World Champion Hoop Dance Contest

3 - 4 February

Hoop Dancing was originally part of a healing ceremony meant to restore balance and harmony; to Native Americans it symbolizes the connectedness of the life cycles. Dancers from the United States and Canada representing various tribes flock to Arizona each February to compete in this colourful event, using as many as 50 hoops.

Annual Indian Fair & Market

3 - 4 March

500 top Native American artists display their works at this annual cultural event, with local food, music, dancing, beadwork, pottery, tribal basketry, paintings, drums and sculpture.

Great Arizona Annual Beer Festival

11 March

Beer lovers congregate at this annual festival celebrating the infamous golden liquid, with nearly 80 local and regional microbreweries featured, including selected imports and non-alcoholic drinks.

Arizona Book Festival

14 - 15 April

Join thousands of book lovers as they try to locate that perfect copy at this highly-popular local event.

Annual Dinner on the Desert

28 April

This big-bash annual fundraiser offers an opportunity to enjoy a finely prepared meal under the starlit desert skies, beginning with hors d'oeurvres and cocktails and ends with dancing.

Annual Native American Recognition Days

October

This month-long celebration brings several ceremonies and events, including the traditional flag-raising kick-off ceremony, a golf clinic and the honoring of a "living treasure" personage, as well as a parade down Central Avenue.

Heard Museum Film Festival

12 - 14 October

This film festival is a celebration of the works of some of the finest emerging and established indigenous filmmakers in the world.

Arizona State Fair

12 October - 4 November

This state fair showcases prime examples of Arizona's food, crafts, livestock, entertainment and agriculture, with racing events and music.

Heard Museum Spanish Market

November (tba)

This annual event features artwork by nearly 70 top Hispanic artists from New Mexico where visitors are able to view and purchase crafts and artwork directly from these award-winning artists.

Arizona National Livestock Show

27 December - 2 January 2008

Located at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, this annual show has extensive livestock exhibitions as the primary focus, as well as plenty of entertainment and exhibits offering an insight into the life of the American Cowboy.