Prescott’s Special Events season is already in full swing. May through September is packed with great outdoor events in the City of Prescott. These events bring out residents and visitors alike to experience all that our fine City has to offer.
May offers four main events. Whiskey Row Marathon begins at 6 a.m., May 6. This is the event’s 39th year, and it is considered one of the toughest races in the country, because of elevation, the terrain and the possible weather. The Mountain Artists Guild Fine Art and Wine Festival takes place at Courthouse Plaza May 13-14. On the same weekend, the Prescott Highland Games brings Celtic traditional games, food and fun to Watson Lake. May 27-29 is the Phippen Western Art Show at Courthouse Plaza. Now in its 43rd year, the event features fine artists from all over the country.
June starts with the Summer Concert Series hosted by the Prescott Downtown Partnership on June 1, with multiple dates each week through August. The Party In The Pines Beer, Food and Music Festival is June 3 at Mile High Middle School. June 10-11 is the Territorial Days Fine Art and Craft Show on the Courthouse Plaza, hosted by the Prescott Chamber. The chrome and steel rolls in June 17 for the Yavapai Classic Cruiser Car Show at Mile High Middle School. June 24-25 brings the Prescott Bluegrass Festival on Goodwin Street. Rounding out the month is the World’s Oldest Rodeo June 28. Finally, the Kiwanis Club Kiddie Parade is on June 30 on Cortez Street.
July kicks off with the world-famous Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade in downtown Prescott and the Whiskey Row Street Dance on July 1 on Montezuma Street. Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Art & Crafts Show is held from July 1-3 at the Courthouse plaza. The World’s Oldest Rodeo takes place at the Rodeo grounds June 28 through July 4. Of course, we have fireworks downtown on July 4 as well at Mile High Middle School, with family activities, food and fireworks. July 22-23 Prescott continues the Old West theme with the Shootout on Whiskey Row, performed by the famous Prescott Regulators and the Shady Ladies. We close the month on July 29-30 with the Williamson Valley Fire District Arts and Crafts show on the Courthouse Plaza.
Summer attractions wind down in August and September with some memorable events. August 4-6 is the Prescott Antique Auto Club Car Show at Watson Lake. The Mountain Artist Guild Fine Art and Crafts Show takes place on Courthouse Plaza. The Prescott Food Truck Festival takes place Sept. 2 at Mile High Middle School, coinciding with the Faire on the Square at Courthouse Plaza Sept. 2-4. Yavapai County Fair returns to the Rodeo Grounds Sept. 7-10.
As you can see, Prescott is brimming with great events. This list only covers the outdoor “highlights” for the season. For more, go to the city’s Visit-Prescott.com website, or check out our Facebook Page at Visit Prescott. The Prescott Chamber’s Visitor Center at 117 Goodwin Street has information and brochures about most of these events and more. During and after the events, be sure to visit the one of a kind, locally-owned restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes and shops that add to the unique charm of Prescott. QCBN
By Harry B. Oberg
Harry B. Oberg is the mayor of Prescott.
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