We are march-ing into March! March in Bisbee is traditionally one of our busiest months, so there’s lots of stuff going on, both indoors and outdoors. The average high temperatures are around 68.2°F (20.1°C) and average low temperatures of 45.3°F. This translates to pleasant spring days and cool nights, with a jacket or sweater needed after the sun goes behind the Mule Mountains.
Return of the Turkey Vultures!
One of the most popular events in our quirky town is the celebration of our beloved carrion – the turkey vulture! These carnivorous scavengers return to the Southwest as the weather warms – usually around the second weekend of March.
So, leave it to Bisbee to have a lecture, parade and party celebrating their return. On Monday March 9, The Copper Queen Library is hosting: Turkey Vulture “The Purifier” at 5:30 pm. Saturday March 14 is the big day at Bisbee Community Market in Vista Park, starting at 10am with a drum circle, a parade at 11am, and more. Plus, live turkey vultures will be on display 9:30am – 11:30am in the park, and 12:30pm at the library. Come get weird with Bisbee and participate in the parade.
Witch Walk
Another fun/parade-type of event is the Bisbee Witch Walk on March 21st, presented by the Luna Witches and the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour. The walk starts at the Iron Man at 5pm and ends at Goar Park, where you can participate in a traditional circle celebrating Ostara, a Wiccan holiday celebrating the coming of spring.
Put on your best witchy/wiccan outfit and join the fun!
Pedal Power and Anti-Folk
We’ve got 2 big festivals happening the last weekend in March at opposite ends of Old Bisbee. Up at the Jonquil Motel is the second annual Pedal Power Festival, a bicycle-themed (and powered) music festival featuring some of Bisbee’s most popular acts: The Whiskey Lickers (folk), Melissa Reaves (blues), and The Exbats (pop punk). They will have a bouncy house for kids, face painting, pedal- powered smoothies, and art. Plus, they say the music will be powered by electricity generated from bicycles! 10am – 8pm
Bisbee Anti Folk Festival
Meanwhile, over at City Park, we have a 2-day Anti Folk Festival March 27 and 28. “Anti-Folk” was a genre coined by a New York Artist named Lach, in response to what he felt was bland, regular folk music. Early proponents of the style were artists such as Beck, Paleface, and Regina Spektor.
Friday is from 7pm – 10pm with an after-party at the Silver King/Room 4 Bar – Arizona’s smallest bar. Saturday, the fest runs from noon – 10pm, with the final act of the evening a reunion of Hill of Beans, one of the west coast original Anti-Folk bands, whose song “Satan, Lend Me a Dollar” was a top-ten college radio hit and later featured on the TV Show “Weeds.” This will be their first show in 35 years!
Live Music 7 Days a Week
Here in Bisbee, we do have events every day of the week. Mondays, the Bisbee Grand often hosts local bands from 6 – 8pm along with $5 margaritas. And every Monday over at St. Elmo, it’s Open Mic. Sign ups are at 8pm, and one lucky winner wins what’s in the tip jar!
Tuesdays there’s often music at the Hitching Post and Gene’s Place during the day, and an open mic at Hitching Post starting at 6pm. Sign up to play, or relax and listen. (The fireplace is always roaring on a chilly night.)
Weds is Jam Night at the Bisbee Grand from 6 – 10pm. Sign up for a 20-minute slot, or jam between acts. There’s a full back line, along with guitar, bass, and keyboards. No need to bring an instrument. Some of Bisbee’s best musicians hang out and jam, but people of all levels are encouraged to play.
Thursdays usually feature live music at many venues like the Grand and Gene’s Place. At Room 4 Bar, it’s Local’s Night, drink specials with local ID and local acts such as Simon Spencer and The Whiskey Lickers. And of course, every Thursday it’s Bowling for Dildos at St. Elmo – it’s a Bisbee tradition!
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are peak music nights, with most venues hosting bands and artists until 11pm. For a complete listing of what’s happening, check out This Week in Bisbee (aka TWIB) that updates every Tuesday and Friday. Sign up for the free email, or just visit the website for the latest.
We hope to see you in Bisbee in March!