Celebrate Superior’s Mining Legacy at the Apache Leap Mining Festival
- Superior, Arizona
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
March 27–29, 2026 — Superior, Arizona
Each spring, Superior invites locals and visitors from across Arizona and beyond to celebrate what has shaped this resilient mountain town for more than a century — mining. The Apache Leap Mining Festival & Carnival has become one of Superior’s most beloved traditions, honoring the community’s deep roots in copper and silver while bringing plenty of family-friendly fun for everyone.
Over the three-day festival, you’ll find a lively blend of activities, including:
A classic carnival on Main Street
The much-anticipated mining competition
Live music and entertainment
Parades and community celebrations
Food trucks, craft vendors, and local merchants
Outdoor beer garden with scenic mountain views
Whether you’re here to dive into mining culture or just enjoy the small-town atmosphere, the Apache Leap Mining Festival offers something for everyone.
A Community Built on Copper — Superior’s Mining Story
Long before festivals and parades, Superior was a mining camp — and mining was its heartbeat.
From Hastings to Superior
In the late 1800s, prospectors searching these rugged hills discovered rich deposits of silver and copper. The town first took shape around the Silver King and Silver Queen mines. By 1902, the success of the local copper industry led to the town being renamed Superior after the Lake Superior and Arizona Copper Company.
Soon the Magma Copper Company became the centerpiece of life in town, employing the vast majority of residents and turning Superior into one of Arizona’s most productive mining communities. Through the Great Depression and World War II, mining jobs helped stabilize the town when economic hardship loomed elsewhere.
Life in a mining town was hard work — miners labored underground for copper that would power electrical grids and wartime industry. But mining also forged strong bonds: families, friendships, and a community identity rooted in determination.
By the 1980s, after decades of production, the Magma Mine closed and life in Superior changed. While mining slowed, the legacy remained — and with it, a deep appreciation for the heritage that shaped the town.
Why the Festival Matters
Today’s Apache Leap Mining Festival honors this legacy — not just as a celebration of the industry that built Superior, but of the people who powered it. The festival connects visitors with:
Heritage and tradition — through mining competitions and historical displays
Community pride — in a town shaped by hardworking miners
Continuing stories — of innovation, resilience, and cultural richness
This blend of celebration and history makes the festival a must-visit for anyone curious about the heart of Arizona’s mining culture.
Plan Your Visit
Mark your calendars for March 27–29, 2026 and experience Superior at one of its most spirited times of the year. Whether you’re here for the festival or exploring historic sites and scenic hiking nearby, Superior’s mining heritage awaits.
2026 Apache Leap Mining Festival Schedule
Friday, March 28
Beer Garden 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Carnival 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Featuring Kastl Amusement with a new variety of carnival rides.
DJ Supetown 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 29
Beer Garden 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Carnival 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Featuring Kastl Amusement with a new variety of carnival rides.
Kids Zone 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
DJ Supetown 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Main Street Parade 10:00 AM
Opening Ceremony 11:00 AM
Chihuahua Race 11:30 AM
Mining Competition 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Watch contestants compete in traditional mining skills including:
Spiking
Hand-sawing
Jackleg drilling
Mucking
Mining Competition Awards Ceremony 5:00 PM
Live Entertainment: Power Drive 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Power Drive on Center Stage
Sunday, March 30
Beer Garden 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Carnival 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Featuring Kastl Amusement with a new variety of carnival rides.
Kids Zone 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
DJ Supetown 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Classic country music and 50s & 60s oldies. Sponsored by BHP.
Superior Dance Company 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
The Band Imagine 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Classic country music and 50s & 60s oldies.
Stay tuned on the official festival site for the full schedule of events and details on contests, vendors, and live music.
Dust off your boots, grab your crew, and head to Superior for a weekend packed with history, heart, and hometown fun. We’ll see you on Main Street!
