Kingman tourism notes and events listing for the first weeks of January leaves little doubt. Kingman, crossroads of the past, the present, and the future is going to be quite the destination this year.

Here are a few upcoming events shared by the Kingman Office of Tourism.

January 13 –  Dia de los Muertos Storytelling – Sounds of Kingman, Presents Zarco Guerrero, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, 1pm – 2:30pm, Mohave County Library, 3269 N Burbank St, Kingman, AZ.

Dia de Los Muertos is a highly celebrated and significant holiday held throughout Mexico, Latin America, and the Southwest. It is a day when homage is paid with prayers, offerings of food and the building of altars to those who have gone before us. Join Guerrero and his unique masked characters as they celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with hilarious and moving storytelling, turning stereotypes on their heads. Among the characters making appearances are the poetry spouting “El Vato Poeta,” the flirtatious “La Comadre,” the wise “El Abuelito,” and other beloved characters that Guerrero, a prolific playwright, has created to express the humor and sadness of our lives. Guerrero’s storytelling puts life into perspective in a delightful and engaging way, helping us accept and even laugh at our most primal fears about death.

January 18 – Comedian Ben Bailey – Comedian Ben Bailey performing live at Beale Celebrations on Thursday, January 18^th at 7pm. Located at 201 N 4^th St. Purchase tickets at https://bealestreettheater.com/ He drove the smash hit series “Cash Cab” (still in syndication around the world) for over 550 episodes, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. Prior to becoming “the Cash Cab guy,” he performed at The Comedy Store in LA, in clubs across NYC and at major comedy festivals around the world. Bailey starred in two specials for Comedy Central. He released “Road Rage and Accidental Ornithology” in 2011; and “Ben Bailey: Live and Uncensored” in 2016.

Kingman is about to unveil it’s newest roadside gem in February 2024, as the iconic neon sign from the vintage Las Vegas Boulevard Cupid’s Wedding Chapel undergoes a dazzling transformation. Positioned just 200 feet west of the renowned Route 66 Drive Thru Shield and facing Dunton Motors Dream Machines in Downtown Kingman, this upcoming landmark promises to captivate both locals and visitors alike.

The story behind the sign is as enchanting as the neon glow it will soon emit. Previously owned by the late Scott Dunton, whose family name adorns the famous ‘D’ in Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, the sign found its way to the heart of Kingman through a generous donation before Dunton’s passing earlier this year.

Currently in the skilled hands of Legacy Signs & Iron, a local business in Kingman, the restoration is in full swing, with the sign set to boast neon lettering and marquee lights proclaiming “Kingman, Heart of Historic Route 66,” a title the city proudly adopted in 1993.

Mark your calendars for a special Valentine’s-themed dedication event on February 9, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, the Friday preceding Valentine’s Day and National Giving Hearts Day. The inaugural lighting ceremony, scheduled around 6:15 PM at sunset, will illuminate the heart-shaped sign with an arrow through it, adding a romantic touch just in time for Valentine’s Day.

But the festivities don’t end with the lighting ceremony. In a nod to the sign’s symbolic heart and arrow, event planners have arranged for up to three lucky couples to tie the knot Vegas-style, officiated by none other than a Las Vegas Elvis-inspired master of ceremonies.

Self-nominations are being accepted through January 2024, exclusively from the couples themselves. Those selected will need to arrange and purchase their wedding certificates through the Mohave County Superior Court.

So if you and your significant other have yet to say “I do,” possess a compelling love story, and envision making February 9 a day to remember, the Kingman Office of Tourism invites you to reach out at kbarthlow@cityofkingman.gov with “Get Hitched on 66” in the subject line.”

In Other News:

• Kingman Motor News is a one stop source for “events and stories from the car scene, places to go, and more in the Kingman AZ area.”
• Organizers of Chillin’ on Beale have announced that for 2024 “event dates will be the third Saturday afternoon of each month from April through November. A schedule with each months theme will be posted in February.”
• Author, humorist and lecturer Jim HInckley has launched a new video series on the Jim Hinckley’s America YouTube channel that includes virtual Kingman historic district walking tours and tours of the areas hiking trail systems.
• King-Con: Kingman Comic Con, Beale Celebrations, March 15, March 16 – “We’re back for a little geeky KINGCON Spring Break fun! Only this time it’s all about COSPLAY and your favorite fandoms!
  Once again we’re teaming up with the baddest local Artists, Authors, Gamers, and Businesses on the block to bring COMIC CON back to Downtown Kingman, Arizona.
  General Admission is $9.99 (kids under 8 years old are free)
  Early-Bird VIP ACCESS Tickets are $19.99 and get:
  Early Admission
  King-Con Lanyard
  Limited Edition All-Access Badge
  Exlusive King-Con Poster Print
  For more information: BIG MIKE’S TOY REUNION, 4055 STOCKTON HILL RD #5, KINGMAN, AZ
• Old Time Circle Jam, Mike’s Route 66 Outpost and Saloon, January 13, noon – “Fifth jam session will be held at Mike’s Route 66 Outpost on Saturday, January 13th at noon. Everyone is invited to this fun, open jam…including musicians from beginners to professionals. Our jam circles are lots of good old-fashioned fun for all. We play fun, easy all-time favorite tunes, most with only three or four chords. Bring along your instruments and your friends and family for a few hours of great entertainment and wonderful eats at Mik’s Outpost.”