Learn
Fall is here in the Verde Valley, and October is packed with ways for you, your family, and your friends to get involved. Whether you want to lend a hand, learn something new, or just have fun in the community, there’s something here for you. Take a look at what’s coming up and mark your calendar!
Volunteering Opportunities
Fort Verde Days Volunteer Help
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Parade at 10:00 AM)
When: Sunday, October 19, 2025, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Main Street & Fort Verde State Historic Park, Camp Verde, AZ
Friends of the Verde River will have a table at the 69th Annual Fort Verde Days, and we need your help! Volunteers can sign up for a 2-hour shift to greet visitors, share information, or help with setup and cleanup. Don’t worry if you’re new—we’ll give you a quick overview so you’ll be ready.
To sign up, go to our volunteer page and fill out the form. Be sure to add the comment “I can help out with Fort Verde Days” and we’ll follow up with shift options. Click here to sign up.
Watershed Restoration Day
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Meet at Prescott National Forest Office, 344 S Cortez St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Join us in the Prescott National Forest to help stabilize gullies and improve watershed health. You’ll learn how to build simple rock and juniper structures that protect our landscape. This is a hands-on day in the forest, so bring long sleeves, sturdy boots, lunch, and plenty of water. Tools and gloves will be provided.
To RSVP, please email rachel.jones2@usda.gov or call 928-910-5701. Let us know if you can help drive and how many people your vehicle can carry.
Verde Valley Volunteer Fair
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Cottonwood Recreation Center, 150 Sixth St, Cottonwood, AZ
Looking for a way to give back? Come to this free event and meet dozens of nonprofits working right here in the Verde Valley. You’ll discover organizations that match your interests and learn how you can make a difference. Bring your family and friends and find the perfect volunteer opportunity together.
Friends of the Verde River Volunteer Appreciation Party
When: Thursday, October 30, 2025, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, AZ (exact location TBA)
Friends of the Verde River invites you to our annual Volunteer Appreciation Day! This festive evening is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has helped care for the river. Expect delicious food, fun games, a Halloween costume contest, and special recognition for our incredible volunteers. Costumes encouraged, smiles guaranteed!
If you’re already on our volunteer list, you’ll receive your invite. Not signed up yet? Join today so you don’t miss out. Click here to sign up.
Community Events
Fix-it Clinic
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Sedona Community Library, 3250 White Bear Rd, Sedona, AZ
Don’t throw it out—fix it! Bring your broken items to Sedona’s Fix-it Clinic and learn how to repair them with help from skilled coaches. From small appliances to clothing, knives to computers, this free clinic is all about giving your belongings a second life.
Click here to sign up.
Upper Verde River Advocate Circle Virtual Workshop
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 6:00 – 7:15 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Join the Upper Verde Wild and Scenic River Advocate Circle! This workshop will be held online. Advocates like you will learn how to to reach out directly to our members of Congress! Click here to join online.
Living and Working WaterSmart
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 882 Sunset Ave, Prescott AZ (or join via Zoom)
Join Tracie Beasley, Water Resources Project Manager for the City of Prescott, for a talk on conserving our most precious resource—water. You’ll learn about rebates, rainwater harvesting, and easy ways to save water at home. Free conservation tools will be available at the event.
Click here to sign up via Zoom.
All Afield with Arizona Wildlife Federation
When: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: The Prairie Patio at Wren House in Prescott
Do you want to learn how riparian restoration and wildlife corridors work together? Join the Happy Hour and Expert Panel Discussion, hosted by the Arizona Wildlife Federation. You’ll hear from local and national experts, including Friends’ own David Gressly, as they share solutions that help protect water and wildlife. Bring your curiosity and enjoy good conversation, great company, and a shared love for Arizona’s wild places. We’ll see you there!
Fort Verde Days Festival
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 10:00 AM Parade; Festival 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
When: Sunday, October 19, 2025, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Main Street & Fort Verde State Historic Park, Camp Verde, AZ
Celebrate Camp Verde’s history and culture at this annual favorite. Saturday kicks off with a big parade, followed by live music, food and craft vendors, kids’ activities, axe throwing, and pony rides. Sunday brings more family fun, contests, and performances. Bring your friends and enjoy a weekend full of tradition and entertainment.
