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Things To Do In Phoenix This Fall

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

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

Desert Botanical Garden 

Stroll the winding paths of this 140-acre venue that showcases the world's finest collection of arid plants — from towering saguaros to delicate blooms — from deserts of the world, all in one unique, outdoor setting. The garden has more than 50,000 desert plants on display throughout five thematic trails that illustrate such topics as conservation, desert living, desert wildflowers and plants and people of the Sonoran Desert. Please note: Advance ticket reservations for the garden is required.

Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
480-941-1225 

Japanese Friendship Garden

Tucked away on the edge of downtown sits a 3.5-acre oasis. Named Ro Ho En — Ro is Japanese for heron, Ho means Phoenix bird, and En is garden. The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is a joint project of the City of Phoenix and our Sister City Himeji, Japan. 

Part of the garden’s vision is to provide a place of beauty and tranquility as an escape from the everyday pressures of life, for meditation and relaxation and to enrich and restore the body, mind and spirit. Stroll the grounds on a self-guided tour. Check out the unique landscaping, waterfalls, Koi ponds and tea house (closed until further notice). 

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 5–8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.–12 p.m. and 5–8 p.m. 

1125 N. Third Ave., Phoenix
602-274-8700 

Phoenix Zoo

Featuring over 3,000 animals, including Bornean orangutans, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, Masai giraffes and many more, the Phoenix Zoo has been a Phoenix mainstay since 1962. Alongside animals, there are outdoor cafés, shops, lush gardens, water landscapes and exciting up-close animal encounters like Stingray Bay, Giraffe Encounter and Monkey Village. Due to the summer heat, the zoo opens and closes at earlier hours.

Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.

455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
602-286-3833

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park

Pueblo Grande Museum is an archaeological site once inhabited by the Hohokam culture, just east of downtown Phoenix, next to Sky Harbor International Airport. It's a National Historic Landmark and Phoenix Point of Pride accessible by the Sky Train and the Valley Metro Rail. Part of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department since 1929, it's the largest preserved archaeological site in Phoenix. Though the indoor galleries are closed, there is a fully accessible 2/3 mile trail that takes you through a prehistoric Hohokam archaeological site with a platform mound, ball court, and replicated houses.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.

4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix
602-495-0901

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Home to Arizona's largest collection of exotic animals with 600 different species, visitors can feed giraffes, parrots and stingrays, see wildlife on the Log Flume ride, African Safari Train, Australian Boat Ride, Wildlife Skyride, or exotic Merry-Go-Round. 

Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (zoo) and 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (aquarium)

16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park
623-935-WILD

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Open since 1929, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is one the best spots to explore desert plants. About an hour outside of Phoenix, it is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state, with more than 2,600 species of plants from across the world. 

Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior
520-689-2723

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Nestled against the beautiful Mingus Mountains in the Verde Valley sits a wildlife park entirely different than any typical zoo or animal park. Here, you'll experience the splendor of the animal kingdom closer than you ever thought possible, blending the spirit of Africa with the harmony of nature. Whether it's the exciting shows like Tiger Splash and Predator Feed, or an immersive safari tour that will have you surrounded by free-roaming African plains animals, or whether it's a hands-on, close encounter with the wiliest critters, there's something for everyone here.

Hours: Open daily, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

3505 W. State Route 260, Camp Verde
928-567-2840

Bike or Ride on a Guided Tour

Whether you're in the mood to explore the Sonoran Desert on an ATV, mountain bike, segway, or horse, you'll find what you're looking for. There are plenty of tour guides to show you the most beautiful areas in our state — including some of the spots with cooler temps. 

Find tours for bikes, ATVs and more here.

Go Camping

No matter where you're looking to go, there is definitely going to be a campground nearby. Maricopa County is home to six regional park campgrounds. Additionally, Arizona offers six national forests, 31 state parks and more than 12 million acres of public land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for your next overnight in nature. So whip out the tents, get the chocolates, marshmallows and graham crackers for s'mores, and check out our picks for the best places to camp near Phoenix. 

Find our favorite camping spots here. 

Take a Moonlight Hike

Experience the cool desert nights under the stars during a guided moonlight hike in Phoenix. Enjoy wildlife, the beautiful landscape and star gazing — and avoid the heat!

Read more about an evening hike. 

Take Flight in a Hot Air Balloon

Up, up and away! Check one off the bucket list with as you soar over the Sonoran Desert in the basket of a hot air balloon with Hot Air Expeditions or Rainbow Ryders. This gentle ride offers a bird’s-eye view of coyote and jackrabbit paths, and looks out over the mountains that surround the city from breathtaking heights. Check each operator's cleaning practices/procedures and seasonal coupons via the links above.

Hours: Sunrise flights available year-round; sunset flights available November through February/March.

Locations vary by operator.

Have a Day at the River or Lake

Nothing beats a day out on the water during the summer. There are several tour operators and rental spots, including Arizona Rafting, Arizona's Salt River Tubing & Recreation, AZ Boat Rentals and Tours, REI Co-Op Experiences, and Riverbound Sports Paddle Co. 

Find nearby lakes here, and learn about the Salt River here.

Shop A Local Farmers Market

Local farmers markets remain key players in Phoenix's farm-to-table movement. Thanks to year-round sunshine and growing seasons, residents and visitors can shop for farm-fresh goods any time of year. And, just in time for fall, we’re highlighting the best farmers markets in Phoenix for safely picking up local fruits and veggies, bread, coffee beans, cheeses, treats, and a wide variety of other locally made products. 

Hours: Most markets operate on Saturday mornings (with a few exceptions). 

Locate a market near you.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze

Each fall, farms across the Greater Phoenix area invite you out to experience the fruits (and veggies) of their harvest and celebrate autumn with a wide variety of festivities — from corn mazes to pumpkin patches — with the entire family.

Find the best pumpkin patches and corn mazes around town.

Arizona Cardinals

Sept. 11 - Dec. 25

State Farm Stadium is ready for the return of its fans, the Super Bowl, and all the cheers for the Arizona Cardinals in their 2022-23 season. Fall is the unofficial time to mark the beginning of NFL season, meaning that you'll have some beautiful weather to tailgate before you whoop and holler for the Cards. 

State Farm Stadium
 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale

Arizona Diamondbacks

Through Sept. 25

Fall can still be warm in Greater Phoenix, but D-backs diehards know the heat hits different in Chase Field, thanks to the retractable roof, and for those lucky few, access to the Chase Field pool. 

Chase Field
401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

Phoenix Rising FC

Through Oct. 15

Phoenix's soccer franchise has a brand spanking new field to play on in Wild Horse Pass. The season lasts all summer long, and the matches are played in the evening, so no need to worry about finding a shady spot. 

Wild Horse Pass Stadium
19615 S. 48th St., Chandler

Arizona Science Center

Nestled in the Heritage and Science Park, the Arizona Science Center is a unique landmark designed by renowned architect Antoine Predock. The combination of ramps, hallways, galleries and terraces in this 140,000-square-foot building creates an intriguing environment of investigation and discovery. The center invites you to explore four levels of exciting “hands-on” exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a five-story, giant-screen theater. 

Events Include: 

• Pop! The Science of Bubbles | Through Jan. 29, 2023

Hours: Daily from 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
602-716-2000

Heard Museum

Home to one of the most extensive collections of American Indian art in the United States, Heard Museum features some 40,000 fine artworks and cultural artifacts, with a focus on tribes of the Southwest. Explore traditional and contemporary works — from Hopi katsina dolls and Navajo textiles to Navajo and Zuni jewelry and Southwestern ceramics from prehistory to the present — throughout spacious exhibit galleries, a contemporary art gallery, the outdoor sculpture gardens, trading post-style shop and more. 

Events Include: 

• Remembering the Future: 100 Years of Inspiring Art | Through Oct. 23

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 

2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-252-8840 

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) 

Explore interactive galleries and immersive exhibits showcasing more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 world countries across the globe, as well as collectibles from legendary musicians. MIM is holding socially distanced concerts now as well, so check out our concerts calendar. Engage in the sensory nature of music and how it affects our emotions through state-of-the-art, interactive media that takes visitors on a journey to hear the sounds and observe instruments being played in their original contexts.

Events Include: 

• Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments | Through Sept. 1, 2023

Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 

4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix
480-478-6000 

Phoenix Art Museum

Since it opened in 1959, Phoenix Art Museum has become the largest art museum in the southwestern U.S., providing access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona. In the past 50 years, millions have visited the museum to view the more than 400 national and international exhibitions it has hosted. These are shown alongside Phoenix Art Museum's collection that has grown to over 17,000 objects of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, photography and fashion design. 

Events Include: 

• Still Life: Ordinary Pleasures | Through Sept. 15

• Desert Rider | Through Sept. 18

• Generation Paper: Fast Fashion of the 1960s | Through Dec. 4

• Philip C. Curtis and the Landscapes of Arizona | Through Dec. 31

• You Are in Cowboy Country | Through Feb. 10, 2023

• Breaking Up | Through Aug. 5, 2024

Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-257-1880

Butterfly Wonderland

America’s largest butterfly pavilion entertains, educates and enchants visitors of all ages with the wonders of one of Mother Nature’s most beloved creatures. This state-of-the-art facility includes the conservatory, where 3,000 butterflies fly freely; Butterfly Emergence Gallery; Tropical Waters of the World exhibit, with a stingray and shark observation pool; Honey Bee Extravaganza; Spineless Giants and Rainforest Reptile exhibit; a 3D theater; Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop and a Café. 

Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 

9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale 
480-800-3000 

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

iFLY, the world’s largest indoor skydiving operation, delivers the dream of flight to adventure seekers of all ages and abilities. Experience the sensation of skydiving in a safe, comfortable and fun environment – without having to jump out of an airplane. With the help of iFLY certified flight instructors, you'll experience the sensation of free fall — creating conditions that allows you to fly on a smooth cushion of air — and check true human flight off the bucket list. 

Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

9206 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
480-712-4359

Mavrix

Mavrix is an entertainment destination featuring 22 bowling lanes, 85 arcade games, a state-of-the-art laser tag arena, billiards, dozens of 4K televisions, and a 5,000-square-foot restaurant and bar that features a chef-curated menu, local beers and craft cocktails.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 3–11 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11a.m.– 1 a.m.

9139 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
480-291-7500

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 

Take a journey back in time, and experience an evening of chivalry, revelry, sport and pageantry inside a magnificent 11th century-style castle. Queen Maria Isabella welcomes you to dine with her and her royal court. Always a generous host, she has commanded her royal chefs to cook her favorite meal just for you. Feast on a sumptuous four-course banquet, while medieval Spain comes to life before your eyes. Cheer on your brave knight in a spectacular tournament performance — including majestic horses, authentic jousting and a live sword fight — and may the best knight win. 

Hours: Most shows take place at 4 or 7 p.m. on selects dates (castle opens 75 minutes prior to showtime).

9051 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale
480-291-7555

Octane Raceway

If you have a need for speed, Octane Raceway is home to the only full-time indoor/outdoor track in the U.S. So, prepare to put your pedal to the metal and reach 45+ mph on the kart track. But pump the breaks for Velocity VR, mini-bowling, arcade and Brickyard Bar & Grill. 

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 3–10 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m.–12 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

9119 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
602-302-7223

OdySea Aquarium

As the largest aquarium in Arizona, OdySea is home to more than 2 million gallons of water — featuring  370 species — and 65 exhibits, including the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit, two stingray touch exhibits and a tide touch pool (some touch exhibits may be closed temporarily). This family friendly, under-the-sea experience also includes interactive activities: SeaTREK underwater walking adventure, walk-about Animal Ambassadors and Q&A sessions with animal care specialists. And don't miss Pip, Polly, and the rest of the African black-footed penguin squad at Penguin Point. 

OdySea Aquarium is located at Arizona Boardwalk, which is also home to Pangea: Land of the Dinosaurs and more.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
480-291-8000

Wonderspaces

This evolving art show features extraordinary installations from around the world in a casual and safe, 16,000-square foot venue. Wonderspaces partners with artists to deliver experiences to new audiences through touring shows, including the 13 immersive, interactive and conversation-provoking works currently on display in a socially-distanced environment. You'll want to have your camera/phone ready for the one-of-a-kind photo ops throughout these current exhibits. Please note: Individual artwork rotates in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show. 

Hours: Advance tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours (the average time spent at the show is 90 minutes).

7014 E. Camelback Road, #584, Scottsdale
480-718-2156

Crayola Experience

Dozens of hands-on creative activities and a full day of fun awaits your entire family in Chandler, just a short drive away from Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. Bigger, brighter and bolder than ever, the colorful adventures of Crayola Experience help kids (and adults) explore art and technology, express their creativity and experience color in a whole new way.

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

111 W. Chandler Blvd., Ste. 2154, Chandler
602-581-5370

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LEGOLAND^® Discovery Center is where families with children ages 3 to 10 can enjoy a world of creativity, color and building fun in the ultimate indoor LEGO playground. With features that include global and local landmarks made from over a million LEGO bricks in MINILAND^® to fun and exciting LEGO themed rides: Kingdom Quest and Merlin's Apprentice. Watch as your favorite LEGO characters come to life in the 4D Cinema. Then get hands-on with the thousands of LEGO bricks in themed build-and-play areas where kids' imaginations can run wild with endless possibilities.

Hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste. 135, Tempe
855-450-0558

SEA LIFE Arizona

Discover thousands of amazing creatures and walk through the 360-degree ocean tunnel. SEA LIFE Arizona is built for kids with child-level viewing bubbles and an interactive scavenger hunt. 

Hours: Monday through Friday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste. 145, Tempe
855-450-0559

Bearizona Wildlife Park, Williams

If you're up for a drive on the wild side, and maybe some cooler temps among the Ponderosa pines, Bearizona is where it's at. About 170 miles north of Phoenix, this wildlife park invites guests to observe North American animals — including Black bears, elk, wolves, bison — in their natural environment along a scenic, 3-mile drive. Visitors are also welcome to stroll along winding forest walkways for an up-close look at the antics of bobcats, bear cubs, javelinas and more at Fort Bearizona.

Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. 

1500 E. Route 66, Williams
928-635-2289

Take a Scenic Drive

These intra-city road trips allow you to travel from point A to point Beautiful, and you don't ever have to leave your air-conditioned car. Some of the best scenic drives in Arizona are right here, including Dobbins Lookout, the Apache Trail and Wrigley Mansion.

Learn about local scenic drives.