Calender of Events

Central Phoenix
September 23 Bentley Gallery Opera Film Series 2007, Phoenix. Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the final film in the summer series. The film series is presented by a partnership between Bentley Gallery, Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Opera. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. 602-266-7464.

October 6 - April 27 Remix: New Modernities in a Post Indian World, Phoenix. Representing the next generation of progressive and experimental indigenous artists, this contemporary exhibition collectively searches for a new language of artistic practice and pushes the boundaries of the expected. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. 602-252-8848, heard.org.

October 12-14 Greater Phoenix Greek Festival, Phoenix. Arizona’s largest ethnic event offers fun for the whole family with Greek food, music, dancing, jewelry, art, grocery items and activities for children. James A. Speros Community Center, 1973 E. Maryland Ave. 602-264-2791, holytrinityphx.org.

October 20 Porch Party, Phoenix. The magical garden dinner party celebrates cancer survivorship, life and community. The Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Ln. 602-712-1006.

October 20 – November 18 Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition, Phoenix. Only the members of the Cowboy Artists of America can capture the West with such realistic skill and spirit. Phoenix Art Museum (Steele Gallery), 1625 N. Central Ave. 602-257-1880, PhxArt.org.

October 21 Pleasures of the Palettes 2007, Phoenix. Enjoy an eclectic blend of contemporary art, fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and creative interaction with friends, renowned artists and celebrity chefs. Proceeds from the event benefit Casa, Center for Prevention of Abuse and Violence. Arizona Biltmore Resort, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. 602-254-6400, casacares.org.

East Valley
September 1 Opuntia Punch Class, Superior. This popular one-hour class teaches visitors how to harvest the opuntia cactus fruits and extract their magenta juice without turning your hand into a “porcupine” of painful glochids and cactus spines. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at Highway 60, milepost #223. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

September 15 CiPAAS Open, Scottsdale. This early morning shotgun tournament is followed by lunch, prizes and exciting live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit youth programs of the Scottsdale Police Department. Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club, 11500 N. Hayden. 602-448-4195.

September 15 Bio-Blitz Survey, Superior. Help Arboretum staff and volunteers conduct a wide-ranging census identifying as many organisms as possible within a 24-hour period. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at Highway 60, milepost #223. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

September 22 Bye-Bye Buzzards, Superior. Join in the season salute to the arboretum’s migrant flock of Turkey Vultures before the huge black birds depart and fly south to spend the winter in Mexico. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at Highway 60, milepost #223. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

October 5-7 Way Out West Oktoberfest, Tempe. Festivities include polka, mainstream entertainment and family-friendly acts. Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado and Mill Avenues. 480-491-FEST, wowoktoberfest.com.

October 15 Fry’s Electronics Open, Scottsdale. The Thunderbirds are at it again. They’re bringing the boys of the PGA TOUR back for a tournament with a little edge and a little attitude. Grayhawk Golf Club, 8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. 602-840-0163.

October 19-21 Kokopelli Krush, Chandler. What started as a celebration of the grape harvest and a good excuse for foot-stomping is fast becoming an Arizona tradition. Teams of two will compete to see how much grape juice they can make in just two minutes – with their feet. Bistro@Kokopelli Winery, 35 W. Boston St. 480-792-6927, kokopelliwinery.com.

October 20 Frank Kush Family and Dog Fun Run and Walk, Tempe. Open to all ages, the event promotes healthy lifestyles and features an expanded health fair. Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue. 480-921-9341, frankkush.org.

West Valley
September 8 – March 30 Family Ties: Young Navajo Weavers, Surprise. Gaining inspiration from video games and integrating uncommon materials like beads into their work, these innovative young artists also draw on strong family connections that can stretch back, in some cases, for generations. Heard Museum West, 16126 Civic Center Plaza. 623-344-2200.

September 21- 22 Chicago, Sun City West.  The jazz, the style, the music, and the dancing all add up to an experience that will exhilarate. Maricopa County Events Center, 19403 RH Johnson Blvd. 866-395-2929 (for subscriptions), 480-784-4444.

October 19-20 Movin’ Out, Sun City West. Five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create this spectacular musical based on Joel’s hits. Maricopa County Events Center, 19403 RH Johnson Blvd. 866-395-2929 (for subscriptions), 480-784-4444.

Southern Arizona
September 15-16 Cats and Cactus Show, Tucson. Come out and see your favorite breed of cat and maybe discover a few you’ve never seen at an annual show presented by the Coatimondi Cat Club. InnSuites Hotel, I-10 and Speedway.  coatimondi.com.

September 22 Bisbee Blues Festival, Bisbee. Featuring a five-band line-up of accomplished and well-known blues acts, this festival is sure to get you swinging and swaying. Old Town Bisbee’s historic City Park, Old Bisbee. 520-432-3554, bisbeebluesfestival.com.

September 22 Sierra Vista Fiddle Contest, Sierra Vista. Watch fiddlers from all over compete for trophies and more than $3000 in cash prizes. Proceeds benefit the Cochise County Youth Orchestra. Veterans Memorial Park, Fry Boulevard at the corner of Calle Portal/Jean Randall Way. dkmusicstudio.com.

October 4-7 Rex Allen Days, Willcox. Three days of festivities named after Arizona Cowboy, Rex Allen. Historic Railroad Avenue (downtown). 520-384-2272.

October 12-14 Tucson Meet Yourself, Tucson. Come celebrate a weekend of folk and ethnic food, dance, music, folk arts and more. El Presidio Park, downtown. 520-792-4806, tucsonmeetyourself.org.

October 13-14 Patagonia Fall Festival, Patagonia. This year’s celebration of music and art features even more exhibitors and street performers than last year. Patagonia Town Park, between Sonoita and Nogales on Arizona’s scenic route 82. 520-394-0060, patagoniaaz.com.

October 27-28 Tucson Bluegrass Music Festival, Tucson. Bring your instrument and join in the fun during two days of performances, jamming and workshops staged on a beautiful outdoor plaza. A section of the parking lot will be reserved for campers and there will be plenty of vendors and dining options. Desert Diamond Casino, Interstate 19 and Pima Road. www.desertbluegrass.org.

Northern Arizona
September 1 Moonlight Madness Street Festival and Sidewalk Sales, Sedona. This street festival includes free music, entertainment, and children’s activities as well as sidewalk sales and food booths. Uptown Sedona, Highway 89A and Highway 179. 928-204-2390.

September 1-3 Faire on the Square, Prescott. This is the place to discover interesting and unique arts and crafts designed by artisans from all over the western United States. Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza, located in the center of downtown. 800-266-7534.

September 1 and October 6 Art Walk, Jerome. Stroll the winding streets of Jerome and visit 30 galleries and studios every first Saturday of the month. Downtown Jerome. 928-634-0774.

September 3 – October 8 Shonto Art Show, Flagstaff. Discover a modern spin on traditional Navajo life with the annual exhibit of Shonto Begay’s latest paintings. Brandy’s Restaurant and Bakery, 1500 E. Cedar Ave. brandysrestaurant.com; shontobegay.com.

September 7 and October 5 First Friday Artwalk, Flagstaff. Over 36 artist galleries and shops are open to visitors. Enjoy art, music, and refreshments, and take advantage of this opportunity to meet the artists. Free monthly maps are available at most galleries. theartistsgallery.net .

September 8 Fiesta del Tlaquepaque, Sedona. Featuring the sounds of mariachi and flamenco, artists, musicians and dancers will gather at this celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. 928-282-4838, tlaq.com .

September 15-16 World Arts Festival, Prescott. Come and see the incredible diversity and breadth of cultures of the world through music, art and food. Prescott Valley Civic Center, 7501 E. Civic Circle. 928-759-3090.

September 15-16 Flagstaff Open Studios – Free Art Tour, Flagstaff. A rare behind the scenes peek into the artistic process, featuring scores of studios to visit. Free and open to the public. info@FlagstaffArts.org , 928-635-9001.

September 26-30 Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival, Sedona. Enjoy concerts, clinics, free events and jam sessions during an extended weekend featuring a tremendous lineup of artists who run the gamut from smooth jazz to straight-up and traditional. Multiple locations. sedonajazz.com .

September 29 Andy Devine Days Parade, Kingman. Celebrating “150 Years of Westward Safari – A Caravan of Exploration,” the parade honors one of Kingman’s early explorers, Lt. Edward F. Beal. Downtown at First and Beal Streets. 928-692-3109, cityofkingman.gov.

October 6 Arizona Skyfest, Prescott. Featuring civilian and military aircraft, this thrilling annual air show will include stunt flying, aerobatics, parachute teams and maneuvering demonstrations. Prescott’s Love Field. www.prescottairfair.com .

October 7 Pops Festival at Tlaquepaque, Sedona. This evening of family entertainment features Flagstaff Symphony Brass Ensemble and other concert presentations, food and free parking. Sponsored by Sedona Flagstaff Symphony League. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, 336 Highway 179. 928-282-1760.

October 5-28 and 31 (Thursday - Saturday) Chino Valley Haunted House, Chino Valley. Gear up for another spooktacular month. Old Home Manor, 2100 Old Home Manor Dr.   www.cvhaunt.com .

October 12-13 A Covey of Quilts II, Cottonwood. Includes over 250 quilts, six vendors, quilt demonstrations, door prizes and an outstanding boutique. Cottonwood Middle School, 500 E. Mingus Ave. 928-282-2958.

October 13-14 Fall Fest in the Park Arts and Craft Show, Prescott. This free, family-oriented event features entertainment, arts, crafts, and more. Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza, located in the center of downtown. 800-266-7534.

October 27 Designer Home Showcase, Prescott. From luxury motor coaches to some of the area’s most prestigious homes, meet the designers and enjoy lunch and a wine and cheese reception at the museum. Reservations required. Multiple locations. 928-778-1385, www.phippenmuseum.org .

October 20 Old West Oktoberfest, Prescott. Featuring quality ales and lagers, German music, dancers, food and kids’ entertainment. 928-443-5220.

October 31 Safe and Fun Uptown Trick or Treat, Sedona. Sedona Main Street uptown merchants welcome all good ghouls and ghosts to visit their stores for little tricks and great treats, providing a safe and free Halloween tradition for the whole family. Highway 89A in uptown Sedona.  sedonamainstreet.com.

Confirm information by calling the listed numbers before making plans. Information is published on a space-available basis. Send complete details by September 15 for the November/December issue. Information may be submitted to:

Highroads Calendar
3144 N. 7th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
fax: 602-241-2917
e-mail: highroads@arizona.aaa.com.

The activity calendar and advertisements for non-AAA approved facilities and products are placed as a service and do not imply AAA endorsement.