Tourist Events Near Phoenix

• Phoenix, the capital of Arizona and its largest city, is located in the Sonora Desert; it has a dry climate year-round with warm, mild winters and hot summers. This large metropolis has many activities, festivals and events that draw both tourists and locals alike. From concerts to arts and crafts, the Phoenix area abounds with events that include Native American activities and celebrations of fine arts.

Renaissance Festival

• The Arizona Renaissance Festival, located east of Phoenix, is a medieval amusement park and Renaissance Festival. Due to Arizona's mild winter, the festival runs each year in late winter to early spring on the weekends. The event features a circus and jousting exhibitions. The festival also has an artisan marketplace and arts and crafts throughout the park. Food is one thing that patrons of the event look forward to; finger foods such as steak on a stake, sausages and turkey legs are served each year.

  Renaissance Festival

  12601 East Highway 60

  Apache Junction, AZ 85118

  520-463-2600

  royalfaires.com

Phoenix International Raceway

• At the Phoenix International Raceway, the semi-final NASCAR Sprint Cup is a four-series race. Held yearly on November 11 to 13, this is one of racing's biggest events. The raceway attracts more than 150,000 fans for the semi-final races. Each year, a different company sponsors the four-race event. Fans who like to be close to the action, teams and cars can purchase pre-pit passes. Events at the raceway, including pre-race practices, start for spectators on November 11. During the three-day event, fans with pre-pit passes can access the pit area. The actual races begin on November 12.

  Phoenix International Raceway

  7602 South 115th Ave.

  Avondale, AZ 85232

  623-463-5400

  phoenixraceway.com

Arizona Fine Art Expo

• The Arizona Fine Art Expo, which is held annually, highlights the talents of more than 100 well-known national artists. The Cafe de Expo is an event where visitors can watch artists at work, including sculptors who make life-sized sculptures,painters, sketchers and designers. Children under 12 years old are admitted free to the event and senior citizens and those in the military receive a discounted rate off the ticket price.

  Arizona Fine Art Expo

  26540 N Scottsdale Rd.

  Scottsdale, AZ 85255

  480-837-7163

  arizonafineartexpo.com

Heard Museum

• The Heard Museum of Phoenix, which celebrates Native American cultures, educates visitors about the heritage and life of Native Americans. The museum hosts many family events, including a Holiday Festival during the month of December, the Heard Museum Fall Shop, a Harvest Feast in November and the annual Guild Indian Fair and Market.

  Heard Museum

  2301 N. Central Ave.

  Phoenix, AZ 85004

  602-252-8848

  heard.org