What’s new in Arizona for 2026

The next 12 months will see a host of new attractions, events and tourist amenities in the state of Arizona.

Chiefly, will be the 100-year celebration of Route 66 in 2026 with the state hosting an array of special Mother Road events. Here’s what to expect in Arizona in 2026:

Attractions

International Dark Sky Discovery Center
Opening summer 2026
Families can peer into the galaxy at the new International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, which will feature the largest telescope in the Phoenix metro area open for public viewing. At the center, visitors can learn about astronomy by marveling at the Craig and Ruth Gimbel Planetarium equipped with state-of-the-art tilted dome technology. Visitors can also enjoy views of dark skies at the Inspiration Theater. Space enthusiasts of all ages will be eager to explore the interactive exhibit hall and get involved in the hands-on learning experiences.

Sports

2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four
April 2-5, 2026
The legendary college basketball tournament will be hosted in Phoenix for the first time this April. The NCAA Women’s Final Four experience features a collection of events in addition to the games that will be played at the Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown. In between games, visitors can explore downtown’s museums, dining and nightlife. Fans should extend their trip to embark on adventures across the state to experience Arizona’s landscapes and quirky desert towns.

The Rough Rider: A New Biking Race
Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2026
Bikers can race through the Prescott National Forest competing in The Rough Rider, a new three-day gravel stage race in Prescott that combines challenging terrain, scenic views and Western charm. The three-day race starts in the mining town of Jerome with racers conquering switchbacks before arriving at Watson Lake in Prescott. On the second day, riders pedal through the pines of the Prescott National Forest before racing back into downtown Prescott. On the last day, racers take off from downtown to the Thumb Butte corridor into the wilderness before finishing the race at downtown Prescott’s courthouse square.

Route 66
Route 66 Centennial in 2026
On the way to Winslow, kids will want to make a pit stop at Meteor City, a longtime Route 66 roadside attraction recently revived with a Dino Drive-thru. While cruising into Winslow, visitors can hear their car tires play the Eagles’ iconic tune “Take it Easy” thanks to the new custom-designed ‘singing road’ installed to celebrate the centennial. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to stop at the recently opened ‘The Bend on 66’ in downtown Holbrook to get brochures and maps before visiting Petrified Forest National Park and staying at Tickled Pink Flamingos Campground.

In Flagstaff, Route 66 to the Grand Canyon, a family-friendly comedy written by acclaimed filmmaker and writer Peter Kershaw will debut at the Doris Harper-White Playhouse on February 8, 2026. This interactive play will also be held at the Museum of Northern Arizona throughout 2026. Along with the play, the Museum of Northern Arizona offers a new exhibit, “Wagon Road to Mother Road” which showcases the evolution of travel in northern Arizona from the Beale Wagon Road to Route 66. The exhibit runs November 16, 2025, through October 26, 2026, and is based on the museum’s archaeological surveys in Petrified Forest National Park. Lowell Observatory has opened a new tour called “Cosmic Highways: A Centennial Tour” that follows the astronomical discoveries of Percival Lowell, the founder of Lowell Observatory, made along Route 66 in Arizona. In addition, Flagstaff will host a Route 66 Centennial celebration on June 6, 2026.

New flights
Connecting Asia to Arizona
Taiwan based airlines have begun offering service from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, marking the first nonstop flights between Asia and Arizona. China Airlines  commenced service from Taipei to Phoenix this week, while STARLUX Airlines will launch nonstop flights on Jan. 15, 2026.

RetrievAir to launch at Scottsdale Airport
February 2026
Travelers who love bringing their pets on vacation will want to fly to Arizona on RetrievAir, an aviation service that allows pets to fly right next to their owners. Recently featured on “Shark Tank”, RetrievAir will offer flights to Scottsdale Airport from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, New York and Tampa.

Porter Airlines new seasonal flights
February 2026
Porter Airlines will offer Canadian visitors new seasonal routes to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from Ottawa, Ontario and Vancouver, BC starting February 2026. This marks the first Ottawa route to serve Phoenix, with the flight operating three times a week. Porter will also launch its first-ever transborder service from Vancouver with a nonstop flight to Phoenix operating daily.

American Airlines new routes
American Airlines is adding new routes to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from Santa Maria, CA, Sun Valley, Idaho and Fort Myers, Florida.

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