Sedona Arizona Events and
Festivals

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The Sedona News section of this page is updated monthly... as the information is
provided by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce.
The Sedona Arizona events Calendar is updated with
2012 events as dates are
announced by the sponsoring organizations. Tentative dates are shown with a ?
mark.
Many annual events are scheduled at approximately the
same time each year... such as "The third Saturday of June."
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Sedona Arizona events and festivals reflect the eclectic
personality of the community and it's residents.
Sedona Arizona events mirror the interests of the event's
visitors, organizers, and sponsors. This is true of every city to some
degree... but the celebrations and entertaining cultural events presented in
Sedona have a unique attraction to visitors.
The imposing red rock spires and monoliths,
canyons, creeks, and natural energy attract and inspire creative, energetic
residents and visitors.
Sedona Arizona events cater to a wide range of tastes and
interests. The region's rural, ranching and farming heritage lives on... coexisting with the
fine arts and new age cultures that have come to share the amazing scenic
beauty and moderate weather.
For your convenience, I will provide both event listings
and links to other sites that provide detailed information.
Sedona Arizona events include categories such as
- Art
- Performing Arts
- Exhibits
- Workshops
- Lectures
- Cultural
- Spiritual
- Educational
- Nature
- Fitness and Health
- New Age
- Culinary
- Wine
- Festivals
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Art gallery showings, music
festivals, theatre, the Sedona
International Film Festival, and other fine art events are popular, and
attract participants and visitors from around the world.
Sedona
Parks and Recreation 2012 Events Calendar
Sedona is the second most visited spot in the state.
Try one of these links if you're looking for accommodations...
Sedona
Resorts, or Sedona
Cabins, or Sedona
Motels, or .Sedona
B&B's.
You can also try Hotwire. They advertise that they will find you a good
deal... 4-star hotels. 2-star prices. Save up to 55% with low Hotwire Hot-Rates!
Music is a big part of the local scene. Opera, chamber
music, and presentations such as the Red Rocks Music Festival are available and
well attended.
The local nightlife also offers music for your enjoyment.
Try spots such as...
- Canyon Breeze
- Oak Creek Brewing Company
- PJ's Village Pub
- Casa Rincon
- Relics
- Mulligan's Grill
- and of course, the Full Moon Saloon
There are many other restaurants and pubs featuring live
music, but this is a good starter list.
Sedona Arizona events held at the
Red Rock State
Park are enjoyable, relaxing, entertaining, and educational. I
especially recommend the First Sunday programs.
Several of the other nearby state parks also have
scheduled events:
The Sedona Arizona events list reprinted below is
compiled each year from the Chamber of Commerce, organization
websites, and other sources. The 2010 calendar is being updated.
Events listing a 2010 date have been updated.

Major
Sedona Arizona Events - 2011
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January 28 - 29,,
2012... and many more dates - See their website
Bell Rock Arts and Crafts Show - Village of Oak
Creek
http://www.bellrockartshows.com/index.html
February 4, 2012
7th ANNUAL SEDONA MARATHON
Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K -
Run, sprint, jog or trot along this distinctively scenic,
26.2-mile course, which features a half marathon as well as a 5K
run. (800)
775-7671. sedonamarathon.com
February 18-February 26,
2012
SEDONA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
We are your ticket to the hottest show in town ... the GREATEST
celebration of the BEST in independent film from around the
world: Feb. 20-27, 2011. From features to
shorts, documentaries to animation and foreign films to student
films, you will be treated to a cinephile’s dream ... one
full week and more than 145 films!
sedonafilmfestival.com
February 18, 2012 Sedona
Bridal Fair Professional
wedding vendors in one location. An event not to be missed, click
here
for more information.
March 3, 2012
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the parade will make its way from the
Jordan Historical Park, down Jordan Road to Mesquite Avenue,
Uptown. Festival follows the parade. (928) 204-2390. http://www.sedonamainstreet.com/events.htm
April 28, 2012
SEDONA HISTORIC HOMES AND SITES TOUR
A rare public viewing of 12 historic
properties. http://www.sedonamuseum.org/
July 28, 2012
National Day of the Cowboy Event http://www.sedonamainstreet.com/2012/NationalDay/NDClinks.htm
September 1
- 3
MOONLIGHT MADNESS STREET FESTIVAL
This Labor Day weekend street festival includes free music and
entertainment, children’s activities, and sidewalk sales in
numerous locations along Hwy. 89A & Hwy. 179 in the Main
Street District.(928) 204-2390.
http://www.sedonamainstreet.com/2012/Moonlight/moon2012links.htm
September 8, 2012
FIESTA DEL TLAQUEPAQUE
Celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Continuing a long
tradition of fabulous food, music, dance and entertainment for
young and old, this year’s Fiesta promises to be
extraordinary. The flower-strewn streets of Tlaquepaque will
ring with the music of strolling mariachi and fiery flamenco
dancers.
Visit the variety of
artists located throughout the Arts and Crafts Village. Visitors can watch
participating world-class artists at work amidst all the fiesta
fanfare.
tlaq.com/events.html
September 17, 2011
SEDONA AIRPORT FAMILY FUN DAY
Enjoy a great day of fun
with the whole family. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Airplanes on display,
Classic cars from around the state on display, Camp Soaring
Eagle's Kid Zone with crafts, entertainment, and fun for kids.
Food, Airplane Rides and more. At Sedona Airport. More info at www.sedonaairport.org/events
September 24-25, 2011
SEDONA COMMUNITY FAIR
Car show and Airport Day Fly-In and Open House and the Sedona
Winefest (928) 862.0210 http://www.sedonaairport.org/events
September 30 - October 1, 2011
SEDONA JAZZ ON THE ROCKS
This annual festival, featuring great jazz complemented by
Sedona’s famed red rocks, is called “an event you’ll
always remember in a place you’ll never forget!” (928)
282-1985. sedonajazz.com
September 30 - October
2, 2011
FESTIVAL OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
The Festival of Native American Culture is designed to encourage
a greater understanding of our land’s indigenous peoples, and
their many contributions to the world. The Festival is a
non-profit event with proceeds dedicated to the protection,
preservation and interpretation of the Native American cultural
heritage sites of Sedona and the Verde Valley. festivalofnativeamericanculture.org
October 9, 2011
Guided Geology Hike and Nature Walks
Join a volunteer on a guided geology hike through Red Rock State
Park on the second Sunday of October. You will learn why the
rocks are red, where they came from, where they are going, and
more. This hike includes the Eagle’s Nest Trail for a great
view of the Park and surrounding area. http://azstateparks.com/parks/rero/index.html
October 8 - 9, 2011
SEDONA ARTS FESTIVAL
Rated “one of the nation’s top art festivals,” this
cultural celebration features fine arts and crafts, cuisine from
Sedona restaurants and continuous entertainment. http://www.sedonaartsfestival.org/
October 7 - 9, 2011
FACTORY OUTLETS FINE ARTS and CRAFTS SHOW
Native American vendors with large selections of fine jewelry,
paintings, photography, leather jackets and purses,
sculpture, pottery, soaps, lotions and salts, wood sculptures
and bowls, metal and wood furniture, copper art, native flutes
and music, and much more. The Oah Creek Factory Outlets are
located on Hwy 179.
October 15 - 16, 2011
SEDONA GEM AND MINERAL SHOW
The 2011 Sedona Gem & Mineral Club Annual show will
held at the Sedona Red Rock High School. For more information
call Pat McMahan (928) 300-8333, or Ed Hodges at (928) 282-4980.
http://www.sedonagemandmineral.org/
October 20, 2012
Paint Out On Main Street The
kick-off event for Sedona Arts Center’s Annual Plein Air
Festival, a week long festival. It’s a great opportunity to
see all the participating and nationally recognized Plein Air
Artists in one place at one time; they are challenged to create
a painting from start to finish in 2 ½ hours, using a subject
in their surroundings in the open air along the sidewalks and
plazas in Uptown and the Main Street District of Sedona. The
event is sponsored by Sedona Main Street Program and is free to
enjoy http://www.sedonamainstreet.com/2012/paintout2012/PaintOut.htm
October 27-October 29,
2011
5th ANNUAL PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
The Sedona Arts Center hosts this annual event celebrating
painting in open air and featuring many of the country’s
finest plein air artists. (928) 282-3809. sedonaartscenter.com
October 27, 2011
SEDONA HERITAGE MUSEUM'S ANNUAL FALL ARTS & CRAFTS &
BAKE SALE
This show is an old-fashioned arts and crafts show like
you remember them to be. All items are hand-made. The
Sedona Historical Society will be holding a bake sale of only
home-made goodies from 9:00 am until they are all gone!
The Museum Gift Shop will also be open for holiday shopping. http://www.sedonamuseum.org/activities.html
October 31, 2012
Annual Safe & Fun Trick or Treating
Safe & Fun Trick or Treat in Uptown Sedona
will be on Halloween October 31 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is
the 26th Annual event when Sedona Main Street Uptown
Merchants welcome all good ghouls and ghosts to visit their
storefronts along Main Street (State Route 89A) in Uptown for
great treats! http://www.sedonamainstreet.com/2012/halloween/halloween2012.htm
November 1 - 3, 2012
Dia de Los Muertos Celebration at
Tlaquepaque Join us at Tlaquepaque in Patio del Norte
and Patio las Campanas to make
an offering at the Celebration of Dia de los Muertos . Ofrenda
or Offering, in the traditional Mexican celebration of Día de
los Muertos, is created to remember the dead and to honor
ancestors.
November 11 - 13
FESTIVAL OF WREATHS
13th - Preview Gala and Sale 14th - Sale to the
public begins 282-1777. friendsofthe
library.com
November 17, 2011 -
December 31, 2011
RED ROCK FANTASY
Fifty displays and nearly one million lights are featured at
this 19th annual holiday spectacular at Los Abrigados Resort
& Spa. (928) 282-1777. redrockfantasy.com
November 24, 2011
The First Third Annual
Sedona Turkey Trot 5K
Registration for the
"First Third Annual Sedona Turkey Trot 5k" is
open...register soon before it fills and you'll be left with
nothing to do on Thanksgiving morning except sit around and
wonder what happened to the last three decades of your life (or
you can some cheer on your friends). Go here and send money - http://www.virtualroster.com/index....
November 23 - Dec 3,
2012
HOLIDAYS AT TLAQUEPAQUE - FESTIVAL OF TREES
Festival of Trees. Area artists and galleries will have over 30
Christmas trees fully decorated in fun and exquisite ways to
entice the guests of Tlaquepaque. Kick of your holiday season
with a beautiful themed tree already pre-decorated. tlaq.com/events.html
November 30, 2012
Annual Tree Lighting & Santa Visit Sedona’s
Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Visit kicks off the holiday
season on Friday, November 30th. Live
entertainment, activities and refreshments will be available
from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the plaza on State Route 89A across
from the Jordan Road intersection in Uptown. http://www.sedonamainstreet.com/2012/holidaytree/holidaylinks.htm
December 8, 2011
Christmas In The Park
Saturday, December 8, 2011, 11 AM 'til 3 PM
The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting their annual
"Christmas in the Park" open house held at the
Sedona Heritage Museum at 735 Jordan Road in Uptown
Sedona.
http://www.sedonamuseum.org/activities.html
December 8, 2012
Festival of Lights
Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 3:00pm - 8:00 pm. This one day
event - A cherished tradition which involves the lighting of six
thousand luminarias in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways
at 5:00pm. Dozens of entertaining events, including performances
by musicians and singers are scheduled. Schedule: 3:00pm -
5:30pm. tlaq.com/events.html
December 31
New Year's Eve...
Los
Abrigados Resort and Spa Presents Michael Finney For New
Year’s Eve
Celebrate
the arrival of 2012 at the fabulous Los Abrigados Resort
and
Spa.
Monte Carlo New
Year's Eve Party
The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa will also hold a New Year's
Eve Costume Party in our Ballroom. http://www.sedona-arizona-vacations.com/tag/hilton-sedona-resort-spa/
Funniest New Years
Party Ever - Marketplace Cafe
Come celebrate the New Year at the Marketplace Cafe's annual New
Years Party.
New Year's Eve Mardi
Gras Dance Party & Drag Show
Sedona Pride association Presents: New Year's Eve Mardi Gras
Dance Party and Drag Show. Hors d'oeuvre buffet, dessert bar,
mask contest, raffle with prizes & Champagne toast at
midnight
'Stay & Play' packages available at Radisson Poco Diablo.
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*Many Arts and Crafts shows are held in and around Sedona and the Village of Oak
Creek each year. A quick Google search using a keyword phrase such as sedona crafts
show can help you find more of them.
A favorite annual event is the Sedona
Festival of Lights, held each Christmas season. Thousands of glowing luminaries
light up the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village during this inspiring
celebration.
Light
a Candle, Save a Life at the Sedona Festival of Lights
Sedona's history is often the subject of
presentations, writings, lectures, and movies. The historical theme can vary
greatly. Ancient, Native American, pioneer, agricultural, cowboy, and artistic
themes are among the many chapters of local history.
The photo below is from a local collection.
The occasion was the 1964 filming of the movie, The Rounders,
starring Glenn Ford and Henry Fonda.
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2012
SEDONA LECTURE SERIES |
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2012’s Sedona Lecture Series celebrates
Arizona’s centennial year with subjects that explore the early years
of the twentieth century, when Arizona was a new state. This year's
talks offer a glimpse into life during this period on the Colorado
Plateau. The series is annually presented by the Sedona Muses and the
Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. All four lectures start at 7
p.m. at the Sedona United Methodist Church in Sedona.
Southwestern Encounters: Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton and Her
Contemporaries
Presented by Dr. Betsy Fahlman, ASU Professor of Art History
Monday, January 9, 7:00 p.m.
Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton’s story represents a powerful narrative
within Arizona’s art history. Her work and career serves as a
counterpoint to the other Arizona women artists who were her
contemporaries and their chronicle exemplifies a rich Southwestern
cultural history. These artists participated in a broad national
conversation about the changing roles of women, including their
participation in institution building, cultural preservation,
exhibitions, education, social reform, and decorative arts.
Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton: Artist and Advocate in Early Arizona
is an exhibit of her life and work at the Museum of Northern Arizona
from June 17–October 28, 2012.
Historic Trading Posts of the Western Navajo Reservation
Presented by Jim Babbitt, Flagstaff Historian
Monday, February 13, 7:00 p.m.
The Atlantic & Pacific Railway opened up the vast Indian country of
the Southwest to commerce and settlement. Small general merchandise
stores, dubbed trading posts, sprang up across the Navajo, Hopi, and
Apache reservations of northeastern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico.
This talk will trace the development of trading posts on the western
Navajo reservation, with an emphasis on the network of posts established
and operated by the Babbitt family.
Everyday Scenes of Hopi Life
Presented by Dr. Robert Breunig, Director of the Museum of Northern
Arizona
Monday, March 12, 7:00 p.m.
A pictorial overview of Hopi life during the time period Arizona was
moving towards statehood. In contrast to the political wrangling in the
urban areas, Hopi life revolved around their homes and fields. Dr.
Breunig will discuss Hopi village life and farming in this heavily
illustrated talk, featuring historic photographs by early photographers
including Kate Cory, Emry Kopta, Adam Clark Vroman, and others. See Hopi
architecture, creation of art, agriculture, and village life in the
early part of the twentieth century on the Colorado Plateau.
An exhibit of photographs by Kate Cory on everyday scenes of Hopi life
from the early part of the twentieth century is opening March 10–July
22, 2012 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Sedona: The Centennial Era and Beyond
Presented by Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, Granddaughter of Sedona Schnebly
Monday, April 9, 7:00 p.m.
One of the most spectacular places in Arizona, Sedona got a jump on the
state by being founded a decade earlier. Even before that, people were
discovering and adding to the community here. Author Lisa Schnebly
Heidinger takes us on a stroll through Sedona’s growth, from earliest
settlers to those contributing today.
Lisa Schnebly Heidinger’s Centennial gift to Arizona is her book Arizona:
100 Years Grand, which has been chosen as the OneBookAZ for 2012, an
exciting statewide program that aims to bring communities together
through literature.
All of the lectures are held at the Sedona United Methodist Church, 110
Indian Cliffs Road in Sedona. Proceeds from the Sedona Lecture Series
benefit the Museum of Northern Arizona. Tickets for each lecture are $6
members/$7 nonmembers per lecture or $20 members/$25 nonmembers for the
entire series. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from MNA
at 928.774.5213, the Muses at 928.282.9781, Bashas’ in Sedona, or
Weber’s IGA in the Village of Oak Creek.
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The Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to
provide to our community and visitors, special events and programming
throughout the year.
Health and
Wellness Events - Sedona Parks
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What's New In Sedona
The Sedona
Arizona Chamber of Commerce also (usually) publishes an information
and promotion piece called What's New In Sedona. Here is an excerpt from
the most recent edition...
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January 18, 2011
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New in Sedona?
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Forbes
has placed Sedona on the Top 12 Most Beautiful Neighborhoods in
America list!
"Though
it's actually a small city, Sedona, Arizona, merits inclusion
because its homes are located within one of the most stunningly
beautiful stretches of red sandstone formations in the world.
Residents wake in the morning to a glowingly cinematic looking
backdrop that is both awe-inspiring and familiar, having been
featured in more than 60 Hollywood productions, many of them
timeless westerns from the 30's, 40's, and 50's." Click here
to see the Top 12 List of the most beautiful neighborhoods in
America.
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Sedona
Marathon Saturday, February 4, 2012!
Run.
Walk. Sponsor. Volunteer. Cheer. Support.
On
Saturday, February 4, 2012, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, along
with the entire Sedona area, will welcome thousands of runners,
their families and friends for a weekend of fierce competition
and neighborly camaraderie in the world famous resort destination of
Sedona, Arizona. More than 2,000 runners will participate in 5K,
10K, Half or Full Marathon races which will take the runners through
the scenic Coconino National Forest District, known for its magical
red rock formations, and onto the streets of what Good Morning
America has chosen as one of the Top 10 most beautiful cities in the
USA. Visit sedonamarathon.com.
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Arizona Centennial Events
Approaching
quickly on Tuesday, February 14, Arizona celebrates it's 100 year
anniversary! As Arizona citizens rejoice and admire our amazing
state, Sedona has prepared special events of its own.
December
30-February 14: Sedona
Centennial Quilt on
display at the Sedona Public Library. sedonalibrary.org
February
8: Lecture
Series- "Arizona
Statehood" part of "Living History" talks at Sedona
Heritage Museum. sedonamuseum.org
February
11: Centennial Musical
Program - Verde Valley Sinfonietta. verdevalleysinfonietta.org
February
11: Arizona
Constitutional Convention- "You are There" Radio Theater
Performance at Sedona
Heritage Museum.
February
12: Arizona Centennial Splatter
Dab Breakfast from 9:00
am - 12:00 pm at the Sedona Heritage Museum.
February
14: Arizona Centennial Bell
Ringing at the moment of
statehood- 2:14 pm at Wayside Chapel in Uptown Sedona.
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Sedona
the Movie is coming to theaters on March 16!
A quirky,
feel-good movie shot in and around the Red Rocks and features
Arizona actors and crew alongside notable performers Frances Fisher,
Christopher Atkins and Barry Corbin. The movie begins commercial
theater screenings on Friday, March 16, 2012 before being released
digitally and on DVD. Written and directed by Sedona resident
Tommy Stovall and produced by Marc Sterling along with Stovall, Sedona
the movie is about visitors to the mystical town of Sedona who
encounter eccentric characters and a series of disasters that lead
to unexpected miracles. Some of the film's characters are based
on real Sedona residents. Visit sedonamovie.com.
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Sedona
Events and Festivals are Monumental
2011 has been a year of massive recognition and superb
attendance. Get ready for several wonderful signature annual events
in 2012.
Red Rock
Fantasy November - December
Red Rock Fantasy has recently been named the #1 Light Show in
America by Fox News! Red Rock Fantasy is an annual holiday light
extravaganza and fundraiser for children charities. Visit
redrockfantasy.org
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Three
of Sedona's annual events make Arizona Highways Magazine's list of
Top 25 events for 2012!
Sedona
International Film Festival February 18-26
The greatest celebration of the best in independent films from
around the world. From features to shorts, documentaries to
animation and foreign films to student films. Nine days and more
than 145 films.
Visit sedonafilmfestival.com
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The Red
Rocks Music Festival August 24- September 2
The Red Rocks Music Festival educates, engages and challenges
audiences through a unique collaboration of musicians from Arizona
performing arts organizations and world acclaimed artists.
Visit redrocksmusicfestival.com
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The
Festival of Lights December 8
On Saturday, December 8, the one day cherished traditional
event involves the lighting of 6,000 luminaries in Tlaquepaque's
courtyards and walkways.
Visit Tlaq.com
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Get
a jump start on your 2012 goals for a healthier, happier you. Come
to Sedona to discover true relaxation, rejuvenation and ultimate
comfort.
Try
some of these tips to experience Sedona bliss....
Take a
horse back ride in Sedona's outback country.
Climb to
the top of one of Sedona's famous mountain's and bask in your
achievement and the beautiful view.
Get your
body burning into ideal shape and optimal fitness level while
training in the crisp clean air for the Sedona Marathon.
Enjoy a
glass of wine in Sedona's own wine country.
Grab
your partner or best friend and enjoy a massage together under
ancient Sycamore trees while listening to the gentle flow of Oak
Creek.
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Watch for the February What's New E-Blast for more
information on upcoming events!
February 18: Sedona Bridal Fair
March 3:
St. Patrick's Day Parade
April 22- May 1:
Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival
June 1-30:
Dine in Sedona Restaurant Festival
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Fall, 2011 Schedule of Events at
the Red Rock Visitor Center |
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September 3 & 4:
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Live
snake presentation by Russell Dunn |
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September 17, 9 to 4
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Critters
of the Verde Valley |
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September 24, 10 a.m.
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Prehistoric/Historic Uses of Hard-shell Gourds -
Dean CAmpbell |
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October 1 & 8:
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Landscape Photography
Presentation, Jerry Buehle |
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October 10-14:
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National Fire Prevention Week |
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October 22 - 2 to 4
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Solar Gazing |
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October 22 - 5:30 p.m.
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Star Gazing |
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November 15 - 9 to 1
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Poster Contest display, Woodsy Owl appearance |
For more information on any of
these programs,
call our Red Rock Visitor Center at 928-203-2900
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Sedona Arizona events, and those of
surrounding communities include a wide array of themes and venues.
Most western themed happenings occur in neighboring Verde
Valley communities, including Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Clarkdale.
Here are links to more local resources...
Verde
Valley Horsemen's Council
Out
of Africa Wildlife Park Events
Cliff
Castle Casino Entertainment
This link
will take you to the Verde
Valley Tourism Center website. Look
for listings for the Pecan, Wine and Antiques Festival, Fort Verde Days, and the
Camp Verde Pioneer Days and Mule Show
You may need to search Google for the Steve Coury Bull Bash
dates.
Here's a link to the popular Verde Canyon Railroad site http://www.verdecanyonrr.com/
Sedona Arizona events receive
enthusiastic participation by residents and visitors alike. Come join us.
sedona arizona festivals or a similar keyword phrase in a Google search
can lead you to several additional resources.
Be sure to notice the relevant ads down the right side... those are resources
also.
Find
Expanded News Here
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