Positively Prescott / Events
The big annual events worth planning a trip around, listed in order from this month. Positively Prescott is five minutes from the Courthouse Plaza, where many of them happen.
Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Findlay Toyota Center, Prescott Valley (about 20 minutes from the house)
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shock rocker, an Arizona local, brings his theatrical live show to the Prescott area. Tickets through the box office or Ticketmaster.
Official event info ↗November 19–21, 2026, 10 AM – 8 PM daily
Sam Hill Warehouse, 232 N. Granite Street, downtown Prescott
Dozens of designer-decorated Christmas trees and wreaths you can vote on or buy, with live entertainment, hot cocoa and visits with Santa. Proceeds benefit the Eric Marsh Foundation for wildland firefighters.
Official event info ↗Fridays & Saturdays, November 27, 2026 – January 2, 2027, 6–9 PM
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, by Willow Lake
Stroll the zoo after dark among holiday light displays and seasonal music, with hot cocoa and cider. Adults 21+ can enjoy holiday drinks on December 18–19 and 25–26. About $12 per person.
Official event info ↗Saturday, November 28, 2026 at 6 PM
Cortez Street, downtown Prescott
Santa leads more than 40 lighted floats and school bands down Cortez Street after dark, followed by a bonfire with music at the Mile High Middle School field until 8:30. A festive way to kick off the holidays in Arizona’s Christmas City.
Official event info ↗Daily, November 28, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Prescott Resort & Conference Center
A whole village built from gingerbread and candy, on display through the holidays. Free to visit, and a hit with kids.
Official event info ↗Saturday, December 5, 2026: parade 1–3 PM, lighting at 6 PM
Downtown Prescott and the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
Floats, marching bands and Santa fill downtown in the afternoon, and kids can visit Santa on the plaza until 5. Live Christmas music starts at 5 PM, and at 6 the historic courthouse and more than 80 trees around the plaza light up all at once. It is Prescott’s biggest holiday night, with a free shuttle from Yavapai College.
Official event info ↗Friday, December 11, 2026, opening ceremony at 5 PM on Gurley Street
Downtown Prescott
More than 500 musicians perform in over 100 downtown shops, galleries and restaurants for one evening, raising money for music programs for local kids. Wander the holiday lights from one performance to the next.
Official event info ↗Thursday, December 31, 2026, 7 PM – 12:30 AM
Montezuma Street (Whiskey Row), downtown Prescott
Prescott’s answer to the ball drop: a 6-foot illuminated cowboy boot descends from the Palace building at 10 PM and again at midnight, with live music, fireworks, food trucks and games on historic Whiskey Row.
Official event info ↗April 30 – May 2, 2027
Downtown Prescott and the trails of the Prescott National Forest
One of the best-known mountain bike races in the country, with pro and amateur races on the forest trails and a festival with music and vendors downtown. Lodging fills up fast this weekend.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: Mother’s Day weekend. Next dates to be announced.
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
The Mountain Artists Guild fills the plaza with original art from regional artists. A relaxed weekend stroll under the elm trees.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: Memorial Day weekend. Next dates to be announced.
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
More than 100 western artists show and sell their work on the plaza, with quick-draw demonstrations where artists race the clock. Free admission.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: Early June. Next dates to be announced.
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
Arts, crafts and food booths fill the shady plaza to celebrate Prescott’s days as Arizona’s territorial capital.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: Early June. Next dates to be announced.
Sharlot Hall Museum
Living history on the museum grounds: blacksmithing, weaving, music and pioneer skills, demonstrated around the historic territorial buildings.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: A weekend in late June. Next dates to be announced.
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
Two days of free bluegrass on the plaza, one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in Arizona. Bring a lawn chair.
Official event info ↗June 28 – July 4, 2027
Prescott Rodeo Grounds and downtown Prescott
Prescott’s rodeo has been running since 1888. The week brings pro rodeo performances, the Rodeo Parade through downtown, arts and crafts on the plaza and Fourth of July fireworks. It is the busiest week of the year in Prescott, so book early.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: Early August. Next dates to be announced.
Yavapai College Performing Arts Center
Cowboy poets and western musicians from around the West share stories, poems and songs of ranch life. A Prescott tradition since 1988.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: Labor Day weekend. Next dates to be announced.
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
One of the biggest arts and crafts shows of the year, filling the plaza over the long weekend with handmade goods, art and food.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: Late September. Next dates to be announced.
Watson Lake Park
Kilts, bagpipes, caber tossing and Celtic music on the shore of Watson Lake, with clan tents, food and vendors.
Official event info ↗Usual timing: Early October. Next dates to be announced.
Sharlot Hall Museum
Acoustic folk, old-time and traditional music on several stages around the museum grounds, timed for Prescott’s crisp fall weather.
Official event info ↗Prescott has something going on most weekends. For smaller events, concerts and weekly happenings, check these calendars:
Dates change, so always confirm with the official event site before you travel. Last checked November 1, 2026.
Lakes, trails, museums and day trips for the rest of your stay.
Big event weekends like the rodeo and the Whiskey Off-Road book up early. Positively Prescott sleeps 9 in 4 bedrooms, five minutes from the Courthouse Plaza, with a hot tub and fire pit to come home to.