A beloved Phoenix tradition, Holidays at the Heard is the must-see event of the season for your family, friends, and out-of-town guests!

Catch lunchtime performances in Piper Courtyard from talented musicians including Grammy®-nominee Aaron White and Sydney Marian. After lunch at the Café, treat yourself to Apple Pie Fry Bread for dessert, and enjoy captivating performances of Hoop Dance by Eric Hernandez plus a screening of his award-winning short film, Courage, along with dance performances from the Chi’Chino Spirit O’odham Dance Group.

On Monday, the museum goes to the goats! Join us for a day of programming inspired by the beloved children’s book by Charles L. Blood and Martin Link, The Goat in the Rug. Learn about weaving from weaver Tasheena Littleben, and meet some friendly goats as they graze on the Plaza. In between activities, grab a Mulled Apple Cider from the Cantina and participate in hands-on art activities that the whole family can enjoy. Then take your artwork home as a memento of your time at the museum!

These performances and activities are FREE to enjoy. Museum admission is not included. We encourage you to visit our new exhibition, October Art: The Delores Browne Abelson Collection of Native American Art, revisit some of your favorite artworks from the permanent collection, and enjoy playing together in the Heardlings Family Activity Room.

Event Schedule

Saturday, December 27

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Art Activities

11:30 a.m.
Hoop Dance Performance and Courage Film Screening with Eric Hernandez
(ASL Interpretation Available)

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Music in the Courtyard with Sydney Marian

1:30 p.m.
Hoop Dance Performance and Courage Film Screening with Eric Hernandez
(ASL Interpretation Available)

Sunday, December 28

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Art Activities

11:30 a.m.
Dance Performance with Chi’Chino Spirit O’odham Dance Group

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Music in the Courtyard with Aaron White

1:30 p.m.
Dance Performance with Chi’Chino Spirit O’odham Dance Group (Encore)

Monday, December 29

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Art Activities

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Goats on the Plaza – Grazing and Petting Zoo

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Weaving demonstration with Tasheena Littleben

11:00 a.m.
Storytime: The Goat in the Rug as told to Charles L. Blood & Martin Link by Geraldine

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Music in the Courtyard with Aaron White

1:30 p.m.
Storytime: The Goat in the Rug as told to Charles L. Blood & Martin Link by Geraldine

Special Guests

Aaron White

Sydney Marian

Eric Hernandez

Tasheena Littleben

Chi’Chino Spirit O’odham Dance Group

Courage Film Synopsis

When a young Native American boy struggles with self-confidence and societal expectations, his uncle introduces him to the transformative art of Hoop Dance. Through this tradition, he discovers strength, resilience, and the courage to embrace his heritage. Inspired by true events, Courage is a heartfelt story about identity and empowerment.

Courage has received widespread recognition on the festival circuit, winning the Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival and Best Native American Film at the Tonkawa Film Festival. It was also officially selected for the Cleveland International Film Festival, BronzeLens Film Festival, and HollyShorts Film Festival.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].