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 |
January
29 - 30 |
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 |
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, live music, great food vendors, bouncy houses, games, prizes, and beautiful scenery. Don't forget that Payson is generally 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Address: Green Valley Park , Payson, Arizona |
August
14 - 16 |
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 |
September
4 - 6 |
Payson Fiddle and Food Festival
- Payson is proud to host Arizona’s State Fiddling Championship for the 55th year. Come one, come all and enjoy the musical offerings of Arizona’s most talented fiddlers. From the youngest (small fry) to the eldest (senior), we’re sure that you will be delighted by their talent. Bring the family and lawn chairs and join us at the Payson Event Center for a truly enjoyable weekend full of music and amazing food trucks. Held in collaboration with the Northern Gila County Fair! Address: Payson Event Center , Payson, Arizona |
4 - 6 |
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 |
19 - 21 | ![]() All our proceeds go toward supporting STEM scholarships for graduating Payson High School students and students who are residents of Northern Gila County attending a college of their choice, as well as books and educational materials for the local elementary schools and public libraries. 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 261 , Payson, Arizona |
October
11 |
Payson Days and Beeline Car Show
- Payson Days is a lively annual event celebrating the Town of Payson with exciting live performances, a variety of food and vendors, and a stunning fireworks display. It’s a perfect opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the local talent and festive atmosphere. This event will follow the Annual Beeline Cruise-in Car Show occurring from 8:00am - 3:00pm Address: Green Valley Park , Payson, Arizona |
18 |
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! 9:00am - 2:00pm. Address: KPAN, Payson Airport, 806 West Airport Road , Payson, Arizona |
25 |
MONSTER MASH Halloween Festival & Trunk or Treat Event
- Come to Green Valley Park for a fang-tastic evening filled with thrilling games, candy galore, and a hauntedly good time for the whole family! Come dressed in your best costume and dance the night away with ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. With hay rides, a costume contest, and eerie activities around every corner, this is one event you don't want to miss! Families can enjoy trunk or treat from 4-6pm. The event will run from 4pm to 9:30pm. The Halloween Movie will be Monsters Inc.! Make sure to bring chairs and blankets to this event! Address: Green Valley Park , Payson, Arizona |
November
31 - 1 |
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 |
December
13 |
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 |