Traci Baker, Director of Community Activities and Communications
Arizona Rails: Grand Canyon and Verde Canyon Railroads Sept. 9 through 10
Ride Arizona’s premier railroads—The Verde Canyon Railroad and the Grand Canyon Railway. Additional highlights include the Grand Canyon and the Copper Art Museum in Cottonwood. Overnight is in Williams. $550 pp/double, $660 pp/single, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Mirage: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Sept. 19
The year was 1974 when two young California singer-songwriters, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, joined the already established British blues band, Fleetwood Mac. With Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood, the band rose to legendary superstar status. Their groundbreaking album, Rumours, is still one of the best-selling albums of all time. Mirage, named after the band’s third best-selling album, features Michelle Tyler as Stevie Nicks, Bob Weitz as John McVie, Annie Boxell as Christine McVie, Gary Hagen as Lindsey Buckingham, and Richard Graham as Mick Fleetwood. Based in Los Angeles, Mirage has earned top honors among tribute artists—endorsed by AXS-TV as one of The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands and heartily praised by the real Stevie Nicks after she heard a performance. Mirage recreates the classic lineup with a strong stage show and every detail to authenticity. From the custom wardrobe to the spot on musical and vocal performances, Mirage takes you on a journey celebrating the hits of Fleetwood Mac in their prime. $30 per person (limit six) tickets on sale online and in the Activities Office.
The Who Generation Sept. 24
The Who Generation is an amazing tribute to the British rock band The Who, recreating visually and sonically the magic of the original band. The group was featured on AXS-TV’s The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands. Two of the members have also performed with, and for, The Who’s Roger Daltrey! The line-up consists of Larry Hampton as Pete Townshend, Rolly DeVore as Keith Moon, Stephen Shareaux as Roger Daltrey, and Brian Paulson as John Entwistle. “Great drums! Really, really tight.” ~Roger Daltrey. $30 per person (limit six). Tickets on sale at 9 a.m. online and in the Activities Office.
Bus Trip: Hamilton at ASU Gammage Sept. 26 Sold Out
This “theatrical landmark has transformed theater and the way we think about history” (The New York Times). Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. Tickets are sold out.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Oct. 5 through 8
Every October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of mass ascension on a crisp, early morning as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean, desert sky. Includes Santa Fe. Quality Inn & Suites $895 pp/double, $1,195 pp/single or Deluxe Package at the Hilton Garden $1,050 pp/double, $1,495 pp/single, on sale now in the Activities Office.
The Broadway Concert Experience: Starring Jeri Sager and Chuck Wagner Oct. 8
A spectacular Greatest Hits of Broadway concert, The Broadway Concert Experience, brings to the stage the greatest blockbuster hits of Broadway and the West End in one massive show. From West Side Story to Les Miserables and Oklahoma to The Phantom of the Opera, this show will appeal to music and concert lovers everywhere. $30 per person (limit six) tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. online and in the Activities Office on Sept. 7.
Van Gogh Immersive Experience Oct. 12
On Oct. 12, step inside Van Gogh. From creators of the blockbuster exhibit seen by over 2 million visitors in Paris, and after a sold-out run in Toronto, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit makes its mark at a super-secret location in the heart of Phoenix! Lose yourself in 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s oeuvre. Wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight brushstrokes, detail, and color—truly illuminating the mind of the genius. You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works—from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more. Astonishing in scale and breathtakingly imaginative, you will experience Van Gogh’s art in a completely new and unforgettable way. The exhibit is designed and conceived by Massimiliano Siccardi, with soundtrack by Luca Longobardi, who both pioneered immersive digital art experiences in France. “Blockbuster digital experience that has taken the art world by storm!”—Artnet news. “A completely new way of encountering Art!”—CTV
Tickets are $62 per person (limit two) in the Activities Office. Tickets are very limited. Included in the price is roundtrip transportation by luxury motor coach. Please note that at the time of publication, a face covering is required upon arrival at the exhibit and during the exhibit. If this changes, you will be notified. The bus will depart at 12:30 p.m. sharp from the area in front of the Armed Forces Plaza at Eagle’s Nest. Plan to arrive no later than 12:15 p.m. to begin loading the bus. The show itself is approximately 35 minutes. Event organizers recommend visitors view the show two times during their visit. We will plan to stay on site for two rotations of the show. The bus hostess will coordinate the time to return to the bus for departure on the day of the event.
Discover Navajo Oct. 12 through 15
Ya’ at’ ‘eeh. Hello. And welcome to the Navajo Nation. This cultural kaleidoscope takes you to Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Experience the culture, traditions, and history of the Navajo. $795 pp/double, $995 pp/single, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Mexico’s Copper Canyon Oct. 16 through 23
Copper Canyon, the largest canyon in North America, is home to the least acculturated Native Americans in North America, the Tarahumara, who are semi-nomadic cliff dwellers. The Train Ride in the Sky is one of the most dramatic railway journeys in the Western Hemisphere, as it travels through 86 tunnels and 37 trestles. $1,895 pp/double, $2,225 pp/single, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Desert Belle Music Cruise Oct. 17
Join us for a party on the water, featuring some of the most talented bands and musicians in the Valley, playing live while the Desert Belle cruises gracefully at dusk. Dinner is included in Fountain Hills. $139 pp, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Rocky Point Mexico Oct. 18 through 21
Travel to Rocky Point and spend three nights at Peñasco del Sol. All packages include two dinners, breakfast daily, shopping, and a sunset cruise. Then choose from the following included options: two rounds of golf and one day of spa (includes massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure), or a whale watching cruise. $775 pp/double, $995 pp/single or upgrade to a condo on a sandy beach $885 pp/double, $1,195 pp/single, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Oct. 27 through 28
Known for its labyrinthine, seemingly undulating sandstone walls and the beams of sunlight that shine into them, Antelope Canyon is a perpetual magnet for visitors. Equally spectacular, Horseshoe Bend overlooks one of the most spectacular views on the Colorado River. (3/4 of a mile hike to the viewpoint. Glen Canyon Visitors Center may be substituted for Horseshoe Bend for those who don’t want to hike). $360 pp/double, $425 pp/single, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Halloween Dance Oct. 30
Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. in the Activities Office on Sept. 30
Chic Boutique Nov. 3
More information to come.
Veterans Day Salute Nov. 10
Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. in the Activities Office on Sept. 29
Yarnell Hiking and Picnic Lunch Nov. 16
Travel to Yarnell for a morning hike in Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. Also visit the Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains, a Catholic shrine with Stations of the Cross statues made of concrete in 1939 by starving folk artist Felix Lucero, who lived under a bridge in Tucson. It was burned by a wildfire in 2013, but the statues still stand. $99 pp, on sale now in the Activities Office.
New York City Holiday Nov. 29 through Dec. 3
There’s nothing like the holidays in New York City, and this tour gives you the best the city has to offer. Stay four nights at the Millennium Broadway Hotel and enjoy orchestra seats for the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, a Broadway show of your choice (pending availability), and so much more. $2,725 pp/double, $3,525 pp/single, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Desert Botanical Garden and Mill Ave Arts and Craft Fair Dec. 3
Visit the Tempe Festival of the Arts, one of the Top 100 Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows in the nation. Then enjoy a magical night as the Desert Botanical Gardens comes to life with the soft glow from more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags, thousands of lights and entertainment throughout. $115 pp on sale now in the Activities Office.
Prescott Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting Dec. 4
Travel to Arizona’s Christmas City, Prescott, and watch a legendary parade, complete with floats and marching bands. Parade seating and dinner are included. We will also stay for the lighting of the courthouse and drive through the light display in Prescott Valley on the way home. $125 pp, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Zoo Lights and Organ Stop Pizza Dec. 6
Phoenix Zoo’s holiday light spectacular will make your season sparkle! Includes dinner at Organ Stop. $105, pp on sale now in the Activities Office.
Zoo Lights Drive Thru and Dinner Dec. 9
Experience millions of twinkling lights and dazzling animal sculptures from the comfort of your own vehicle at the Phoenix Zoo. Tour the Africa Trail and see the all-new Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66 animals—polar bears, mammoths, koalas, kangaroos, and more! Includes dinner. $125 pp, on sale now in the Activities Office.
Verde Valley Magical Christmas Journey Dec. 10
Travel aboard Verde Canyon Railroad to the “North Pole,” making a couple of slow passes by the delightful and funny buildings, acrobatic elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus. First class seating is included, along with access to the open-air viewing cars for a better view of the fantastic decorations and illuminated buildings, such as the Reindeer Flight School, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, Elf Training Center, Naughty Kid’s Coal Mine, and the Ugly Sweater Factory. $139 pp, on sale now in the Activities Office.
So This is Christmas with Jose Figueroa Jr and Melissa McLaughlin Dec. 10
Christmas is the most joyful time of the year, and nothing celebrates the holiday as big and as bold as TAD Management’s So This Is Christmas!—American Idol Edition. We have Christmas songs, Christmas decorations, and a stage full of incredible talent, along with American Idol’s Hollie Cavanagh, who finished fourth on Season 11. Now that’s what the magic of Christmas is all about! Celebrate your holiday season with the best seasonal show around and give your audience a very merry Christmas. $30 per person (limit six). Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. online and in the Activities Office on Nov. 2.
Tucson’s 4th Ave Fair Dec. 12
Visit the 4th Avenue Holiday Fair, which brings together 400+ arts and crafts booths, 35+ food vendors, two stages of live entertainment, street musicians, jugglers, and more. $89 pp, on sale now in the Activities Office.
World of Illumination and Dinner Dec. 15
Discover a symphony of sight and sound at the world’s largest drive-through holiday light spectacular. Featuring more than two million LED lights animated and synchronized to the tunes of holiday classics, World of Illumination is the must-see family event of the season. Also included is a delicious dinner at Rustler’s Rooste. $125 pp, on sale now in the Activities Office.