Winter holiday paradise. That is a great way to describe northwestern Arizona and the Colorado River Valley. And that is why if you are in need of a memory making weekend getaway this is the place. A diverse array of events, iconic Route 66, delightful weather, the casinos in Laughlin with world class entertainment, and scenic desert trail systems that are ideal for hikes and mountain biking ensure that you can create a weekend full of fun and adventure.

Are you interested in a weekend where you can enjoy the magic of Route 66 as well as good food, a scenic road trips, a bit of railroad history, and lots of vintage cars? Well, then Needles, California is calling. On Saturday, February 14, the Route 66 Info Fair at the historic El Garces hotel and depot will bring it all together. Car clubs from Laughlin, Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu City will be in attendance. Tours of this historic hotel will be offered. Jim HInckley, creator of the Jim Hinckley’s America network will be on hand to answer questions about planning a Route 66 adventure and to sign copies of his new Route 66 centennial anthology, Route66:100 Years. 

As for the good food, vendors will be on the plaza. And nearby is Needles Smashed Burgers that has become a regional favorite by offering delicious burgers all crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Destination Kingman

There are so many things happening in Kingman, the proclaimed heart of historic Route 66, that you can easily fill a weekend or two. This list of upcoming events was provided by Joyce Wiley from the Kingman Office of Tourism.

January 29 – 31 – Stone in the Road at Beale Street Theater – Join us for our Beale Street Youth Theater production of Stone in the Road. Families will enjoy watching this classic tale in which a queen puts her subjects to the test: who will move the large boulder from the road? This well-known fairytale entertains children of all ages while teaching the importance of helping others. Adult tickets are $15, $12, and $10, Teens (12-17) are $12, $10, and $8, Kids (4-11) are $10 and $5. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For tickets visit https://bst.ludus.com/index.php or for more information call 928-530-8432.

January 30 – Casey Stickley at The Cellar Door – Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music as Casey Stickley returns to The Cellar Door Wine Bar. Known for high-energy performances, killer guitar work, and crowd favorite covers, Casey brings a sound that’s equal parts rock, soul, and good-time vibes. Sip your favorite wine or beer, scan the QR code to request songs, and settle in for a night of great music and even better atmosphere. Whether you’re a longtime fan or seeing him for the first time, this is a show you don’t want to miss! Friday starting at 7pm. Location: The Cellar Door Wine Bar, 414 E Beale St, Kingman. For more information call 928-753-3885. 

January 31 – DePuy Auction – This year, we have put together an unusual collection of antiques and collectibles from area estates and homes. Expect a full day. Bring your lunch or order from local eateries. Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd., Expo Building D, Kingman.  Saturday 8am – 5pm. For more information contact Dave & Fran DePuy, Auctioneers at 928.692.9404 or visit www.depuyauction.com.

January 31 – Oatman Bed Races – 36^th Annual Oatman Bed Races – Forget the Indy 500, Daytona 500, and the Kentucky Derby. For sheer drama and athletic prowess exhibited while wearing pajamas, nothing tops the Oatman Bed Races. Five-person teams, with four pushers and one sheet jockey, propel beds through Oatman’s main drag at breakneck speeds. No wagering, please. Let’s keep the sport pure. Costumes and pajamas are strongly encouraged because that’s how Oatman rolls! If you and four amigos have the right stuff, the entry fee for the bed races is $50. Per team and beds are provided. You can even sign up the day of the event before noon. And don’t worry, officials will clear Oatman’s beloved burros off the street before the race begins. No admission fee for spectators. This annual event takes place on Saturday at high noon. Festivities rock this gold mining town/wild burrow hangout from 10am to 4pm. For more details or register a team, visit the Oatman Gold Road Chamber of Commerce website at www.oatmanchamberofcommerce.com or call 928-768-9139.

January 31 – Emmanuel Live at Hive Five Meadery – We were lucky enough to pull Emmanuel away from his busy performance schedule in Laughlin and have him showcase his talents at Hive Five Meadery in Kingman. We’re expecting a full house so plan ahead on this show, get in a little early. As always, no cover charge and all ages welcome. 7pm – 10pm. Location: Hive Five Meadery, 731 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman. For more information call 928-450-8999.

 February 1 – Sale-A-Brations Vendor Fair – Local Artisans, Crafters and Bakers displaying their goods for your browsing and shopping pleasure. Indulge in some retail therapy! Location: Beale Celebrations, 201 N 4^th St., Kingman. Saturday 10am to 3pm. For more information call 928.753.6253 or visit www.kingmanchamber.com/.

February 6 – Cupid Bingo / Dinner & Dessert Night – Cupid Bingo & Dinner: where fun & flavors meet! It’s a night of laughter, love, and unforgettable family fun! Dinner will be Mexican style with chicken & cheese enchiladas, rice & beans, lemonade or water and dessert. Winners have their choices of chocolates, other prizes and a dinner for two coupon as a grand prize. Friday, doors open at 5:30pm. Dinner will be from 6pm to 6:45pm. Bingo at 6:45pm. Cost: $12 per person (early registration by 1/30), Sign up for Cupid Bingo Night and win your love ones a gift basket/prizes. Limited amount of space available at the door based on a first come first serve basis. Pre-register now! $15 at the door, $1 extra bingo card. Location: Kingman Academy of Learning Middle School (GYM), 3269 Harrison St. Register at the Parks & Recreation Office on 3333 Harrison St. or call: 928-7567-7919. Online registration is available at rec1.cityofkingman.gov.

 February 13 – 2026 Sweetheart Dinner at Elks Lodge – Join us for the annual Sweetheart Dinner that’s all about good food, friends and supporting the Mohave Livestock Association. We’re serving up a steak dinner followed by a live auction. Reserve your steak dinner by Monday, February 4th! Adults $50, Kids (12 & under) $15. If you are not able to make the dinner, join us for a live & silent auction and socializing for a $10.00 cover fee at the door! Dance to follow dinner. Don’t miss out on this night with your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day! Friday starts at 6pm. For more information contact Lisa 702-278-1721 or Kylie 760-713-1629. Location: Elks Lodge, 900 Gates Ave, Kingman.

February 13 & 14 – Be My Valentine Craft Fair – Love is in the Air… and in Every Booth! Celebrate the season of love, creativity, and community at the Be My Valentine Craft Fair a two day indoor shopping event that brings together the heart of Kingman’s local artisans and small businesses, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Admission is free. Friday 11am to 6pm and Saturday 10am – 5pm. Located at College Park Community Center, 1990 Jagerson Ave, Kingman.

February 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 – The Phantom Tollbooth at Beale Street Theater – Beale Street Theater invites audiences on an unforgettable journey into the Land of Wisdom with its stage production of The Phantom Tollbooth, inspired by the beloved 1970s film by the same name. Adult tickets are $35, $25 and $15, Teens (12-17) are $15 and $10, Kids (4-11) are $10 and $5. Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 1pm & 7pm. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For tickets https://bst.ludus.com/index.php or call 928-530-8432 for more information.

February 14 – DePuy Auction – A collection of antiques and collectibles from area estates and homes. Expect a full day. Bring your lunch or order from local eateries. Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd., Expo Building D, Kingman.  Saturday 8am – 5pm. For more information contact Dave & Fran DePuy, Auctioneers at 928.692.9404 or visit www.depuyauction.com.

February 14 – Saturday Market Arts & Crafts – Join us for our Saturday Market Arts & Crafts show in Kingman! The event will be held on the second Saturday of each month. Saturday 9am – 3pm. Location: Kathryn Heidenreich Adult Center, 1776 Airway Ave, Kingman.

February 14 – Krisy Thompson at Castle Rock – Enjoy on Valentine’s Day a live country acoustic show. No cover charge. Saturday 5pm – 8pm. Location: Castle Rock Ranch, 3743 US Hwy 93, Golden Valley. For more information call 928-565-9944.

February 14 – Sportsman’s 90’s R&B Valentine: A Night of Romance – Djlasounds will be spinning classic slow jams, heartthrob, and 90’s R&B!! Special Love cocktails handcrafted just for you! Remember an unforgettable night with the one you love. Saturday 8pm – 12am. Location: Sportsman’s Club, 317 Andy Devine Ave, Kingman. For more information call 928-753-1667.

Make It A Vacation

You can make that weekend getaway feel like a vacation with a stay at something other than a cookie cutter motel. Tin Can Alley on 66 is a delightful blend of old and new in the historic heart of Kingman, Arizona. Vintage Airstream trailers transformed into a modern roaside oasis. Walking distance to restaurants, microbreweries, and Beale Street Theater, and a gourmet coffee shop, Mudd on 66, at your front door make this a memory making destination.

Tin Can Alley on 66 is just a few blocks from depot plaza, starting point for Kingman Tours, a narrated self guided walking tour that is your portal to Arizona history. More than 30 points of interest include historic sites, sites with a Hollywood connection, and public art.

If you need a break consider a weekend getaway on the west coast of Arizona. And if need more time to unwind, make it a vacation and stay for a week or two!