Autumn is in the air, pumpkins are in our lattes (and most everything else) and fun festivals are happening all across the region. Here's all the festivals happening this fall in Greater Phoenix.
Looking to explore some pumpkin patches and corn mazes? Find our favorites here. And find more fall activities here.
September Festivals
Back to Top of ListMesa Arts Center Fall Opening Reception
Sept. 11
This free all-ages event features musical entertainment, light refreshments, a cash bar, and more. Walk through the campus and enjoy the ambiance of live music or grab a bite to eat from one of our many vendors, take a seat and enjoy a show.
Goldrush Music Festival
Sept. 11-12
This immersive event is their first full-scale music festival since 2019 and picks up on its theme, inviting electronic dance music fans from across the country to take a journey into the Wild, Wild West. Saddle up and get ready to back to the Wild West of Goldrush. This year's lineup features Alesso, Deadmau5, GRiZ, Martin Garrix, and many more.
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
Sept. 19-20
The Market continues to provide Valley residents with the opportunity to shop all things vintage, local and handmade. The September Market will host over 160 vintage curators and handmade artisans from across the country. With a reputation for featuring quality vendors selling one-of-a-kind items and inspiring design, Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market continues to be a popular attraction for vintage enthusiasts across the Southwest.
Ales on Rails
Sept. 13 - Oct. 31; Select Dates
Ales on Rails is Verde Canyon Railroad’s way of toasting the German tradition of Oktoberfest, providing a rollicking farewell to summer. Sample a wide range of local Arizona breweries, richly crafted beers ranging from the lightest pilsners to the hoppiest IPAs to the deepest stouts the Copper State has to offer. Now, the very popular Ales on Rails season always sells out in advance and may be reserved to include a Verde Canyon Railroad logo stainless steel cup with four beer-tasting tickets, lunch from the Copper Spike Cafe and a large selection of tasty Arizona-brewed craft beers for only $155 per person. The party begins on the depot patio with beer on tap prior to the train’s departure. The fun continues onboard as highlighted beers of the day are available for purchase during the ride.
DTPHX Lotería
Sept. 24
Play the traditional game of Lotería and enjoy local cuisine, music, entertainment, shopping, art, crafts, and more festivities for the whole family to enjoy.
Location TBD
Arizona State Fair
Oct. 1 - Nov. 1; Select dates
For more than 140 years, the Arizona State Fair has been a gathering place for residents from the far corners of the state. Filled with cute animals, blue ribbons, fried food, and all the fun carnival rides you can imagine.
Garlic Festival
Sept. 19-20 and Sept. 26-27
Garlic lovers unite! The annual Garlic Festival will feature a garlic-inspired menu from our Del Piero Kitchen, a wide array of local vendors offering creative and delicious products, cooking demonstrations from QCOM's very own Perry Rea, live music, local artisans, and more. Sample garlic-infused olive oil, garlic-stuffed olives, and take part in a garlic-themed tractor tour.
Scottsdale Fashion Week
Oct. 8-11
Scottsdale Fashion Week is the state’s most high-end series of fashion shows. It is a star-studded annual event with an exciting calendar of activities. The week of events brings together designers, buyers, media, stylists, celebrities, VIPs and special guests.
Maricopa County Home & Garden Show
Oct. 2-4
The Last Maricopa County Home Show of the YEAR! Shop, compare and get the best deals on pools, landscaping, flooring, countertops, artificial turf, kitchen and bath remodeling, painting, décor and so much more! Also featuring cooking demonstrations, hands on gardening lessons, Master Gardener seminars, backyard Glowscapes, crafting workshops & more than 1,000 vendor booths - the Home & Garden Show has something for everyone!
Harvest in the Heritage District
Sept. 25 - Nov. 1
Fall season is drawing near and Gilbert is celebrating all October with Harvest in the Heritage District, a collection of themed events and experiences for locals and visitors in Downtown Gilbert starting Sept. 25 through Nov. 1. Enjoy Family Nights every Thursday in October, larger-than-life interactive musical instruments featuring crank-turn music boxes and colorful light displays. Also, don’t miss the festival fall décor throughout the Heritage District, merchant specials, a community mural and more. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and grab a spot in Downtown Gilbert's premier entertainment destination.
Free Family Fun Action & Adventure Festival
Sept. 26
Meet the most-loved action heroes, fly on a zipline, enjoy bounce houses and slides, face painting, live entertainment, action-packed performances, raffle prizes and giveaways, and local vendors for shopping.
October Festivals
Back to Top of ListRocktoberfest Chandler
Oct. 2-4
Celebrate fall with a fantastic lineup of live music, games, and of course bratwurst, pretzels and Arizona craft beer hosted by Chandler's very own SanTan Brewing Company. This annual Chandler fall festival will take place in Uptown Chandler at SanTan's brewing and distilling facility, SanTan Gardens, where festivalgoers can expect great music, contests, games, and more.
SanTan Gardens
Latino LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
Oct. 3
Allies and community members of the LGBTQ+ Latino community are welcome to attend the annual Latino LGBTQ+ Pride Festival. Latino Pride Festival coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) with a celebration at historic Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix.
Mariachi & Folklorico Festival
Nov. 1
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a tradition - experience the rich cultural history of Mexico through vibrant music and dance at the Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival. The CCA’s 27th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival is presented in partnership with C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona and Maestra Vanessa Ramirez, creating a rich music and dance experience.
Phoenix Greek Festival
Oct. 11-13
This festival is an opportunity to share in the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Greece. In addition to the authentically prepared Greek cuisine, you can indulge in a shopper’s paradise includes booths selling a variety of items including Greek jewelry, artwork, and food. Additionally, the nationally recognized community dancers, in traditional costumes from the various regions of Greece will be performing throughout the weekend.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
Oct. 9-11
Prost! Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest is back at Tempe Town Lake! The three-day outdoor Bavarian themed festival kicks off Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11. It is open to all ages and features live music all weekend across two stages, German food, drinks, games, carnival rides, dancing and more. This year, exciting new rides await, like the Freakout—swinging and spinning in tandem—and the sky-high swing thriller, Vertigo. Guests can also anticipate new beers flowing from Four Peaks Brewing.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Oct. 11
Visitors are invited to a vibrant, family-friendly Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) celebration. Indigenous youth, families, and community members will gather for a day of culture, connection, and celebration.
This year’s theme, Imagining Tomorrow Together, honors Indigenous traditions, creativity, and resilience through engaging activities for all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a performance by award-winning Hoop Dance competitor Cooper Nez (Navajo), hear from Emmy-nominated producer Joey Clift (Cowlitz), and more.
The Heard Museum
Celebrate Mesa
Oct. 10
Celebrate Mesa and all it has to offer at this free family festival, featuring carnival games, music, bands, activities, food trucks, and more.
Sound Bites Music & Food Festival
Oct. 9
Don't miss this all-day concert and festival. Headlining the event is Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler, and Wyves. Eventgoers can expect an array of food, beverage and spirits vendors, including culinary showcases by local restaurants and some of the Valley’s most popular food trucks.
Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade
Oct. 10-11
The annual Phoenix Pride Festival is a two-day celebration designed to bring the diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities together for a weekend of camaraderie and celebration of the past, present and future, while raising funds for the Phoenix Pride Community Programs and educating the public about the existence and continuing civil rights battle facing the LGBTQ+ community. Read more about Phoenix Pride in our feature story here.
Arizona Center
Parade Begins: Hance Park
Parade Ends: Arizona Center
Taco Fest
Oct. 17-18
The Taco Fest at Salt River Fields will be a memorable two-day event that brings together over 40 of the state’s most passionate taco makers along with agave spirit artisans, local musicians and DJs, artists, and small businesses to create an exciting experience authentic to our community. This festival is a joyful reminder that food, art, music, spirits, and community intertwine to create a tapestry of experiences that honor the beauty and vibrance of Mexican culture. But at the heart of it all is a feast for the senses, with the savory allure of tacos bringing food lovers together for a memorable culinary journey.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Desert Sky Music Festival
Oct. 3
Experience country music's hottest artists under Arizona's Desert Sky for one unforgettable night. The 2026 lineup will feature Brett Young, Carly Pearce, Chayce Beckham, Dylan Schneider, and Ashley Anne.
West Valley Events Complex
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Oct. 24-25
Mesa Arts Center is pleased to celebrate Día de los Muertos with an annual event created in collaboration with the community. Día de los Muertos is a celebration of Latin American art and culture related to the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead. The annual free event offers a variety of features, performances and more in celebration of the memories of the deceased.
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
Oct. 23-25
Spooktacular offers a safe and memorable trick-or-treat experience where there is family fun for everyone. Enjoy over 20 glowing hot air balloons acting as trick-or-treat stations that will be passing out over 4,000 lbs. of candy to the kids. Kids of all ages will love the free Kids Zone, with over 30 unique inflatables. Guests can also stroll the free Spook Trail if they dare, which is a fan favorite featuring surprises around every corner!
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Dia de Los Muertos Fiestas
Oct. 24
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Old Town Scottsdale with music, art, culture, community, large-scale installations, a Catrina Fashion Show, the Desfile de los Muertos procession, and a special appearance by Lupita Infante. Free admission.
Scottsdale Civic Center
November Festivals
Back to Top of ListMikiztli Dia de los Muertos Phoenix Festival
Oct. 24
The annual Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Festival features music, dance, masked performances, art activities for kids, artist's mercado and candlelight closing procession with ceremony and celebration. This festival is a unique and exciting artistic event that keeps families connected to their cultural heritage and traditions.
NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Oct. 16-18
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship returns to Phoenix Raceway! Watch as four drivers put it all on the line as they go head-to-head for the ultimate prize in NASCAR.
Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts
Nov. 7-8
This historic resort community will transform into a street scene filled with art, music and different aromas. The festival features 200 fine artists and craftsmen exhibiting a wide selection of original arts and crafts, ranging from functional to decorative, and contemporary to Native American.
Litchfield Square Park
Día de Muertos at Desert Botanical Garden
Nov. 6-8
The Garden transforms into a vibrant celebration of memory and connection.
Return to a world of bright marigolds, radiant altars and festive trails, where art and tradition come together under the desert sky. Experience live performances, immersive installations and moments of reflection woven throughout the Garden.
This is more than a festival—it is a gathering of spirit and beauty. A time to honor, remember and come together surrounded by the vibrant energy of the season.
USA TODAY Wine and Food Experience
Oct. 24
Phoenix is one of the 8 stops on the USA TODAY Wine and Food Experience nationwide tour! This October, indulge in a culinary adventure and experience the area's best local wine and food. Taste food from a gourmet showcase. Sip premier wine, beer, and spirits from the best. Savor the experience with live demonstrations.
Phoenix/Tempe Water Lantern Festival
Nov. 6-8
As the sun begins to set on the evening sky, the Water Lantern Festival begins to shine with the launch of the lanterns onto the water. Watch your unique lantern drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns.
The Hondo Rodeo Fest
Nov. 13-15
Get your boots out! The Hondo Rodeo and Music Fest comes to Chase Field from November 13-15. The three-day rodeo fest brings together the best of rodeo and music. World class rodeo will be paired with performances by Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Lynyrd Skynard, Parker McCollum, and Turnpike Troubadors.
Charles Schwab Cup Championship
Nov. 12-15
The Charles Schwab Cup Championship is the final event of the PGA TOUR Champions season and the third and final event of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, used to determine the annual Charles Schwab Cup Champion. The event consists of the top-36 players on the Charles Schwab Cup points list.
Scottsdale Polo Championships
Nov. 7
Enjoy fashion, food and drink, live performances, exotic car displays and, of course, polo at an event that The Captain of the Wales Polo Team calls “the best polo event in the world.”
Fountain Hills Fall Fountain Festival
Nov. 13-15
Discover the magic of the Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts, a beloved tradition in naturally beautiful Fountain Hills, Arizona. For over 50 years, Fountain Hills, Arizona, has welcomed hundreds of artists and hundreds and thousands of visitors from around the world to enjoy fine arts and crafts. This one-of-a-kind craft fair boasts work in every medium and offers home goods, gourmet snacks, gifts, and fine art in every price range. Enjoy the full Friday through Sunday event, or plan a day trip with your family to participate in this sensory experience.
Canal Convergence | Western Nature
Nov. 6-15
The free, 10-night event features large-scale public artworks created by artists from around the world alongside live music and dance performances, creative workshops, educational tours and activities, food trucks, a mini film festival and a beer and wine garden. In addition to the event’s perennial focus on interactivity, sustainability and the union of water, art and light, this year's theme is “Western Nature.”
Arizona Fall Fest
Nov. 7
The annual Arizona Fall Fest celebrates all things local to Arizona with a free, family-friendly event featuring over 200 local vendors, local restaurants and food trucks, Kid Zone, Sports Zone, live local entertainment, an AZ Beverage Garden and more.
Grand Ave Festival PHX
Nov. 7
The Grand Ave Festival PHX is an annual event that celebrates the dynamic and artistic community of the Historic Grand Avenue neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ. Showcasing local businesses, artisans, musicians, and performers, the festival aims to create a platform for creativity, community engagement, and celebration. The event features a variety of activities, including an artisan market, live music, performances, interactive art experiences, and more. The Grand Ave Festival PHX invites all to join in the festivities and experience the vibrant spirit of this historic neighborhood.
Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts
Nov. 15
The annual Festival of the Arts is a free celebration of the arts in our community and showcases performances by Valley arts organizations , live music, interactive Kids Zone, vendor market, artist demonstrations, food, and wine and beer garden. Guests experience the magic of two stated featuring live music, dance, and dynamic performances. The grounds are filled with captivating art demonstrations, hands-on kids’ activities, a vibrant vendor market, mouthwatering food trucks, and a lively beer and wine garden. It’s a space specifically curated for local talent and performing artists to gather for inspiration, connection, and pure artistic joy!
Phoenix Pizza Festival
Nov. 15-16
At the annual Phoenix Pizza Festival, around 20 pizza makers sell all types of pizza, as well as half and full pizzas, depending on their menu. Gluten free and vegan options available. The event will include live bands, lawn games, desserts, local vendors, kid's crafts, and more. Bars will offer a selection of wine, beer, cocktails and N/A beverages.
Gilbert Days Music Festival
Nov. 21
This two-day party features live bands, food, drinks, inflatables, and fun for the whole family at Gilbert Regional Park.
editor's picks
Things To Do This Fall In Phoenix
From museums to outdoor excursions, here are the details on what's open in Greater Phoenix for the…
Scenic Fall Drives
Take a winding journey through red rocks or White Mountains on these scenic fall drives within a few…
Best Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes in Phoenix
Check out the best Greater Phoenix farms to pick a pumpkin, ride a hay bale, social distance in a…
