October 2 - 5
Annual Rex Allen Days (Willcox)
This annual celebration honors the late Rex Allen, Willcox's own silver screen cowboy. Activities include golf tournament, parade, country fair, rodeo, turtle race, softball tournaments, cowboy dances and a country music concert. For more information call the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture at 520-384-2272 or visit www.rexallenmuseum.org
October 4-5
37th Annual Art in the Park (Sierra Vista)
This juried fair, sponsored by the Huachuca Art Association, attracts artists from numerous states and often presents exciting new artists as well as returning favorites. Held in Veterans' Memorial Park in downtown Sierra Vista, the event is open 9-6 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. Admission is free.
October 10, 11
Sierra Vista Community Chorus Gospel Concert
The annual gospel concert will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, October 10 and at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 11 at the Faith Presbyterian Church in Sierra Vista. A free will offering will benefit CANTER, the Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources, a local organization which promotes the health and independence of individuals with disabilities using therapeutic horse riding. (Faith Presbyterian Church is at 2053 Choctaw Drive in Sierra Vista, turn west off highway 92 on Choctaw.)
October 11-12
Jewelry, Gem and Mineral Show (Sierra Vista)
The Huachuca Mineral and Gem Club will present live demonstrations, educational displays, jewelry, gems, rocks and minerals, along with lapidary supplies and a food vendor. Hours are 9-6 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday at the Elks Lodge on Wilcox Avenue in Sierra Vista (near the main gate to Fort Huachuca). Free admission and parking.
October 11
Butterfield Overland Stage Days (Benson)
There will be vendors and entertainment in Lions Park. The Benson Volunteer Fire Department celebrate their 101st birthday with a large cake with 101 candles.There will also be an official U.S. Post Office Pony Express mail run from Benson to Dragoon on horseback taking letters with a special cancellation just for this event. The day will end with a fireworks show. For more information call the Benson Chamber of Commerce at 520 586-2842. www.bensonchamberaz.com
October 11
Butterfield Rodeo (Benson)
The Butterfield Rodeo will be held at the Arena Bar on Prickly Pear Ave. (across from Wal-Mart) It starts at 5:00 pm and will be followed by a dance at 8:30 pm. For information call 520 586-4293. www.bensonvisitorcenter.com
October 11-12
2 Flags Festival (Douglas)
This annual bi-national celebration is held in Castro Park on 10th Street in Douglas with music, dance, and a puppet show for the kids. The Douglas Public Library is on hand with a book sale. Hours are 10 am - 7 pm on Saturday, noon - 5 pm on Sunday.
October 17-19
Helldorado Days (Tombstone)
Activities include re-enactments and street entertainment, fashion shows, carnival, live music, beard contest and parade on Sunday. Sponsored by Helldorado, Inc. Contact Steve Reeder at (520) 457-3291 or www.helldoradodays.com
October 18 and 19
2008 Power From the Past Antique Engine Show
Tombstone Courthouse State Park
Antique tractors, stationary engines and antique cars will be on display or operating on Saturday October 18th and 19th in conjunction with Tombstone’s Helldorado Days. Sat. 8 am – 5 pm and Sun. 8 am – 3 pm. (520) 457-3311.
October 25
Brown Canyon Open House (Hereford)
Guided nature walks, children's activities and entertainment by the B Troop (Memorial Cavalry) and cowboy poet Bud Strom will be presented from 9 am to 2 pm in Ramsey Canyon south of Sierra Vista. For information call (520) 803-6590.
October 31- November 2
18th Annual Festival of Color Hot Air Balloon Rally (Sierra Vista)
A sky filled with color! Sierra Vista school flights on Friday, flights from Veterans Park Saturday and Sunday and the evening Balloon Glow on Saturday from 6:30-8 pm. Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd., Sierra Vista. All events weather permitting. Free. (520) 439-3069.
October 31 - November 2
Tombstone Western Music Festival
Adults: $15.00
Students with student ID: $10.00, Kids under 12 are free
The talent lineup this year includes: Patty Clayton, Kip Calahan, Due West, Doc Stovall, Joe Bethancourt, Journey West, Justus and the Montanas, and Bill Barwick, the Voice of the Western Channel.
December 12
Celebrate, the Holiday Concert (Sierra Vista)
The Sierra Vista Community Chorus will present its annual holiday concert at the Buena Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 12. Admission is free but a donation of new toys is appropriate. These toys will help fill the holiday baskets provided by the Sierra Vista Fire Department to bring Christmas joy to children in need.
January 15-18
Wings Over Willcox
A Birding and Nature Festival. Birding tours, trade show, seminars and much more. For more information contact Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture at 520-384-2272 or the WOW website.
February 6-8
Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering (Sierra Vista)
Headline stage performances by leading Western poets and musicians are presented Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon at the Buena Performing Arts Center in Sierra Vista. Free informal sessions are held all day Saturday, allowing the visitors to meet their favorite performers and scope out the new, upcoming talent arriving on the scene. For the latest information check their website.
Ongoing:
Tombstone Covered Wagon and Stagecoach tours
With some of the driver/guides the narration of this tour tends to wander somewhat into the land of legend, but the huge, slow-paced horses are wonderful and the stagecoach has been richly re-upholstered in keeping with its original style. There is also a covered wagon option which provides less comfortable seating but a much better view. If you have a small child or grandchild you won't get out of town without taking this ride---every time. We tend to alternate between the covered wagon one visit and the stagecoach the next, just for variety. Kids love it.
Apple Annie's Fall Pumpkin Celebration (Willcox)