When you’re visiting Sedona, Arizona on September 18th you’ll have the opportunity to take an ultimate Starlight Tour into the scenic Verde Canyon with the Verde Canyon Railroad (a favorite attraction to all that come to Sedona). Two FP7 locomotives, two of 12 remaining in North America, are the muscle that pulls the renovated passenger cars on this special voyage into the Canyon.

The Tour leaves the depot at 5:30 pm in full daylight. As it traverses the canyon you will be awestruck by the beauty of the high cliffs that are bathed in amber hues. Photographers refer to this as the “golden hour,” when sunshine flows down canyon walls like warm honey. As the train chugs into Perkinsville you will be treated to a lavish sunset that streaks the sky. The beauty does not end at Perkinsville. On the return trip you will be treated to serene glimpse of the nocturnal stirrings of wildlife and a dazzling canvas of moon and stars.

Verde Canyon Railroad offers two very special options on this romantic evening.

Grape Train Escape
The grape train express offers you a Tour of Italy. Kick back and join in the fun on this relaxing “Buena Sera” on this season-closing favorite. The Wines evoking the hills of Tuscany will warm your spirits as the nights grow cooler, and satisfy your palate.

Sunset Tequila Limited
Features premium tequila tastings accompanied by festive Mexican food and other south-of-the-border drink specialties. This is a perfect opportunity for those eager to learn more about the complex spirit. Tequila Sunset Limited includes the smooth and oh-so rich taste of Cruz Del Sol Ultra Premium Tequila along with the first-class train passage. For more information or to purchase your tickets visit Verde Canyon Railroad.

Looking for lodging in Sedona

• Casa Sedona Bed & Breakfast Inn
  “An Invitation to Indulge”
  Casa Sedona is a nationally recognized Bed & Breakfast Inn nestled on an acre of natural and manicured gardens where beauty and serenity abound.
• Best Western Inn of Sedona
  “Unbeatable Views of Sedona’s Red Rocks”
  The Best Western Inn of Sedona offers a wide variety of money saving, fun-filled Sedona vacation packages. Excellent views of the red rocks of Sedona!
• Poco Diablo Resort
  “On eight acres of lush landscaping in Sedona’s Red Rocks”
  Poco Diablo Resort combines comfortable accommodations, top-notch amenities, golf and tennis, all in a great location with breathtaking vistas of the Red Rocks.
• Baby Quail Inn
  “Sedona’s Best Lodging Value”
  Travelers to the Baby Quail Inn, are assured of cleanliness, comfort, convenient location and sensible rates.

Sedona
Your ultimate wedding destination

Planning your wedding in Sedona Arizona? Maybe you are wondering about the weather or what time of year is best for a Sedona wedding? Sedona is known to be a year-round wedding location, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when planning your Sedona Wedding.

Know your own comfort zone, in terms of what sort of heat and cold you can tolerate. Sedona has great weather on the whole, with more than 300 days of sunshine in an average year, so your chances of getting a beautiful day are very good! Sedona is quite a bit cooler than Phoenix, which is a good thing in the summer, and not as good in the winter! That being said, Sedona has a lot of wonderful winter days for your special day. Sedona, in mid-winter, offers days where the high is in the mid-sixties, making it perfect for that Sedona afternoon wedding you have been dreaming of.

In the summer, things cool off quite a bit in the late afternoon and evening, so if you avoid midday in July and August, the temperature will be quite comfortable, opening you up to the idea of a sunset wedding in the red rocks.

To be sure, Spring and Fall are the best times in Sedona, in terms of the weather and cooling temperatures, but that also means that locations for receptions will book up quickly for this time period! If you are planning a wedding in Sedona in the spring or fall season you definitely want to make your wedding plans far in advance, and keep in mind it’s high season, so lodging costs will be slightly higher.

Ultimately, the date that suits your schedule best will work just fine for a Sedona outdoor wedding.To explore this issue further, consult one of the several excellent wedding planners at Weddings in Sedona, one of the most experienced in Sedona, Arizona.

By Anthony Flesch, Weddings In Sedona.

• Arizona Outdoor Adventure
• Red Rocks Music Festival
• 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries
• Moonlight Madness Street Festival
• Verde Canyon Railroad
• Live Entertainment at Olde Sedona Bar & Grill
• Out of Africa Wildlife Park
• All American Barbecue & Night Golf

For more details read on!

Featured Sedona Tour

Arizona Outdoor Adventures
“Drive our ATVs Through the West Sedona Valley”
1185 West Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

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Fun  Events & Things to do This Weekend in Sedona

All Weekend – Red Rocks Music Festival
Let us entertain you! Locals and visitors alike are ready to hear the musical entourage that this festival brings to Sedona. There will be three concerts taking place in Sedona starting on Friday, September 3rd and running through Sunday, September 5th.

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September 3rd -  1st Friday Evening in the Galleries
On the first Friday of each month, members of the Sedona Gallery Association offer a unique monthly showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits, and art events. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village has a lot to offer during this special event. These special art receptions give locals and Sedona visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while beginning their weekends with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene. The Sedona Trolley provides free transportation to venture from art gallery to art gallery.

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September 4th – 6th – Moonlight Madness Street Festival
What better way to spend you Labor Day Weekend in Sedona than to attend the Moonlight Madness Street Festival. Bring your family and enjoy the sidewalk sales, childrens activities, entertainment and more hosted by the merchants along State Routes 89A & 179 and side streets in the Uptown Sedona area.

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All Weekend – Verde Canyon Railroad
Taking a journey into the Verde Canyon
All Aboard! Two FP7 locomotives, two of 12 remaining in North America, are the muscle that pulls the renovated passenger cars of the Verde Canyon Railroad. The journey begins with the gentle iron giants winding their way through the scenic Verde Canyon. Being on-board makes your senses come alive. You hear the wheels echo off the canyon walls, feel the gentle wind kiss your cheek, taste Arizona’s special blend of fresh air, and often spy a majestic Bald Eagle effortlessly floating on a breeze. Not only is a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad a trip into a Southwest geological region rich with indigenous flora and fauna, it is a glimpse back in time, as the railroad was instrumental in the development of the Verde Valley.

• • • • •

All Weekend – Live Entertainment at Olde Sedona Bar & Grill
Olde Sedona Bar and Grill is so much more than a sports bar! Their family friendly restaurant, with award winning chili and delicious hand made specialties, has something to please every member of your party. This weekends entertainment line up:

• 9/3 Friday - Dirty Lingo (9:00 pm – 2:00 am)
• 9/4 Saturday – DJ Dre (9:00 pm – 2:00 am)
• 9/5 Sunday – “All Star Karaoke” with Steve Dennis (9:00 pm – 2:00 am)

• • • • •

All Weekend – Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Your Best Wildlife Adventure.”
Out of Africa Wildlife Park, a favorite place for Sedona visitors, offers fun, exciting and educational attractions such as Wildlife Preserve, Tiger Splash, African Bush Safari and Predator Feed. These fun adventures give you the opportunity to get up close to wild life in their natural habitat. Where else would you be able to kiss a giraffe, feed a Tiger, or watch people and tigers play together in a giant swimming pool? Receive a $ 5 dollar off internet coupon for general admission here.

• • • • •

Poco Diablo Resort – “All American Barbecue & Night Golf”
September 4th – Barbecue – 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of family fun this Labor Day weekend at the Poco Diablo Resort’s All American Barbecue & “Night Golf”. The barbecue will take place on their Canopy Patio overlooking the golf course from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 4th. The barbecue is only $12.95 for adults & $6.95 for kids ages 5 – 12. “Night Golf” begins at 7:30 pm on their 9 hole “pitch and putt” golf course. $15 for adults and $9 for kids. So bring your family to Poco Diablo Resort and treat them to great food and great fun and treat yourself to a great deal!

• • • • •

Featured Sedona Lodging

Poco Diablo Resort
“On eight acres of lush landscaping in Sedona’s Red Rocks”
Poco Diablo Resort combines comfortable accommodations, top-notch amenities, golf and tennis, all in a great location with breathtaking vistas of the Red Rocks. View their Vacation Packages & Specials here.

Best Western Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas
Awarded “Best of the Best in Customer Care”
Located in the heart of Uptown Sedona, offering an abundance of family fun opportunities including fishing, wading and swimming.

Casa Sedona Bed & Breakfast Inn
“An Invitation to Indulge”
Casa Sedona is a nationally recognized Bed & Breakfast Inn nestled on an acre of natural and manicured gardens where beauty and serenity abound. View their Vacation Packages & Specials here.

Best Western Inn of Sedona
“Unbeatable Views of Sedona’s Red Rocks”
The Best Western Inn of Sedona offers a wide variety of money saving, fun-filled Sedona vacation packages. Excellent views of the red rocks of Sedona! View their Sedona Vacation Packages & Specials here.

Kokopelli Suites
“Five star luxury at two star prices”
Kokopelli Suites, winner of 2009 & 2010 Best of Sedona hotels, offers a variety of rooms and suites at affordable prices. View their Vacation Packages & Specials here.

Wildflower Inn
“Offering you the comfort and convenience you deserve”
Wildflower Inn offers views like no other hotel in Sedona with exceptionally affordable accommodations. Close to Bell Rock. View their Vacation Packages & Specials here.

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Make sure to check our Sedona Deals page for current vacation packages, discounted Sedona tours and much more. Check this website every Friday morning for an updated “Things to Do in Sedona this Weekend” story, or get it by email every Thursday by signing up here.

]]> http://www.sedona-arizona-vacations.com/things-to-do-in-sedona/sedona-labor-day-weekend/feed/ 0 http://www.sedona-arizona-vacations.com/sedona-events/fiesta-del-tlaquepaque%e2%80%9d-sedona/ http://www.sedona-arizona-vacations.com/sedona-events/fiesta-del-tlaquepaque%e2%80%9d-sedona/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:29 +0000 LisaPeters http://www.sedona-arizona-vacations.com/?p=9424 Celebration of Mexican Independence Day

Continuing a long tradition of fabulous food, music, dance and entertainment for the young and old, the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (the art and soul of Sedona) announces its 37 th annual “Fiesta del Tlaquepaque”. This Fiesta is a grand celebration of Mexican Independence Day, and will take place on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Abe Miller, the visionary builder of Tlaquepaque, started this tradition more than 30 years ago and Fiesta attracts people from all over the state and country. This year’s Fiesta promises to be extraordinary!

The flower-strewn streets of  Tlaquepaque will ring with the music of strolling mariachi and fiery flamenco dancers. The charming plazas, patios, and streets of Tlaquepaque will be dressed in a festive wash of color, music, and dancing in the spirit of old Mexico. The lively mariachis, the heart-pounding rhythms and beats of Flamenco dancers, and the mouth-watering tastes of Mexico will fill your day.

Arts and crafts exhibits will offer you a glimpse into the traditional and present artistry of Mexico. “The artists at the Fiesta are a great expression of the diversity, artistry and spirit of the community,” said Wendy Lippman, Tlaquepaque General Manager and Resident Partner.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy all the festivities at this wonderful celebration! Free Road Runner shuttle service will run from 10 am to 5 pm between Tlaquepaque and the Uptown municipal parking lot located on Apple between Jordan and Highway 89A. For more information about this events and the wonderful galleries located in the village visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.

Fall Foliage a Oak Ceek Canyon

You’ll never run out of fun things to do in Sedona, Arizona in the fall season! There are plenty of great Sedona events, fall hikes, Sedona tours, scenic train rides with Verde Canyon Railroad and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is filled with gallery exhibits and all day fun. There are also some outstanding Sedona Vacation packages including the Arizona Vacation Values Special (only available on this website!) to make your Sedona vacation really affordable. Check out our Sedona Deals Page to see all the great specials available in the Sedona area!

Sign up for Sedona vacation emails here. Choose the weekly “Things to Do in Sedona This Weekend” or monthly “Sedona Deals” email, or both. Your privacy will be respected and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

• First Friday Gallery Walk in Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
• Red Rocks Music Festival
• Moonlight Madness Street Festival
• “Fiesta del Tlaquepaque – Celebration of Mexican Independence Day
• Celebration of Your Spirit
• Verde Canyon Railroad – Grape/Tequila/ Starlight Tours
• The 5th annual Tlaquepaque State of the Art Event
• Sedona Winefest

Featured Sedona September Events

9/3 - First Friday Gallery Walk in Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
The First Friday Gallery Walk in September is an exciting time at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village! Sedona’s finest galleries, including El Prado Gallery, Eclectic Image Gallery, Renee Taylor Gallery, Andrea Smith Gallery, Mountain Trails Gallery, Rowe Gallery and Kuiivato Glass Gallery will  be hosting visiting artists or special events. Enjoy music in the courtyards, explore the art and enjoy a taste of Arizona wine at the Wild West Wine Store. Visit the galleries in the Village, stroll the courtyards and you will see for yourself why the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts village is considered the Art & Soul of Sedona.

• • • • •

9/3 – 9/5 – Red Rocks Music Festival
The 2010 Red Rocks Music Festival will present three concerts in Sedona starting on September 3rd and running through September 5th. All of the concerts will be taking place at the Sedona Creative Life Center located at 333 Schnebly Hill Road. The three concerts in Sedona are:

• 9/3 – J.S. Bach, A. Vilvaldi & H. Villa Lobos
  A performance with Nokuthula Ngwenyama, violinist & violist and Michael Long guitarist.
• 9/4 – A. Vilvaldi – Four Seasons
  A string ensemble with soloist David Ehrlich and violinist Borivoj Martinic – Jercic.
• 9/5 – Classical meets Latin Jazz
  Works by J. Turina, Haydn, Schulhoff, and Latin Jazz arrangements by Russel Schmidt.

• • • • •

9/4 – 9/6 – Moonlight Madness Street Festival
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend in Sedona and attend the Moonlight Madness Street Festival. Bring your family and enjoy the sidewalk sales, childrens activities, entertainment and so much more. The Festival is hosted by the merchants along State Routes 89A & 179 and side streets in the Uptown Sedona area.

• • • • •

9/11 – 37th Annual “Fiesta del Tlaquepaque – Celebration of Mexican Independence Day
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village in Sedona is proud to present their 37th annual “Fiesta del Tlaquepaque”. The charming plazas, patios, and streets of Tlaquepaque will be dressed in a festive wash of color, music, and dancing in the spirit of old Mexico. The lively mariachis, the heart-pounding rhythms and beats of Flamenco dancers, and the mouth-watering tastes of Mexico will fill the day. Kids will be treated to face painting, balloon art, Yo-Yo demonstrations and the mesmerizing talents of  Magical Michael Steele. Arts and crafts exhibits will abound offering a glimpse into the traditional and present artistry of Mexico. The free Road Runner shuttle service will run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm between Tlaquepaque and the Uptown municipal parking lot located on Apple between Jordan and Highway 89A.

• • • • •

9/18 – Celebration of Your Spirit
Join the Sedona Metaphysical & Spiritual Association for a “Celebration of Your Spirit” at  Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. This is a first time event for Sedona and Tlaquepaque, showcasing the best source for personal enrichment and spiritual awakening that Sedona has to offer. Be a part of this unique opportunity to interact with over 50 professional practitioners, exhibitors, and musical performers by Sedona’s very own Metaphysical and Spiritual Association.

• • • • •

9/18 – Verde Canyon Railroad – Grape/Tequila/ Starlight Tours
The Verde Canyon Railroad located in Clarkdale (a short distance from Sedona) is proud to present their popular Starlight Tours, Tequila Sunset Limited and the Grape Train Escape (wine-tasting trains) on Saturday evening September 18. Each one enhances the lure of this unique route under illuminated evening skies. These trains depart during the light of day, reach Perkinsville as the sun bids farewell with a vibrant Arizona sunset and returns when the nocturnal beauty of the Canyon awakens.

• • • • •

9/24 & 9/25 – 5th annual Tlaquepaque State of the Art Event
Join Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village for art and all that jazz at the 5th annual Tlaquepaque State of the Art Event. Free entertainment, jazz ensembles and artist demonstrations will fill the Village with magic. Artist demonstrations and receptions through out the weekend including both Friday and Saturday evenings 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

• • • • •

9/25 & 9/26 – Sedona Winefest
The two-day wine festival celebrates the wine growing industry of Arizona, particularly the wineries in the Verde Valley. The wine festival is being presented by the Sedona Fair and is sponsored by the Sedona Airport. This Sedona event will take place on the Sedona Airport mesa. There will be plenty of things to do, taste and experience at this festival including wine tastings, car show, art demonstrations, live music and much more.

• • • • •

Other Sedona Events in September

• 9/3 – 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries
• 9/4 – Jerome Art Walk
• 9/17 – 9/19 – Village of Oak Creek Factory Outlets Arts and Crafts Show
• 9/25 & 9/26 -  Verde River Days

To see even more events for Sedona in September visit our Sedona Events page and to cash in on some great deals in Sedona visit our Sedona Deals page.

Looking for some fun Sedona Tours?

• A Day in the West
  “Get Ready for the Ride of Your Life”
• Sedona Trolley
  “The Best First Thing To Do in Sedona, Arizona”
• Arizona Outdoor Adventures
  “Drive our ATVs Through the West Sedona Valley”

“Joan Rivers” is the third award-winning and critically-acclaimed film by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, who are favorites of the Sedona Film Festival audiences.

There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres. The producer of the film, Seth Keal, will be in Sedona to present “Joan Rivers” and will host Q&A discussions following both screenings. He spent 14 months almost exclusively with Ms. Rivers as the film was being shot.

48 Hour Suite Sale – August 24 through August 25th

• The sale will run online via the hotel’s website.
• These rates will only be available from 12:01 am on Tuesday August 24th and end at midnight on Wednesday August 25th.
  • During this sale, suites will be available for Sunday through Thursday travel dates at 50% discount on Rack Rates.
  • During this sale, suites will be available at  30% discount on Friday and Saturday night through the end of the year.

• Balance of stay will be charged at time of reservation and is non-refundable.
• Book online using promo code 50.
• Discount does not apply to the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends.

For more information about this Sedona hotel or this great sale visit Kokopelli Suites.

• 9/3 – J.S. Bach, A. Vilvaldi & H. Villa Lobos
  A performance with Nokuthula Ngwenyama, violinist & violist and Michael Long guitarist.
• 9/4 – A. Vilvaldi – Four Seasons
  A string ensemble with soloist David Ehrlich and violinist Borivoj Martinic – Jercic.
• 9/5 - Classical meets Latin Jazz
  Works by J. Turina, Haydn, Schulhoff, and Latin Jazz arrangements by Russel Schmidt.

Purchase  your tickets now and plan on staying in Sedona for the Festival. For more information on the artist performing, scheduling of events or to take advantage of special ticket pricing visit Red Rock Music Festival.

Great places to stay in Sedona

• Poco Diablo Resort
  “On eight acres of lush landscaping in Sedona’s Red Rocks”
• Casa Sedona Bed & Breakfast Inn
  “An Invitation to Indulge”
• Best Western Inn of Sedona
  “Unbeatable Views of Sedona’s Red Rocks”
• Wildflower Inn
  “Offering you the comfort and convenience you deserve”
• Kokopelli Suites
  “Voted 2010 Best of Sedona Hotel”!
• Best Western Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas
  Awarded “Best of the Best in Customer Care”

“Climate Refugees” was the centerpiece film at the United Nations’ Climate Summit in Copenhagen last December and has premiered in dozens of film festivals around the world to rave critical response and overwhelming audience reaction. Actor and Sundance founder, Robert Redford called the film an agent for social change after its premiere at his festival.

There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres in Sedona. The film’s writer/director Michael Nash and producer Justin Hogan will be in Sedona to present the film and host Q&A discussions following both screenings. For more information visit Sedona International Film Festival.

Looking for Sedona Lodging?

• Best Western Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas
  Awarded “Best of the Best in Customer Care”
• Casa Sedona
  “An Invitation to Indulge”
• Poco Diablo Resort
  “Making your Sedona Vacation as satisfying as possible”
• Kokopelli Suites
  “Voted 2010 Best of Sedona Hotel”
• Best Western Inn of Sedona
  “Unbeatable Views of Sedona’s Red Rocks”
• Wildflower Inn
  “Offering you the comfort and convenience you deserve”

Poco Diablo’s Red Rock Barbecue & “Night Golf”

• Barbecue – $12.95 for adults & $6.95 for kids ages 5 – 12
• Barbecued Chicken, Hamburgers, Brats and Hot Dogs right off the grill
• Mixed Green Salad, Coleslaw, Potato Salad & Poco Baked Beans
• $2.00 -Draft Beer Special – Killian’s Irish Red
• House-made Cookies & Chilled Watermelon Slices as a sweet finish
• Iced Tea & Lemonade included
• “Night Golf” – $15 for adults and $9 for kids
• The Pro Shop will be happy to assist you with tee times