January 16-18, 2026

Find out what's happening this weekend in Phoenix. You can see some live music, see the most current art exhibitions and more. Find more fun things to do this weekend on our event calendar. Check out our major annual events in 2026 here. 

We've also rounded up holiday events and things to do in Phoenix this winter. Discover all the top events happening in January 2026 here. 

 

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

Saturday and Sunday

For more than five decades, enthusiasts from all over the world have flocked to Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions in Scottsdale. Widely regarded as a barometer of the collector car industry and hobby, the Scottsdale Auction is a world-class automotive lifestyle event where thousands of the world’s most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles are on display and will cross the block in front of a global audience ‒ in-person, on live television and streaming.

WestWorld of Scottsdale

 

Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Arizona

Saturday and Sunday

Start your new year on the right foot with a tri-city tour filled with musical miles on smooth and scenic courses that take you through Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Rock out to live bands, DJs, and entertainment as you take in the stunning views surrounding you. This tour wouldn’t be complete without the red sandstone formations of Papago Park that’ll lead you to the Finish Line Festival at Tempe Beach Park. Don’t miss out on the ultimate destination as we celebrate over 20 years of running in the Valley of the Sun!

Tempe

 

Arizona Balloon Classic

Friday through Sunday

The Arizona Balloon Classic, one of Arizona’s most iconic and visually stunning hot air balloon events, is officially returning to its roots. Arizona Events Group proudly announces that the 15th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic will take place January 16–18, 2026, at the Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds on the Gila River Indian Community, where the event first launched in 2011.

Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds

 

 

Arizona Concours D'Elegance

Sunday

A professionally judged and curated assembly of rarely seen dream cars and highly valued collector vehicles, the Arizona Concours offers much more than a typical car show. The collection of exceptional vehicles from around the world is designed to impress and excite not only car lovers but anyone who appreciates the beauty of expressive design.

Scottsdale Civic Center

 

Free Things to Do

Friday through Sunday

 

Many of the events featured on our blog are free, but if you're looking for more options, check out our Free and Cheap in Phoenix Guide.

Greater Phoenix

 

 

Family-Friendly Activities This Weekend

Discover the best family-friendly things to do in Phoenix—from interactive museums to outdoor adventures and kid-friendly eats. 

 

Disney On Ice Presents Let's Dance!

Friday through Sunday

Mickey and pals are rocking the DJ table at Disney On Ice and you are on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds. Wish upon a star with Asha as she and Valentino save the Kingdom of Rosas from King Magnifico. Roar with delight as Simba, Timon and Pumbaa step into the spotlight. Groove to ocean beats with Ariel and friends, harmonize with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, and sway to the rhythm of the waves with Moana and Maui. And the party really goes off the charts when guest DJ Stitch takes control.

Mortgage Matchup Center

 

 

Things to Do Outdoors This Weekend

The Sonoran Desert is one of the most vibrant and unique deserts in the world. Learn about things to do in the desert in Greater Phoenix, including sites, views, hikes and more. 

 

Stargazing at ADERO Scottsdale Resort

Friday

Local astronomers, "The Star Dudes" will be on-hand to assist and educate guests about our solar system and navigate the night sky from ADERO to spot some of the major constellations and visible deep-sky objects with special binoculars and telescopes. Read Visit Phoenix's Stargazing blog to find more spots to explore in Phoenix.

ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection

 

 

Sports This Weekend

Phoenix is a premier sports destination, and our local and national teams are bringing the heat. Here’s who you can cheer on this weekend:

Saturday
 

 

Concerts & Performances This Weekend

Shows are taking place more often now, including theatre performances, comedy shows and concerts. Here's who you can see perform this weekend:

Friday:
Saturday:

Sunday:

 

Art Exhibits This Weekend

Phoenix is home to the largest art museum in the southwestern United States. Ignite your mind with the creativity and inspiration you will find at our local cultural institutions. Here's the art exhibits you can see this weekend:

 

Funny Business: Photography and Humor

Through January 24, 2026

Funny Business: Photography and Humor explores how artists have used visual humor to entertain, challenge norms, and offer resistance or relief from the weight of the world. Featuring 70 works from the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona, the exhibition includes artists such as Liz Cohen, Steffi Faircloth, Jeff Mermelstein, Bucky Miller, and Reynier Leyva Novo.

Phoenix Art Museum

 

POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION

Through April 12, 2026

POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION finishes its North American tour at the Arizona Science Center, located in Phoenix, AZ. The exhibition examines the lives of residents of Pompeii before and after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24th, 79 A.D. Over 150 artifacts on loan from the collections of the Naples National Archaeological Museum in Italy and the Archaeological Park of Pompeii will be displayed, for a limited time.

Arizona Science Center

 

Desert Pulse

Through May 31, 2026

Thousands of stunning images. Five monumental video installations. One transformative experience. FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse, a multi-sensory art exhibit by ScanLAB Projects, invites visitors into the visual and emotional energy of the Sonoran Desert. Through photography, LiDAR scanning, motion and sound, it reveals new ways of seeing and deepens appreciation for our vibrant ecosystem.

Desert Botanical Garden

 

The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power.

Through September 13, 2026

Experience the enduring impact of the world’s first wind instrument in The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power. Explore more than 100 remarkable flutes from the dawn of music to the present day and celebrate the resounding influence of the flute on cultures from around the world. Discover how people across history have used flutes of all forms, shapes, sizes, and materials to express the rich human experience.

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

 

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