Autumn is in the air, pumpkins are in our lattes (and most everything else) and fun festivals are happening all across the region. Here’s our roundup of Phoenix fall festivals:
September 22
Say goodbye to summer with over 20 craft house infused margaritas and mojitos. The third annual festival will have tasting stations set up around Sloan Park, where you can get your hands on cool and refreshing cocktails. Work up an appetite and grab a bite to eat at food trucks in attendance, and listen to live entertainment on the main stage starting at 5 p.m.
Sloan Park
2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa
September 29
Chile Pepper Festival is a local food, music and talent event hosted by Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation (CDC). Onsite chile roasting, cooking demos, live music, salsa dancing, activities for kids, a talent show hosted by PEP Rally, a beer garden presented by Deschutes Brewery and a gourmet margarita station will all be on the menu.
Roosevelt Row
128 E Roosevelt St Phoenix
September 29-30
To celebrate the thousands of bulbs of organically grown garlic grown this year on the Queen Creek Olive Mill property (and to share it with Arizona), they are hosting this huge two-day event in their grove! Get your garlic fill as they feature everything garlic – from organically grown garlic (while supplies last) to locally made garlic gelato. Enjoy live music, a beer and wine garden, cooking demos, games in the grove and more.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
25062 S. Meridian Road Queen Creek
October 13-14
More than 50 teams take up the taco-making challenge as fans sample and savor their creations. Taco competitors are judged by officials of the National Taco Association. The event is filled with music, food, and fun including, lucha libre wrestling,a taco eating contest, more than 100 types of tequila and more.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 N. Pima Road Scottsdale
October 17-18
Ready to eat, drink, and be merry? Mark your calendars for the annual Taste of Creek festival, a valley tradition spanning more than 25 years. Mingle with neighbors, enjoy samples from local restaurants and bars, grab a drink from the beer garden, or dance your way between two stages of live music.
Stagecoach Village
7100 E. Cave Creek Road
November 3
Barrels, bottles, and brews go bottoms up at this inaugural beer fest. Over 25 local breweries gather at the Salt River Fields, featuring samples produced exclusively in Arizona. Wander through the park while enjoying releases from Arizona breweries, perfect varietals from Arizona wineries and exemplary tastings of the finest spirits distilled in Arizona.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 N. Pima Road Scottsdale
November 18
Feast your eyes (and your stomach) on doughy goodness at the first Downtown Donut Fest, where you can devour delicious donuts from 15 of the best local pastry chefs. Craft beer, mimosas, coffee, and good weather is sure to be the icing on the donut.
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. 3rd St Phoenix
November 21
An entire festival dedicated to everyone’s favorite food. The valley’s best pizza makers face off in downtown Phoenix to put their cheesy pies to the test, starting at just $2 a slice. Take a break between slices to listen to live music or challenge your friends to lawn games. Get your hands on tickets now so you can get pizza in your hands later.
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. 3rd St Phoenix
September 28-30, Friday-Sunday in October, and Thursday-Sunday in November
A great big pumpkin patch, six-acre family corn maze (search for pieces of your map as you walk through), mini corn maze, and a haunted corn maze highlight the seasonal offerings at Tolmachoff Farms. Other activities include a petting zoo, train ride, hay pyramid, corn box, pedal cart track, jumping pillow and more.
Tolmachoff Farms
5726 N 75th Ave, Glendale
Septermber 29
Fans of polka music, German food and craft beer will don their lederhosen and dirndls and gather in Downtown Chandler to celebrate SanTan Brewing’s 10th annual Oktoberfest. This year’s event will highlight beer games, Von Hanson’s brat eating contest, a stein holding contest, and weiner dog races.
Downtown Chandler
178 E Commonwealth Ave, Chandler
Thursday-Sunday, October 4-28
Throughout October, Schnepf Farms offers fun fall activities like hay rides, a 4-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, pig races and, of course, chili. Grab party food like a burger, chili dinner or succotash, and take a spin on exciting rides or the farm’s train. Fireworks light up the sky Friday and Saturday nights.
Schnepf Farms
24610 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek
October 1 – November 4
Celebrate the season at Vertuccio Farms with this family-friendly festival. A seven-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, barrel train rides, farm animals and lots more are part of the festivities. Pick up a perfect pumpkin for your Halloween jack-o-lantern while you’re there.
Vertuccio Farms
4011 S. Power Road, Mesa
October 6
Start working up an appetite: Downtown Phoenix is hosting an Oktoberfest complete with traditional German bier, paired with brats, schnitzel, pretzels and more. Lace up your lederhosen and head to the dance floor or test your skills in a stein holding competition.
CityScape Phoenix
1 E Washington St, Phoenix
October 12-14
Come out and enjoy three full days of activities at Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake, including a variety of German beer and food, kid’s zone, a 5k fun run, and musical performances.
Tempe Town Lake and Beach Park
80 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe
October 20
Celebrate fall with free and fun family activities at the ballpark, including train rides, a pumpkin patch, rock wall, inflatables, costume contest, trick-or-treating, photo station and arts and crafts activities.
Goodyear Ballpark
1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear
September 15
The Furry Friends and Fine Art Festival returns to the Shemer Art Center for both animal and art lovers. Highlights include paw readings and pet adoptions by the Arizona Humane Society and Woofs, Wiggles & Wags. Artists will showcase animal-themed paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics and more. Live music, business vendors, entertainment, and snacks from Black Cat Coffee and Short Leash Hot Dogs will make it a day to remember.
Shemer Art Center
5005 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix
September 22
You’re invited to come out and celebrate Queen Creek’s 29th anniversary at a family-friendly community event in Founders’ Park. The event will feature fun activities, great music and entertainment, pig races, vendors, lawn games, corn-hole tournament, a 4-H zone with equine experiences, a FFA Zone with agricultural experiences, and the Battle of the Badge relay style competitions.
Founders’ Park
22407 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek
September 23
Celebrate the talented Latinx music community at the inaugural La PHNKRA Music Fest. The fest will take place at downtown’s Monarch Theatre and feature bands and DJs that play rock en español, cumbia, banda, hip-hop, afro-beats and other genres.
Monarch Theatre
122 E Washington St, Phoenix
September 23
The inaugural Firebird Music Festival is an experiential event featuring unparalleled performances by both the biggest names in jazz music. Firebird will embrace music lovers and provide them with the atmosphere to connect with the artists who inspire them. The festival will feature interactive cutting edge technology, creative freedom for artists, unique experiences, amazing sound and visuals.
WestWorld of Scottsdale
16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale
Friday-Saturday, October 5-29, and Wednesday October 31
PoeFest, produced by Arizona Curriculum Theater, is not a reading. The actors perform Edgar Allan Poe’s stories in character as inmates from a 19th Century asylum for the criminally insane. Poe’s stories rotate nightly and are presented inside the Ghost Lounge at the historic Hotel San Carlos, frequently listed among the top ten most haunted hotels in America. PoeFest ends on Halloween night at Rosson House Museum with performances of The Raven every twenty minutes.
Hotel San Carlos
202 N Central Ave, Phoenix
October 12-14
This festival is an opportunity to share in the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Greece, including dance performances and family-friendly activities.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
1973 E. Maryland Ave Phoenix
October 20-21
The annual Rainbows Festival and Street Fair is a celebration of the diversity of the LGBTQ community. The event is located in historic Heritage Square Park in downtown Phoenix and is free and open to the public. There will be two stages of entertainment and nearly 150 exhibitors and sponsors throughout the two-day event.
Heritage Square Park
801 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix
October 20-21
This family-friendly event celebrates the season with fall-flavored festivities including arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, pumpkin picking, an apple pie baking contest, and live entertainment.
Anthem Community Council Community Park
41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Phoenix
October 27
Live and visual art collide in this colorful annual celebration presented by the Herberger Theater Center. The ninth annual festival celebrates the arts in the community with performances by over 25 organizations, live music on two stages, craft beer and wine tasting, vendor booths and more.
Herberger Theater Center
222 E Monroe St, Phoenix
October 27-28
Spirits will connect at the Mesa Arts Center’s annual Dia de los Muertos Festival – a community celebration complete with a community altar, live music and performances. The Day of The Dead festival will also feature delicious foods and a colorful mercado featuring a wide assortment of jewelry and crafts.
Mesa Arts Center
1 E. Main St., Mesa
October 28
Celebrate life as spirits arise at the annual Dia de Los Muertos festival. Decorate a sugar skull, create a mask and grab a bite at a food booth. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and a lawn chair to experience an authentic celebration of ancestors and a diverse community.
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Rd Phoenix
November 1
For two days this historic resort community of Litchfield Park is transformed into a vibrant street scene filled with colorful art, lively music and irresistible aromas. The festival features over 250 fine artists and craftsmen exhibiting a wide selection of original arts and crafts, ranging from functional to decorative, and contemporary to Native American.
November 3
The Arizona Fall Fest, a free and family-friendly celebration of all things uniquely Arizona, features exclusively Arizona-owned businesses and organizations. Attendees can expect more than 200 vendors, food samples from some of the best Arizona restaurants, local chefs, and food trucks; Arizona-produced wine, beer, and spirits; live entertainment and activities for kids.
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. 3rd St Phoenix
November 8-10
The Mesa Music Festival returns for a weekend of music appreciation and discovery. Stop by or spend the weekend at the free festival, showcasing more than 300 local and international artists. Click here to view the lineup and start practicing your dance moves.
Downtown Mesa
38 W Main St Mesa, AZ
November 9-11
The Fountain Hills Festival of Arts and Crafts features nearly 500 artists, artisans and gourmet food provisioners. Over 200,000 visitors are attracted to this event to do their holiday shopping, purchase art and enjoy good food and live entertainment.
Fountain Hills
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills
November 11
Activities include live entertainment, a pumpkin toss, pumpkin pageant, cornhole, pie eating contest, corn shucking, cake walk, hay maze, and a kid’s zone. Food and craft vendors will offer seasonal eats, treats, trinkets and gear. Enjoy the flavors of fall in the seasonal beer garden featuring local pumpkin ales and other brews.
A.J. Chandler Park
178 E Commonwealth Ave, Chandler
November 17-18
Visitors to Downtown Scottsdale’s ArtFest can browse the fine art and crafts of over 150 vendors, meet local authors, enjoy live music throughout the festival, and taste tempting foods in a beautiful sculpture garden setting.
Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza
7380 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale
November 30 – Dec 2
While the award-winning Tempe Festival of the Arts primarily focuses on art and the artists that create it, there are also a wide variety of other activities for guests to enjoy. Live entertainment stages provide musical entertainment for festival-goers. Performances by a number of well-known local musicians keep audiences in high spirits throughout the day. In addition to the scheduled entertainment, street performers, vendors, sponsor exhibits and entertainment booths are set up for the amusement of festival visitors.
Downtown Tempe
Mill Ave. and University Dr., Tempe
September 22
This festival features five zones of fun, food, interactive experiences and adventurous activities for children and families. The event will include multiple adventure stages/zones with group-specific or themed adventures for the entire family with entertainment stages throughout the day. Gourmet food trucks will provide eating options
CityScape Phoenix
1 E Washington St, Phoenix
September 29
Along with a live concert and additional entertainment, festival goers will be able to enjoy a delicious variety of traditional foods, arts and crafts shopping and an activity zone that includes inflatables, carnival rides, rock wall, face painters and more. A cigar bar, beer and margaritas will also be available.
Old Town Peoria
10510 N 83rd Ave, Peoria
Wednesday-Sunday, October 5-28
The state fair returns for another year of classic carnivals rides and cuisine, motor racing, a petting zoo, musical guests and more family-friendly activities. This year’s concert lineup features The Flaming Lips, Gary Allan, Paulina Rubio and more.
Arizona State Fair Grounds
1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix
October 13-14
Thousands of LGBTQ Latinos and allies celebrate their culture and community traditions at the inaugural Latino Pride Festival, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month. Show off your moves in the dance tent, listen to national and local DJ’s, or grab a drink in the relaxation area.
Corona Ranch & Rodeo Grounds
7611 S. 29th Ave., Laveen
November 10-11
Enjoy live music, beer garden, petting zoo, over 80 vendors, bounce houses, food vendors, car show, veteran’s tribute, movie on the back lot at night, and much more.
Flatiron Community Park
567 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction
When it comes to bargain bites, Scottsdale’s restaurants serve up a robust menu of happy hour specials that are sure to please.
Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Brat Haüs has a happy hour you don’t want to miss out on. With $2 off their delicious grub and draft beers, an afternoon on their open patio is just what you need. (Tues. – Fri., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Walking distance from all the excitement in Old Town Scottsdale, Blue Clover has select cocktails made with their hand-crafted vodka along with delicious appetizers at a discount during their happy hour! If that doesn’t excite you – their Giggle Water cocktail definitely will. (Tues. – Fri., 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Cool Redux Happy Hour at ZuZu is a throwback to simpler times, both in environment and cost. Enjoy $6 wine by the glass and signature cocktails like the Sundance Margarita, as well as $4 select beers. You’ll also love $6 bites such as Green Chili Pork Stew, Daily Hush Puppies, ZuZu Fries, and house-made potato chips. (Mon. – Fri., 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
At this laid-back gastropub, mug beer and well cocktails are only $4. Don’t miss the salty-creamy Pretzel & Provolone Fondue (a steal at $7). (Mon. – Fri., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
At $3.50 per taco, chow down on the “Pastor Chicken,” “Traditional Carnitas” and “Machaca Beef” options. Check out $6 margaritas and $4 cervazas as well. (Mon. – Fri., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Best known for their woodfired pizzas, head to Craft 64 during happy hour to nibble on small plates at just $8 each, including the Olive Bowl with Fresh-baked Focaccia, Mozzarella Caprese Sandwich and a Charcuterie Plate. Sample one of their 36 craft Arizona beers on tap for $1 off while you are at it. (Daily, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
During “Good Citizen’s Social” you’ll enjoy discounts on specialty cocktails, glass wines and draught beer, as well as a menu of innovative bar snacks that changes weekly. (Daily, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Enjoy $5 drinks and discounts on appetizers, including house-made guac, pork wings and kettles of green chile pork. (Daily, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Save on wine, beer and seasonal cocktails, as well as Food Truck Fish Tacos, El Chorro Kobe Sliders and signature sticky buns all while enjoying a classic Camelback Mountain view. (Mon. – Sat., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Catch happy hour all afternoon at Old Town Scottsdale’s Barrio Queen. Every day, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can enjoy $4 Mexican beers, $5 glasses of wine, $6 Casa Margaritas and $7 apps, including taquitos, mini tortas and stuffed poblano peppers.
Each time you come back to The Second Story Liquor Bar, there will likely be something new and yummy to try on their happy hour menu. But what isn’t changing is the $7 house wines and well cocktails. (Mon. – Sat, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Source: Experience Scottsdale
While we prefer “riding” through the wilderness, there are still lots of beautiful places that you just can’t get to in a Tomcar ATV. So, what’s the best way to check them out? Well, by hiking of course!If you’re new to hiking, read on to learn what you need to know before you hit the trails, whether you’re planning a stroll through the woods or a multi-day backpacking trip.
The wind stung and burned our faces. Step by step, we made our way upwards, and then we were there, on top of a snow-covered ridge in western Wyoming, on top of the Continental Divide in the Wind River Mountains.
Though it was late June, the temperature was barely over freezing up on the pass, just under 13,000 feet above sea level.
Above us, a bright blue sky. The view was spectacular, valleys spreading out before us, forests and rivers and glaciers, all of it so tiny and yet so vast.
We snapped some pictures and began our descent from the ridge, eager to escape the biting cold.
That night we made camp beside a long lake, where it dropped well below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Today was day seventeen of a thirty-day expedition, and to this day, that unnamed pass over the Divide remains special to me.
The amazing beauty of the wilderness, land so wild that even the loggers and miners of the 19th century had been forced back by the cold and the snow.
Land so wild that even before people came to the Americas on wooden ships, the natives of the land only passed through as hunters, as the vicious weather forced them to stay in more hospitable lands for the winters.
How had we arrived here? What drew fifteen people to this wonderful yet desolate place?
For some adventure was the call; for others the wilderness was the place they could go to leave their pasts behind. Whatever the cause, we travelled together.
Several of us had spent months in the field before, while for one of our group, this was the first time outside of a city or suburb.
Some people view the wilderness with fear or even distaste. Some live in big cities and don’t have the chance to venture into the great outdoors as often as they would like. Some would like to start hiking but aren’t sure where to start—what gear to buy, where to go, how to navigate, and so on.
And of course there are many like me, wilderness fanatics who need at least a hike or two every week.
If you’re reading this, you might want similar experiences, but how? Isn’t it expensive? Isn’t is difficult or dangerous?
These questions don’t have simple one-word answers, but I’ll do my best to give you solid advice for starting off in hiking.
It changed the way I see the world around me, and I hope it will do the same for you.
The 11th annual SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest will take place from 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler.
Besides plenty of food and drink, the fest will feature polka music, a brat-eating contest, a stein-holding competition, tricycle races, and wiener dog races.
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers will return to rock the crowd.
When it comes to street food, #Phoenix is far from Bangkok or Istanbul. We have food trucks, sure, but no true highly developed street food culture. That makes new street food here all the more exciting. Click on the link below to read more!
https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/street-food-phoenix-10605292
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Desert Wolf Tours, which has been taking guests on variety of excursions and adventures in the Sonora Desert since 2006, now features an innovative style of corporate team building: an Elite Combat Simulator, where co-workers receive realistic Special Operations training developed by the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Xtreme Teams leadership training program provided by Desert Wolf Adventures offers one to three days of intense military-style activities at a private location, where guests can complete physical tasks such as door breaching, rappelling down buildings, rescuing hostages and capturing a “high-value terrorist courier.”
Participants are provided with fatigues, Special Forces-style equipment and modified non-lethal firearms with simulated ammunition. Water, snacks and a box lunch are also provided.
Team members first receive realistic military-style training such as weapons tactics, then they’re asked to complete three exciting combat missions based on real-world military operations, including the hunt for Osama Bin Laden.
If a group wants the ultimate “immersion experience”, the action and intensity of the Elite Combat Simulator can be further enhanced by controlled fireworks that simulate RPGs and IEDs.
Successfully completing the training and the missions requires collaboration, communication, strategy, stress management, trust, and accountability, all useful skills designed to make team members work closer together and more effectively – plus have plenty of fun in the process.
Hunter Corbier, Vice President and General Manager of Desert Wolf Tours, said these intense but safe activities can be beneficial for IT groups, sales teams, or similar employee groups that will benefit from working more cohesively to improve their overall performance.
Completing the missions in the six-hour timeline can effectively transform any team into an Xtreme Team, and the quality and intensity of missions go way beyond paintball or combat video games.
The required collaboration can also be an especially useful opportunity for executive team building that goes far beyond common corporate leadership training programs that typically take place in boardrooms or off-site retreat centers.
Groups can be as small as 6 or as large as 24. No previous or current military or firearms experience is required.
Desert Wolf Tours began in 2006 as an ATV rental and guided tour company, and soon expanded to offer other enjoyable off-road activities for families and groups in the Sonora, including firearms training. The family-owned business has received a variety of distinguished travel industry awards, including Best Off-Property Excursion in the World by the Golf Channel’s TravelGolf.com; Arizona’s top ranking for Desert Off-road and Firearms Adventure for the last eight years from Trip Advisor; and Best Guided ATV Tour from BestThingsAZ.com. Besides the Elite Combat Simulator, it offers the Ultimate Team Building Challenge, a half-day Tomcar ATV tour, a handgun self-defense simulator and a “Light” version of the Elite Combat Simulator at an indoor facility.
For more information or to book your team’s next adventure visit https://desertwolftours.com or email [email protected].
Phoenix makes an excellent tourist destination as it boasts stunning desert landscapes and offers a wide variety of fun attractions and activities. If Phoenix is on your bucket list of destinations, simply continue reading to discover 5 must visit attractions and activities in Phoenix, Arizona!
Desert Wolf Tours’ thrilling half day, Tomcar ATV Tour of the Sonoran Desert, has been rated by TripAdvisor as one of the top attractions in Arizona. So if you’re a self-confessed adventure seeker, it’s well 
worth booking a 3 to 3.5 hour guided ATV tour as you’ll have a chance to get behind the wheel of a military level, Tomcar ATV. Better yet, not only will you get a chance to explore areas of the Sonoran Desert that few people venture out into but you’ll also see Indian ruins and a fresh water oasis.
As every tour is guided by a seasoned guide, you’ll also learn about the history of the desert and the desert’s wildlife. You may even spot a wild coyote or a javalina, if you keep your eyes peeled. If you’re interested in learning how to survive in a harsh desert environment, your informative guide will also give you numerous tips on how to survive in the Sonoran Desert. During your adventure, you’ll also get the opportunity to cross a river. So don’t be surprised if you get splashed!
As a bonus, at the end of your half day tour, you’ll receive a free neck buff.
Phoenix is home to the world’s only global musical instrument museum! During a guided tour of the museum you’ll have the unique opportunity to travel the world through learning about different musical instruments. Three of the museum’s largest permanent exhibitions showcase music and instruments from Latin America, Asia and Africa. Although the museum also features smaller exhibitions which showcase instruments from other regions such as Europe and Australasia.
If you’re interested in listening to live music from around the world, it’s well worth visiting the MIM Music Theater, an on-site, custom built theater which showcases passionate musicians from each corner of the globe. If you’re planning a trip to Phoenix, it’s well worth visiting the Musical Instrument Museum’s website, to see whether any concerts are being held during your proposed visit.
If you feel inspired to pick up a new instrument, after touring the museum. You’ll be spoilt for choice as the Musical Instrument Museum boasts an on-site store which offers a wide array of international instruments. Examples of which include African drums, singing bowls and Peruvian flutes. The museum store also offers a variety of CDs which feature international music.
If you plan to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, it’s best to put aside a few hours as the garden is sprawled 
across 140 acres and boasts numerous trails to explore. One of the most popular trails is the Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail, which showed how the Indians once used the Sonoran Desert’s plants to survive, out in the desert. Not only did the Indians consume edible plants but they also used plants to build tools and hunting weapons. If you choose to explore this trail, you’ll even get to see examples of the huts that the Indians built as shelter from the hot, desert sun.
Another popular trail is the Desert Discovery Trail which boasts desert plants from deserts located around the world. During a stroll of the Desert Discovery Trail, you’ll get a rare opportunity to view 400 rare or endangered species of desert plants.
If you assumed that the desert was full of cacti, think again, whilst the Desert Botanical Garden does feature a variety of fascinating cacti species, the garden also boasts a trail which was designed to showcase the beauty of desert wildflowers. If you’re curious be sure to set aside some time to explore the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail, which is bursting with colorful wildflowers.
If you’re interested in American Indian art, it’s well worth planning a trip to the Heard Museum as it boasts an extensive art collection which contains over 40,000 pieces. Examples of which include Navajo jewelry and textiles, Hopi Katsina dolls and a variety of ceramics.
One of the museum’s selling points is that it’s world renown fine arts collection, which boasts 4,000 unique pieces, showcases how American Indian fine art has developed from its beginning in the 20th century to the present day. As well as offering historic pieces, the museum also offers a large selection of modern art from talented American Indian artists.
The Heard Museum also hosts a variety of on-site events. Examples of which include the annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market which attracts a crowd of around 15,000 visitors, each year. The market is well worth attending as not only will you get the opportunity to purchase American Indian art but you’ll also get to meet the artists, who have crafted the items that you’re interested in purchasing. Better yet all proceeds go towards the museum’s goal of educating visitors on the arts and culture of the Indigenous peoples of America.
If you’ve always fancied yourself as a contestant on “the Amazing Race”, it’s well worth booking the Amazing Scavenger Hunt, with combines a three-hour tour of Phoenix’s hot spots with a thrilling scavenger hunt! To take part, all you need is a smart phone, which you’ll use to receive your clues.
During your hunt you’ll get to visit the historic Hotel San Carlos, the grand Orpheum Theater and the Historic Courthouse as well as Heritage Square. The latter of which is lined with historic houses. During your hunt you’ll also get to take part in outdoor challenges and solve a variety of cryptic clues. As the Amazing Scavenger Hunt is not a traditional guided tour, you can complete it at your own pace.
So what are you waiting for? Why not book your favorite Phoenix activity or attraction? As an example, if you love the idea of speeding through the stunning Sonoran Desert, why not book a half day, Tomcar ATV tour with Desert Wolf Tours? You’ll be sure to have the time of your life, getting off the beaten track and discovering all that the Sonoran Desert has to offer!
If you’re planning an action packed trip to Scottsdale, Arizona and are looking for unique activities that are worth writing home about, continue reading to discover an insider’s guide to the top 5 things to do in Scottsdale. After all, life’s too short to waste your time on boring activities that you’ll forget about, in a few day’s time.
If you grew up watching Westerns, it’s well worth planning a trip to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Western Spirit’s exhibitions are constantly changing and examples of popular exhibits which 
have been on display in the past include Inspirational Journey: The Story of Lewis and Clark and the A.P Hays Spirit of the West Collection. The latter of which is a permanent exhibition and contains hundreds of authentic pieces from the wild west, examples of which include shiny Sherrif badges, leather saddles and spurs.
The Western Spirit Museum also boasts a large auditorium, where you can watch a movie about the wild west or watch a musical or theatrical performance, that will bring Scottsdale’s fascinating past to life. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the museum. Contrary to popular belief, museum tours aren’t always a bore fest. In fact, if you take part in a Western Spirit tour, your passionate tour guide will tell you nail biting tales of cowboys, outlaws and lawmen.
If you’re interested in veering off the beaten tourist track, you may be tempted to book an ATV tour of the beautiful Sonoran Desert, with Desert Wolf Tours. As part of your exciting desert tour, you’ll get to climb 
behind the wheel of a genuine, military grade TOMCAR ATV and explore parts of the Sonoran Desert that few people ever get the chance to explore. However, there’s no need to worry, you won’t be left for dead in the hot desert as you’ll be led by an experienced guide who’ll help you traverse the Sonoran’s Desert’s rugged terrain.
Better yet, your guide will even share their knowledge on how to survive in the desert and how to spot a variety of wildlife, including wild burros, coyotes, javalinas and scorpions. Each ATV tour lasts for 3 to 3.5 hours and if there is anyone in your party that is under 18, they can take part in the tour as a passenger.
If you’re tempted, you might be swayed to hear that each participant is given a free Desert Wolf Neck Buff. Just like the neck buffs, that are worn by contestants on the hit reality show Survivor.
If you happen to be in town on a Thursday night, it’s definitely worth planning to stroll through downtown Scottsdale to explore the Thursday night ArtWalk. Scottsdale ArtWalk is a free event that is hosted by Scottsdale’s world class art galleries. In fact, each Thursday night around 100 local art galleries, display their work for pedestrians to browse. If you’re curious, Scottsdale Artwork takes place between 7pm and 9pm, each Thursday.
Better yet, many of the art galleries encourage their artists to attend ArtWalk. So you may find yourself rubbing shoulders with some of Arizona’s finest artists. If you’re looking for a souvenir to take home, you may also find the perfect piece of art, at a competitive price. Even if you’re not a huge art fan and don’t have any interest in making any purchase, you’ll enjoy people walking as each Thursday hundreds of tourists and locals flock to the ArtWalk.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a spacious 30-acre park which is run by Scottsdale’ Parks and Recreation Department and boasts a variety of shops, museums as well as an adventurous children’s 
playground. If you’re traveling with children, they’ll be sure to run to the vintage 1950 carousel.
If you’re jealous and wouldn’t mind taking a ride around the park yourself, you’re in luck as the park also offers a miniature train ride, that traverses through the park’s desert arboretum. Alternatively, you may be interested in taking a ride on the park’s number one attraction, the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. Especially if you’re a fan of historic steam trains.
If you have an interest in locomotive history, it’s also worth visiting the Scottsdale Railway Museum, which is located on-site and contains a variety of full size train carriages. Examples of which include the Baggage Car, which was built as a dining carriage in 1914 and was later converted to transport baggage during World War 2 and the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car, which was built in 1928 for a hefty sum of $205,000. It also holds the distinct honor of carrying a variety of US presidents including Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower.
Butterfly Wonderland boasts the largest indoor butterfly pavilion in America. If you’re looking for a unique experience that your whole family will enjoy, it’s well worth visiting Butterfly Wonderland, a huge dome which is climate controlled and boasts over 3,000 unique butterfly species, from around the world. Best of all there is no glass between you and the butterflies, so you can get up and close and personal with thousands of gorgeous butterflies!
If you assumed that Butterfly Wonderland only showcased rare butterfly breeds, you’re wrong. Butterfly Wonderland also features a 3d theater and Tropical Waters of the World a large aquarium which is teeming with fish from the Amazon. Examples of which include the Amazon Pacu and African Cichlids. If you’re feeling peckish, Butterfly Wonderland also boasts a handy, on-site café.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re planning a trip to Scottsdale Arizona, it’s well worth pre booking a variety of fun activities such as world famous Desert Wolf Tours’ thrilling ATV tour through the Sonoran Desert. After all you haven’t truly experienced the beauty of Arizona, until you’ve explored the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Click Here to book now!
If you’re searching for action packed team building activities, continue reading to learn about Desert Wolf Tours’ team building adventures. All of which have been designed to help your group work as a team. Alternatively, if you’re planning a vacation to Arizona and are looking for activities for your group, that will get you off the beaten tourist trail, it’s also well worth reading about Desert Wolf Tours’ thrilling desert based adventures.
Is your team brave enough to transform into a special operations unit, for the day? Before, you suit up to complete three challenging missions, you’ll complete a training session where you’ll learn a variety of basic and advanced training techniques. As examples, you’ll learn how to safely clear rooms, breach doors and rappel down buildings. Better yet, your team will be equipped with realistic uniforms, specialist tactical gear and converted firearms. So you’ll look and feel the part of a special operations unit.
Once you’ve completed your training session, you’ll have the opportunity to complete three thrilling missions. You’ll get to rescue a hostage and organize a high value target raid, in order to capture a terrorist courier. Following two successful missions, your team will have the unique opportunity to take on Operation Neptune Spear. If Operation Neptune Spear, sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the name of the raid, that killed Osama Bin Laden, one of the most wanted men in the world.
If you only get to plan one team building activity this year, you can’t go wrong booking an Elite Combat Simulator experience as not only will your group get to know more about each other but you’ll also learn how to function as a team and how to identify and utilize each team member’s skills and strengths.
Desert Wolf Tours’ Off-Road Desert Tomcar ATV Tours has been rated the number one tour and activity in Arizona, by Tripadvisor. A hotly contested title. So if you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience, for your next team building challenge, it’s well worth looking into booking the Off-Road Desert Tomcart ATV Tour.
As part of your tour, you’ll get to sit behind the driver’s wheel of a real, military grade Tomcar ATV. If any members of your team are under 18, they can still take part in the tour, as a passenger. During your fully escorted tour, your team will get to explore the spectacular Sonoran Desert, which is teeming with wildlife such as javalinas, rattle snakes and coyotes.
During your three hour tourr of the Sonoran Desert your friendly guide will provide you with a commentary, which includes tips on surviving in the desert and information about the desert itself. Lastly, each member of your team, will go home with a genuine Desert Wolf Neck Buff, to commemorate your team building desert adventure. If you’re a keen fan of the TV show “Survivor”, you may even notice that the buffs you receive are the same buffs that are given to “Survivor” parpicitants.
If you’re looking to book an ATV tour it’s well worth opting for the Off-road Desert Tomcar ATV tour as you’ll see much more than you would if you simply hired ATV vechiles.
The Desert Firearms Adventure, is an optional add on for groups who book Desert Wolf Tours’ ATV tour. If you’re looking for a team building activity, that is suitable for all fitness levels and personality types, you should seriously considering booking the Desert Firearms Adventure.
Desert Wolf Tours is the only company which holds a permit, to conduct shooting adventures in the Sonoran Desert. If you’re concerned about safety, there’s no need to worry as each adventure is run by a NRA certified instructor, who’ll teach your team how to safely shoot a firearm. Talking of firearms, during your Desert Firearms Adventure you’ll get to shoot a mixture of glocks, AK-47s and AR-15s. You’ll even get to shoot down bowling pins.
Nothing helps a team bond like a bit of friendly competition. The Top Shop Competition is unique as it allows confident shooters to compete against members of your team, who have never handled a firearm. Each Top Shop Competition, lasts for 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on the size of your group.
If you’ve always dreamed of staring on the Amazing Race, you may be interested in booking an Amazing Race themed team building adventure. Alternatively, Desert Wolf Tours is also able to organize traditional scavenger hunts. If you have a particular idea for a team building exercise, that you have in mind, it’s well worth contacting Desert Wolf Tours’ professional team as they have a wealth of experience, organizing award winning team building activities for international companies such as Google, Nike and Hewlett Packard.
The fun doesn’t have to stop, when the sun goes down! After a day rescuing hostages or driving through the desert in a Tomcar ATV, your team may be interested in enjoying dinner and a few drinks together. If you’re interested the Desert Wolf team can organize a post tour meal at the Road Runner Restaurant and Saloon. Best of all the Desert Wolf team can cater to your budget.
As an example if you’re hosting a large scale corporate event, the Desert Wolf team may be able to hire a private chef for your event. In the past Desert Wolf Tours have even organized a celebrity chef to attend a corporate event. So if you have any special requests, it’s well worth letting Desert Wolf Tours’ team know as there is every chance that they’ll be able to cater to your requests.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re in charge of organizing a team building weekend, it’s well worth further investigating Desert Wolf Tours’ extensive range of fun, action packed, team building activities. No matter which activities you choose, your team is guaranteed to have the time of their lives. So don’t be surprised if your team mates continue to talk about their Desert Wolf Tours’ adventure, for years to come.
Click Here to go to our Team Building Activities page and select your perfect Team Building Activity!
When it comes to visiting Arizona, there are a wide variety of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. In fact, one of the most popular options is riding ATVs and UTVs across scenic desert trails.
Not only is this a great way to enjoy the warm sunshine, it also offers plenty of opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of the Southwest in a unique way. But, many people wonder what it takes to obtain the necessary equipment and safety gear to tackle such an adventure.
For many, the option to rent equipment seems like an easy way to enjoy the scenery and fresh air. However, there’s a second option that many overlook—guided tours using ATVs and UTVs. Here are a few benefits of choosing tours over Phoenix ATV rentals on your next family vacation.
One of the biggest reasons to skip renting an ATV and enjoying a tour instead is that the process is safer. Many inexperienced drivers often over estimate their driving ability on rough desert terrain, and there are plenty of injuries each year to prove the point. In contrast, tour companies have little to no injuries, which is incredibly important. After all, they fully understand that vacation is no fun for anyone if you end up in the emergency room!
ATV tour in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix-Scottsdale.
With a tour, you can also eliminate the risk of getting lost. Desert trail systems can be confusing, as there are hundreds of miles of it in the Phoenix area; it is very easy to get turned around when you least expect it. For many, the terrain begins to look the same and can even appear completely different at various times of day. Add in trails that can change or deteriorate due to weather and incomplete maps and you could be setting yourself up for a nightmare instead of a good time.
Reputable guided ATV tour companies have experienced off-road guides, know the terrain well, and are well-versed with all applicable safety precautions. They’ve also obtained all necessary permits to enjoy Bureau of Land Management lands, Tonto National Forest lands, and State Trust lands—without which you could be in for a hefty fine.
One of the downsides to companies that offer ATV rentals in Phoenix is that they don’t come with a dedicated guide who knows the area by heart.
With an ATV and UTV tours, your family gets to enjoy a bit of added education by having an experienced professional to take you out to the best places in the area and offer interesting information on desert history, plants, cactus, animals, and more. A guide can also give insight into special survival skills needed for spending time in the desert. This is a great way for children and teens to learn about a habitat they’ve likely never experienced before in a way that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
Going on vacation can certainly be expensive, but the risk associated with renting an ATV is even heftier. Did you know that some rental companies make the sizable portion of their income by charging for damage done to their equipment by ATV renters? In fact, one local ATV rental company has stated that up to 33 percent of their annual profit actual comes from these added customer charges! Furthermore, many personal insurance company policies do not extend to cover ATVs and other similarly rented off-road equipment.
By renting an ATV in Phoenix, you also run the risk of mechanical breakdowns. These types of vehicles can often be hard to repair without specialized tools and parts, meaning your family could wind up stuck in the middle of the desert heat until help arrives instead of enjoying your trip. With a guided tour, there’s none of that added hassle.
Additionally, rental companies are not required to maintain equipment appropriately. That means that you could end up with a piece of junk that will fall apart the moment you take it out on a trail. With tour companies, regulations are different and require regular inspections that ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Desert Wolf Tours is proud to offer visitors and locals the chance to enjoy the desert scenery in a unique manner. We have a very strong reputation in the area and offer some of the best tours available in the area.
In addition to guided ATV excursions, we also provider Phoenix UTV tours designed to entertain the whole family and create many memories that will be remembered for years to come. We are ranked number one by guests on TripAdvisor and are proud to have even been inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame.
Are you ready to find out more information about Phoenix and Scottsdale ATV tours? Please contact our knowledgeable and friendly team at Desert Wolf Tours today by calling (877) 613-WOLF. Or, simply click the Book Now button for real time pricing and availability.
