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Phoenix Fall Festivals

AFASA Reggae Festival

Sept. 3

The reggae festival will be headlined by three-time Grammy nominee, Wailing Souls (from Kingston, Jamaica), and two legendary local reggae bands — Dee Dread and Walt Richardson. Activities will include a music and dance ensemble, a stilt walker, an acclaimed international DJ (Jahmar), a legendary African storyteller, and an African marketplace, where festival attendees can sample and/or buy African and Diaspora African (Caribbean, Soul food) cuisines, crafts, fashion/fabric, jewelry, décor, etc. from festival vendors.

Phoenix Events & Entertainment Complex
8050 N. 19th Ave., #291, Phoenix

Mesa Arts Center Season Kickoff Festival

Sept. 9

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
1 E. Main St., Mesa

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 in its 19th 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 $125 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
300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

Sept. 16-18

In its 10th 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 130 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
16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

Hearts on Fire Festival

Sept. 23

Splashing down into an emo-drenched pool of nostalgia, the inaugural event will feature The All-American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, Mayday Parade, Set It Off, and Cray, with more to be announced.

Phoenix Raceway
7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale

Oktoberfest at the Fountain

Sept. 23-24

The first Oktoberfest was organized in celebration of the marriage of the Bavarian King Ludwig I in Munich, Germany in 1810. This “volksfest” and has continued on to this day, and is brought to Fountain Hills each year. No authentic detail has been overlooked, including long tables papered in blue and white where attendees can chat with neighbors and meet new friends. Sing along with old-time German drinking songs and dance a jig on the dance floor while enjoying the music of a live German band.

Fountain Park
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills

Desperado LGBTQ+ Film & Arts Festival 

Sept. 23-25

The Desperado LGBTQ Film and Arts Festival showcases LGBTQ films that are related to the experiences of the LGBTQ community — creating an event that is educational, enlightening, entertaining and enjoyable. 

Paradise Valley Community College
18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

Arizona State Fair

Sept. 23 - Oct. 30

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
1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix

Free Family Fun Action & Adventure Festival

Sept. 24

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. 

OdySea Aquarium
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale

Freestyle Festival

Sept. 24

Freestyle Festival is transforming Tempe Beach Park into an all-day '80s flashback dance party featuring a stacked, superstar lineup, craft food & beverages, art installations and much more.

Tempe Beach Park
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe 

Rockin' Taco Street Fest

Sept. 24

The 11th annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest returns to downtown Chandler. The taco party of the season features more than 20 local restaurants and food trucks including Tapas AL Gusto, Los Sombreros and Salsa Bites. 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
178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler

Arizona State Fair

Through Oct. 30

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
1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix

23rd 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 23rd Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival. The annual event features Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos and 16-member Mariachi Estrella de Mexico, along with a dazzling array of folklorico dancers from Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ.

Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

Four Peaks Oktoberfest

Oct. 7-9

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
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

Goldrush Music Festival

Oct. 7-9

Expanding to three days, the 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
7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale

Phoenix Greek Festival

Oct. 8-10

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
1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix

Celebrate Mesa

Oct. 8

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
905 N. Sunvalley, Mesa

Phoenix Pride Festival

Oct. 15-16

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
300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

Dia de los Muertos Festival

Oct. 22-23

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
1 E. Main St., Mesa

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival

Oct. 29-30

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
15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale

Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Phoenix Festival

Oct. 30

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
300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light

Nov. 4-13

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
4420 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Arizona Fall Fest 2022

Nov. 5

The 2022 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, a Hensley Beverage Garden and more.

Margaret T. Hance Park
67 W. Culver St., Phoenix

Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts

Nov. 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
101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park

Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships

Nov. 5

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
16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

West Valley Island Cultural Festival

Nov. 5

The West Valley Island Cultural Festival is a multi-cultural festival that is held every year in November. The entertainment includes beginners, amateurs, and professionals performing Polynesian, salsa, belly dancing and more. 

Willow Canyon High School
17901 W. Lundberg St., Surprise

Fountain Hills Festival of Arts and Crafts

Nov. 12-14

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
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills

Phoenix Pizza Festival

Nov. 12-13

At the annual Phoenix Pizza Festival Presented by T-Mobile, around 20 pizza makers sell all types of pizza, with slices priced $2-$4 as well as half and full pizzas, depending on their menu. 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
67 W. Culver St., Phoenix

AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews

Nov. 12

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
7555 N. Pima Road. Scottsdale

Phoenix/Tempe Water Lantern Festival

Nov. 12

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
5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe

Gilbert Days Music Festival

Nov. 18-19

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

Gilbert Regional Park 
3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert

Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts

Nov. 19

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
222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix

Phoenix Flea

Nov. 26

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
113 N. 6th St., Phoenix