Each year, the North Valley hosts an array of lively events and festivals, celebrating our community, our attitude toward family, and our love for western heritage. From over-the-top golf tournaments to holiday extravaganzas and concerts al fresco, there is a celebration for every occasion, each another opportunity to gather with friends and family and enjoy the desert lifestyle. The following events are a few favorites!

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW) offers the culinary community 10 days of dining deliciousness two times a year — spring and fall. Featuring five-star dining establishments and chef-driven hidden gems, each participating restaurant offers a unique three-course prix fixe menu for either $33, $44, or $55 per person. Some establishments also offer wine pairing to complement the meal for an additional cost. With wide range of eclectic and familiar cuisines, highly-seasonal ingredients and decadent desserts, each ARW menu is as different and delectable as the next. arizonarestaurantweek.com.

"The Greatest Show on Grass" has hosted world-class golfers including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory McIlroy to name a few. Every year in late January, early February, TPC Scottsdale welcomes golfers and fans to partake in this one-of-a-kind party on grass often referred to as The People's Open. The week-long event features not only golf but a number of exciting concerts, food vendors, and luxury experiences. 

wmphoenixopen.com 

Whether you are an avid art collector or just starting your collection, the vast array of fine art genres and mediums exhibited at the Arizona Fine Art EXPO will exceed expectations. An incomparable art experience, the expo provides a rare opportunity to meet artists while they work in their studio creating fine art. The EXPO is the art destination of Arizona with 124 art studios within a 44,000-square-foot tent in the heart of the Sonoran desert. 

Since 1996, Arizona has drawn fans for a weekend of camping, dancing, and singing. Past acts include Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, John Denver, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, and many more. 

The semiannual shopping experience continues to provide shoppers with the opportunity to browse all things vintage, local, and handmade. With over 130 curators and handmade artisans from across the country — and a reputation for featuring quality vendors selling one-of-a-kind items and inspiring design — Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market continues to be a popular attraction for vintage enthusiasts. 

For over 45 years, the sport of Rodeo has been alive and kicking in the Sonoran Desert. The Cave Creek Rodeo Days consists of a Parade, Mutton Bustin', Rodeo Dances, a Golf Tournament, three action-packed PRCA Rodeo performances, and more to round out a weeklong celebration of an Arizona town’s Western Heritage. 

Ice skating in the desert? It's true! Christmas at The Princess is an annual celebration full of festive holiday events including an ice skating rink, private igloos, an innertube "ice" luge, interactive S’moresland, Santa’s Secret Headquarters, and a train ride through millions of dazzling lights. For those looking for the ultimate holiday experience, Christmas at The Princess offers rink-side fire pits and a visit from Santa himself straight to your hotel room.