Even though the 2021 holiday season is in our rearview mirrors, the gift-giving doesn’t have to stop. With National Plan for Vacation Day on Jan. 25, it’s the perfect time to start planning out your first (or next few) vacations for 2022. After all, having a trip already booked and ready to look forward to is the gift you give to yourself!
“I think everyone has felt that little daily spark of excitement as you count down toward an upcoming vacation,” says Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “Having that trip booked is great as our calendars fill up quickly with all the things we want to do in the new year. When the time comes to go on that vacation or even long weekend getaway, you’ll be glad you booked it now.”
Regardless of the time of year or part of the state, Arizona offers countless destinations and experiences that are sure to put smiles on the faces of all visitors. Here, Arizona Office of Tourism outlines a few upcoming events in 2022 to help inspire you to start planning your next trip.
Central Arizona
Chihuly in the Desert at Desert Botanical Garden and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West: Although world-renown artist Dale Chihuly has showcased his iconic work in the Sonoran Desert before, he’s never presented it like this. For the first time ever, his new exhibition spans two locations, both Desert Botanical Garden and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. Set against majestic saguaros, landmark buildings, and striking Papago buttes, the joint exhibition combines art, architecture to create an unparalleled experience. Pro tip: Visit at night for an entirely new perspective! The exhibition runs now through mid-June 2022.
Southern Arizona
El Tour de Tucson: El Tour de Tucson is not only one of the largest bicycling events in the country, but it’s grown so much it also includes a fiesta in downtown Tucson. Even though cycling is the main draw, the event brings together cyclists and members of the greater Tucson community for a celebration to support charities, the community and wellness. Whether you’re a cyclist, the family of a cyclist, or just love fun community events, El Tour de Tucson offers a unique chance to visit Southern Arizona and connect with fellow Arizonans and visitors from across the U.S. the weekend right before Thanksgiving. The 2022 event takes place on Nov. 19.
Western Arizona
Parker Tube Float: Local businesses and La Paz County residents come together to stage the annual Parker Tube Float, which is known as the biggest party on the Parker Strip. Each year, thousands of visitors bring their inner tubes and ice chests for a day of carefree floating down the river, which culminates in an after-float party at the Pirate’s Den Resort. It’s also a great opportunity to visit Buckskin Mountain State Park, where the starting line is for this early-summer dip in the Colorado River. The 2022 event takes place on Saturday, June 11.
Northern Arizona
Flagstaff Blues & Brews Festival: As Arizona’s largest blues festival, Flagstaff Blues & Brews provides an ideal reason to take a trip to escape the heat of the Valley in mid-June. Visitors are treated to two days of live music, great food, arts and crafts and, of course, amazing Arizona brews. As if that isn’t enough, the festival also offers ideal weather and amazing views of Mt. Elden and the surrounding Flagstaff area, of course. The 2022 event takes place Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11.
Eastern Arizona
Superior Burro Run and Apache Leap Mining Festival: This beloved annual event offers an entire weekend of fun for the whole family. Visitors have the opportunity to watch actual burros race through Downtown Superior while learning about the region’s mining history. There’s even a parade on Saturday, live entertainment, dancing, food vendors and Chihuahua races all on Main Street. While visiting the Gateway to the Copper Corridor, be sure to explore the area’s hiking, biking, equestrian activities, bird watching and rock climbing opportunities. And definitely don’t miss the Boyce Thompson Arboretum! The 2022 event takes place during the fourth weekend in October.
For a full listing of events and vacation ideas around the state, go to visitarizona.com