pm and hot apple cider will be available in the visitor center with your $2.00 park admission.
December 20, 21, 22, 23, 2023 5-6 p.m.
Riordan Special Tour: Christmas Twilight Tour
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The original 1904 light fixtures with Edison style bulbs provide a beautiful glow in the Riordan Mansion for this special evening tour. These special guided tours will focus on the history behind Christmas traditions and guests will have the special treat of seeing the Christmas tree and billiards room photo transparency windows at night.
