LAKE HAVASU CITY: IJSBA World Finals
Global competitors churn the waters to win a share of more than $25,000 in prizes at the world's largest and most prestigious personal watercraft event. The week-long World Finals event features closed-course racing, slalom racing and freestyle competition. During the Pro Freestyle Expo, individual athletes compete with their most dynamic and creative stunts and tricks. The World Finals also features the world's only tradeshow for personal watercraft, accessories and lifestyle products and is where the latest models are unveiled. All are welcome to watch from either side of the Bridgewater Channel.
Info: (928) 453-3444, golakehavasu.com/ijsba-international-jet-ski-world-finals, info@golakehavasu.com
PHOENIX: Arizona State Fair
Celebrating 130-plus years, the Arizona State Fair is one of the top 10 state fairs in the country. Each year, more than a million guests come to experience a great combination of the traditional and the extraordinary with family entertainment, animals, food, rides, top-notch concerts, exhibits, motorized events, a rodeo and more. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Info: (602) 252-6771, azstatefair.com, info@azstatefair.com
PRESCOTT: Folk Music Festival
As Arizona's longest-running folk music festival, this event showcases the best of Arizona acoustic music with more than 150 performers, including fiddlers, banjo players, guitarists, singers and songwriters. Hear dulcimers and harmonicas and listen to storytellers. Celebrate Arizona's musical heritage with songs of the miners, railroad men, cowboys, vaqueros, pioneers and Native people, whose cultures and traditions influenced territorial life.
Info: (928) 445-3122, sharlothallmuseum.org/folk-music, webmaster@sharlothallmuseum.org
MESA: Arizona Taco Festival
50-plus professional and amateur taco teams compete in chicken, beef, pork and fish, a side-cart throwdown in salsa, guacamole, anything-goes tacos and best booth design. The day also includes a hot chili pepper-eating contest, a kid's zone, cooking demos, live music, a Boutique Tequila Expo and a Margarita Challenge.
Info: aztacofestival.com, info@aztacofestival.com
TOMBSTONE: Helldorado Days
What started out as the town's 50th-anniversary celebration in 1929 has turned into its oldest tradition. Activities include reenactments, a Sunday parade, fashion shows, a carnival, live music, a beard contest and street entertainment.
Info: (520) 457-9317, tombstoneweb.com/event/tombstone-helldorado-days
BISBEE: Bisbee 1000 - The Great Stair Climb
This annual event can be a challenging competitive run or a leisurely explorative walk of Bisbee's more than 1000 steps. Win prizes and help restore the historic steps while improving your own health. The Annual Bisbee 1000 Ironman Ice Competition, "the event within the event", involves carrying blocks of ice with a pair of antique tongs up 155 stairs, across a trail and down a winding road to an exhilarating finish—fun to participate in or just to watch!
Info: (520) 266-0401, bisbee1000.org, bisbee1000info@gmail.com
TEMPE: Ironman 70.3 Arizona
A trifecta of athletic excellence, this 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and complete marathon in succession can't be missed!
Info: ironman.com, arizona@ironman.com
