Kingman, Arizona is more than a stop on the way to somewhere else, and it is more than an honorable mention in the song about getting your kicks on Route 66. It is a destination for memory making weekend getaways or for people looking for a place to call home. Driving the transformation from stop to destination is the historic district renaissance, Route 66 centennial fueled interest in the old highway, and initiatives that highlight the city’s strong sense of community.

Marketing of Kingman by the city’s tourism office, Kingman Main Street, and projects developed by Talisman Magic Marketing including Kingman Tours, the narrated self guided walking tour, and Visit Kingman, and the multifaceted Jim Hinckley’s America nework have fostered international awareness about what makes the town a destination. The diverse array of events reflect the sense of community, and add to the city’s appeal as a destination for visitors or new residents.

This list of upcoming events is provided by Joyce Wiley of the Kingman Office of Tourism.

November 6 – First Friday – First Friday on Beale Street this month will have the theme “Giving Thanks & Giving Back Vets, Pets & Families”. Experience the energy of Downtown Kingman at First Friday on Beale Street! Five blocks – from 1st Street to 6th Street – transform into a lively street festival filled with live music, delicious food, unique shopping, local organizations, and family-friendly fun. Several shops will be open late. Join TBD LIVE for an improv comedy show. Show starts at 8:15pm. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St. For more information or tickets visit https://www.bealestreettheater.com/. Festivities are 5:30pm – 9pm. For more information visit https://kingmanchamber.com/first-fridays/.

November 7 – Cerbat Market – Community-focused farmers and craft market proudly showcasing locally handmade, handcrafted, and homegrown products, thoughtfully created by our neighbors for the community we love. Hours are 8am – 12pm. Location: Cerbat Lanes parking lot, 3631 Stockton Hill Rd, Kingman.

November 7 – DePuy Auction – One day auction at the Mohave County Fairgrounds. Expect a full day. Bring your lunch or order from local eateries. Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd, Building A, Kingman. Saturday, 8am – 5pm. For more information contact Dave & Fran DePuy, Auctioneers at 928.692.9404 or visit www.depuyauction.com

November 7 – Kingman Rotary Scholarship Golf Tournament – The Annual Scholarship Golf tournament hosted by the Kingman Rotary Group. Blind draw three-person teams. Saturday 9am – 4pm. Location: Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course, 1001 Gates Ave, Kingman. For more information call 928-715-1946 or visit https://golfkingmanrotary.com/.

November 7 – Adventure is Just a Step Away! – Continue your journey into the great outdoors with part 3 of our popular hiking series! Arrive at Camp Beale Loop (off Fort Beale Dr). $10 per person, $35 family of 4. Fee: hike (approximately 2 miles), water, light snack, brown sack lunch and fun etc.. Saturday 10am – 12:30pm. Registration online at rec1.cityofkingman.gov or Parks & Recreation on 3333 Harrison St. For more information call Parks & Recreation 928-757-7919.

November 7 – Groundbreaking Celebration for the Kingman Route 66 Nature Trail – The public is invited to attend the official Groundbreaking Celebration for the Kingman Route 66 Nature Trail. Saturday at 3pm: Hualapai ceremonial blessing of the earth, educational booths, education and vendor showcase. 5pm: Community celebration featuring live music, food, and a beer garden. Location: Parking lot located at 3rd Street & Andy Devine Avenue (Route 66), Kingman.

November 7 – The Summer of Love 60’s Rock Show at Beale Street Theater – The Summer of Love show captures the greatest classis songs from the entire decade with some emphasis of the Love years of 1967 to 1969 celebrating flowers, love, the Peace movement and “Easy Rider”. Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Beatles, Roy Orbison, Steppinwolf, The Turtles and much more. Saturday at 3pm. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For more information call (928)530-8432 or visit  https://bealestreettheater.com/.

November 7 – Harmony of Rock at Beale Street Theater – Get ready to relive the golden era of rock with The Harmony of Rock, an electrifying tribute show celebrating the timeless sounds of legendary harmony rock bands like Three Dog Night, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and more. Saturday 7pm – 9pm. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For more information call (928)530-8432 or visit  https://bealestreettheater.com/.

November 12 – Coffee with the Mayor & City Manager – The City of Kingman invites people to connect, learn, and share ideas during Coffee with the Mayor and City Manager. Held every second Thursday of the month from 8:30am – 10am, this informal gathering will offer the community the opportunity to enjoy coffee while engaging in open conversation with Mayor Ken Watkins and City Manager Tim Walsh. Location: Council Chambers, 310 N. 4^th St, Kingman.

November 12 – 14 – Beale Street Film Festival – Join us for our Inaugural Film Festival! Beale Street Theater is hosting a festival featuring 18 films made by local film makers! All 18 films will be shown over 3 days in different Blocks, judged, and an awards ceremony will take place. VIP Passes will grant you entry into ALL Blocks, the VIP Lounge during the awards ceremony, and an invitation to the afterparty at Grand Canyon Brewery on Saturday the 14th. Thursday and Friday, Block 1 & 2 at 7pm. “51 Gas Stations on Route 66” Friday at 5:30pm is FREE. Saturday, Block 3 at 1pm. Award Ceremony Saturday at 7pm. Blocks – $10, Awards – $15, Festival Pass – $30.Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 E Beale St, Kingman. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://bealestreettheater.com/.

November 13 – 15 – 5^th Annual Route 66 UltraRun – Runners will journey through iconic Americana along 140 miles of Historic Route 66 from Seligman to Topock66 Colorado River, Arizona. The race recognizes and celebrates the history of the Mother Road. The event will host a maximum of 100 runners, each supported by a dedicated crew with a race cutoff of 60 hours. Unique finishers medals, belt buckles, and awards showcasing amazing custom artwork; a traveling trophy cup; special recognition for two runners; and a rockin’ finishers party are additional “Kicks” to the Route 66 UltraRun. Come out and join us! Find more information at https://route66ultrarun.com/.

November 14 – 3^rd Annual Gobble Wobble in the Pai’s – Get ready for the Hualapai Mountain Park’s 2^nd Annual Gobble Wobble in the Pai’s 5k & 10k walk/run. We are huffin’ & puffin’ for that stuffin! Join us for a scenic multi-surface race through beautiful Hualapai Mountain Park in Kingman, AZ, with elevation gains of 530+ feet. Whether you’re a trail runner looking for a challenge or a road runner seeking new views, this is the perfect event for you! Registration: $35 per person for both 5k & 10k (includes a race T-shirt, SWAG bag, official race bib, and more). Saturday 9am – 1pm. Location: 6250 Hualapai Mountain Road, Kingman, AZ. All proceeds go towards replanting trees and native brush after the 2021 Flag Mine fire, helping preserve this historic park! For more information https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Kingman/HMPGobblewobble.

November 14 – Kingman’s Market in the Park – Join us for Kingman’s Thanksgiving Market in the Park! You will find an array of products including baked goods, local produce, clothing, hand-made arts & crafts, and so much more! Saturday 9am – 1pm. Location: Locomotive Park, 310 W Beale St, Kingman.

November 14 – 4^th Annual Kingman Veterans Day Parade – Join us in celebrating The Kingman Veterans Day Parade to salute and honor the veterans in the community. This year we are celebrating 250 years of military service in honor of the Army, Navy and Marines’ Birthday. This marks the third annual parade by the Kingman Area Veterans Association (KAVA) and its path down Beale Street will begin at 10am until 11am Downtown Kingman between 5^th St & 1^st St. Free community event. To register as a participant in the parade you can visit www.kavaaz.com.

November 14 – 15^th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance – Kingman Rotary Club presents 15th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance at Lee Williams High school. Fathers and daughters of all ages are welcome. $40 admission for Daddy & Daughter(s). Live D.J., refreshments, arts & crafts, root beer floats, and face painting by Kala’s Kreations. Photography by: Richard Doxtader. Saturday 3pm – 6pm. Location: Lee William High School, 400 Grandview Ave, Kingman. For more information contact Randy Cook 928-715-1074 or visit kingmanrotaryclub.com.

November 14 & 15 – Kingman Cancer Care Unit 51^st Annual Arts & Crafts Fair – This fair stands as a cornerstone fundraiser for the Kingman Cancer Care Unit. It’s a vibrant gathering that draws over 100 talented vendors from Arizona and various other states. They showcase an impressive array of original arts and crafts such as exquisite quilts, scented candles, handcrafted soap, beautiful floral arrangements, festive holiday decorations, intricate woodworking, artisanal jewelry, unique gift items, and delicious food. Saturday 8am – 5pm and Sunday 8am – 3pm. Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd, Kingman.

November 15 – The 66 Trains Trainwatcher’s Party – Activities: Train watching, games, a swap meet, and a food drive for The Salvation Army. Sunday 11am – 3pm. Location: Graves Merchantile parking lot, 543 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman. For more information email beth@66trains.com.

November 20 – Nirvanish: Tribute to Nirvana at Beale Street Theater – Nirvanish delivers a powerful tribute to Nirvana, recreating the raw sound and explosive energy that defined a generation. Experience full-album performances of Nevermind, In Utero, and MTV Unplugged in New York, plus iconic singles and deep cuts for true grunge fans. A must-see for anyone who missed the legend live. Friday at 7pm. Tickets are $30 – $45. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 E Beale St, Kingman. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://bealestreettheater.com/.

November 21 – Cars & Coffee in Peach Springs – Come join us at Route 66 Park for a special holiday edition of Cars & Coffee as we celebrate USA’s 250th Anniversary! Bring your classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, 4x4s, and all your car-loving friends for a morning full of fun, coffee, and holiday spirit! Let’s come together, celebrate our community, enjoy some beautiful rides, and kick off the holiday season! Saturday 9am – 1pm. Enjoy giveaways, food specials, kid’s activities Tribal vendors, Live broadcast, Walapai 100.9 – live event MC. Location: Route 66 Park / Hualapai Lodge, 900 AZ-66, Peach Springs, Arizona.

November 21 – Chillin’ on Beale – Bring your car down for a fun time. This month will be Cruise-In Coats, Toys, Canned Food Donation. Cruise on down to Beale Street at Locomotive Park for classic cars and down-home Kingman atmosphere! Saturday 3pm to 6pm. Free and open to the public – vehicle spots open. Location: Locomotive Park, 310 W Beale St, Kingman. Contact June Painter at 818-606-0411 for more information.

November 21 – Karen Morgan Comedy at Beale Street Theater – Karen entertains audiences nationwide with her relatable observations of family and everyday life. Her funny, sentimental stories of growing up in the 1970s & 80s are a particularly big hit with Gen Xers, Gen Jonesers and Baby Boomers. Karen’s “real” humor, clean material and conversational delivery connect quickly with audiences. Saturday at 7:30pm. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 E Beale St, Kingman. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://bealestreettheater.com/.

Two more items of interest.

“Mohave County Public Works, Destination Development & parks, associated County employees, and Elected Officials will gather on Tuesday, November 10^th at 12pm in Oatman, Arizona to commemorate the installation of a newly installed plaque honoring the American Society of Civil Engineers’ designating Route 66 as a national historic civil engineering landmark. This event will take place at 12pm on the West side of town centrally located in the town itself.”

And if you are interested in learning more about Kingman’s history, this past weekend artist and author Bob Boze Bell of True West magazine was the guest on Coffee With Jim, the weekly podcast from Jim Hinckley’s America. In this smile inducing conversation Bell abnd Jim Hinckley strolled down Memory Lane as they shared stories about growing up in Kingman.