If you haven’t already heard, Pure Adventures is launching almost 20 new tours in the USA, including six new tours in Arizona. Ranging from self-guided hiking and biking tours to custom guided offers, we’re excited about bringing the self-guided format to the United States. Another reason we’re excited about these new tours is that they all start in our backyard – the Pure Adventures head office is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, which means you will get to ride and know the trails we already love.
Now, we know that the Grand Canyon is the main attraction in our state – and rightfully so. But did you know that Arizona is also home to a vibrant festival scene? Every month, artisans, musicians, history buffs and foodies gather to celebrate their crafts and knowledge. We’ve gathered up the oddest and most entertaining here.
January
- Cave Creek Balloon Festival: More than 8,000 people visited Cave Creek last year to take in the Annual Balloon Festival. Hot air balloons upwards of seven stories high, fill the skies surrounding Rancho Manana Golf Club, with kids zones, live music and balloon rides keeping those on the ground entertained. But the “high” light of the event undoubtedly is the Arizona, a skydiving team known for their pyrotechnics as much as their fearlessness. Early January, date to be determined.
February
- Hashknife Pony Express: Witnessing the Hashknife Pony Express is like watching history in action. Starting in Holbrook, Arizona, riders travel over 200 miles bearing special delivery Pony Express Mail (you can buy envelopes prior to the event). The oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the world, the Hashknife riders deliver 20,000 pieces a year. When the riders arrive in Scottsdale at the end of the ride, it marks the beginning of the annual Parada del Sol. January 28 – February 1, 2014.
March
- Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival: Billed as the greatest party since Camelot, the Arizona Renaissance Festival is a raucous event for the whole family. Featuring jousting knights, marketplaces, feasts and even the opportunity to get married, this two-month-long event is hosted on a 30 acre site complete with amusement park rides and castles. February 8 – March 30, 2014 (weekends only).
April
- International Horror and Sci-fi Film Festival: If you’re a fan of the paranormal, then plan to be in Scottsdale in April for the Annual International Horror and Sci-fi Film Festival. Featuring the best flicks from independent film makers in the genre, past special guests have included Linda Blair, Tobe Hooper and Mick Garris. April 3-10, 204 (concurrent with the Phoenix Film Festival).
May
- Annual Recycled Art Exhibition: Taking reduce, reuse and recycle to a higher level, the Annual Recycled Art Exhibition features work made mainly from recycled materials. Local artists work to promote recycling and everyone is invited to contribute a piece. Free workshops are offered through the weekend. 2014 date to be determined.
June
- Route 666 Run: Experience Arizona on a different sort of two-wheeler. This oddball event see motorcycles ride the “Devil’s Route” of Highway 666. See the riders off in Springerville in early June, then retreat to the peaceful sound of your bicycle wheels on pavement.
July
- Annual Summer Band Concert Series: Over the summer, enjoy Arizona’s lovely evenings listening to the nearly 100 musicians that bring Murphy Park, in Glendale Arizona to list. Ballads, marches and show tunes are a delight for music fans of all ages.
August
- Annual Mighty Mud Mania: Obstacle course racing has become very trendy, but in Kingman, Arizona, the Mighty Mud Mania has been happening for more than 35 years. With events for kids and adults, this oddball event is worth a side trip to experience. 2014 date to be determined.
September
- Annual White Mountain Apache Tribal Fair and Rodeo: For thousands of years, the White Mountain Apache Tribe has lived in eastern Arizona for thousands of years, but for the last 88, they’ve been hosting their Annual Fair and Rodeo. Featuring classic rodeo events, like bull riding, barrel racing and roping, this Fair and Rodeo also features a chili cook off and fireworks. 2014 dates to be determined.
October
- Arizona State Fair: To be fair, the Arizona State Fair is too amazing to be considered an oddball festival. Now in its 130th year, the State Fair features a demolition derby, rodeo, thousands of exhibits, a pie eating contest, amusement rides and of course, farm animals. Live music, fair food and fun runs round out the two-week event. 2014 dates to be set.
November
- Million Dollar Hole-in-One: Feeling lucky? Then hit the Annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One, the top amateur hole-in-one tournament in the United States. Oodles of daily prizes, and not to mention, the chance to win a million bucks. 2014 dates to be determined.
December
- ZooLights: Did you know that it takes more than 3.5 million lights to complete the 600 lighted sculptures at the Phoenix Zoo’s annual ZooLights? The 2014 event will feature music from the Wizard of Oz and two Music in Motion shows. Watch out for the flying moneys! November 28, 2013 to January 12, 2014.