Helldorado Days

In July 1881, a disgruntled miner writes the Tombstone Nugget newspaper stating that instead of finding their “eldorado” of riches, many men ended up washing dishes or other menial jobs, finding instead, their “Helldorado”. The term stuck. Helldorado is Tombstone’s oldest festival celebrating its rip-roaring days of the 1880’s. Helldorado, started in 1929, is sponsored by Helldorado, Inc. whose membership is composed of residents in Cochise County. Helldorado is held every third Friday – Sunday in October and consists of gunfight re-enactment shows, Indian dancers, a chili cook-off, fashion shows and a variety show, sponsored by the Tombstone Vigilantes, in addition to the Annual Helldorado Parade. 10a-4p.