List of Events and Festivals in Clarkdale Arizona in 2011
Clarkdale Events, 2011
Every 3rd Thursday 10-12 Lounge (910 Main Street, Clarkdale) hosts a monthly Blues Jam Session the third Thursday each month starting at 7pm
February 9-14 Verde Canyon Railroad's Chocolate Lovers' Train. The journey features platters of decadent deserts, chocolate fountains and specialty drinks served up in a comfortable first-class car. The train runs every day except Tuesdays, departing at 1 p.m. and returning at 5 p.m Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
March 13 Sink or Swim Bike Run, a motorcycle run to benefit the Clarkdale Pool. Registration at 10 am at the 10-12 Lounge. $15/rider $5/passenger, run begins & ends at 10-12 Lounge (910 Main Street, Clarkdale) and includes lunch from Main Street Cafe & Pizzeria & live music with The Retros. Phone 928-639-0800
March 17 Verde Canyon Railroad's Lucky Leprechaun Express Traditional Irish fare, live music and a bit of good cheer. Shimmering, cold green beer and other specialty drinks. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
April 24 Verde Canyon Railroad's Easter Bunny Express The Head Hare shows up at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot, delighting kids of all ages with nose-twitching antics and furry friendliness. The big cottontail passes out Easter gifts and yummy chocolates and poses for keepsake photos. There’s also a jelly bean counting contest. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
May 5 Verde Canyon Railroad's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta The celebration begins at the station. The rhythmic vitality of Mariachi music sets the toe-tapping mood while you enjoy authentic Mexican food and specialty drinks. Sip a margarita from the comfort of the coaches until a seductive spring breeze pulls you out onto open-air viewing cars to savor heart-squeezing panoramas of a stunning canyon wilderness. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
May 8 Verde Canyon Railroad's Throw Momma ON the Train Don’t miss the chance to give mom a gift she will always cherish. She’ll love the pampered luxury of first-class accommodations and the radiant scenery gliding past, but most of all she’ll love spending a stress-free slow-paced day with her family. Of course, each mom also will receive a gift chosen specially for her from the Verde Canyon Railroad. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
June 18 Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape and Tequila Sunset Limited All wine-tasting trains feature distinctive wines representing 5 different regions including the Verde Valley in Arizona. The Tequila Sunset Limited tour features premium Tequila tastings accompanied by festive Mexican food and other south-of-the-border drink specialties. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
June 19 Verde Canyon Railroad's Throw Papa ON the Train For Father’s Day this year ignore the usual suspects and give a gift he will truly cherish. Hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad and rumble into the scenic splendor of Arizona’s backcountry. Of course, each father also will receive a special gift as a memento of the day and the journey. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
June – October Clarkdale’s Concerts in the Park Series On select Saturdays through the summer (dates will be made available here). Enjoy a free concert in Clarkdale's shady park, located between 9th and 11th Street in Clarkdale's Historic Business District. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic (no alcohol). Dogs on leashes are welcome. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. and the music plays until dark. Local restaurants offer special "to go" menus.
July 3 Verde Canyon Railroad's Independence Day Celebration Celebrate our Nation's independence with an all-American barbecue at the Verde Canyon Railroad! Enjoy patriotic tunes and, of course, birthday cake! Board the train at 1 p.m. and look for the American Bald Eagle amid the soaring red-rock cliffs of the scenic Verde Canyon. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
July 4, 2011 7am – 11am: Clarkdale’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July The day begins with a flag raising and prayer at 6 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast. A variety of community and commercial booths offer items for sale. The Cottonwood Community Band plays patriotic tunes. 9am - 10am: Clarkdale’s Fourth of July Kids’ Parade All children are welcome to join this one-of-a-kind event! Kids decorate their bikes, pets and themselves, and then proudly march down Main Street past the park joined by local dignitaries riding a vintage fire engine. Prizes are awarded for most original and "red, white and bluest." Parade begins at 9 a.m.
July 16 Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape and Tequila Sunset Limited All wine-tasting trains feature distinctive wines representing 5 different regions including the Verde Valley in Arizona. The Tequila Sunset Limited tour features premium Tequila tastings accompanied by festive Mexican food and other south-of-the-border drink specialties. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
August 13 Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape and Tequila Sunset Limited All wine-tasting trains feature distinctive wines representing 5 different regions including the Verde Valley in Arizona. The Tequila Sunset Limited tour features premium Tequila tastings accompanied by festive Mexican food and other south-of-the-border drink specialties. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
September 10 Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape and Tequila Sunset Limited All wine-tasting trains feature distinctive wines representing 5 different regions including the Verde Valley in Arizona. The Tequila Sunset Limited tour features premium Tequila tastings accompanied by festive Mexican food and other south-of-the-border drink specialties. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
September 11 Verde Canyon Railroad's Grandparents Day Celebration Don’t miss the opportunity to share this magical journey with your “special” grandparents. A memorable family experience for all grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
October 1 -30 Verde Canyon railroad's Ales on Rails Oktoberfest every Saturday and Sunday Ales on Rails is Verde Canyon Railroad’s way of toasting the German Oktoberfest tradition. The event begins on the station’s patio with a lively music, raffle give-a-ways; and a hearty feast of brats, pretzels and strudel. Local breweries showcase ales. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
October 31, 2011 5:30 pm: Clarkdale’s Costume Contest All children are invited to Clarkdale's park to show off their creative costumes. Prizes are awarded. 5:30–7:30pm: Safe Trick-or-Treating on Main Historic Uptown is closed to vehicular traffic, and trick-or-treaters take over. Wide sidewalks, good street lights and police patrols make this a very safe environment for children to enjoy old fashioned Halloween fun-
October 31 Verde Canyon Railroad's Haunted Halloween Express Candy, costume judging and prizes aboard the Haunted Halloween Express. Promises to trick or treat everyone bringing October to a ghoulish end. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
December 2-11 Made In Clarkdale annual show and sale This annual art show and sale is a "must do" in Clarkdale. Artists living or working in Clarkdale are eligible to participate. The show is free to the public. Location: Clark Memorial Clubhouse, Main and 9th Street in Clarkdale's Historic Business District. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, with a Gala Grand Opening on Friday, December 2, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
December 3-21 Verde Canyon Railroad's Santa Claus Express every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Escape the manic mall scene to the serenity of the Verde Canyon. Every child will tell Santa his own Holiday secret while merry elves lead the singing of treasured carols. Hot chocolate will warm your insides even when you venture onto an open-air viewing car. Breathtaking scenery and soaring eagles will make you believe in miracles. Location: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot on 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
December 10-11 Clarkdale Home and Historic Building Tour Clarkdale's Heritage Museum on 9th Street hosts this annual tour. Cost is $20 per person and includes lunch. Each tour is about two hours; tours begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Vans transport participants to several historic homes and buildings where docents provide information and answer questions. Different buildings are chosen each year, making this a unique tour every time.
December 3, 2011 11am – 1pm: Santa Comes to Clarkdale Children are invited to the Clark Memorial Clubhouse in Clarkdale's Historic Business district to create an ornament to hang on the community tree. Hot chocolate and cookies are served, and Santa makes a visit! Every child can whisper secret wishes and get their picture taken with Santa.
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