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Things To Do In Phoenix This Fall

Mesa Arts Center Fall Opening Reception

Sept. 11

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

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.

Rawhide Western Town

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.

WestWorld of Scottsdale

12th Annual Garlic Festival

Sept. 13-21

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. 

Queen Creek Olive Mill Estate

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.

Verde Canyon Railroad

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.

Arizona State Fair & Coliseum

Scottsdale Fashion Week

Sept. 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.

Scottsdale Fashion Square 

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!

WestWorld of Scottsdale 

Harvest in the Heritage District

Sept. 21 - 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. 21 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.

Heritage District

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. 

Arizona Boardwalk

Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival 

Oct. 2- Oct. 31

Vertuccio Farms is gearing up for an unforgettable experience at the Annual Fall Festival at Vertuccio Farms in Mesa, Arizona. Vertuccio Farms hosts a month-long celebration packed with family-friendly activities, attractions, and delicious snacks.

Vertuccio Farms

Downtown Chandler Rocktoberfest

Oct. 2-4

SanTan Brewing + Huss Brewing Co. Present Rocktoberfest: A High-Energy Celebration of Beer, Brats, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Fun. Put on your lederhosen and get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest in grand style. Celebrate with an outstanding lineup of live music, beer from local breweries, cocktails, thrilling competitions, and polka.   

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. 

Heritage Square

Annual 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 annual event features Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Cobre, and Mariachi América de Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar. These outstanding mariachi groups will be accompanied by folklórico dancers from Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ. 

Chandler Center for the Arts

Four Peaks Oktoberfest

Oct. 9-11

Prost! Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest is back for its 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. 

Tempe Town Lake

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

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.

Red Mountain Soccer Complex

Sound Bites Music & Food Festival

Oct. 19

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. 

Gilbert Regional Park

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

Phoenix Pride Festival

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

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.  

Mesa Arts Center

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

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival

Nov. 7-8

More than 100 renowned artists from around the globe will showcase their talents on the center’s fashionable Main Street, with a collection of unique, handmade works of art representing various cultures and a range of subject matter and media, including still life, landscape, portraiture, nature, and abstract. 

Kierland Commons

Mikiztli 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. 

Arizona Center

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

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.

Phoenix Raceway

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.

Kiwanis Park

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.”

Scottsdale Waterfront

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.

Margaret T. Hance Park

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 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

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.” 

WestWorld of Scottsdale

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.

Phoenix Country Club

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. Our goal is to connect our community with the arts and provide an opportunity for people to experience a wide variety and diversity of arts at no cost.

Herberger Theater Center

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.

Margaret T. Hance Park

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. 

Gilbert Regional Park 

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.

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. 

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.

S'edav Va'aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park)

S'edav Va'aki 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.

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)

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.

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.

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. 8 - Jan. 5

State Farm Stadium is ready for the return of its fans and all the cheers for the Arizona Cardinals in their 2024-25 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

Arizona Diamondbacks

Through Sept. 29

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

Phoenix Mercury

Through Sept. 19

The Mercury debuted this year with the a new powerhouse (Olympian) trio: Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi aka "the GOAT," and Kahleah Copper. The Mercury and the X-Factor put on an exciting display of basketball and community every night they play at Footprint Center. 

Footprint Center

Phoenix Rising FC

Through Oct. 26

Phoenix's soccer franchise is coming off a hot streak post-championship. The season lasts all summer long, and the matches are played in the evening, so no need to worry about finding a shady spot. 

Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium

Phoenix Suns

Oct. 23 - Apr. 13

The Suns roster this year is stacked! Not only is there a local buzz for the team; there's also a national one. Fans everywhere are excited to watch Devin Booker hoop alongside Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Bol Bol. Go Suns! 

Footprint Center

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. 

Hours: Daily from 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

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. 

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

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.

Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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. 

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.