Statewide Calendar
74 Scheduled Events
August 3 - October 12, 2026
Flash Fright Night Tours - Open Call!
Jerome State Historic Park
Flash Fright Night Tour Open Call for Ghosts, Guides and Otherworldly Historic Roles
Daily 8:30 a.m. (9 a.m. Sept.)
Daily Guided Nature Hikes at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Every morning a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk include geology, wildlife, history, archaeology, and plant life.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Evening Lecture: The First 100 Years of Route 66 in Arizona: Reflections on the Visual Imagery and Stories of Route 66
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Join presenters Ivan Pacheco and Peter Runge to trace Route 66’s evolution from a rugged transportation corridor to an enduring cultural icon, highlighting the communities, businesses, and landscapes that defined travel across northern Arizona. The presentation will be free thanks to Riordan Action Network. Registration is required.
Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 a.m. (8 a.m. September)
Guided Bird Walks at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Join us at Red Rock State Park for guided bird walks! Learn about Sedona's diverse and beautiful bird species while taking a stroll through this gorgeous park with a veteran bird enthusiast.
Every Wednesday 2:00 p.m.
Ranger Nik at the Adair Amphitheater
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Ranger Nik will be at the Adair Amphitheater every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Stop by to learn about the park, wildlife and the natural world and other wonders. fascinating fo
Thursday, August 27, 2026 7-10 p.m.
Lunar Eclipse Night at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Experience one of the year's most impressive celestial events at Oracle State Park as the moon passes through Earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse!
Every Thursday 9 a.m.
Ecology Hikes at Fool Hollow
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Explore the park's diverse plants, wildlife, and ecosystems while learning about the natural history and unique features of the area.
Fridays in August 9 a.m.
Nature Walk at Fool Hollow Lake
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Join a U.S. Forest Service ranger for a walk at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area! Learn about the park and spot birds and wildlife along the way.
Aug. 28 | Sept. 26, 2026 Time varies
Moonlight Hikes at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Enjoy a rare opportunity to take in the sunset and moonrise from an overlook at Red Rock State Park! Learn about Sedona and the surrounding area with a knowledgeable guide. Registration is required.
Fridays in July and August 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Historical Walking Tours
Jerome State Historic Park
Join volunteer Hal Hatfield on a historical walking tour of Jerome State Historic Park: July 17, 24 and 31 and August 7, 21 and 28
Saturdays, July 4 - September 26 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Monsoon Magic
Catalina State Park
Did you know Arizona actually has five seasons? Monsoon Magic is an interactive nature exhibit where you’ll learn about the wildlife and meteorology of the southwest’s rainy season.
Saturday, August 29 7:00 p.m.
Fool Hollow's Connections to the Coast
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Ever wondered if you could have Ocean Front Property in the White Mountains? Come and learn about Fool Hollow's connections to the coast.
Saturday, August 8 and 29, 2026 7-9 a.m.
Birding Meetup at Ranch House Patio
Oracle State Park
Birding Meet-Up at Ranch House Patio at Oracle State Park. Stop by the patio at the historic Kannally Ranch House and talk to one of our knowledgeable volunteers, then enjoy the dozens of bird species that frequent the park and patio.
Saturday, August 29, 2026 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Before Jerome: Early People of the Verde Valley
Jerome State Historic Park
A fast-paced, sometimes humorous overview of the history of people in the Middle Verde Valley, from the earliest Paleoindians until the town of Jerome was incorporated in 1899.
Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. - Noon
Apple Packing Shed Open House
Slide Rock State Park
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Experience a piece of Arizona history. Get an opportunity to explore the Pendley Homestead Apple Packing Shed. A ranger will be available to answer any questions about the homestead history. Come and see the Bean Cutler 1933 Sorter and Bean Cutler Polisher added in 1946.
Saturday, August 29, 2026 7:30-9 p.m.
Bat Walk at Jerome State Historic Park
Jerome State Historic Park
Learn about the bats that fly about Jerome, emerging from the caves and old mine shafts of the Black Hills. Registration is required.
Saturday, August 29, 2026 4:00 PM
Children's Program: Trees
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Ponderosa are more than just a trees, they affect every aspect of White Mountain habitats. What is a ponderosa pine? Why does the Southwest have the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world?
Sundays 10:15, 11:15, 12:15 p.m.
Geology Tour and Presentation
Jerome State Historic Park
Learn how powerful geological forces shaped the Verde Valley and laid the foundation for Jerome's rugged landscape and rich mining history. Perfect for history lovers, rock hounds and curious minds of all ages!
Tuesdays and Fridays 11 a.m.
The Inside History of Jerome
Jerome State Historic Park
An engaging and exclusive presentation of the town of Jerome, as told by long-time local, Henry Vincent, in an outdoor setting.
First, Third and Fifth Fridays of the Month Varies by Date
Catalina Nights
Catalina State Park
Experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required.
September 5-6, 2026
Family Campout at Homolovi
Homolovi State Park
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Arizona Family Campout weekends are designed for families with kids that have little or no experience camping. Join us at Homolovi State Park, where we will be camping for the first time with the program!
Monthly (April - September) Varies by Date
Bat Walk
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns invites you to join us for a nighttime walk in the park to learn about bats! Guests will see and hear bats interacting within their natural environment while learning about the diversity of these awesome flying mammals. Registration required.
Sept. 5 | Oct. 3 | Oct. 17 | Nov. 7 varies by event
Music in the Mountains Concert Series
Catalina State Park
Celebrate Arizona’s vibrant music scene with a breathtaking view of the mountains! Please bring a chair, and feel free to bring food, drinks, and your best dance moves.
First Saturdays of the Month (September-May) 8 a.m. - noon
Buffel Slayers
Catalina State Park
Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
Saturdays (September-October) 7 a.m.
Introduction to Birding by Ear
Catalina State Park
Listen for birds, learn their common sounds, and grow familiar with your local birdlife. All skill levels are welcome!
First Sunday May-September 10 a.m. (unless otherwise noted)
Nature Walk at Rockin' River Ranch
Rockin' River Ranch State Park
Join us on the first Sunday of every month for a guided nature walk.
2nd Saturday of the Month, April - November 7 p.m. (April-Aug.) | 6 p.m. (Sept.-Nov.)
Star Party and Guest Speaker at Homolovi State Park
Homolovi State Park
Come out to Homolovi's Visitor Center Museum and Observatory for a night under the stars. Enjoy astronomy presentations featuring special guests with telescope viewing to follow. Bring your sense of wonder to the only Arizona state park with a permanent observatory!
Sept. 12 | Nov. 7, 2026 times vary
Star Party at Cattail Cove
Cattail Cove State Park
Join us for a star party to explore the night sky at Cattail Cove State Park. Bring your sense of wonder!
September 12-13, 2026
Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
An activity table will be set up in the visitor center with information and activities for girls to earn their Riordan Mansion patch. Activities are included with park entrance fee.
Sunday, September 13, 2026 1-3 p.m.
Tea on the Veranda
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Step into 1904 and have tea on the veranda, just as the Riordans did at the beginning of the last century. This event is brought to you by Riordan Action Network and Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society.
September 18-20, 2026
IHRA World Cup Racing
Lake Havasu State Park
From amateurs and veterans to the sport’s top professional athletes, competitors across a wide range of classes will compete for the IHRA World Cup.
Saturdays, Sept 19 | November 14, 2026 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Living History Day at Fort Verde
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join the Fort Verde Interpretive Association and take a step back in time and see what life was like as soldier here at the Fort.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 6-9 p.m.
Star Party at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
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Join us for a special evening of stargazing at Oracle State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park!
Saturday, September 19, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Bat-ember
Roper Lake State Park
Come out for a night event to witness and learn about the local bats at the park.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 5:30-7 p.m.
Evening Lecture: Bats of Northern Arizona
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Riordan Mansion is proud to offer this Bat Conservation International-guided Bat Presentation and Walk. Kathleen Slocum will share the fascinating story of bats in Arizona, followed by a walk on the Riordan Mansion grounds. Registration required.
September 25-27, 2026
Nauti Water Racing
Lake Havasu State Park
Come out to Lake Havasu State Park to see the Nauti Water jet ski races. This event promises competitive racing and a positive experience for all jet ski racers and families.
Saturday, September 26, 2026 5-8 p.m.
Taste of the Bridge
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Join us for an evening of wine and beer tastings, live music, gourmet food, and a charity auction. This event will raise funds to benefit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Tickets required.
Sunday, September 27, 2026 6-7 p.m.
Festival of Science Lecture: The Merriam Expedition to San Francisco Mountain — Life Zones and the Founding of Ecology
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
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This special lecture for the Flagstaff Festival of Science is presented by historian Roy May. Roy will tell the story of the 1889 C. Hart Merriam expedition, its origin, and importance. Merriam developed the Life Zone concept as a means of describing areas with similar plant and animal communities, which helped shape the founding principles of ecology. Registration required.
Friday, October 2, 2026 1 p.m.
There goes the Neighborhood: The Jerome mines and their impact on the Verde River
Jerome State Historic Park
The presentation will include a brief history of the Verde River, the establishment of the mines at Jerome, the geology of the ores, and the social and environmental impacts of the smelters once they were located on the valley floor.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fall Fest at Slide Rock
Slide Rock State Park
Fall is on its way, and it’s time to celebrate the changing seasons at Slide Rock State Park! Join us for the annual Fall Festival. Colored leaves, red rocks, and cooler temperatures will have the whole family enjoying the transition to autumn!
Twice Monthly (October - April)- Saturdays 8 a.m. (Unless Otherwise Noted)
Guided Hike to the Peak on the Hunter Trail
Picacho Peak State Park
Join a park guide on the Hunter Trail and enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Picacho Peak. Registration required.
Saturdays, Oct 3, 2026 and Oct 24, 2026 8:30 a.m.
Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo Tour and Petroglyphs
Homolovi State Park
Join a ranger lead hike at the Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo. Guests will see the outline of five domestic rooms and a reconstructed ceremonial structure (kiva). The petroglyphs are located below the mesa.
Various Dates Between Oct 4 - Nov 15 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Homolovi IV Pueblo Guided Tour
Homolovi State Park
Join a Ranger for a tour of one the park's archaeological sites that is normally closed to the public. Registration is required for this event. This pueblo consisted of approximately 200 stone masonry rooms built in a stepwise fashion down the sides of a small butte on the west bank of the Little Colorado River. It was occupied for a short time in the mid 1200s.
Saturday-Sunday, October 10-11, 2026 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Fort Verde Days
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Fort Verde Days serves as the Town of Camp Verde's annual homecoming and celebrates the military post around which the town grew. There will be flag-raising and lowering ceremonies, artillery demonstrations, living history presentations with re-enactors, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, and military drills.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 3-4:30 p.m.
Helldorado Days Film Screening: According to Kate
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
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Join us for a captivating film screening during Tombstone's Helldorado Days! We invite you to experience "According to Kate," a poignant short film that sheds light on the life of one of the American West's most misunderstood women, Big Nose Kate. This film is recommended for ages 14 and up and promises to be an unforgettable exploration of history. Registration required.
Monthly, Oct 17, 2026 - April 17, 2027 Varies by Date
Guided Hike on the Calloway Trail
Picacho Peak State Park
Join our park guide as you trek the Calloway Trail at Picacho Peak! Learn about hiking safety as you enjoy the surroundings up to the Calloway overlook--situated under the face of Picacho Peak. All skill levels are welcome on this guided hike! Registration required.
Sundays, Oct 18 and Nov 1 10 a.m.
Textile production at Homolovi : A review of the cultural significance and technical introduction to weaving
Homolovi State Park
Textile production at Homolovi : A review of the cultural significance and technical introduction to weaving
Saturday, October 24, 2026 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Bat Fest
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Join park rangers, partners and vendors for this day long celebration of our flying friends!
Saturday, October 31 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
A Haunting at the Fort
Fort Verde State Historic Park
A Haunting at the Fort- Let’s get spooky! This ghostly lantern lit walk will give you a chance to get a glimpse of the fort after hours, hear some ghost stories, and visit with those who still call the fort home…even after 150 years.
Saturday, October 31, 2026 9:00 a.m.
Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo Tour
Homolovi State Park
Take a guide walk with a Ranger to the Homolovi II pueblo. Homolovi II is the largest of the seven villages that comprise the Homolovi settlements.
Various Sundays Nov 2026 - Mar 2027 10 a.m.
Desert Duos at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park
Have you ever had a best friend you just couldn’t live without? Well, residents here at Picacho Peak take that quite literally.
Various Dates Nov 16, 2027-Mar 19, 2027 Varies by Date
Scorpion Hunt at Picacho!
Picacho Peak State Park
Join our rangers in a search for some amazing scorpions! Look by rocks, in bushes, and even just crawling around on the ground. These skittering scorpions are not too hard to find once you start looking.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 6-8:30 p.m.
Star Party at Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park
Come out and enjoy the night skies at Red Rock State Park with the Astronomers of Verde Valley. The Star Party begins with an introductory presentation on the celestial happenings in the night sky, followed by star viewing through some high-powered telescopes. Registration required.
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Alamo Lake Star Party
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake offers some of the best conditions for stargazing. Join us to view the night sky through professional telescopes.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Volkswagens in the Canyon at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park
Saturdays, Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 6, 2027 10 a.m.
Guided Hike on the Sunset Vista Trail
Picacho Peak State Park
Join a park guide on the scenic Sunset Vista Trail that will lead you to the top of Picacho Peak. Registration required.
Twice monthly (November-March) 10 a.m.
Junior Ranger Guided Hike at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Do you and your kids love being outside? Are you all fascinated with nature? Then come out to Picacho Peak State Park for a Junior Ranger Guided Hike! Join a ranger on a short hike in our park that is suitable for all ages!
Various Dates Nov 13, 2026 - Apr 23, 2027 Time varies
Star Party at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Come out for a night under the stars at Picacho Peak State Park! The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be on site with high-powered telescopes and guides to the night sky.
Saturday, November 14, 2026 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup
Slide Rock State Park
Join us for a collaborative clean up event with many of the organizations who care for Oak Creek and surrounding lands. Keeping Oak Creek clean takes all of us!
Thursdays, Monthly (November - March) 8:30-10 a.m.
Desert Birding at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Meet in the Palo Verde Day Use area to learn how to distinguish between birds and seek out hawks to hummingbirds all throughout the trail! This is an Outdoors250 event.
Various Fridays, Nov 20, 2026 - March 26, 2027 Varies by Date
Night Hikes at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Saturday-Sunday, November 21-22, 2026 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
An American Civil War Encampment: Special Event
Picacho Peak State Park
Learn about the life of a Civil War soldier! Enjoy food from Calvin's Still Smokin BBQ, a Ranger talk, and weapons demonstration! - CANCELED
Nov. 21 | Dec. 19 | Jan. 16 | Feb. 20 | March 20 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Shelter Dog Walking Program
Picacho Peak State Park
We are partnering with Pinal County Animal Care and Control to help get shelter dogs out on the trail! Join us to walk dogs along the Nature Loop at the park.
Friday, November 27, 2027 5:30 p.m.
S'mores and Stories Campfire at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Various Saturdays Nov. 2026 - Mar. 2027 10 a.m.
Curious About Cactus at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park
The Sonoran Desert is home to many different prickly cacti - from the tiniest Hedgehog cactus to the tallest Saguaro. Join our rangers on a 30-minute short loop around the Sage Ramada as we identify the many types of cacti and succulents you can find in the Sonoran Desert region.
Various Saturdays, Dec 19, 2026-Mar 13, 2027 10 a.m.
The Soldier's March
Picacho Peak State Park
Have you ever heard of the Battle of Picacho Pass? Do you want to know what happened that fateful day? Join Ranger Noah for a short walk through the history of the most westward Civil War battle that took place in Arizona. Learn the who, what, where, and why of the battle and how it affected the path to statehood for Arizona.
December 19, 2026 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
A Victorian Christmas at Fort Verde
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 | Feb 14, 2027 8 a.m.
Picacho Peak Bird Walk
Picacho Peak State Park
Walk the trails with one of our rangers and learn of the many birds inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region!
Various Dates Jan 2027 - Mar 2027 10 a.m.
Into the Snake Den
Picacho Peak State Park
Join our park rangers at Picacho Peak State Park and learn about some simply spectacular serpents! From the tricky hognose to the stunning rattler, these snakes are absolutely ecstatic to meet you!
Monthly Times vary
Music at Lost Dutchman with Steve Jones
Lost Dutchman State Park
Yampa Valley Steve (Steve Jones), a singer-songwriter, will entertain you at Lost Dutchman State Park.
Monthly, October 2026 - January 2027 Time varies by date
Sonoran Desert Botany Hike
Lost Dutchman State Park
Get to know the plant life of the Sonoran Desert on this guided hike. Explore the trails and learning about local cacti, trees, and shrubs, seeing how they've adapted to grow in and support this ecosystem. This is an Outdoors250 event.
Friday, March 12, 2027 7 p.m.
Thank the Stars Above at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Come down to Picacho Peak State Park and take a look at the beautiful stars above. In this program, you will learn about some of the constellations in our night skies.
