Newcomers’ Guide to Arts & Culture in Cave Creek & Carefree

Carefree Desert Gardens

Located along pedestrian-friendly Easy Street, this oasis is situated on 4 acres and boasts a variety of rare and unusual desert plants. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour year-round to discover such desert dwellers as sweet acacia and Mexican fence post. Downtown Carefree, 480-488-3686, visitcarefree.comcosanti.com

Carefree Sundial

Commissioned in 1959 for Carefree founder K.T. Palmer, this majestic structure continues to mark time today as one of the largest sundials in the U.S. Pointing to the North Star, the huge dial stands 35 feet above ground and uses the sun to indicate local time by the position the shadow casts upon the solar plaza. Grab a selfie and see for yourself! Downtown Carefree, adjacent to Carefree Desert Gardens and Amphitheater, 480-488-3686, visitcarefree.com

Cave Creek Museum

The nonprofit museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts that depict the culture and legacy of Native Americans, miners, ranchers and pioneers in the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area. Open October through May. 6140 E. Skyline Dr., Cave Creek, 480-488-2764, cavecreekmuseum.org

Desert Foothills Theater

A program of the Foothills Community Foundation, the company has provided theater experiences in the northeast Valley since 1975. The 2022-2023 season opens with Play On! (Nov. 10-13) and includes such favorites as The Aristocrats Kids! (January 27-29); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (March 9-12); and The Secret Garden (March 30-April 8). Most productions are staged at The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, 480-488-1981, dftheater.org

This article first appeared in the 2023 City Guide, published by PHOENIX magazine in November 2022.