Get ready for a weekend full of family fun and celebrate International Archaeology Day at Phoenix’s largest preserved archaeological site, S’edav Va’aki Museum on Saturday, October 18th, 2025. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM activities include atlatl spear throwing, detective archaeology, artifact show-and-tell stations, and crafts inspired by archaeology and Southwestern cultures. All International Archaeology Day activities are free for the day with PAID museum admission.

Experience the thrill of discovery at S’edav Va’aki Museum by learning more about the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People who built one of the largest and most sophisticated canal systems in the New World prior to the coming of Europeans. This National Historic Landmark functions as a museum and archaeological park that highlights a va’aki (platform mound), a uhdi vaup (ballcourt), and centuries-old irrigation canals that are among the rare, remaining examples of the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People’s exceptional architecture and engineering skills.

 Activities Schedule:

10AM to 2PM            SALT Atlatl Throwing Range and Skills Demonstrations

10AM to 3PM            Artifact show-and-tell stations

10AM to 1PM            Detective Archaeology Group Sessions

11AM to 3PM            Crafts for Kids

All Day                       Discovery Backpacks Checkout Activity

All Day                       Agents of Discovery Augmented Reality Mobile Game

Visit phoenix.gov/SVmuseum or call (602) 495-0901 for more information.

International Archaeology Day Information:

International Archaeology Day (IAD) is a celebration of archaeology and its contributions to society. Every October the AIA and archaeological organizations around the world present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. Whether it is a family-friendly archaeology fair, a guided tour of a local archaeological site, a simulated dig, or a presentation from a visiting archaeologist, the interactive, hands-on IAD programs provide a chance to uncover the past and experience the thrill of discovery.

International Archaeology Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in October, although participating events occur throughout the month of October.