Phoenix, AZ

Experience the sights and sounds of the Orient in downtown Phoenix, during the annual Arizona Matsuri: A Festival of Japan every February. Celebrate the Japanese culture with a parade, food, art, crafts and music, all at the Heritage & Science Park.

Address: 115 N. Sixth St., Phoenix AZ 85004 - Map
Web: www.azmatsuri.org

Ride 'em and rope 'em at the World's Oldest Rodeo, part of the annual Prescott Frontier Days every June. Watch bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing by the world's best athletes. Trick riders and rodeo clowns keep things moving throughout the event.

Address: 848 Rodeo Drive, Prescott, AZ, 86305 - Map
Phone: (928) 445-4320
Web: www.worldsoldestrodeo.com

Take a paws from your regular activities at Barktoberfest, where you and your best friend can enjoy an afternoon of unique crafts, pet games, a costume contest and a dog wash. All proceeds from the annual October event benefit the Friends For Life Animal Rescue Shelter, voted Arizona's best animal shelter.

Web: www.azfriends.org

Spice things up at the annual Chile & Chocolate Festival each November at the Desert Botanical Garden. Gourmet chocolates and zesty salsas with layers of flavor come together. More than a dozen vendors are on hand with samples and cooking demonstrations.

Address: 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix AZ 85008 - Map
Phone: (480) 941-1225
Web: www.dbg.org

Celebrate the anniversary of the paving of Gilbert Road at the annual Gilbert Days festival, a 3-day hoopla every November that features a rodeo, parade and carnival. Just 1/2-hour drive from Phoenix.

Address: 1777 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert AZ 85296 - Map
Phone: (480) 477-7432
Web: www.gilbertpromotionalcorp.org

Get your fill of everyone's favorite Mexican specialty food at the annual Somerton Tamale Festival, featured in Phoenix Magazine as one of the Top 52 Weekend Adventures in the state. There are usually more than 40 type of tamales available, along with live music and crafts. The event takes place in the heart of downtown on Main Street every December.

Web: www.somertontamalefestival.com