Festivals and Events in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe

Jan.

Waste Management Phoenix Open. Formerly the Phoenix Open, this golf tournament is the "Greatest Show on Grass." 602/870-0163. www.wmphoenixopen.com.

PF Chang's Rock & Roll Marathon. Live bands line the course and a concert follows the 26.2-mi race. 800/311-1255. www.arizona.competitor.com.

Barrett-Jackson. Fabulous car auctions including Barrett-Jackson attract thousands every January. 480/663-6255. www.barrett-jackson.com.

Feb.

The Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. The Heard Museum hosts the spectacular Annual World Hoop Dance Championship, with traditional music and costumes. 602/252-8840. www.heard.org.

Mar.

Indian Fair & Market. Every March, more than 600 Native American artists and artisans are showcased at the Heard Museum. 602/252-8840. www.heard.org.

The Parada del Sol Parade and Rodeo. "The World's Largest Horse Drawn Parade," features cowboys, cowgirls, horses, and floats. 480/990-3179. www.paradadelsol.org.

Scottsdale Arts Festival. This weekend event in March is jam-packed with arts and crafts—and music. www.scottsdaleartsfestival.org.

Ostrich Festival. This is a weekend of music, entertainment, and (of course) ostrich races in Chandler every March. 480/963-4571. www.ostrichfestival.com.

Apr.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival. This weekend-long festival makes mouths water. 480/945-7193. www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org.

Russo and Steele. Every January, the Russo and Steele auction features some of the most sought-after vehicles in the world. 602/252-2697. www.russoandsteele.com.

Country Thunder. In the Southeast Valley every April, Florence becomes Nashville West during the Country Thunder concert series. 866/802-6418. www.countrythunder.com.

Oct.

Arizona State Fair. Come for classic fair fun, including arm wrestling and calf roping. 602/252-6771. www.azstatefair.com.

Dec.

ZooLights. Get into a sparkly holiday spirit at the Phoenix Zoo when the park celebrates ZooLights. 602/273-1341. www.phoenixzoo.org.

Noches de las Luminarias. Adjacent to the twinkling zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden's Noches de las Luminarias light up the desert. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to make a reservation. 480/941-1225. www.dbg.org.