163 Best Performing Arts Venues in USA

This huge two-week trade show in February, comprising nearly 40 different shows at venues in and around Downtown, is the largest of its kind in the world. Most vendors sell to the public as well as to wholesalers. Admission to the shows is free, except for the prestigious Gem and Mineral Show held at the Tucson Convention Center during the last four days of the two-week period. The Tucson Visitor Center is the best source of information about the event.

In October, Tucson Originals, a group of independent local restaurants, hosts the World Margarita Championship. Sample foods, wines, and killer margaritas prepared by more than 40 local indie chefs and mixologists, and then cast your votes for your favorites.

Big-name concerts are held at this historic arena with room for 13,000-plus fans.

By presenting top-notch adaptations of nationally regarded comedies and dramas, such as Angels in America, Vintage Theatre Productions has made a name for itself locally. Its small but comfortable venue is in the Aurora Arts District, where it hosts performances most Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Formerly the Phoenix Open, this January golf tournament is the "Greatest Show on Grass."

Billed as "San Francisco's Live Radio Show to the World," the program invites an audience to its weekly broadcasts, many from the San Francisco Ferry Building or the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley. The eclectic guest list includes personalities such as Craig Newmark, Rita Moreno, Jamaica Kincaid, and Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman (the Mythbusters guys).

This four-day birding extravaganza the third week in January is highlighted by the morning flights of thousands of wintering sandhill cranes lifting off from the Willcox Playa.

An ice-sculpting extravaganza, these competitive events that unfold from late February to late March draw ice artists from around the world.

This quirky, oft-madcap, and hilariously funny spoken-word event is part reading, part circus variety show. Writers range from unknowns to rising stars and the occasional well-known author. Writers with Drinks usually takes place at the Make-Out Room, at 3225 22nd Street in the Mission.

Various theater and music programs are held throughout the year, and one of the best loved is Lee Stetson's portrayal of John Muir in Conversation with a Tramp and other Muir-theme shows. Purchase tickets in advance at the Conservancy Store at the Valley Visitor Center or the Tour and Activity Desk at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Unsold seats are available at the door at performance time, 7 pm.

This popular Oakland club is one of the nation's best jazz venues.

The early February Yukon Quest calls itself the "toughest sled dog race in the world," passing through historic early-gold-rush territory. In odd-numbered years the 1,000-mile race starts in Whitehorse, in even-numbered ones in Fairbanks. Both the start and finish are festive events, with huge crowds on hand even when the temperatures plunge.

The Phoenix Zoo celebrates the holidays each year from Thanksgiving through New Year's with ZooLights.