The 64th annual Gold Rush Days & Rodeo celebrates Wickenburg's ranching and mining heritage with three action-filled days from February 17 to 19.
Recognized as a “special event” by the Arizona Centennial Commission, Wickenburg’s signature heritage event brings thousands of people to the event each year.
Festivities begin with a shoot-out on Frontier Street that kicks off a wild rootin’-tootin’ western weekend. Spectators line the streets on Saturday as one of the largest parades in Arizona passes by. Cowboys from all over the country gather on Saturday and Sunday afternoon to participate in the NSPRA rodeo.
Other activities sponsored by the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce and pard’ners include a three-day arts/crafts faire, a family fun carnival, western barbeque, gold panning, food booths, free stage entertainment, western dance, old fashioned melodrama nightly and much more.
On March 25 you can celebrate Arizona's colorful mining history at the fabled Vulture Gold Mine discovered by Henry Wickenburg in 1863. Learn about early day mining, experience 1800’s arts and crafts, see “characters” from the mine’s heydays, and enjoy live entertainment on the 1881 schoolhouse grounds adjacent to the mine at the Vulture Mine Living History Day from 9am to 4pm.
One of the official Arizona Centennial/ events, the 100 Years, 100 Ranchers exhibit, will be on show at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg from May 17 through October 7. The exhibit portraits are of Arizona ranchers whose families have been ranching in the state since 1912 or earlier.
An annual event for over 60 years, the Gold Rush Days & Rodeo always takes place the second full weekend in February. On sale now are rodeo, dance, and discount carnival tickets. For more information visit Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce/ or call (928) 684-5479
For more information about top events in Arizona take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arizona.