Top 5 Upcoming Fall Activities Around Arizona
After the scorching heat of summer fades, the incoming fall weather means it is time to enjoy the Fall Activities in the great outdoors across Arizona. Your family will love exploring the state and experiencing the wide variety of Fall activities. This includes music and food festivals, rodeos and boating vacations. From Tucson to Flagstaff, Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, plan your weekend and enjoy some of the most exciting activities in Arizona this fall.
Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo (Sonoita, Az. – September 1st to 3rd)
Known as the “best little rodeo in Arizona,” the 103rd annual Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo hosts a variety of classic rodeo competitions and fairground activities. Cheer on your favorite cowboys and cowgirls at the barrel races, horse races and roping events hosted by the Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Association. Wear your fanciest derby attire and enter in the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest on Saturday. Even the little ones can get in on the action during the Junior Rodeo events earlier in the day. Stick around after the main event in the early afternoon to take part in the Steak Fry and dance in the evening. The whole weekend features events and attractions at the Sonoita Fairgrounds, but the main event goes down on Monday, September 3rd from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Admission is $10 to $15, and free for children 5 or under.
Campbell Regatta (Lake Havasu City, Az. – September 7th to 9th)
The 46th Annual Campbell Regatta on Lake Havasu celebrates all things boating and water sports the weekend after Labor Day. But this isn’t just any weekend of boating; this year’s theme, “Keep calm and Campbell on,” speaks volumes about the party you can expect along the shores and on the water. The weekend starts with a dinner party at Shugrue’s Restaurant and Brewery on Friday then full days of fun in the sun on Saturday and Sunday including a boat caravan, fish and chips meet up, corn hole competition, rafting and much more. Leave your worries behind but don’t forget your cooler as you prepare for an exciting weekend of nautical adventure.
Pickin’ in the Pines Music Festival (Flagstaff, Az. September 14th to 16th)
If your family loves and lives music, look no further than the 13th Annual Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival in Flagstaff. Featuring sets from legendary headliners like Bela Fleck and Del McCoury alongside the Infamous Stringdusters, Seldom Scene and the Traveling McCoury Band. Pickin’ in the Pines is a weekend you won’t soon forget. Camp the full weekend at Fort Tuthill Park or enjoy the music each day during a hotel or Air BnB stay nearby. Bring your instrument and check out the Wernick Method Bluegrass Jamming Workshop taught by Rick Sparks or spend some time in the Kids Zone coloring shirts and other crafts. Admission for children 15 and under is free with an adult, and weekend passes are $180 with a campsite and $130 without a campsite.
Arizona State Fair (Phoenix, Az. – October 5th to 28th)
Since 1905 the Arizona State Fair has been the place to be to learn more about regional arts, crafts and music across the Grand Canyon State. Like many state fairs you can enjoy just about anything deep-fried on a stick, but you can also experience local cuisine, honor Arizona’s rich history and ride a variety of exciting amusement park rides. From Figure 8 car races and petting zoos to monster trucks and rodeo competitions, the month of events is packed with activities for everyone. The fair also features a concert series throughout the month including performances by Gary Allan (October 5th), The Flaming Lips (October 6th), .38 Special (October 10th), The Wallflowers (October 11th), Pitbull (October 17th), Anthrax (October 18th), Big and Rich (October 20th) and Sesame Street Live! (October 27th and 28th). You can get great discount group and family tickets online. The Arizona State Fair runs from Wednesday through Sunday each week in October generally from noon to around 9:00 pm.
Arizona Taco Festival (Scottsdale, Az. – October 13th to 14th)
While Arizona is home to variety of delicious foods, we all know the ultimate culinary delight is the taco. At the 9th Annual Arizona Taco Festival in Scottsdale folks from around the state will gather to cook and taste tacos in all of their forms. From 11:00 am to 7:00 pm 50 restaurants will provide $2.00 tacos in addition to a Chihuahua pageant honoring everyone’s favorite talking taco mascot, lucha libre wrestling, hot chili pepper eating contests, photo booths and much more. Swing by the Kid’s Zone for the bungee trampoline, mechanical bull and arts and crafts or check out the Tequila (Saturday) and Margarita Mixology (Sunday) Expos for Mom and Dad. Live performances include local mariachi and rock bands, DJs and Latin Jazz groups. General admission tickets are $12.00 each day for adults or $100.00 for VIP access. Expo access and admission costs $20.00 a day.
Another great article sent in by Jeremy Alderman from zogmedia.com
Photo’s courtesy of
Arizona fall Festivals – Raising Arizona Kids
Sonoita Rodeo – bronc-riding – Hash Tags – Deskgram
Campbell Regatta – Campbell Boat Owners – 2018
Pickin’ in the Pines.org/tickets 2018
Arizona State Fair Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Taco Festival – baked beef & black bean tacos – Budget Bytes