Phoenicians all around Arizona know that Springtime has come to a steaming holt and is the time of year when the kids are home for the summer, suntans are inevitable and vacation ideas seem to be at the top of discussion for most folks and there’s plenty to do this summer right in Arizona’s own backyard. There are plenty of activities that will take you to water, on land or even viewing the sky’s. The following events are for all ages and for all people, no matter what cultural background you come from.

First Friday and Saturday Art Walks that are out of the heat  – Friday, June 1, 2012 and Saturday, June 2, 2012/ Flagstaff and Jerome, Arizona

Flagstaff’s Friday Art Walk is from 6pm to 9pm. Visit the many artists shops presenting their work for show or for purchase or watch art being made before your eyes as you visit each vender while taking a stroll down the streets. For more information call the Flagstaff Cultural Partners at 928-779-2300 or visit http://flagstaffartwalk.com/guide.htm.

Jerome presents their art walks as First Saturday Art Walk. The festivities begin at 5pm and continues throughout the historic town until 8pm with a free shuttle that will take you around to the 20 open galleries and studios. During your evening, you will be surrounded by live music at café’s and bars within the ambiance of the early 1900′s at this mile high town which makes for a perfect weekend of art and history. For more festival information or where to lodge, call Donna at (928) 649-2277.

Thieves Market – Saturday, June 2, 2012 / Cave Creek, Arizona

This is a bargain hunters dream! You never know what you’ll find at this flea market and you browse through a variety of vendors with their antiques, retro clothes, rare collector items, trinkets, beautiful wow’s and some odd items that becomes another mans treasure along with new things, as well. Grab your hat, some sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes and get ready to bargain for that must have treasure that’s waiting for you at this market. This market is open from 8am – 3pm and is held on the 1st Saturday of each month. The market is located at 38410 N. School House Rd. for more information visit http://eventful.com/cavecreek/venues/cave-creek-thieves-market-/V0-001-004018346-9.

 Arizona H.O.G. Rally – Thursday, June 7, 2012 through Saturday, June 9, 2012/ Williams, Arizona

Aare you a HOG? Well then, come out to join in the celebration of Arizona’s 100th birthday during this 3 day bikers ralley in cooler temperatures of downtown Williams including Williams Rodeo Grounds for Harley group members. You can enjoy free live bands such as, Mogollon (a Country-rock band) that will take center stage Friday and Saturday at the 2012 street dance held on Third Street between Route 66 and Grant Avenue. The dance will take place both Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm to 2am.  There will also be a bike parade through the streets of Williams. For more information on the 2011 Arizona State HOG Rally contact the Williams & Forest Service Visitor Center at (800) 863-0546 or 602-955-2658. You can also visit www.azstatehogrally.com/schedule.html. for the schedule of ralley events.

Garlic & Onion Festival – Friday, June 8, 2012 through Sunday, June 10, 2012 / Amado, Arizona (southern Arizona)

Like garlic? Then you need to go to this rather aromatic festival. A little fun, a lot of farm, a bunch of food! Garlic is said to have healing properties and as a herb, it brings zip to your cooking so, why not spend a few hours at Agua Linda Farm for their 4th annual festival  to celebrate the harvest of onion and garlic along side with others who appreciate the clove. there’s more than garlic at this festival. You get to enjoy live music, you can visit the sweet animals in the petting zoo, pony rides, enjoy moonlit hayrides and of course some tasty food with some containing, you guessed it. Garlic! The elevation at the farm is much higher than Tucson and with all the large trees and grassy lawns, you hardly notice the heat. This festival is open each afternoon from 4pm to 9pm and admission is $5 per car. for more information call 520-398-3218 or visit www.agualindafarm.net.

  Annual Strawberry Festival – Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, 2012/Pine(Strawberry), Arizona

This year, Pine presents their 22nd annual Strawberry Festival where people come from afar just to taste fresh grown strawberries that grow naturally in Pine and the neighboring town of Strawberry. That’s how the town of Strawberry got its name. This festival lies within the beautiful Forrest of pines and cool mountain air where you will enjoy entertainment, food and beverages, crafts and vendors, children’s activities, pony rides, a climbing wall (behind the Ramada) and much more. This cool event runs from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday and is held at the Pine/Strawberry Community Center Ramada located at 3886 N. highway 87. For more information contact Sheri Earp 928-476-3655.

Fathers Day – Sunday, June 17, 2012

Thank you for taking care of the family, thank you for being there when no one else was, thank you for working hard so the family didn’t want and thank you for being the one to walk down the isle with me on my most important day! These are some of the things we can say to dads all around so, on this day, what ever you have planned for your father, make it as memorable as the fond memories you carry of all the noble things dad has done through out the years.  To my father and to all fathers out there, HAPPY FATHERS DAY TODAY!  

 Cirque du Soleil - NOW through Sunday. July 8, 2012/Glendale, Arizona

 The return of funny Clowns and daredevil acrobats charms Arizona. That’s right. The circus is in town!  Cirque du Soleil that is with their touring show Kooza. The name KOOZA is inspired by the Sanskrit word “koza” meaning box, chest or treasure and was chosen because one of the underlying idea of each production is “circus in a box.” This once a year event begins this Friday evening and starts promptly at 8pm. This event runs for an entire month this summer at the University of Phoenix Stadium located at 1 Cardinals Way in Glendale. Tickets start at $35. for scheduling information visit www.dirquedusoleil.com or call 1-800-450-1480.

(Events updated weekly)

Sincerely,

Lisa Racz – Your local Arizona event writer