ANNUAL EVENTS
Fountain Hills and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation are home to several major annual events which are listed below. If you would like to see a complete listing of all events held within the community, click here.
FOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS
November 14-16, 2008, 10 am - 5 pm
Held on the Avenue of the Fountains, this 3-day juried show with nearly 480 artists attracts an estimate 170,000 visitors and features food booths, musicians, and a beer garden.
ORME DAM VICTORY DAYS
November 13-16, 2008, 9 am - 10 pm
Each year, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation commemorates the 960-member tribe's successful struggle to prevent the construction of a dam which would have flooded the community. Activities include a parade, rodeo, carnival, cultural performances, frybread contest, rock concert performances and much more. For events schedule and concert tickets, go to www.ftmcdowell.org.
THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
November 27, 2008, 9 am
The only Thanksgiving Day Parade in Arizona, featuring local groups and a Grand Marshall. A parade theme is chosen each year. Parade starts at 9 am at the corners of Saguaro and El Lago Boulevards.
STROLL IN THE GLOW
December 6, 2008, 5 pm
Stroll on Avenue of the Fountains - over 60,000 lights twinkle on the median. Santa arrives, carolers sing and shops are open for visitors.
HOLIDAY LUMINARIAS
December 22-24, 2008, Sunset
Three nights before Christmas, luminarias are lit by hundres of volunteers. Thousands of luminarias line the streets of downtown and the shores of Fountain Lake.
SILVER CAR AUCTION
January 16-19, 2009, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Fort McDowell Casino, Fort McDowell Road
Vehicle registration is January 19-20. Admission is $15 per day or $20 for a 3-day pass. Winner Circle Card Holders pay $10 per day or $15 for a 3-day pass. Call 800.255.4485 for further information.
PONY EXPRESS DAY
January 29, 2009, 3-7 p.m.
For 50 years the Navajo County Hashknife Sheriff’s Posse with up to 30 riders participating, recreates the ride of the Pony Express from Holbrook to Scottsdale with stops and celebrations in communities along the way. It all culminates with their participation in Scottsdale’s annual Parada del Sol. On this day, the riders gallop into Fountain Hills and are officially greeted at the Post Office in the early afternoon, followed by a free festive event, featuring music, food and drink at the Fountain Hills Community Center.
FOUNTAIN HILLS GREAT FAIR
February 20-21, 2009, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
February 22, 2009, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m
This 3-day juried show on the Avenue of the Fountains features nearly 480 artists, with food booths, entertainment, plus a Hot Air Balloon Rally at dawn on Sunday morning in Fountain Park, (weather permitting).
SIXTH ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN FINE ARTS SHOW
March 7-9, 2009
Fort McDowell Casino, Fort McDowell Road, 480.816.7162
ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION
March 14, 2009, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Come see our world famous fountain turn emerald green at noon and 6 p.m. Festivities include food and drinks. Various bands entertain throughout the day.
