Annual Events in Wickenburg, Arizona
February
GOLD RUSH DAYS & SENIOR PRO RODEO
This 71-year-old, award-winning annual event is a celebration of Wickenburg’s ranching and mining heritage. For three action-filled days, thousands of visitors and participants enjoy the multitude of activities that make up this Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce–sponsored event.
Festivities begin with a shootout on Frontier Street that kicks off a wild, rootin’-tootin’ Western weekend. Spectators line the streets on Saturday as one of the largest parades in Arizona passes by. Cowboys from all over the country gather Saturday and Sunday afternoon to participate in the senior pro rodeo.
In front of the Wickenburg Community Center and around Stone Park, families can enjoy a carnival, food booths, barbecue, artisan fair and much more. More activities and the free entertainment stage take place around the festival grounds.
A tradition as old as the town, unique mining contests are enjoyable to watch and educational as well. See gold panning, a mucking and drilling contest and other activities relating to the gold fever that once gripped the town.
Music, dancing, a real old-fashioned melodrama, horses, floats and food — they’re all a part of Wickenburg’s most action-packed weekend of the year. Visitors from all over the world mix and mingle with cowboys and garter girls.
The Arizona Centennial Commission recognized this occasion two years consecutively as a signature event. The Arizona Office of Tourism named it the Best Rural Event in 2009, and previously, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., recognized the celebration as one of the 100 Living Legacies in the U.S. This true Old West celebration demonstrates what true hospitality is all about Out Wickenburg Way.
March
COWGIRL UP! ART FROM THE OTHER HALF OF THE WEST
Each year, the Desert Caballeros Western Museum sponsors this exhibition. Established 14 years ago, this event highlighting Western female artists has become one of the most important sale and show in the country. westernmuseum.org
April
DESERT CABALLEROS
This week-long ride attracts cowboys from all over the world and from all walks of life. This breathtaking adventure has been a Wickenburg tradition for over 72 years.
July
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Staged on July 4, festivities include spectacular fireworks, as well as fun and games for the whole family at Sunset Park. Sponsored by the Town of Wickenburg and Cops Who Care.
September
FIESTA DE SEPTIEMBRE
For over 30 years, on the first Saturday of the month, the town celebrates its Hispanic heritage enjoying Latin music, folklorico dancers, mariachi music, an arts and crafts “mercado,” a Hispanic family photo exhibit, a kids “zona,” margarita, salsa, and guacamole contests and a tasty food fair. “Wickenburg Hispanic Pioneers: Nuestras Memorias,” a book about Wickenburg’s Hispanic pioneer families, is available at the Chamber office. (Sept. 7, 2019)
October
WICKENBURG FLY-IN & CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Staged the second Saturday in October at the scenic Wickenburg Airport, this event features airplanes from all over the Southwest, information booths and a display of classic cars. (Oct. 12, 2019)
November
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
For 40 years, this three-day event on the second full weekend of the month has featured the Four Corner States’ championship contests for fiddle, flat-pick guitar, banjo and mandolin. Three nationally known bluegrass bands perform throughout the weekend. The event draws thousands of spectators from across the Southwest. (Nov. 8-10, 2019)
December
COWBOY CHRISTMAS POETRY GATHERING
For over 30 years, cowboy poets have visited Wickenburg the first weekend in December with offerings of poems, songs and stories relating to ranching and Western heritage.
CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS
For over 24 years, parade entries covered with colorful lights have made their way through the streets of the historic downtown, starting at 6:30 p.m. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the parade grand marshals meet with children after the procession. Bring Christmas home from Wickenburg. (Dec. 13)