Cave Creek Museum - AZ Gold Mining Experience (4th Saturday)
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Phoenix) | Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331, United States
Museum opens at 9:30am for event check-in, The ARIZONA GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE begins at 10am.
The Cave Creek Museum’s AZ GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE is unique with its display of the complete hard rock ore extraction process, with the mine shaft, tramway, ore carts, crushing and extraction, that are always on display, but operated for this event. The highlight is Arizona’s only fully operational ten-stamp ore crushing mill. The ten 1,000 lb stamps slam down in synchronized motion to pound the ore removed from the mine into a fine gravel. The stamp mill was brought from its former location at the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain to where it sits today. This is the only operational mining stamp mill in Arizona today that sits only 5 miles from its original site on the mountain.
The program begins with a lively recounting of Cave Creek Mining District’s heyday, followed by a visit to the arrastre, a primitive apparatus that pulverized ore with the power of beast or man. Hold onto your hats when the old mine blows its top! Then onto the Golden Reef Stamp Mill and Tramway, where our highly trained and dedicated “Dream Steam” fires up the engines of the stamp mill and once again the mountainsides echoes with the crashing beat of the mechanical crusher. Watch as the tramway carries ore to be pulverized!
Then onto the Blacksmith Shop for a demonstration of skill that was highly valued in a time where parts and tools had to be fabricated on site. Next be sure to try your luck at our Gold-panning station, where docents will show you how to pan for ore and minerals just like the old prospectors did. Maybe you’ll strike gold!
Remember, your admission ($15 for adults, children 12 & under free*) is also good for a leisurely tour of the Museum’s Historical and Archaeology collections and be sure to visit our other Outdoor Exhibits: the collection of many other articles from Cave Creek’s mining and agricultural past, the Historic First Church, and our TB Cabin, which is on the National Register of Historic Places as the only known existing tubercular cabin from that era.
Get ready to travel back in Time!
*Due to the popularity of The AZ GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE, we recommend pre-purchasing your tickets on line for speedier check-in. Tickets may be purchased here:

Finer Arts Mimosas & Muffins
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-11-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 and 4 more dates | Finer Arts Gallery, 6137 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331
The first Saturday of every month (even summer) we host an Art Affaire, no admission charge, from 10am til noon. Mimosas & muffins will be served. Stop by to see the fabulous art created by over 50 LOCAL artists. Most of our artists will be there every event to speak with visitors and explain their artwork.

Finer Arts Art Affaire
2026-05-15 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-19 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-17 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-21 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-18 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-16 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-20 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-12-18 17:00 - 19:00 and 3 more dates | Finer Arts Gallery, 6137 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331
The third Friday of every month (even summer) we host an Art Affaire, no admission charge, from 5 until 7. Refreshments are always served. Stop by to see the fabulous art created by over 50 LOCAL artists. Most of our artists will be there every event to speak with visitors and explain their artwork.

Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour - 1st weekend
2026-11-20 10:00 - 2026-11-22 17:00 | AZ
Visit dozens of artist studios in Cave Creek and surrounding area.

Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour - 2nd weekend
2026-11-27 10:00 - 2026-11-29 17:00 | AZ

Luminaria Walk at Harmony Hollow
2026-12-18 18:00 - 21:00 | AZ
Luminaria Walk at Harmony Hollow
Date: Friday, December 18, 2026
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a serene self-guided Luminaria Walk through the stunning historic Harmony Hollow. As twilight falls, the trail will be softly illuminated by glowing luminarias, creating an enchanting ambiance perfect for quiet reflection and festive cheer.
The walk spans approximately 1 mile, featuring gentle elevation changes and some rocky terrain—be sure to wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for an outdoor evening adventure. Wander at your own pace along the softly lit path, immersing yourself in the desert’s peaceful beauty. For added visibility, bring a flashlight, but please avoid headlamps to maintain the tranquil experience for all walkers.
There will be free hot chocolate and cookies.
There is no charge for this event but donations to the Desert Foothills Land Trust will be happily accepted.
Meet at the Spur Cross Conservation Area parking lot.

Cave Creek Santa Summit
2026-12-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Black Mountain Parking Lot, Military and Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331, United States
Annual Santa Summit on Black Mountain. Meet at the intersection of Military and Schoolhouse Road at 9am. The primitive trail is 2.2 semi-rocky miles round trip. Bring water and wear appropriate shoes. We will toast the season at the summit around 11am and then descend to Local Jonny’s for some post-hike refreshments. Parking near the start will be limited. Parking available in lots downtown.

Cave Creek Christmas Tractor Parade
2026-12-19 18:30 - 19:30 | AZ
Come join us Saturday night for the Cave Creek Christmas Tractor Parade”… The line up is on Cartwright next to Harold’s Corral at 5:30…
Everyone is welcome to decorate their ride and jump in or climb on our three hay wagons. Our route takes over to Carefree circle then back through across Cave Creek rd then we whip a huey at Local Jonny’s and back to Harold’s for Christmas celebration, probably an hour …. Dress warm and let’s have some home town fun.

Cave Creek Museum’s Annual Miners’ Dinner
2027-03-16 16:30 - 19:00 | Harold’s Corral, 6895 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331, United States
Cave Creek Museum will host the 17th annual Miners Dinner on Tuesday, March 16, 2027, from 4:30-7 PM. The highly anticipated event celebrates the rich history and vibrant Cave Creek community. The theme for the museum’s largest annual fundraiser is “Staking a New Claim.”

The event honors the museum’s past and exciting future plans. Along with dinner, the event will feature: a silent auction; balloon pop; the ol’ miner; western characters; the beer burro; and a bake sale, among other activities.

“We commemorate the hard work and passion that makes this one of the Cave Creek Museum’s finest events of the season,” says JoAnn Stuckey, Cave Creek Museum executive director.

Attendees arrive at 4:30 PM to check in and socialize. In addition, guests will enjoy local favorite Kevin Causey, the featured musician. Causey also will serve as Master of Ceremony. In addition, guest Bob Boze Bell will join the fun. Bell has published more than 12 books on legendary Old West characters like Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. In addition, he co-wrote and published “Hellraisers & Trailblazers: The Real Women of The Wild West.” Bell will sell his books and artwork, which features local landscapes like Elephant Butte and The Seven Sisters. The popular event will be held at Harold’s Corral, which serves as the official sponsor. Harold’s located at 6895 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek, Ariz. Poncho’s (the burro) special appearance is courtesy of Cave Creek Beer Burro, voted best party burros by Phoenix Magazine 2024 & 2005.

Dinner tickets go on sale on February 1, 2027, and can be purchased online at cavecreekmuseum.org or at the museum, which is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz., 85331. The cost is $100 per person. Seating is limited so reserve early.
