Now in the Southwest: Festivals, Hikes and Comic Cons Happening This Summer
Jul 8, 2026, 5:56 PM
Southwest Travel and Life
BYSOUTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE
Originally published on Southwest Travel & Life
Across the Southwest, July is packed with reasons to hit the road, whether you’re chasing shooting stars on an Arizona mountaintop, searching for glowing scorpions after dark in Texas, celebrating centuries-old traditions in New Mexico or joining thousands of fellow fans in San Diego for Comic-Con week. From rodeos and concerts to surf competitions, food festivals and cultural celebrations, here’s what’s happening around the Southwest this July
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
San Diego Comic-Con | July 23-26
“Immerse yourself in worlds of fandom, make unforgettable memories and join in the unmatched community that is Comic-Con!”
Even if you didn’t score one of the coveted Comic-Con badges, downtown San Diego transforms into a pop-culture playground. Free fan activations, elaborate cosplay, themed pop-ups and movie studio experiences spill into the Gaslamp Quarter, making it worth a visit either way
Learn more at comic-con.org. To see more festivals and events for Southern California, head to our recent article
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival | July 25
“Dragon boat racing is an amateur watersport which has its roots in an ancient folk ritual held over the past 2000 years throughout southern China. While ‘competition’ has taken place annually for more than 20 centuries as part of religious ceremonies and folk customs, dragon boat racing has emerged in modern times as an international sport. The 2026 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival will be held at Marine Stadium in Long Beach on July 25, from 9am to 6pm. Come join us for all the fun, food and excitement!”
Learn more at lbdragonboat.com
International Surf Festival | July 29-Aug 2 | Torrance
“The event promotes the four South Bay beach cities, the world’s best lifeguard service, and physical fitness for thousands of participants. Participants range in age from 8 years old to the late 80’s. The three signature events for the festival are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament. Other great events include a surfing contest, bodysurfing contest, beach run, paddleboard races, dory race, and youth events.”
Learn more at surffestival.org
ARIZONA
×Expand
Visit Tucson
SkyNights | July 3-18 | Mt. Lemmon
“SkyNights: Your Gateway to the Universe! Embark on an extraordinary celestial journey with our flagship SkyNights program. Led by expert science communicators, you’ll delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, savor a delicious light dinner, and witness a mesmerizing mountaintop sunset. As darkness blankets the sky, peer through our state-of-the-art telescopes – the largest dedicated public telescopes in the Southwest – and discover the breathtaking beauty of distant galaxies, vibrant nebulae, neighboring planets, and other awe-inspiring celestial wonders.”
Learn more at visittucson.org/event/skynights/15626
Flagshakes | July 11-Aug. 2 | Flagstaff
Shakespeare at his most charming
“Step into Shakespeare’s enchanted Forest of Arden with As You Like It, performed outdoors in Flagstaff’s cool evening air. This actor-driven comedy brims with disguise, mischief, and unexpected romance, where witty banter and heartfelt songs weave together a story of joy and discovery. With original staging practices, the play is filled with live music that delights the ear and language spoken so clearly that Shakespeare’s words feel fresh and effortless.”
Learn more at flagstaffarizona.org/events
Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey | July 26 | Phoenix
“The Circus is here! The all-new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is a nonstop celebration where DJ-driven music, laughter, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and edge-of-your-seat stunts come together to create true core memories for your family. This isn’t just about the action on stage-it’s about the joy of sharing it together…The Greatest Show On Earth® is throwing the world’s most unforgettable party-and the best seat in the house is the one right next to you.”
Learn more at visitphoenix.com/events
NEW MEXICO
54th Annual Art & Wine Festival | July 25-27 | Ruidoso
“Located in Ruidoso, New Mexico, the Annual Ruidoso Art Festival is becoming a very popular show for artists all around the country and a favorite for attendees. Set up at the Ruidoso Convention Center during the fourth weekend in July. You will meet over 100 of the nation’s most talented artists showcasing various mediums, including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, and more!”
Learn more at ruidosoconventioncenter.com
×Expand
Traditional Spanish Market
Traditional Spanish Market | July 25-26 | Santa Fe
“The Traditional Spanish Market celebrates Hispanic heritage annually in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It showcases art, music, food, and culture while preserving the region’s traditions. Discover a vibrant event where artists display their talents, connecting visitors to New Mexico’s Spanish settlement roots.”Learn more at traditionalspanishmarket.org
WEST TEXAS
Viva Big Bend Festival | July 22-26
“The 15th annual Viva Big Bend music festival will be July 22-26, 2026
Featuring 65+ shows in more than a dozen venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, Presidio and Fort Davis.” Learn more at vivabigbend.com
Scorpion Hike | July 23 | Palo Duro Canyon
“First of the season! Bring an ultra-violet flashlight and join us in searching for scorpions along the trail in this evening hike! After a brief overview of scorpions and how to look for them with a uv-flashlight, participants will join our rangers in hiking along Paseo del Rio. (Approximately 1 mile).” Learn more at visitamarillo.com/event/scorpion-hike/32774
Buffalo Solider Anniversary Day | July 28 | San Angelo
“Briefing/displays on history of the Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Concho, held at the western art show in fort’s Quartermaster Building, marking 160th anniversary of Act of Congress creating these units.”
Learn more at sanangelo.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1143
COLORADO
Expand
Visit Denver
Expand
Visit Tucson
Expand
ScribblingGeek, CC BY-SA 4.0
Behind the Barrel: 2026 Colorado Day | July 17 | Denver
“Named after Colorado, the 38th state, State 38 Distilling celebrates Colorado Day each year with the release of a special, limited-edition whiskey. Crafted exclusively for the occasion, this year’s Colorado Day Whiskey is a Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Cherry Vanilla Barrel. We’re opening our doors and inviting a select group of whiskey lovers behind the scenes. This exclusive event offers the rare chance to taste the 2026 Colorado Day Whiskey before its release and personally bottle it by hand—making for a whiskey experience unlike anything we’ve offered before.”Learn more at visitdenver.com/events.
Bravo! Vail – Disney’s Fantasia in Concert | July 17 | Vail
“The Philadelphia Orchestra closes its residency with Bravo! Vail’s popular movie night, performing a live soundtrack to a screening of Disney’s Fantasia, the revered animated film.”
Learn more at visitdenver.com/events
Edible, Medicinal & Poisonous Plant Walk | July 25 | Durango
“New this year! Join herbalist and biologist Marija Helt at SJMA’s Durango Nature Center to explore local edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants. The pace and distance will be leisurely.”
Learn more at whatshappeningdurango.com
UTAH
Draper Days | July 10-18 | Draper
“Draper Days is a fantastic community event held every July in Draper, Utah. The event typically features a rodeo, parade, 5K race, sports tournaments, movie nights, concerts and fireworks, and many other activities.”
Learn more at visitsaltlake.com/events
World Folkfest | July 30-Aug. 1 | Springerville
“Cultural dance groups from all over the world are traveling to Utah this summer to share their traditions and heritage through the art of folk dance. Explore the wonders of the world in a single day in a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity and fun. Enjoy unique performances, traditional costumes, live music, global food trucks, photo-ops, kids activities, giveaways, and much more.”Learn more at worldfolkfest.org
SOUTHERN NEVADA
Annual Rock & Bottle Show | July 17-18 | Tonopah
“Come join us for a fun filled weekend for the whole family in Tonopah Nevada. This is our 2nd Annual Rock & Bottle Show. The show will begin Friday afternoon and go through the whole weekend. We have lots of vendor’s lined up. You will find Turquoise stones, gems, handmade jewelry, antiques, tokens, insulators, glass bottles and much, much more.”
Learn more at nvartscouncil.org
Expand
ScribblingGeek, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sneaker Con | July 18 | Las Vegas
“Sneaker Con is coming to Las Vegas on July 18, 2026, bringing The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth to the Las Vegas Convention Center for one massive day of sneakers, streetwear, collectibles, and culture. Find your treasure with 100,000+ sneakers and collectibles from 200+ vendors from across the country. From rare gems to everyday pairs—Jordans, Travis Scotts, SBs, vintage tees, collectibles, and more—it all comes together under one roof.”
Learn more at sneakercon.com
