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Phoenix Fall Festivals

Mesa Arts Center Season Kickoff Festival

Sept. 8

This free all-ages event features live music, tasty food, interactive activities, new art exhibitions 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.

Mesa Arts Center

Ales on Rails

Sept. 12 - 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 in its 20th year, the very popular Ales on Rails season always sells out in advance and may be reserved to include a Verde Canyon Railroad logo beer glass with four beer-tasting tickets, a made-to-order lunch from the Copper Spike Cafe and a large selection of tasty Arizona-brewed craft beers for only $149 per person. The party begins on the depot patio with beer on tap prior to the train’s 1:00 p.m. departure. The fun continues onboard as highlighted beers of the day are available for purchase during the ride.

Verde Canyon Railroad

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

Sept. 15-17

In its 11th year of business, 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.

WestWorld of Scottsdale

3rd Annual Latino LGBTQ+ Pride Festival

Sept. 16

Allies and community members of the LGBTQ+ Latino community are welcome to attend the 3rd 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. Adore Delano from RuPaul's Drag Race will perform drag. Robin S, the pop icon and dance music legend, is set to perform at the festival as well. 

Heritage Square

10th Annual Garlic Festival

Sept. 16-24

The 10th annual Garlic Festival will feature live cooking demos, a beer & wine garden, live music, raffles, and games. The best part is five varieties of organically grown estate garlic will be available for sale. 

Queen Creek Olive Mill Estate

Rockin' Taco Street Fest

Sept. 23

The 12th annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest returns to downtown Chandler. The taco party of the season features more than 20 local restaurants and food trucks. In addition to some incredible eats, people will enjoy live music, eating competitions, mechanical Rockin’ Taco ride, Luche Libre wrestling matches, and much more. 

Dr. AJ Chandler Park

Arizona State Fair

Sept. 23 - Oct. 29

For more than a century, 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.

Arizona State Fair & Coliseum

Scottsdale Fashion Week

Sept. 27-Oct. 1

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.

Scottsdale 

Free Family Fun Action & Adventure Festival

Sept. 30

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. 

Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest

Sept. 30

Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest is back for it's second year featuring local beer by SanTan Brewing Co. and Pedal Haus Brewery, canned cocktails by SanTan Spirits, German fare, games and a family fun zone!

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park

24th Annual Mariachi & Folklorico Festival

Oct. 1

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a tradition - experience the rich cultural history of Mexico through vibrant music and dance at the 24th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival. The annual event features Alan Ponce, Deyra Barrera, Herencia Mexicana Arizona, the energetic ensemble of Mariachi Sonido de Mexico, and the passionate and charismatic all-female group Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas. These outstanding mariachi groups will be accompanied by folklórico dancers from Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ. 

Chandler Center for the Arts

Phoenix Greek Festival

Oct. 6-8

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

Arizona Bao Dumpling Festival

Oct. 7 

The Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival is in its fourth year with over 15 local businesses. Bao, or a steamed bun, is a type of bread dumpling, either baked or steamed with a variety of fillings inside. Try out different types of baos or enjoy creative fusion asian dishes. Anime fans will appreciate all the cute merch available for sale at the market.

The Martin Auto Museum

Four Peaks Oktoberfest

Oct. 7-8

Celebrate German-style with three days of live music, brats, and beer and extra fun like dachshund races, keg tappings, karaoke, carnival rides and more. 

Tempe Beach Park

Goldrush Music Festival

Oct. 7-8

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. 

Phoenix Raceway

Taste of Japan

Oct 7-8

Taste of Japan is coming to Heritage Square in Phoenix October 7 and 8 for two days of family-friendly fun celebrating Japanese food, drink, entertainment and the overall culture of the island nation.

Don’t miss all the best Japanese foods in one place – from the traditional like ramen, yakitori and Takoyaki, to more eclectic street foods that are available in the streets of Tokyo and beyond. Entertainment will be top notch and happen all day long, including Japanese drummers, martial arts demonstrations, anime and more, providing a fun glimpse into the pop culture of Japan.

Heritage Square

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phx Fest

Oct. 9 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phx Fest returns to “Indigenize the Valley” with a vibrant celebration of Indigenous Art, Music, Film, & Food. Located on the ancestral lands of the O’odham and Piipaash people, the festival transforms Margaret T. Hance Park with one main musical stage, a second cultural stage, a skateboard competition, arts market, food vendors, and the 4th Annual RISE Art Installation featuring a PVC geodesic dome.

Margaret T. Hance Park

Maricopa County Home & Garden Show

Oct 13-15

The largest home show in the Southwest is taking place in Phoenix at the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show. Event goers can gain inspiration with free seminars and crafting workshops, gardening classes, food and beverage tastings, and more, all in one location for three days.

Westworld of Scottsdale

Wild West Music Fest

Oct. 13-15

Wild West Music Fest is a family-friendly festival that will feature national and local entertainment, food truck and vendor options, and attractions to pay tribute to the early Stagecoach days of the city which date back to the 1950s. Headliners include Multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning rap star Nelly, country pop artist Filmore, feel-good hip-hop and pop star Flo Rida and multi-platinum artist Deana Carter!

Copper Sky Recreation Park  

Celebrate Mesa

Oct. 14

Celebrate Mesa and all it has to offer at this free family festival, featuring bounce houses, archery tag, food trucks, petting zoo and more.

Red Mountain Soccer Complex

Arizona Jazz Fest

Oct. 20-22

This year’s event will feature Brian McKnight, Kenny G, and Lalah Hathaway, among others, performing all weekend long. With over 20 acts at this year’s AZ Jazz Fest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while taking in the atmosphere. Beer and wine will be available for purchase along with a variety of food choices. 

High Street

Phoenix Fashion Week

Oct. 20-21

Phoenix Fashion Week is the leading fashion industry event in the Southwest. The mission is to bridge national and international designers with retailers, boutiques, fashionistas, and top fashion media globally. The 2-day fashion event will showcase Fall and Holiday 2023 collections with 20+ designer runway shows, various trunk sales, statewide retail events, fashionable workshops led by top industry experts and fabulous after parties.

Chateau Luxe

Phoenix Pride Festival

Oct. 21-22

The annual Phoenix Pride Festival in Phoenix is a two-day celebration designed to bring our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities together for a weekend of camaraderie and celebration of our 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 our community. Read more about Phoenix Pride in our feature story here.

Steele Indian School Park

Dia de los Muertos Festival

Oct. 21-22

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.

Mesa Arts Center

Arizona Toy Con

Oct. 21

The biggest toy show event of the year, the AZ Toy Con Mesa Mega Show returns!  All toys represented, vintage to modern. Kids 10 and under are admitted for free. 

Mesa Convention Center

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival

Oct. 27-28

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

UwU Con

Oct. 27-29

Fans of all ages who love Star Wars, comics, anime, gaming, and food will find something to geek out about. Attendees will get to meet their favorite voice actors and celebrities from popular anime, Star Wars, movies, and TV shows. This year, one of the special guests will be none other than the Scooby-Doo, She’s All That, and Star Wars Rebels actor, Freddie Prinze Jr.

Attendees will also get to shop hundreds of merchandise vendors, try a variety of food trucks and food vendors (some of which are creating food based on characters or dishes found in popular shows), participate in cosplay contests and gaming tournaments, and dance into the night at the Friday and Saturday night afterparty with live DJs.

Legacy Park

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival

Oct. 28-29

More than 100 artists from around the globe will converge on Main Street, creating a unique outdoor gallery. On display will be a collection of original art representing a wide variety of cultures and artwork in a range of subject matter and media. Subjects include still life, landscape, portraiture, nature, and abstract.

Kierland Commons

Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Phoenix Festival

Oct. 29

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. 

Steele Indian School Park

Arizona State Fair

Through Oct. 29

For more than a century, 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.

Arizona State Fair & Coliseum

Canal Convergence | The Power of Play

Nov. 3-12

Large-scale public artworks created by artists from around the world — and locally — will illuminate the Scottsdale Waterfront, along the pedestrian pathways, bridges, and in and above the Arizona Canal, between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard.

Scottsdale Waterfront

Dreamy Draw Music Festival

Nov. 3-4

Inspired by the vibrant Southwestern spirit of Arizona, the two-day Dreamy Draw Country Music Festival celebrates the harmonious fusion of country and Americana. Seamlessly blending contemporary country melodies with a nostalgic nod to the past, Dreamy Draw delivers an immersive experience that will resonate with the Valley’s music enthusiasts. Embark on a journey where the soul of the Southwest comes alive through the enchanting sounds of country and Americana at Dreamy Draw.

Scottsdale Civic Center

Arizona Fall Fest 2023

Nov. 4

The 2023 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.

Margaret T. Hance Park

Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships

Nov. 4

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.” 

WestWorld of Scottsdale

USA TODAY Wine and Food Experience

Nov. 4

Phoenix is one of the 11 stops on the 2023 USA TODAY Wine and Food Experience nationwide tour this summer! This November, 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.

High Street

Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts

Nov. 4-5

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.

Downtown Litchfield Park

AZ Asian Cultural Festival

Nov. 4-5

Experience the vibrant cultures of Asia and enjoy a day full of tradition, food, music, and performances. This festival brings together different parts of Asia under one roof -there’s something for everyone. A fun-filled day with loved ones awaits everyone. Sample delicious Asian cuisine from the many vendors and take part in various cultural activities.

Glendale Civic Center

NASCAR Cup Series Championship

Nov. 5

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.

Phoenix Raceway

2023 Charles Schwab Cup Championship

Nov. 6-12

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.

Phoenix Country Club

Fountain Hills Festival of Arts and Crafts

Nov. 10-12

The Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts features nearly 500 artists, artisans and gourmet food provisioners. Over 200,000 visitors are attracted to this event to do their holiday shopping, purchase art, savor good food and enjoy live entertainment. Many of the artists in this fair offer unique holiday-themed ornaments that have become family tradition.

Avenue of the Fountains

Arizona Nom Nom Noodles

Nov. 11

The Arizona Nom Nom Noodles Festival will have over ten local food businesses. Try out one of the many unique noodle dishes from various asian cultures, such as Yakisoba. 

The Martin Auto Museum

Phoenix Pizza Festival

Nov. 11-12

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.

Margaret T. Hance Park

AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews

Nov. 18

Sip and celebrate craft beer, spirits and wine from around Arizona, with more than 25 local breweries, distilleries and wineries from the Copper State.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Phoenix/Tempe Water Lantern Festival

Nov. 11

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.

Kiwanis Park

Gilbert Days Music Festival

Nov. 17-18

This two-day party features live bands, food, drinks, inflatables, and fun for the whole family at Gilbert Regional Park. 

Gilbert Regional Park 

Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts

Nov. 18

Celebrate the arts in our community and enjoy performances by more than 25 arts groups, including dance, live music, and aerialists. Additionally, this festival includes children’s activities, pet adoptions, food, craft beer and wine tasting and more. Proceeds benefit the Herberger Theater’s Youth Outreach Programs.

Herberger Theater Center

Phoenix Flea

Nov. 25

This is not your typical flea market. You'll find small businesses showcasing handcrafted goods and fine art, curated vintage, modern fashion and design, and delicious food and drink. Expect more than 150 vendors plus food trucks.

Heritage Square