Statewide Calendar

51 Scheduled Events

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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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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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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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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Sundays through June 2026 (see details for exceptions)   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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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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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. (Photo by Edna Vihel Arts Center)

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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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May 4 | May 6 | May 18 | May 20   6:30 a.m.

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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Monday, May 4 | Wednesday, May 13   7-9 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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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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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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Fridays in May   7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Blooming Saguaro Hike

Catalina State Park
Saguaro blooming, white flowers with orange-yellow in the middle. bee about to land on one of the flowers, blurred blue sky and desert shrubs in the background

Enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of saguaro blooming season! 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. (Photo by Devon Christopher Adams, courtesy of Mesa Encore Theatre)

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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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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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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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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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(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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Sunday, May 10, 2026   1 p.m.

Geology Hike at Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park
A photo of Sedona's red rock formations with a blue sky overhead and text overlay that reads "Geology Hike."

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. This is an Outdors250 event.

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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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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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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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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 15-16, 2026   5:30 and 7:00 p.m.

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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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 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 at Oracle State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park!

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Sunday, May 17, 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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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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Saturday, May 23, 2026   8 a.m.

Scoop on Poop

Roper Lake State Park

Join us for an educational lesson on the different types of scat (poop) that animals leave behind.

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Sundays, April 26 | May 24   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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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, May 30   5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Reptile Wranglers: A Live Reptile Showing

Oracle State Park
Close up of the head of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

The Reptile Wranglers of AZ State Parks and Trails are bringing the Sonoran Desert to life with an up-close encounter featuring many different fascinating reptiles and other native animals.

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April 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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Saturday, June 6, 2026   8 a.m.

Fishing Clinic at Dankworth Pond

Dankworth Pond State Park

Join us on Free Fishing Day for a fishing clinic at Dankworth Pond State Park!

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Saturday, June 6, 2026   8 a.m.

Fishing Clinic at Dankworth Pond

Roper Lake State Park

Join us on Free Fishing Day for a fishing clinic at Dankworth Pond State Park!

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Saturday, June 6, 2026   5:00 p.m.

Music in the Mountains Concert Series: David Argentati

Catalina State Park

Come and enjoy some of your favorite 70's Classic Rock hits performed by David Argentati!

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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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Saturday, July 4, 2026   6:00 p.m.

Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Jeremy Gilliam of Grand Dorado

Catalina State Park

Join us for our concert series to celebrate America's 250th birthday with rock, country, blues and jazz performed by Jeremy Gilliam of Grand Dorado!

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Saturday, July 18, 2026   7:30 a.m.

Scorpion Hunt

Roper Lake State Park

Join us for a scorpion hunt and chance to learn about the different types of scorpions who call Graham County home.

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Saturday, August 1, 2026   6:00 p.m.

Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Midnight Classics Band

Catalina State Park

Rock out to country, blues and classic rock with the Midnight Classics Band!

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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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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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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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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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