Ed Schieffelin Days & Donkey Dash 2026: Honoring Tombstone's Mining Heritage

Tombstone, Arizona wouldn't exist without Ed Schieffelin. In 1877, this determined prospector braved the harsh Sonoran Desert and the warnings of soldiers who told him he'd find nothing but his own tombstone — and instead struck silver, founding one of the most famous boom towns in American history. Every April, Tombstone pays tribute to this legendary miner with the Ed Schieffelin Days & Donkey Dash, a one-of-a-kind celebration of the town's rugged mining roots.

About the Event

Ed Schieffelin Days & Donkey Dash 2026 takes place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM in Downtown Tombstone (311 E. Allen Street, Tombstone, AZ 85638). The event is organized by the Good Enough Mine Tour (goodenoughsilvermine.com) and is a wonderful tribute to the miners who built Tombstone from the ground up.

The Donkey Dash: A Crowd Favorite

The highlight of the day is the famous Donkey Dash — a burro race straight down historic Allen Street! These lovable, hard-working animals were the backbone of mining operations in the 19th-century Southwest, and this race is a joyful nod to their indispensable role in Tombstone's silver rush history. Get there early on Saturday morning to grab a good spot along the street to watch the burros take off down Allen Street — it's a hilarious and heartwarming spectacle that delights kids and adults alike.

A Day Packed with History

Beyond the race, Ed Schieffelin Days is filled with activities and entertainment that celebrate Tombstone's mining heritage. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more about how a single prospector's determination changed the course of Arizona history and built an entire town from nothing.

Plan Your Visit

This event is free to attend, making it an ideal addition to any Tombstone itinerary. If you want to dive deeper into the history, consider booking a tour of the Good Enough Silver Mine, where you can descend into one of the original silver mines that made Tombstone famous.

Come celebrate the man who started it all, watch the burros race down Allen Street, and experience the spirit of the frontier that still lives on in Tombstone today!