Payson, Arizona
Upcoming Events in Payson Arizona
Monthly
![]() Address: East-West Exchange, 100 N Tonto Street, Payson, AZ , Payson, Arizona |
February
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 |
8 - 10 |
FLW EverStart Western Division Bass Tournament
- The FLW (Forest L. Wood) has again selected Payson as the Host Town and Roosevelt Lake to support one of its EverStart Western Division bass fishing tournaments. Fishing will take place from February 21-23, 2013. This premiere fishing tournament is one of several national qualifying tournaments for professional bass fishermen and co-anglers to compete for prizes ranging from bass boats to cash. Times: 1:00 PM - College Angler Weigh-in (At Cholla Recreational Site) 2:30 PM - FLW EverStart Final Weigh-in (At Cholla Recreational Site on Day 1 & 2) 4:00 PM - FLW EverStart Final Day top 10 anglers The registration and pre-tournament meeting will be hosted by the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino in Payson on Wednesday, February 20. Registration will be 4-6 PM with the mandatory pre-tournament meeting starting at 6:00 PM. FLW sponsors and local businesses will have booths, demonstrations and speakers during the registration period. This will be very informative and is open to everyone! We encourage everyone to attend and talk with some of the best fishing professionals in the world! Fishing License: An Arizona license is required and may be purchased by phone at 866.462.0433 or online at www.AZGFD.gov. Licenses may also be purchased at Walmart. Catch Limit: best 5 bag limit, Size Limit: Minimum 12" bass (FLW rule) Fees: See www.flwoutdoors.com For all official tournament information Pro Entry Fee: $1000 Co-Angler Fee: $400 Ph: 928-474-5242 (Always call and confirm events) |
June
15 |
Mountain High Games
- The Payson Arizona Mountain High Games is the Southwest’s largest celebration of adventure sports combined with ATV trail rides, and a massive outdoor expo. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the cool mountain temperatures while competing in or watching this thrilling event. There is over $7,000 in cash prizes up for grabs as well as other sponsor prizes. Professional and amateur athletes from all over the Southwest converge upon the mountain community of Payson to compete in 8 different competitions for cash and prizes. This year’s sporting events include: Mountain Bike Race, Trail Run, Dutch Oven Cooking Contest, Archery Competition, ATV Rodeo, ATV Trail Rides, Sawdust Games (*note the Sawdust Festival is no longer a 2 day event) Trucks Only Demolition Derby, and an old fashioned Horseshoe Tournament. Onsite registration. Due to the popularity of this event, we urge you print out the registration forms online, fill them out and bring them with you to the onsite registration! Address: Payson Multi-Event Center, 1400 S. Beeline Highway , 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, 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 |
August
9 - 10 |
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
5 - 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 |
13 - 15 |
Payson Rimstones Annual Gem and Mineral Show
- Gems, minerals, fossils, lapidary equipment, jewelry and jewelry findings, slabs or rough material plus gold prospecting equipment and displays 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, with beading, a Treasure Hunt for a rock collection, and sandstone/rock painting as well. A silent auction area for those persons interested in obtaining beautiful minerals and rocks is available too! Friday hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday hours are: 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday hours are: 10 am to 4 pm. All our proceeds go toward supporting 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: Tonto Apache Reservation, Event Center, Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, Mile Marker 251 AZ HWY 87 , Payson, Arizona |
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 |
October
4 - 5 |
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 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 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: Mile Post 251 on Highway 87 , Payson, Arizona |
26 |
Trunk-or-Treat Festival
- Witches and goblins looking for a place to enjoy Halloween night should look no further than the Town of Payson’s Trunk or Treat Festival on Historic Main Street. Candy will be provided by the Payson Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department and "trunk" participants will be handing it out. Trunk or Treat intended for young children under age 12 to ensure a safe trick or treating experience. There will be spooky music and vendors. It’ll be fun for the whole family. 6-9:00 PM HAUNTED HOUSE @ THE OXBOW - $3 per person or $2 plus a can of food A haunted house at the Oxbow Saloon, filled with a museum of resident spooks, goblins and scary surprises will be staged by the Payson High School Drama Department. For all you parents worried about bringing the little ones to this spooky gala, you will be happy to know that this is a family event and the "Scariness" of the haunted house will be adjusted depending on the age of the children going through it. A portion of the gate will go to help support the Drama Department and their yearly activities. This year’s haunted house theme will be ZOMBIELAND!!!. Address: Main Street next to Oxbow Saloon , Payson, Arizona |
November
26 |
High Country Holiday Bazaar
- Craft bazaar and bake sale. 9am - 2pm. Address: Community Presbyterian Church, 800 West Main , Payson, Arizona |
9 |
Turkey Trot Fitness 5k Run
- A pleasant 3.1-mile fitness walk/run beginning and finishing at Green Valley Park amphitheater. The race will start at 10 am, Saturday. Late registration will only be accepted the day of the race. All pre-registered participants will receive a souvenir race shirt. Overall winners will receive free turkeys. Register by November 10th Address: Green Valley Park , Payson, Arizona |
December
23 |
Magic on the Mountain Electric Light Parade
- It's that time of year again! On the first Saturday in December at 6:00 PM the Annual Main Street Parade will transform Historic Main Street into a magical holiday wonderland! The parade will proceed west on Main Street from Sawmill Crossing to Julia Randall School. Immediately following the parade come to Santa's Workshop at the OxBow for more fun for the kids! Rain or Shine! Address: Main Street Payson Arizona , Payson, Arizona |