When to Go

It's a common misconception that Phoenix forever hovers around 100°F. That might hold true from May to October, but the winter months have been known to push the mercury down to 35°F. The city also has experienced consecutive days of nonstop rain. Such instances are rare, but it's good to be prepared and check weather reports before you pack.

Phoenix can get pretty darn hot in summer, so plan your outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day and save the air-conditioned stuff for when it's needed: the Heard Museum is not only a must-see, it's also inside, as are the nearby Phoenix Art Museum and many other popular attractions.

Festivals and Events

Arizona State Fair. Come for classic fair fun, including a petting zoo, farm animals, and a rockin' concert stage every October. 602/252–6771; azstatefair.com.

Barrett-Jackson. This fabulous car auction attracts thousands every January. 480/421–6694; www.barrett-jackson.com.

Country Thunder. Every year, the Southeast Valley's Florence becomes Nashville West during the Country Thunder concert series in April. 866/388--0007; www.countrythunder.com.

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

Indian Fair & Market. More than 700 Native American artists and artisans are showcased at the Heard Museum for this annual March event. 602/252–8840; www.heard.org.

Las Noches de las Luminarias. Adjacent to the twinkling zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden lights up every night during Las Noches de las Luminarias, when thousands of luminarias (paper bags with lights inside) line the garden's pathways. Stroll, listen to live music, and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to make a reservation for this annual event in December. 480/941–1225; www.dbg.org.

Ostrich Festival. The city of Chandler hosts this annual weekend of music, entertainment, and (of course) ostrich races in March. 480/588--8497; ostrichfestival.com.

The Parada del Sol Parade and Rodeo. This February horse-drawn parade and festival is an Arizona tradition featuring cowboys, cowgirls, horses, and floats. 480/990–3179; paradadelsol.net.

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. Live bands line the marathon course and a concert follows the 26.2-mile race that attracts runners each January. www.runrocknroll.com/en/events/arizona.

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

Scottsdale Arts Festival. This weekend event is jam-packed with arts and crafts—and music every March. 480/499–8587; scottsdaleartsfestival.org.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Foodies from across the Valley mark their calendars for this outdoor weekend festival in April, which offers creations from some of the best chefs in town. 480/656–9940; scottsdaleculinaryfest.org.

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

ZooLights. The Phoenix Zoo celebrates the holidays each year from Thanksgiving through New Year's with ZooLights. 602/286–3800; www.phoenixzoo.org.