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Payson, Arizona

Upcoming Events in Payson Arizona


Monthly

Payson Movies In The Park - May through October. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs because Payson Parks and Recreation is thrilled to introduce the newest event series: Movies in the Park! Join friends under the stars for magical evenings of family-friendly films in the heart of the community. From beloved classics to exciting recent releases, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring the whole family, cozy up, and let the magic of cinema illuminate the night at Payson Parks and Recreation's Movies in the Park!

Times will adjust with the Sunset.

Address: Green Valley Park & Rumsey Park , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-5242 (Always call and confirm events)
Web: adventurepayson.com/movies-in-the-park/
Fee: FREE! FREE!

January

31 - 1 Hashknife Pony Express Ride - Beginning in historic Holbrook, the horseback mail route covers over 200 miles from the majestic Mogollon Rim through Payson and the wilderness of the Mazatzal range to the desert city of Scottsdale where it kicks off the Scottsdale Jaycees' Parada del Sol celebration. Come out and meet the riders at each event along the way and support a rich western tradition that links our communities with the past.

The original Pony Express used 90 riders and 500 horses. There were 119 relay stations along the way, with each rider covering 50 to 100 miles a day.

Working in teams of two, the riders relay the mail by handing off the canvas and leather bags from one rider to the next.

The hashknife was a tool originally used by chuckwagon cooks to cut meat for hash. The Hashknife brand originated in Texas as the identification for the Aztec Land and Cattle Company, which moved to Holbrook in 1886.

Later, in 1957, the Navajo County Sheriff's Posse retained limited use of the brand, which now identifies the Pony Express, many of whose members are in the posse.

While the actual Pony Express lasted little more than a year, the Hashknife re-enactment is approaching the half century mark. It is one of the longest running Pony Express rides in the nation.

Every year the riders are officially sanctioned by the U.S. Postal Service to re-enact the ride, ending up carrying over 20,000 pieces of mail.

Address: Payson Post Office , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-5242 (Always call and confirm events)
Web: www.paysonrimcountry.com/hashknife-pony-express/
Fee: Free outdoor viewing

July

4 Independence Day Celebration - Voted the Best Small Town in Arizona and nestled among the cool pines of the majestic Mogollon Rim - Payson, Arizona comes alive in patriotic colors during its 4th of July Celebration. Whether you are a local Payson resident or a visitor, you will be treated to a show well worth the trip. Payson is known for its beautiful weather in July and breathtaking sunsets. So bring your chairs, a picnic basket and blanket, or grab some food from one of the vendors that will be on hand and enjoy a day of fun. The fireworks show & games are all FREE to the public. The event will feature, great food vendors, bouncy houses, games, prizes, music, and beautiful scenery. Don't forget that Payson is generally 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix.

Address: Green Valley Park , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-5242 (Always call and confirm events)
Web: adventurepayson.com/events/

August

15 - 17 Annual World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo - For 125 continuous years Payson, Arizona has been celebrating the history and tradition of Pro-Rodeo. It is still held the third weekend in August and according to the PRCA, which sanctions the event it, is considered the country's Best Small Rodeo. We invite you to come and experience the exhilaration of rodeo, the sport of the Old West! Some of the world's greatest professional cowboys and cowgirls will keep you on the edge of your seat, for over two hours. During each performance they'll compete for more than $50,000 in prize money. Fearless bull riders, burly steer wrestlers, gorgeous barrel racers, soaring bronc riders, specialty acts, and colorful clowns will keep you entertained and shouting for more. The August Doin's is also much more than just about rodeo. Come and experience a fun rodeo parade, fun and games for the kids, BBQ's, Live Music and Dancing. The "Doin's" is the biggest party in Northern Arizona. Come and enjoy "The Doin's" in Payson Arizona!

Address: Payson AZ Multi-Event Center , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-9440 (Always call and confirm events)
Email: cdavis@ci.payson.az.us
Web: paysonrimcountry.com/Activities
Fee: Adults: $16-$18.00; $10, 8-12, 7 and under Free

September

6 - 8 Northern Gila County Fair - Truly a "home-grown" fair featuring everything from farm animals to blue ribbon pies. This year there will be live entertainment, educational booths, food, and fun for children of all ages. Horse show & livestock, small animals, agriculture, floriculture, handicrafts, lapidary, fine arts, photography, and other exhibits will be on display.

Address: Payson Event Center , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 602-291-2152 (Always call and confirm events)
Web: ngcfair.com

20 - 22 Annual Old Time Fiddlers Festival - The State Championship Old Time Fiddlers Contest is a weekend event in which contestants come from around the state to compete with the best fiddling in Arizona by contestants aged 6-86, cowboy poets, storytellers, food, country & bluegrass music, Irish step-dancers, 21 Fiddle Salute at high noon both days, children's music workshop, crafts, fiddle makers, leather workers, 9 am.

Address: Rodeo Grounds , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-5882 (Always call and confirm events)
Email: nbeck@paysonoldtimefiddlers.com
Web: www.arizonaoldtimefiddlers.org
Fee: ADULT $5 CHILDREN 12 & Under Free

20 - 22AZ0204012e015 - Payson Payson Rimstones Annual Gem and Mineral Show - Gems, minerals, fossils, opals, jewelry, slabs, cabs, geodes, or rough material plus much more will be available from our vendors. The club sponsors an education center for the children and adults with a geologist to answer questions, a Spinning Wheel (where everyone wins a rock!), a magnificent fluorescent mineral display, a free Treasure Hunt for a rock collection, sandstone/rock painting, and more as well. A silent auction area for those people interested in obtaining beautiful minerals and rocks is available too!

Friday hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.,
Saturday hours are: 9 am to 5 pm,
Sunday hours are: 10 am to 4 pm.

All our proceeds go toward supporting STEM scholarships for students who are residents of Northern Gila County attending a college of their choice, The Payson Rimstones Rock Club, INC is a 501 c (3) non-profit gem & mineral club setting aside funding for the higher and/or better education of our local students.

Address: Event Center Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, HWY 87 Mile Marker 251 , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-476-3419 (Always call and confirm events)
Email: paysonrimstones@aol.com
Fee: Adults $3 Friday, $5 Sat-Sun, Kids under 13 free

October

19 Patson Aerofair & Fly In - Aircraft Rides, Static Displays, Youth Activities, Aviation career information, Military Recruiting, Best of Show aircraft competition, Simulator hangar, Food Services, Fuel 10 cents/gal discount! 10:00am - 2:00pm.

Address: KPAN, Payson Airport, 806 West Airport Road , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-5242 (Always call and confirm events)
Email: paysonpilotsassoc@gmail.com
Web: paysonaerofair.wixsite.com/paysonaerofair
Fee: Free

24 Payson Days - Festival and Beeline Cruise In Car Show

Address: Green Valley Park , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-5242 (Always call and confirm events)
Web: adventurepayson.com/events/

26 MONSTER MASH Halloween Festival & Trunk or Treat Event - Witches and goblins looking for a place to enjoy Halloween night should look no further than the Town of Payson on Historic Main Street. This year’s event will begin earlier, giving families more time to come and go, and leaving more room for all to attend at some point in the evening. The event will run from 4pm to 9pm.

Our Halloween Movie will be Nightmare before Christmas! Make sure to bring chairs and blankets to this event!

Address: Green Valley Park , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-5242 (Always call and confirm events)
Web: adventurepayson.com/treat/
Fee: Free

November

1 - 2 Annual Rim Country Quilt Roundup - This is a Regional Quilt Show with an AQS Quilt Appraiser, Classes, National Teachers, Lectures, Vendor Mall, Special Exhibit and a Saturday Evening Awards Banquet.

Bring a can/package of non-perishable food for our local Food Banks and you will receive a ticket for a daily drawing. Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The quilt show will be held at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Exhibition Hall in Payson, AZ, on Highway 87 at Milepost 251. Special hotel room rates are available.

Address: Mazatzal Hotel and Casino Exhibition Hall, Mile Post 251 on Highway 87 , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-978-3464 (Always call and confirm events)
Email: elaineputnam@earthlink.net
Web: quiltroundup.org
Fee: $5.00 for 13 and up

December

14 Winter Wonderland and Annual Electric Light Parade - Payson Parks and Recreation’s event will be held at Green Valley Park next to the Zane Grey Museum. There will be fun for all! Kids can enjoy our festive inflatables and games on the lawn. Santa will make an appearance for pictures by the lake from 2-4pm. Attendees can enjoy the picnic area after visiting our food vendors. There will also be merchandise vendors on site for those of you looking for the perfect Christmas gifts.

To kick off the holiday lights, our ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30pm at Deming Pioneer Park. Make sure to walk down Main Street afterwards and find a spot for the best Electric Light Parade around! The parade will begin at 6pm and will head down Main Street to the Sawmill Theater. Make sure to keep an eye out for Santa and the Mogollon Monster at the end of the parade!

Address: Green Valley Park and Historic Main Street , Payson, Arizona
Ph: 928-474-5242 (Always call and confirm events)
Web: adventurepayson.com/lightparade/
Fee: Free

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Payson Parks

The Payson Parks and Recreation Department manages and maintains over 150 acres of parkland for the benefit and enjoyment of its citizens and visitors alike. Please stop by and spend some time at our facilities – we know you'll like what you find. Green Valley Park is a 40

Payson, AZ City Parks

Zane Grey Country

Under the Tonto Rim, Code of the West, To the Last Man, are all western thrillers written by Zane Grey, one of the most prolific writers of all time. The inspiration for these and many of Grey's 85 novels, 114 movies, and 215 short stories was the Tonto Rim, also known as "

Payson, AZ Famous People

Payson Golf Course

This 18 hole course is open to the public. The course's front nine is wide open and its back nine is more hilly. The greens are slow, and there is a creek that comes into play on seven holes. The course was built at 5,000

Payson, AZ Golf Courses

The Mogollon Rim

The Mogollon Rim, Arizona's mighty backbone, is an epic in natural, human history.

Payson, AZ Landmarks

Rim Country Museum

The museum, which is housed in Payson's 1906 Forest Service ranger station and a replica of a historic local hotel, contains an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia, telling the history of the Rim country and focusing on what life was like as a forest ranger in the early years.

Payson, AZ Museums

Things to do near Payson, AZ

Raven Site Indian Ruins

Raven Site sits majestically above the Little Colorado River in the White Mountains area of Arizona. The prehistoric pueblo h...

Pintail Lake Wild Game Observation Area

The Pintail Lake Wild Game Observation Area is just a couple miles south of town on State Highway 77. The game and waterfowl ...

Pine Walking History Trail

Our Pine-Strawberry area has long been enjoyed by man. It was peopled in prehistoric times, claimed by the Apaches, criss-cro...

Kinishba Ruins National Historic Landmark

Kinishba is a large pueblo ruin containing nine masonry buildings constructed between 1250 and 1350 A.D. by the Mogollon. Th...