New Year's Day: a huge parade and annual college football game is held at the Arizona State University Sun Devil Stadium to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. The ground is always packed out, with much of the city in attendance.
Home and Garden Show: offers tips on landscaping and garden design as well as a selection of exhibits demonstrating creative ideas.
Martin Luther King Day: Phoenix celebrates the life and ideals of this famous civil rights activist with a number of festivities and events.
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show: this is the largest show of its kind in the world and boasts over 2,000 Arabian and half-Arabian horses as well as more than 300 exhibits and vendors.
Arizona Black Film Festival: supports black filmmakers, offering them the chance to compete for cinematic awards. The festival lasts three days and attracts big names from the sliver screen.
ArtsFest of 5th Avenue: this popular event is held in Scottsdale and showcases local art by up-and-coming artists. You will find good food and music in abundance, helping to make it a popular day out for the entire family.
Rodeo of Rodeos: this annual event is held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and is one of the largest rodeos of the year.
Gardeners Garden Tour: is held every year to encourage those with green fingers to smarten up their gardens and invite guests into their home to marvel at their design efforts. It is the perfect way to mark the beginning of spring.
Arizona International Film Festival: showcases films made by independent filmmakers from across the state, with clips ranging from experimental films to documentaries. Film buffs travel from across the country to enjoy some of the alternative styles on offer.
Great Arizona Annual Beer Festival: this annual event never fails to impress beer drinkers, who arrive from across the world. Many local brews can be tried and it is a time to put your feet up, enjoy some good food and the company of fellow beer drinkers.
Jazz in the Garden: this annual festival lasts until July and is held at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Jazz lovers are able to enjoy some popular tunes performed by highly competent musicians. There is also the chance to hear performances by some of the greatest names in jazz as well as new talent from local cities.
Independence Day: 4 July sees the entire country coming to a halt to commemorate the momentous event, the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Locals can be seen enjoying picnics in the parks, flag flying, the singing of patriotic songs and general partying.
Amoretti National Pastry Team Championship: this is a 13-hour competition held in early July, which involves 12 teams of pastry chefs competing to create the best dessert showpiece. There is a cash prize and a chance to represent America in the world championships
Way-Out West Oktoberfest: held in late September, this is Oktoberfest with a Western theme. Visitors will enjoy country music, polka, German food and beer, and plenty of family entertainment.
Arizona State Fair: this fair is held in late October and is a popular event state-wide. Families travel from many nearby cities to enjoy the stalls, entertainment and rides. It is a true celebration of Arizona.
Thieves Market: this is a long-running event held in early November in downtown Scottsdale. It features sidewalk sales, local artists' exhibitions, gastronomic delights and musicians. Live music covers all genres and it is the chance to see some of the city’s true local talent.
Phoenix Fairgrounds Antique Market: is Arizona's largest antique show and offers collectors the chance to pick up a few rarities. Regardless of whether you are an antique dealer or not, you are sure to find a couple of bargains that are far too tempting to ignore.
Christmas Mariachi Festival: held in mid-December, Christmas celebrations begin with a Southwestern twist, which includes rhythmic mariachi groups and dance performances by Ballet Folkloric.
