If you’re looking to travel smarter, it all starts with your PTO calendar. By strategically taking just a few days off around holidays, you can stretch your time away into long weekends—or even full-on vacations—without burning through your balance.
Below, we’ve mapped out the best PTO-friendly weekends for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 and paired each one with standout events in Arizona and Tennessee. Use this guide to plan ahead, lock in stays early, and turn your time off into experiences worth remembering.
November 11–15, 2026 | Take 2 PTO Days, Get 5 Days Off
November 13–15, 2026 | 401 E Jefferson St.Phoenix, AZ
Hondo Rodeo Fest brings three nights of professional rodeo action and live country music to Chase Field. Each night pairs a full rodeo competition with a headline concert, making it an easy way to pack plenty into a November weekend in Phoenix.
November 13–15, 2026 | 500 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN
Head to The Fairgrounds Nashville for Christmas Village, where hundreds of vendors showcase gifts, décor, specialty items, and more. Browse the booths, find something for everyone on your list, and make a Nashville weekend out of it
November 26–29, 2026 | Take 1 PTO Day, Get 4 Days Off
November 27–December 24, 2026 | 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ
Hop aboard The Magical Christmas Journey for a holiday train ride to the North Pole. The experience includes festive activities at the depot, a miniature Christmas village, a visit with Santa, and a one-hour round-trip journey along Verde Canyon Railroad.
November 20–December 31, 2026 | 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN
Take in more than 200 synchronized holiday light displays at FrankTown Festival of Lights. The mile-and-a-half drive-through experience runs nightly throughout the holiday season, with festive extras like Santa photos, s’mores, and food trucks on select nights.
December 23–27, 2026 | Take 1 PTO Day, Get 5 Days Off
December 26, 2026 | 500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ
The Cactus Bowl returns to Arizona for a postseason college football matchup between the Big Ten and Big 12. The game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, making it an easy addition to a holiday weekend in the Valley.
The Rink Under the Giant Guitar
November 20, 2026–January 18, 2027 | 416 Chestnut Street, Nashville, TN
Spend part of your holiday weekend skating beneath Nashville’s Giant Guitar at The Rink. The seasonal outdoor rink is open daily throughout the holiday season, with extended hours around Christmas and New Year’s. Admission is free, and skate rentals are $10.
December 31, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Take 1 PTO Day, Get 4 Days Off
December 30–31, 2026 | 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr, Avondale, AZ
Ring in 2027 at Decadence Arizona, a two-night New Year’s Eve music festival at Phoenix Raceway. With performances, festival experiences, and an official after-party on January 1, it’s a full weekend option for celebrating the New Year in the Valley.
Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
December 31, 2026 | 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN
Nashville’s New Year’s Eve celebration brings live music, the iconic midnight Music Note Drop, and a citywide countdown to the heart of Music City. The annual event takes over Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for a free New Year’s Eve celebration.
February 12–16, 2027 | Take 1 PTO Day, Get 4 Days Off
Feb 8–14, 2027 | 17020 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
The WM Phoenix Open brings PGA TOUR action, lively crowds, and a full week of events to TPC Scottsdale. Catch tournament play at the famous 16th hole, known for its stadium-style atmosphere, along with concerts and events throughout the week.
Nashville Predators Vs. Anaheim Ducks
Feb 13, 2027 | 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN
Catch the Nashville Predators as they take on the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena. GoodNight Stay guests can also access 10–40% off Predators game tickets, making it easy to add an NHL game to your Nashville plans
May 28–31, 2027 | Take 1 PTO Day, Get 4 Days Off
Dates TBA | Restaurants across Phoenix & Scottsdale
Arizona Restaurant Week highlights the state’s dining scene with special prix-fixe menus at hundreds of local restaurants. It’s an ideal long weekend for food lovers looking to try new spots or revisit local favorites.
Dates TBA | 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN
Set in Centennial Park, Musicians Corner offers free outdoor concerts, local food trucks, and artisan vendors. The relaxed festival atmosphere makes it easy to spend the Memorial Day weekend enjoying live music.
June 18–21, 2027 | Take 1 PTO Day, Get 4 Days Off
Dates Vary | 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ
Spend a summer night at Chase Field cheering on the Diamondbacks in a climate-controlled ballpark with downtown views. Between unique food options and nearby nightlife, it’s an easy centerpiece for a long weekend in Phoenix.
Dates TBA | 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN
This beloved Nashville tradition brings bluegrass music, food trucks, and picnic-friendly vibes to Percy Warner Park. Enjoy a laid-back night of tunes, tasty treats, and the magic of a full moon in the park.
July 2–5, 2027 | Take 1 PTO Day, Get 4 Days Off
Dates TBA | 840 Rodeo Dr, Prescott, AZ
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the World’s Oldest Rodeo, featuring professional competitions, parades, and classic Western traditions. With Prescott’s cooler summer temperatures, it’s an ideal way to enjoy the festivities.
Nashville Sounds Baseball Game
Dates Vary | 19 Junior Gilliam Way, Nashville, TN
Catch a Nashville Sounds game at First Horizon Park, where themed nights, fireworks, and skyline views make for a relaxed summer outing. Afterwards, head to Broadway to watch the Fourth of July fireworks on Broadway in Music City—Nashville is the place to be for the holiday!
September 3–6, 2027 | Take 1 PTO Day, Get 4 Days Off
Dates TBA | Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ
Spend Labor Day weekend at the Coconino County Fair, a longtime Flagstaff tradition featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, fair food, exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Set at Fort Tuthill County Park, it’s a fun way to enjoy the holiday weekend in Northern Arizona.
Dates TBA | 2500 W End Ave, Nashville, TN
Musicians Corner returns to Centennial Park for its 17th year, bringing free live music, local artists, food trucks, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities to Nashville’s West End. The Labor Day weekend concert series offers a laid-back way to spend the holiday with live performances in the park.
October 8–11, 2027 | Take 1 PTO Days, Get 4 Days Off
Dates TBA | 14470 W Tierra Buena Ln, Surprise, AZ
Celebrate fall at the Desert Fall Festival, featuring 13 acres of seasonal fun with interactive attractions, ziplines, apple cannons, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, unique photo ops, food, and more. With the festival typically running through October, it’s a fun way to add some fall festivities to your stay.
Dates TBA | 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN
Cheekwood Harvest transforms the gardens with pumpkin houses, seasonal blooms, and fall-themed displays. Visitors can stroll the scenic grounds, take in festive decorations, and soak up the charm of autumn in Nashville.
November 10–14, 2027 | Take 2 PTO Days, Get 5 Days Off
Charles Schwab Cup Championship
Dates TBA | 2901 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ
Elite PGA Tour Champions gather at Phoenix Country Club for the season’s thrilling finale. With challenging holes, precise play, and the club’s iconic setting, every round delivers excitement and top-tier golf at its finest.
Dates TBA | 150 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN
Country music’s biggest night transforms Nashville with epic performances and unforgettable moments on stage. Across the city, red carpets, live events, and celebrations create an electric atmosphere for fans and music lovers from near and far.
November 24–28, 2027 | Take 2 PTO Days, Get 5 Days Off
Dates TBA | 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
When night falls, the Phoenix Zoo transforms into a spectacular holiday light experience with illuminated trails, seasonal displays, a floating Christmas tree light show, photo opportunities with Santa, and more. With the event typically running through the holiday season, ZooLights is a festive tradition for all ages.
Dates Vary | 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN
Experience the thrill of NHL hockey as the Predators take the ice in Smashville. High-energy action and fan excitement make it a highlight of any fall or early winter trip.
December 24, 2027 – January 2, 2027 | Take 4 PTO Days, Get 10 Days Off
Dates TBA | 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ
Taking place just right after Christmas, the Rate Bowl brings postseason college football to Chase Field for a thrilling matchup. Fans can catch every fast-paced play while soaking in the excitement of downtown Phoenix and the energetic game-day crowd.
Dates TBA | 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN
Set during the heart of the holiday season, The Music City Bowl brings college football energy to Nashville. Game-day excitement stretches beyond the field, with local events, fan gatherings, and the lively spirit of Music City shaping the weekend.
Final Tip: Plan Early, Stay Longer
These PTO-friendly weekends are some of the most popular times to travel—and they tend to book up fast. Reserving your GoodNight Stay early gives you access to the best homes, prime locations near top events, and the space to truly relax once you arrive.
Whether you’re planning a sunny escape in Arizona or a music-packed getaway in Tennessee, choosing the right home helps your PTO go further. Lock in your dates now and turn every long weekend into a stay worth remembering!
