Southwest Highlights: Unmissable Attractions and Transformative Projects for 2024 and Beyond
The Southwest is buzzing with exciting developments and attractions that celebrate its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and cutting-edge entertainment. From the astronomical wonders of the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center in Flagstaff to the Americana-themed American Heartland Theme Park in Oklahoma, the region offers an array of unique experiences. In Texas, visitors can anticipate the reopening of San Antonio’s historic Alameda Theater and the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, while Arizona’s VAI Resort promises a redefined luxury getaway. Whether you’re drawn to culinary hotspots, Broadway shows, or family-friendly theme parks, the Southwest continues to innovate and inspire
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Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona is the Spring Training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.
Arizona
GILBERT – Award-winning purveyors, Hayden Flour Mills, opened its first retail location and commercial kitchen in Gilbert this year and has been luring in top tier Arizona bakers and chefs in the process. Hayden Flour Mills has helped put Arizona on the nation’s grain map in part because of their preservation efforts with Native SEED Search and their production of Sonoran White Wheat. An assortment of ancient and heirloom grains make up Hayden Flour Mills pantry of offerings – all available for sale and same-day pick up at their headquarters in Gilbert.
GLENDALE – Mattel toys and board games come to life when Mattel Adventure Park opens in 2025. At the Mattel-branded theme park, guests at the Barbie Beach House will enjoy the Dream Closet Experience where fashion enthusiasts can use hologram technology to curate a wardrobe for Barbie. They also can go speeding on the four-level Hot Wheels Go-kart track and ride the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer and Hot Wheels Bone Shaker rollercoaster. matteladventurepark.com
VAI Resort is an estimated $1 billion property set to phase open in 2025. Billed as Arizona’s largest and boldest hotel, entertainment and culinary destination, VAI will redefine the concept of a full-service resort hotel by delivering a multi-faceted experience featuring four hotel towers, with 1,100 rooms, suites and villas, plus 12 restaurants, a luxury spa, nightclub venue, indoor theater, rides, attractions, retail and art installations. The property will also feature first to Arizona attractions including a tethered balloon that can transport up to 30 guests, the 130-foot-high Konos Sky Bar and sand beaches with temperature-controlled water. Guests also can enjoy the adjacent Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Amphitheater, a music and entertainment venue seating 11,000. vairesort.com
FLAGSTAFF – The brand new Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory started welcoming visitors on Nov. 16, 2024. Recognized by the Smithsonian Magazine as the most anticipated museum opening in 2024, the center offers a journey into the universe through the lens of astronomy with interactive exhibits and experiences. Guests learn about the planets and constellations at the Universe Theater’s two-story, 165-degree curved LED screen. Once the sun sets, they can journey up to the open-air rooftop planetarium to witness Flagstaff’s famous starry dark skies and look for Pluto, discovered at Lowell almost a century ago. lowell.edu
PEORIA – Arizona Broadway Theatre starts the year 2025 with Hello Dolly, Jan. 17-Feb. 21. Other upcoming shows include Phantom, March 7-April 10; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, April 25-June 5; Cinderella, June 20-July 26; and Tootsie, Aug. 8-Sept. 13. azbroadway.org
New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE – Construction continues at Albuquerque’s Avanyu Plaza, located across the street from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Owned by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, the business and cultural corridor is being transformed into a vibrant new neighborhood with office tenants, lodging, retail operations and food service. Additionally, a beautiful outdoor area will host cultural gatherings and outdoor markets designed to attract both locals and visitors to Albuquerque. avanyuplaza.com
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Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY – Situated along the Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City, OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark will be a $400 million tourist destination designed to continue the momentum of economic development in the up-and-coming Horizons District. Adjacent to the First Americans Museum, the Chickasaw Nation’s OKANA Resort will include an 11-story hotel featuring with over 400 rooms, a resort day spa, an outdoor lagoon, indoor waterpark, amphitheater, a dozen food and bar outlets, Native American Marketplace and retail outlets. The development is expected to be complete in spring 2025. okanaresort.com
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens will undergo $71 million in infrastructure improvements through 2028 as part of a 10-year master plan from 2024 to 2034. Upcoming projects include a three-acre Sea Lion Cove, a 12-acre conservation preserve and a botanical education space called The Farm. The zoo’s Expedition Africa area, with more than 60 African species, just underwent a $35 million expansion. okczoo.org
The long-awaited USS Oklahoma City submarine memorial is set to open in 2026 along the Oklahoma River at Wiley Post Park. A memorial plaza will feature the submarine’s sail, dive planes and other naval artifacts. Other features include a flag plaza and interpretive walls honoring the history and sailors of the submarine, which was built in 1988 and decommissioned in 2022. Park upgrades will include scenic overlooks, playgrounds and an amphitheater. The city’s trail system will also run along the memorial and through the park.
VINITA – American Heartland Theme Park and Resort is a $2 billion development under construction in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Grand Lake on Route 66. It is being built in phases starting with a large-scale RV park scheduled to open in spring 2025. The 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground will be the largest campground in the central U.S. with 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins. The theme park and resort, slated to open in 2026, will feature an Americana-themed environment with a variety of rides, shows, family attractions and restaurants. americanheartlandthemepark.com
Inside Cowboys Bowling Championships credit Arlington CVB
Texas
DALLAS – Broadway Dallas’ 2025 series of shows at Music Hall at Fair Park starts with Come from Away, Jan. 14-19; & Juliet, Jan. 22-Feb. 9; Hadestown, Feb. 25-March 2; Back to the Future: The Musical, March 18-30; Mamma Mia!, April 15-27; Life of Pi, Aug. 5-17; Disney’s The Lion King, June 4-July 3; and The Wiz, Sept. 9-21. broadwaydallas.org
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has begun major work on its nearly $9 billion capital improvement plan, called “DFW Forward.” It will transform terminals, add new facilities and amenities, grow the number of gates, improve roadways and connectivity, enhance the airfield and mark the airport’s largest capital investment since opening in 1974. Plans call for completely rebuilding and expanding Terminal C. The approximately $3 billion project will transform the airport’s busiest and most outdated terminal into a modern and spacious experience by removing more than 400 view-blocking columns, installing new dynamic glass windows and raising the roof throughout. Customers will also be able to enjoy the renewed experience with all-new facilities, including shops and restaurants, lounge space, check-in areas, security checkpoints and improved restrooms. dfwairport.com
SAN ANTONIO – The historic Alameda Theater, the largest performance venue in the U.S. focusing on Latino performing arts, will reopen in 2026 after a multi-year, $37 million restoration. Originally completed in 1949, the theater has featured well-known performers from across the U.S., Mexico, Spain and other countries. When it reopens, the theater will host local, regional and international artists with a capacity of up to 1,500. The interior will include an expanded lobby, an upstairs lounge area, a cafe and restored blacklight murals. alamedatheaterconservancy.org
FORT WORTH – Construction has begun on a two-story building that will house the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside neighborhood. The impetus behind the $70 million project is Opal Lee, 98, a Fort Worth resident and activist who had long advocated for making Juneteenth a federal holiday. The day had been celebrated in Texas for many years to commemorate June 19, 1865, when Texas slaves learned of their freedom following the Civil War. A grand opening is planned for 2026 for the 50,000-square-foot cultural center that will host lectures, events and performances. nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS – Merlin’s Peppa Pig Theme Park is set to open on March 1, 2025. The second Peppa Pig Theme Park to open in North America, about 10 miles north of Fort Worth, is designed specifically for young children and will feature multiple rides, interactive attractions, themed playscapes and water play areas. Among its attractions will be a family coaster called DaddyPig’s Roller Coaster.
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