Outdoor Arizona

Mark your calendars and plan on attending the AZGFD 2026 Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix! Organized by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the two-day event is the largest hands-on outdoor recreation expo in Arizona. March 23-24, Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More details to be announced.

Admission and parking are free, but people might want to bring a little cash for the variety of food and beverage concessionaires and other vendors. ATMs will be on-site.

The Outdoor Expo features everything from wildlife exhibits to family fishing tanks to trying out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the range.

Some of the thing's attendees can do include:
• View live wildlife (hawks, reptiles, small mammals, more) in the expanded amAZing Wildlife tent.
• Give kayaking a try at the “Lake Paddlemore” kayaking pond.
• Hike a field course and learn cool camping tips.
• Take the kids to two huge catch-and-release fishing tanks.
• Learn target archery.
• Try out different firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the shooting range, or learn specialty shooting disciplines such as clay target, cowboy action, practical pistol, black powder, air gun, and more.
• Learn from informative talks on topics on wildlife, conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Attend exciting cowboy mounted shooting competition at the Royce W. Anderson Family Arena.
• View off-highway vehicle exhibits, rock crawler demonstrations, and learn about responsible riding.
• View boating exhibits and learn about watercraft safety.
• Visit with more than 150 exhibitors, including outdoor organizations, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.

“We’re not aware of any other free event that combines conservation, recreation and industry into such a welcoming environment for the public,” said Ty Gray, AZGFD director. “This is where people can find plenty of hands-on activities, see educational exhibits, test and purchase the latest equipment and products, and connect with social organizations that can provide countless ‘next step’ experiences to support their outdoor passions.”

On Saturday, June 6, the Arizona Game and Fish Department invites everyone to fish Arizona’s waters for free. It’s a chance to experience the joy of fishing without needing a fishing license. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or someone curious about the sport, this is the perfect time to explore fishing in Arizona. Remember that while a fishing license is not required on Free Fishing Day, bag limits and other fishing regulations still apply.