Just like that we are already over half way through the year with another several months of 2024 remaining. Do not let any more time pass by without booking your next trip to Sedona. We are the jewel of Arizona featuring outdoor activities, lively events, and cooler temps than what Central Arizona is used to. One of the best times to visit Sedona is over the Labor Day Weekend. The holiday typically gives both adults and children an extended weekend from school and work making it a great time to travel. Sedona has plenty to see and do over this weekend as well. Take a look at how to spend your 2024 Labor Day in Sedona:
Labor Day Concert
There is nothing better during the summer season than a little live music to get you by. When you visit Sedona over the summer you will find the summer Creekside concert series over at L’Auberge de Sedona. They will cap off this summer long event with their annual Labor Day Concert that takes place on Saturday August 31st. In years past the Labor Day Concert features local bands to take the stage from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM for three hours full of lovely live music. The live music will be paired perfectly with cocktails and seasonal bites to ensure you have a delightful experience. This year’s lineup for the Labor Day Concert is not yet available so keep your eyes peeled for additional information to become available. Tickets start at $50 per person for the Labor Day Concert over at L’Auberge de Sedona.
Take on a Verde Adventure
You can always get out and see Sedona for yourself but with so much to do you may end up missing a few things. Another great way to see what Sedona has to offer is by taking a Verde Adventure with the pros over at Sedona Adventure Tours. This is the #1 rated company to take you out on the Verde River right here in the area. They offer quite a few different ways to explore the Verde River including by inflatable kayak, paddle board, or river tube. Their water to wine tour allows you to navigate the river before heading off to a winery for a little tasting flight. Sedona Adventure Tours is also known for quite a bit more too including all of their winery tour options. This also includes a bike or e-bike tour that combines with a winery tour. Or check out the paddle board to yoga that lets you explore while having a chance to unwind afterwards. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities you have in Sedona!
Hike the Red Rock State Park
You will find some of the most stunning natural scenery in the entire state of Arizona here locally at the Red Rock State Park. Stop by the visitor center first where you can explore the interpretive area or movie theater to learn all about the area. The gift shop has plenty of incredible gifts to purchase to commemorate your journey with. When you venture into the park you will find a 5 mile trail network that will connect you to the different viewing areas. Make your way up to Eagle’s Nest for the highest point in the park. The trails are family oriented and will make sure everyone has a blast with it. Mountain biking is available on certain marked trails making them easy to find. You can also book a horseback riding journey with a local stable to explore the equestrian trails too.
Enjoy the Wineries
A well known secret up here in Sedona is that we are the wine country of Arizona. You will find dozens of local vineyards and tasting rooms that are able to enjoy a tasting fight or glass of wine from. You simply cannot beat being able to sip on your choice of wine as you have the Red Rock mountains out in the backdrop for the perfect scenery. Winery tours are available at most of the vineyards letting you get a close look at behind the scenes. Of course visiting multiple wineries in a day is not possible when you are driving. Let someone else take the wheel when you book a tour with AZ Wine Wagon. This winery shuttle service will take you around Sedona so you don’t have to find a designated driver. Single seat and full bus rentals are available letting you figure out what you need!
More Fun Right Here in Sedona
Of course the most important thing you need to plan for when getting ready for Sedona is your lodging. Reserve one of our vacation rentals today and prepare for luxury amenities and stunning views that only Sedona can provide. Your Labor Day Weekend is about to be your best yet.
The summer season is always full of exciting reasons to get out and explore somewhere new. Whether you are taking advantage of your kids’ break from school or wanting to enjoy the warm weather, the summer season is always an ideal time to travel. Come check out the beautiful oasis of Sedona right here in Arizona that is sure to offer a stellar time. If you are looking for the perfect excuse to come visit, consider visiting around the Fourth of July holiday. Celebrating our nation’s founding is always an important occasion, and doing so at a special destination will truly set this year’s celebration apart from all the others. Sedona offers a variety of ways you can celebrate the 2024 Fourth of July in Arizona.
4th of July Wet Fest
Everyone knows that the summer season here in Arizona is always a hot one. Sedona may not be as hot as areas such as Phoenix, but you can still expect high temperatures throughout your stay. Luckily, the city knows how to plan accordingly with the annual 4th of July Wet Fest taking place each year on the Fourth of July. This annual event is a full-day celebration hosted over at the West Sedona School parking lots. This event is free to attend and will let you beat the heat by enjoying recreational swim in the rec pool. Kids can also join in on the fun with the giant water slides that will be an absolute blast for them to enjoy. You get to cool off while taking in the incredible views of the Red Rocks in the backdrop.
Local food vendors will also be on hand, ensuring you never go hungry and enjoy some delicious food. Attendees are required to be in swim attire in order to use the pool and water slides and the only pets allowed are ADA service dogs. This year’s 4th of July Wet Fest will begin at noon and run until 4:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to get ready for the annual fireworks show in Cottonwood.
July 4th Firecracker Express
One of the top attractions found in the Sedona area is the Verde Canyon Railroad. This is an authentic railroad service that will take you around the area and more to see the stunning mountains and gorgeous forest scenery from the comfort of a railcar. The original Verde Canyon Railroad started back in the early 1900s but has since turned into a modern experience featuring luxury passenger cars with a variety of amenities.
Throughout the year, the Verde Canyon Railroad hosts a variety of special events, typically around annual holidays. The Fourth of July is no different when they host their Firecracker Express ride on the railroad line. This inclusive experience has you learn all about the rich Arizona wildlife, including having a live bald eagle brought out along with other feathered friends for an educational session with Liberty Wildlife. Each year, the Firecracker Express provides educational knowledge on archeology, geology, and ancestry of the Verde Canyon. You will come away from the experience as knowledgeable as ever of the Sedona region. The railroad line will take you past historic Native American dwellings along with limestone tunnels and historic trestles.
Best of all, you will remain as comfortable as ever during the voyage from the luxury passenger cars. Tickets are currently available for the July 4th Firecracker Express exclusively brought to you by the Verde Canyon Railroad.
Cottonwood 4th of July Fireworks
The city of Sedona has not hosted a fireworks event in years allowing the city to focus on other exciting events such as the Wet Fest. However, that does not mean you will miss out on fireworks during your stay! Join the locals in heading over to nearby town Cottonwood to experience their 4th of July Fireworks celebration. This annual celebration kicks off the fireworks right at 9:00 PM for a dazzling display in the night sky. If you happen to find yourself in cottonwood earlier in the day you can also catch their Fantastic Family 4th of July event. This annual event starts at 4:00 PM for a fun filled day of activities. Free food will be available from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a tasty feast along with yard games, local vendors, and kid-friendly activities. A VFW patriotic salute will also take place to honor this historic holiday. You will find the drive over to Cottonwood to be extremely easy when staying in Sedona!
Book Your Stay Today
Get ready for a patriotic and exciting Fourth of July celebration by making your way to Sedona this year. Our vacation rentals are sure to keep you comfortable as you beat the summer heat in the area!
There are so many different ways you can celebrate Father’s Day this year. Make the most of the summer season and take your special paternal figure on a memorable trip to the Red Rock mountains surrounding Sedona. If you have yet to visit Sedona you will be in for quite the treat. This Northern Arizona location is known for incredible views of the valley and local activities to help you unwind. Take a look at the many different ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Arizona this year:
Treat Him to a Steak Dinner
Sedona features many different ways to help your father get treated to Father’s Day. There are a variety of local steak houses that are the perfect option for a Father’s Day dinner. Steakhouse89 is a local favorite that has all of your favorite steak house entrees on a single menu. The restaurant features a laid back atmosphere so you don’t have to dress up to the fullest. Enjoy the variety of grilled meats that also includes decadent seafood. Sunday brunch is offered each week so you can also start your weekend off right with hearty meals and handcrafted brunch cocktails. Check out the happy hour for incredible drink and appetizer specials too. Additional steakhouse options in the area also include Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits along with The Golden Goose American Grille.
Get to Hiking
One of the best reasons to go to Sedona is to see the incredible red rock mountains that surround the valley. The views are always stunning and leave nothing to the imagination. When you visit Sedona for Father’s Day in June you will be in the area during a time when the busy tourist season has ended. Sedona is located north of Phoenix and can get quite hot and sunny during the summers. This typically has Sedona be a little quieter in June than it is earlier in the year. Take advantage of the smaller crowds and check out the local trails. Sedona has quite a few iconic sites that are easy to get to with spacious trailheads. Head over to the iconic Devil’s Bridge, the landmark rock arch that is always Instagram worthy. The trailhead will take you to the bridge and back out with little change in elevation. Cathedral Rock Trailhead is shorter at only 1.5 miles in length but features a steep ascension that will reward you with elevated views up top. Another iconic landmark that is worth checking out is the Subway Cave that can be accessed through the Boynton Canyon Trail. This is a 6.1 mile roundtrip hike that lets you get up into the cave and hike around the rim for beautiful views of the entire valley. These hikes are sure to let any outdoor adventurer feel accomplished when visiting for Father’s Day.
Hit Up the Local Breweries
Help dad find some time to relax and unwind by hitting up the local breweries in the area. Sedona is home to our very own Sedona Beer Company that is a more recent addition to the city. Sedona Beer Company specializes in handcrafted beer that can be enjoyed while having views of the red rocks. Sedona Beer Company now features two different taprooms, one in uptown off Jordan Road while the other just opened up at 70 Dry Creek Rd. The tap list features your favorite beer styles on the menu including lagers, IPAs, pilsners, stouts, and much more. They also produce small batch specialty beers and rotating seasonal ales as well. While you would think visiting a brewery would be an adult only activity Sedona Beer Company is always family friendly! Each location offers a food menu complete of your favorite pub foods. Enjoy items such as the street fries, pub pretzel bites, or shrimp street tacos. Each location has a different food menu making each visit a little different. Another great brewery to visit during your Father’s Day stay in Sedona is Oak Creek Brewing. Their location offers a cozy little outdoor garden for you to relax in as you sip on their beers. The fire pit will make sure the cooler evenings are nice and warm and live music is typically offered on the weekends on the patio. Everything here in Sedona is close by our vacation rentals making it easy to hit up these local breweries during your Father’s Day stay!
More Fun To Be Had Here in Sedona
Now that you have a few ideas on how to spend your Father’s Day in Second you can get on with your planning! June is a great time to see Sedona as the spring crowds leave and the outdoor fun is more available. Book one of our vacation rentals here in the area and get ready for an adventurous Father’s Day!
Each year we prepare for another busy holiday season where we get together with our loved ones. The holidays always bring a smile to our faces as we continue long family traditions. This year, try something new for your Thanksgiving holiday by visiting a destination you have always wanted to see. If you have yet to visit Sedona, you will be in for quite the treat. Sedona during the holiday season is a beautiful destination with plenty of exciting events and activities in the area. Take a look at what you can expect when you book a stay in Sedona for Thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving Meals in the City
When you travel for the holidays, you may be looking to try something new out. This can include avoiding being stuck in the kitchen throughout the day preparing a large feast for everyone. If this sounds like you, you will find plenty to be happy about in Sedona. There are plenty of local restaurants in Sedona that are open on Thanksgiving Day and providing delicious meals so you do not have to cook. For a premier experience with fine dining, look no further than Thanksgiving Dinner at Cress on Oak Creek. This restaurant is known for elegant fine dining and elevates it further with their Thanksgiving menu. You will be provided with a culinary experience like no other. Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with five full courses prepared by award winning chefs. You can even pair each course with an elegant wine. Dinner is available from 2:00 to 8:00 PM Thanksgiving Day, starting at $175 per person. You can also find more casual meals in the area too. Mesa Grill will be offering a Thanksgiving feast for all. Rene at Tlaquepaque is a local favorite and will be provided a culinary delight with three courses of delicious entrees and sides. You cannot go wrong with any of the local restaurant options here in Sedona.
Enjoy a Home Cooked Meal
Visitors can also keep their annual tradition of preparing a meal as well. Stay in your vacation rental and use the gourmet kitchen provided in each property. You will find full-size appliances and all of the cookware you need to make your meal. Our kitchens often feature modern renovations including restaurant quality appliances making it easier than ever to cook everything at once. Dining rooms offer an elegant spot to sit down and enjoy your meal together as a family. All you practically need are the ingredients and everyone to be present for the holiday season. These vacation rentals will be your new home away from.
2023 Sedona Turkey Trot 5K
Sedona often does not hold many Thanksgiving events in the area since it is known to be a more tranquil destination complete with beautiful scenery. One event that continues on Thanksgiving day every day is the annual Sedona Turkey Trot 5K. This like other cities across the country Sedona also offers a turkey trot where you can build up your appetite through an exciting run all while dressed up for the occasion. This year will the 14th consecutive Sedona Turkey Trot 5K this year. You will see firsthand why Sedona is a runner’s paradise as you see the iconic Sedona Red Rocks in the background. The race will begin and end at Posse Grounds Park where you can forge memories for a lifetime. Make sure to join in on the fun too by wearing your favorite turkey attire. Registration for the event in advance is required to participate. The race will start at 9:00 AM so don’t miss out on the 2023 Sedona Turkey Trot 5K.
Enjoy Fall Activities
Last but not least, make sure you enjoy the variety of fall activities right here in Sedona. The fall season around Thanksgiving is always known to be one of the best times of the year to visit. The weather has cooled, making it easier to get out and explore the local scenery. Head over to Oak Creek Canyon for a magnificent drive down Arizona Highway 89A. The winding road is surrounded by beautiful creek and forest scenery. While you are there head over to Pendley Homestead to explore their 43-acre apple orchard where you can pick your own apples. Or hike up the beautiful red rocks in the area where you can find a variety of relatively short hikes waiting for you. There is a small admission fee to enter the Red Rock State Park but is more than worth it.
Thanksgiving in Sedona Is Wonderful
As you can see, there are plenty of ways for you to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday here in Sedona. Get ready for your new family tradition by reserving one of our vacation rentals in the area. You will be happy to spend your time in Sedona.
There is a reason why the holidays seem to be the favorite time of year for most. During the fall and winter seasons, you will find a variety of holidays to celebrate, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. If you are a Halloween ghoul, you will be happy to know that Sedona has some of the most exciting events and activities available for the holiday. Sedona’s northern climate and quiet surroundings make it an ideal spot for your next Halloween adventure. Take a look at how you can spend Halloween in Sedona this year:
Howl-O-Ween Costume Parade
A visit around Halloween does not always land right on the weekend leading up to the holiday. If you find yourself in Sedona in the middle of October and have a friendly pup with you, you can make it to the annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Parade here in town. This parade for costumed dogs takes place at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village here in town. Participants are encouraged to prepare lively floats and have your dogs in their best costume for this cute and loveable event. There will be various cash prizes and trophies handed out to the best dressed pups; categories for prizes include Craziest Canine, Doggone Cutest, and Leader of the Pack. All proceeds of Howl-O-Ween Costume Parade benefit the Human Society of Sedona. Don’t miss out on this exciting event here in the area!
Uptown Trick or Treat
Finding a place for your children to go trick-or-treating when you’re at home can already be a stressful factor, and it can be even more so when spending Halloween away. Don’t fret, as Sedona sponsors the Uptown Trick or Treat right here in the city. On Halloween Monday 10/31 families will be able to traverse Uptown Sedona for a safe and inviting trick or treat experience. Parking will be available for the event along with a shuttle service. Participating merchant locations will be made known with signs so you know where to go. The event is absolutely free to attend and takes place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Uptown Sedona.
Fright Night on the Verde Canyon Railroad
One of the most popular attractions nearby Sedona is the Verde Canyon Railroad. They offer year-round four-hour train rides where you can explore the beautiful Northern Arizona scenery from the comfort of your train cart. The trips offer fascinating visuals along with access to tasty food and drink. This Halloween season you can enjoy a spooky event like no other with Fright Night put on by Verde Canyon Railroad. Every Friday and Saturday night starting on September 15th and running through until Halloween night you will be able to enjoy this frightening haunted house. Instead of a train ride, you will be tasked with escaping the clutches of the haunted railcar. Expect to see a terrifying monster squad along with a dark train maze. This experience may be scary and is not recommended for young children who spook easily. If you prefer the classic train ride experience but with a fall twist, make sure you ride aboard the Ales on Rails train ride that runs from September 12th though Halloween Day. You can enjoy samples of delicious Arizona craft beer before you take a scenic train ride complete with a champagne toast. Fall has never tasted so good!
Visit the Haunted Town of Jerome
Northern Arizona communities are all located close to one another and are easy to get to when you have a vehicle on hand. One of the best ways to spend any Halloween adventure is by taking the short trek over to our neighbors in Jerome. This local town is known for its recent hauntings that have been caused by a long and rich mining history in the area. Due to Jerome’s notoriety for hauntings, it is especially popular around Halloween. The fun starts in Jerome with the annual Fireman’s Ball that takes place the Saturday before each Halloween. The event is sponsored by Jerome’s fire department and takes place at Spook Hall. It is a lively event that is remembered fondly each year. Make sure to take part in a walking ghost tour put on by Jerome Ghost Tours. Their incredible tours offer exclusive access to local haunted locations including Haskins House, Old High School, Auditorium & Boiler Room, and Jerome Cemetery. Their tours are the only way to see these landmarks and learn all about the spooky encounters of local hauntings. Don’t miss out on the short trek to Jerome around Halloween!
Sedona Is Waiting This Halloween
There is plenty to see and experience when you book your Halloween getaway to Sedona this fall. Enjoy spooky encounters and lovely fall weather when you stay in the area. Our vacation rentals are sure to keep you comfortable and nearby these events and activities!