Phoenix Sister Cities

10/08/2026

09/22/2026

This year, we celebrate a golden milestone: 50 years of friendship between Phoenix and Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

Join us for an unforgettable evening inspired by Hermosillo’s vibrant culture, featuring the flavors and music of Sonora, orange blossoms, and special touches honoring our 11 sister cities.

Together, we celebrate the people and partnerships that make Phoenix a stronger, more connected global city.

09/16/2026

Don’t miss your chance to win big!

Purchase drawing tickets for a chance to win:
• Premium coach round‑trip tickets on STARLUX Airlines
• OR two premium coach round‑trip tickets on CHINA AIRLINES

Tickets are just $10 each or five (5) for $40.
Get your tickets today and enter for your chance to fly away with one of these exciting prizes!
https://phoenixsistercities.org/event/double-ten-celebration/ -tickets__tickets-form

09/15/2026

Entrepreneurship and innovation are helping shape the future of healthcare in Phoenix. Mayor Kate Gallego will recognize Dr. John Shufeldt at the Mayor’s International Gala on Oct. 16 for his leadership and contributions to healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship.

Through his work as a physician, entrepreneur and business leader, Dr. Shufeldt has helped advance new approaches to healthcare while contributing to Phoenix’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Congratulations to Dr. Shufeldt on this incredible recognition!

Get your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/epv7WCRX

09/11/2026

Come celebrate the Mayo Clinic who will be honored with the Global Leadership Award. Their new campus "Bold. Forward. Unbound ”. in Arizona will represent the future of medical care. "Bold. Forward. Unbound ”. in Arizona will represent the future of medical care.

07/11/2026

Experience France at the Musical Instrument Museum - MIM Is Calling! Immerse yourself in everything French, Enjoy Live Music, Step into the wonder of the new Magical Flute Exhibit, and Come Say Hi at Our Table—We Can’t Wait to See You!

07/10/2026

We invite you to the Mayor’s International 2026, hosted by Mayor Kate Gallego and presented by Phoenix Sister Cities on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Chateau Luxe . With the theme “Blossoming Friendships’, this night is not just a celebration, but a statement of Phoenix’s global partnerships and the important role Phoenix Sister Cities plays in that effort. In addition, we will be celebrating 50 years of friendship with Hermosillo, Mexico.

The evening will showcase:
• 🌍Global recognition
• 🎶An international experience – Enjoy live performances from around the world, a curated menu by Chef Mate Borja, with music by Phoenix Symphony, Jaleo, as well as cultural music offering from Bolero Jazz. - it will be a night of music, friendship, and diplomacy.
• * 👥Global networking – Connect with city leaders, international consuls, and members of Phoenix’s business, cultural, and arts communities during the VIP reception.

Beyond the celebration, this gala supports the Phoenix Sister Cities programs that connect our community to 11 sister cities across the globe, promote economic development, and prepare the next generation of leaders through the award-winning Youth Ambassador Program.

05/20/2026

Did you know that Hermosillo's Fiestas del Pitic is one of the most important cultural events in Northwest Mexico?

This year, from May 21 to 24, free concerts and performances will pop up on public squares and main streets, presenting music from various genres by Mexican artists. Fiestas del Pitic was created in 2002 to celebrate the establishment of the city of Hermosillo on May 18, 1700. Before 2002, this celebration was modest and limited to smaller events in the Plaza Zaragoza. In 2002, Fiestas del Pitic included a presentation of the Sonora Philharmonic Orchestra, an exhibition on water, and Charlas con café y coyotas (Talks with Coffee and Coyotes). Starting 2003, the festival grew considerably with a larger budget and program, and was labeled as the most important cultural event in Hermosillo. In 2007, the indigenous groups of Sonora were included and pieces of their culture was shared.

05/19/2026

Did you know that Mount Shosha in Himeji is a mountain, a movie set, and a temple?

Mount Shosha is a holy mountain sacred to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, made from the soil of Vulture Peak in India by Shaka Nyorai according to Buddhist legend. In 966, a monk named Shoku founded a temple originally named Shosha-Ji, and was later renamed in 986 to Engyo-Ji by Emperor Kazan. In 1934, Engyo-Ji's precincts were designated as a National Historic Site and in 2003. Engyo-Ji has several other historical buildings, cemetaries, and six sub-temples, and has been an important pilgrimage destination for centuries.

The Mitsudono, the main temple, is split into three large buildings including the Daikodo (the main hall), the Jikido (the lodging and dining hall, now exhibiting temple treasures), and the Jogyodo (the gymnasium). Mount Shosha and Shosha Engyo-Ji have also been the filming grounds for several recent movies such as "The Last Samurai" (2003), the NHK Taiga drama "Musashi" (2003), "The Tale of Genji: A Thousand Year Mystery" (2011), "March Comes in Like a Lion" (2017), and several more. Mount Shosha is only 30 minutes away from Himeji City via bus and ropeway.