Events held in Phoenix unless indicated otherwise.

JANUARY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Celebration of the civil rights leader's life; Phoenix; http://www.king-raleigh.org/natlevent/body.cfm

FEBRUARY

Annual Celebration of African American Authors
Featuring Award-winning technology entrepreneur Reginald Daniel sharing his secrets to success that allowed him to retire at age 44 and Poetry Slam for teens and parents; Civic Center Library, Scottsdale; http://www.azcentral.com

Music in the Garden Series
Enjoy music in the beautiful setting of the Desert Botanical Garden; http://www.dbg.org

APRIL

Glendale Jazz and Blues Festival
Downtown Glendale; http://www.ci.glendale.az.us

JUNE

Juneteenth
Annual celebration of African American culture; Phoenix; http://www.juneteenth.com

JULY

Fabulous Phoenix Fourth of July Celebration
Wesely Bolin Plaza, Copper Square; http://www.phoenixcvb.com

SEPTEMBER

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks
Featuring jazz and blues; past performers include Dianne Reeves, Norman Brown and the Joshua Redman Quartet; Sedona; http://www.sedonajazz.com

OCTOBER

Arizona State Fair
Food, rides, games, headline entertainment, animals, and more; Phoenix; http://www.visitphoenix.com

The Great Pumpkin Festival
Children can enjoy face painting, the Amazing Bale Maze, balloon artistry, pumpkin decorating and carving demonstrations, and much more; Desert Botanical Garden; http://www.phoenixcvb.com

Annual African Festival
The only African Festival in Arizona, the African Association of Arizona (AFASA) is pleased to present a day of African music, dance, art, culture, and food; Arizona State University’s West Campus; http://www.phoenixcvb.com

Life is Good Pumpkin Festival
Outdoor activities and fun for the entire family; Activities include pumpkin carving, scarecrow creations, fall festivities, games, music and more; Lakeside Amphitheatre; http://www.phoenixcvb.com

Phoenix Outdoor Recreation Festival
Visit with various public land and outdoor recreation agencies, get up close with live desert animals, visit the Kid’s Zone with a rock climbing wall and other activities, attend free lectures and demonstrations, and learn great nutritious and health activities for you and your family; South Mountain Park/Preserve; http://www.phoenixcvb.com

NOVEMBER

Native American Recognition Days
In celebration of Native American Recognition Days’ (NARD) 25th anniversary, the Garden will host a festival dedicated to Native American performance art; Desert Botanical Garden;  http://www.phoenixcvb.com

Annual Great Cajun Cook-off
Featuring up to twenty amateur cooks and restaurants competing for the title of “Best in the West” gumbo and jambalaya. Competitors will bring their gumbo and/or jambalaya to the event already prepared and ready to serve in “tastes”. Winners will be judged by popularity, and awards presented. Lath House Pavilion, Heritage Park; http://www.phoenixcvb.com

DECEMBER

Festival of Lights
A cherished tradition which involves the lighting of six thousand luminarias in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways; Dozens of entertaining events, including performances by carolers, musicians and dancers will be scheduled along with a living nativity with live animals; Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village; Sedona; http://www.phoenixcvb.com

Holiday Family Expo
Features a shopping expo with 300 exhibitors, visits from Santa, carnival, entertainment and food concessions; Arizona State Fairgrounds; http://www.phoenixcvb.com

Christmas & Kwanzaa Exposition
Annual event featuring lessons on Kwanzaa, fashion show, martial arts, and gospel singing; Tempe; http://www.caaam.org