Prescott's calendar is filled with various festivals and events each year that reflect it's diverse cultural heritage, community spirit, and love for the arts and outdoors. There are a variety of art festivals including poetry, live music, and film, as well as bike races, brewfests, and rodeos! Check out our list of Prescott’s most popular festivals and discover what this charming Arizona community has to offer.
Whiskey Off-Road is Prescott Valley’s premier bike race. Participants begin from the historic Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott and ascend into the breathtaking Prescott National Forest, tackling some of the area's most exhilarating and challenging trails. Enjoy three days of fun-filled festivities including a bike & gear expo, beer garden, live music, kids’ races and more!
When: April
Where: Whiskey Row/Prescott National Forest
The Prescott Bluegrass Festival is an annual event held in historic downtown Prescott that celebrates the rich tradition of bluegrass music in the area. The festival showcases a lineup of talented bluegrass bands, both local and national. Event activities also include workshops, jam sessions, and interactive demonstrations that allow attendees to learn more about the music and instruments associated with bluegrass.
When: June
Where: Downtown Prescott
Established in 1888, Prescott Frontier Days claims the title of the world's oldest rodeo, making it a cherished part of Prescott's history and culture. Professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the country come to compete in a variety of traditional rodeo events, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing. This event also features a lively parade that winds its way through downtown Prescott.
When: July
Where: Prescott Rodeo Grounds
The Prescott Film Festival is a community event that celebrates independent cinema. The festival showcases a diverse selection of films from around the world, spanning various genres and themes as well as local student films and documentaries. You can also explore workshops, Q&A sessions, and informative panels while visiting the various venues affiliated with the festival.
When: July
Where: Throughout Prescott
The Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering is an annual event that offers a glimpse into the life and experiences of the modern-day cowboy. Attendees can expect a diverse program of performances, including poetry readings, musical performances, storytelling sessions, workshops, and even cowboy comedy acts!
When: August
Where: Yavapai College
The Prescott Highland Games is an annual event celebrating Scottish heritage and culture. This family-friendly festival features a wide range of activities and entertainment including live music, dancing, vendors, and traditional highland games! This event offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.
When: September
Where: Watson Lake
The Acker Musical Showcase was established in honor of local philanthropist James S. Acker, who had a passion for music and education. The event serves as a fundraiser to support music education programs in Prescott area schools, providing students with opportunities to explore and develop their musical talents. During the showcase, downtown Prescott comes alive with the sound of music as local musicians take to the streets to perform at various venues. These performances cover a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, blues, rock, folk, country, and more, ensuring there's something for every musical taste.
When: December
Where: Downtown Prescott
Prescott is known as "Arizona's Christmas City" due to its festive holiday celebrations and enchanting atmosphere during the Christmas season. Visitors can embark on a magical journey through dazzling light installations, animated scenes, musical performances, and community gatherings all centered around the holiday theme. The highlights of Prescott's Christmas festivities include The Courthouse Lighting Ceremony, The Prescott Christmas Parade, and The Valley of Lights drive-through holiday light display. See our Christmas City page for a calendar of events!
When: December
Where: Downtown Prescott
Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with f … More
Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with foil-wrapped potato, cowboy beans, our prickly pear coleslaw, flying biscuits and a delicious homemade dessert.
After dinner the Blazin’ M Cowboys entertain ya’ with their award-winning musical talents mixed with cowboy poetry and humor with a 1 hour show from 7:30pm - 8:30pm!
Family-Friendly | Dinner Included | Live Entertainment
Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Incredible Staff | Safe Environment | Beautiful Scenery | Individualized | Accommodating | Exceptional Experience | Covid-19 Precautions Taken
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Excellent Service | Scenic Ride
Tour Sedona’s Verde Valley wineries on this private wine tour in Sedona. You and your group (max 14) will be driven in a luxury limo- think Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit- so no one needs to worry about logistics or driving. You’ll visit three vineyards, where tastings are inclu … More
Tour Sedona’s Verde Valley wineries on this private wine tour in Sedona. You and your group (max 14) will be driven in a luxury limo- think Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit- so no one needs to worry about logistics or driving. You’ll visit three vineyards, where tastings are included in the price. Lunch is also included, so you can relax and enjoy this trip with everything taken care of for you.
Family-Friendly | Beautiful Scenery
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, … More
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, so you not only get to fish in great spots, but you also get closer to the fish, too.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Family-Friendly | Scenic Ride
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. … More
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. Admire panoramic mountain views during this scenic excursion. No prior experience is necessary.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t … More
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.
Water Activities
Family-Friendly
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Dr … More
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Drive to Sycamore Canyon and Sedona Red Rocks, or stop for a hike and a picnic.
Family-Friendly
Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and … More
Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and techniques.
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along t … More
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way. Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back.
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn … More
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.
Water Activities | Family-Friendly