City: Scottsdale, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (480) 990-3179

Address: 16601 N. Pima Rd.

Description: This Scottsdale tradition salutes the city’s Old West heritage. During Parada del Sol Week, cowboys, pioneer women, and mountain men reclaim their place in local history. Events include the Hashknife Pony Express, in which riders deliver mail via horseback on a 225-mile ride from Holbrook to Scottsdale; the Parada del Sol Parade through downtown Scottsdale, a Saturday morning spectacular that’s believed to be the world’s largest and longest horse-drawn parade; the Parada del Sol Rodeo, 3 days of bronco riding, steer roping, rodeo clowns, and more, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association; a Rodeo Dance; and a Trail’s End Celebration, featuring food, drinks, kids’ activities, and gunfight performances. Parada del Sol events usually take place in February, though the rodeo events happen in early March. The parade is free.