Arizona is a state rightly famous for its road trips, with breath-taking drives through and to scenic spots like Monument Valley and The Grand Canyon. All Arizonan roads lead somewhere, whether it’s deserts, mountains, sunsets, friendly faces or enthralling events. The land of legendary asphalt journeys can take you to festivals as broad and inviting as the state itself. These include festivals dedicated to music, food, films, books and more, with a huge variety of large and small events.
Alpine Country Blues Festival is, as you might have guessed, a rocking revelry of blues and country music, with artists and attendees coming from far and wide. There is food, wine, beer, laughter and of course fantastic performances from noted names of the genre. Previous artists have included Desert Dixie, Hans Olson and Harlis Sweetwater Band. The event is set against the beautiful backdrop of the White Mountains, and is the perfect place for bopping, boogying and bluesing away.
The four-day Jerome Indie Film and Music Festival, held in the former ghost town of Jerome, exhibits and features film and music in many locations, including some unique site-specific events. These include screenings atop a gold mine and aboard travelling train. The festival prides itself on being very independent and promoting the absolute best of unique and unusual artistic creativity.
Restival is an event centred around recuperation and relaxation. A retreat into the desert to promote wellness and connection, it’s the perfect place to get back in touch with nature. Here, you can live without the digital ties of your everyday life, and explore meditation and yoga as relaxing ways to replenish your soul. This festival is a little different to most others, but it is proving a worthwhile reason for many pilgrims to venture into the barren deserts of Arizona.
Fans of beer will find yeasty and fizzy fun in Tempe Oktoberfest, Arizona’s answer to Germany’s huge and hoppy beer festivals. With recent attendances of over 200,000 ale guzzlers, it’s a great festival to topple a tipple or ten. Each year, there are loads of authentic German foods and drinks, alongside more tasty treats from other parts of the world. You can fill your face with plenty, and wash it all down with a great range of beers.