October 9-11, 2026

Find out what’s happening this weekend in Phoenix, where art walks, major concerts, cultural celebrations, and can’t-miss sporting events are taking over the Valley. From the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade and the Arizona State Fair to the Arizona Cardinals, and pool parties, live music, and family-friendly events, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. Explore the latest art exhibitions, cheer on your favorite teams, or plan a night out with top concerts and performances. For even more ideas, browse our full event calendar and check out our major annual events happening in 2026 here. 

Looking for seasonal fun? Explore our fall events and things to do in Phoenix this fall. Discover all the top events happening in October 2026 here. 

 

Arizona State Fair

Friday through Sunday

Kick off fair season with rides, games, exhibits, concerts and classic fair food. The Arizona State Fair opens its monthlong run this weekend.

Arizona State Fairgrounds

 

Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade

Saturday and Sunday

Celebrate Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ community with a Saturday concert featuring Madison Rose, followed by Sunday’s parade and festival. Enjoy live entertainment, food, shopping and a headlining performance by JORDY.

Arizona Center

 

Emo Primos

Saturday

Call your primos and head out for a night of emo anthems, alternative music and Latinx talent. Presented by The Funky Latina, the second annual celebration features The Sols, Mannequins and Genesis the Nemesis.

The Rebel Lounge

 

FORM Arcosanti 2026

Friday through Sunday

Make a desert escape for FORM’s three-day music festival at Arcosanti. Catch live performances surrounded by the experimental community’s distinctive architecture.

Arcosanti

 

Becky G at the Arizona State Fair

Friday

Becky G brings her chart-topping hits and Mexican American influences to the Arizona State Fair’s Coliseum Concert Series. Concert tickets include fair admission, so make time for rides, games and your favorite fair food.

Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Arizona State Fair

 

World of Illumination: Zombie Zoo Halloween Experience

Friday through Sunday

Cruise through glowing animal habitats, animated monsters and Halloween scenes at this family-friendly drive-through light show. Tune in to the Halloween soundtrack as the displays turn Tempe Diablo Stadium into an after-dark dance party. Looking for more seasonal fun? Get into the spooky spirit with our guide to Halloween events in Phoenix.

Tempe Diablo Stadium

 

Pan-African Food Festival

Saturday

Explore African, Caribbean and African American cultures through food, music and community. Sample dishes from across the African diaspora while enjoying live performances, cultural showcases and local vendors.

The Square PHX

 

Arizona Cardinals vs. Detroit Lions

Sunday

The Arizona Cardinals take on the Detroit Lions for an afternoon of NFL football in Glendale. Wear your Cardinals red and join the Red Sea to cheer on the home team.

State Farm Stadium

 

Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze at Tolmachoff Farms

Friday through Sunday

Pick out a pumpkin and find your way through a five-acre corn maze at Tolmachoff Farms. Bring the family for a mini maze, petting zoo, jumping pillow and more fall fun. Looking for more seasonal fun? Explore our fall events and things to do in Phoenix this fall.

Tolmachoff Farms

 

 


Day Trips from Phoenix

Friday through Sunday

Phoenix is a hub for a number of memorable day and weekend trips that allow you to explore Arizona for the day and be back in town by night, from Sedona and Prescott to Tucson and Camp Verde. Check our Day Trip Guide for more information.

 

 

Free Things to Do

Friday through Sunday

Many of the events featured on our blog are free, but if you're looking for more options, check out our Free and Cheap in Phoenix Guide.

Greater Phoenix

 

 

Family-Friendly Activities This Weekend

Discover the best family-friendly things to do in Phoenix—from interactive museums to outdoor adventures and kid-friendly eats. 

 

Create Playdate: Talavera Tiles

Saturday

Get creative with a hands-on art activity inspired by traditional Mexican Talavera pottery and local artist Gennaro Garcia. Young artists can design their own tile during this drop-in program, included with museum admission.

Phoenix Art Museum

 

 

Sports This Weekend

Phoenix is a premier sports destination, and our local teams are bringing the heat. The Valley also hosts major sports events. Here’s who you can cheer on this weekend:

Friday
Saturday
Sunday
 

 

 

Concerts & Performances This Weekend

Shows are taking place more often now, including theatre performances, comedy shows and concerts. Here's who you can see perform this weekend:

Friday:
Saturday:

Sunday:

 

 

 

Art Exhibits This Weekend

Phoenix is home to the largest art museum in the southwestern United States. Ignite your mind with the creativity and inspiration you will find at our local cultural institutions. Here's the art exhibits you can see this weekend:

 

Titanic: An Immersive Voyage

Through October 25, 2026

Join a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to experience Titanic, the most luxurious ship to ever set sail. Featuring numerous artifacts, dramatic room recreations, never-before-seen 3D views, video animations, and cutting-edge technology, Titanic: An Immersive Voyage – Secrets of the Deep tells the story of the RMS Titanic like never before.

Galleria Centre

 

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour at SEA LIFE Arizona

Through November 15, 2026

Explore marine life through the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons with themed displays, character standees and photo opportunities. Guests can also complete special activities and meet Isabelle, Tom Nook or K.K. Slider on select days.

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

 

Dinosaurs in the Desert

Through April 30, 2027

Life-size dinosaurs return to the Phoenix Zoo for the first time since 2023. Explore prehistoric creatures throughout the Zoo’s trails, dig for fossils and celebrate opening day with dinosaur-themed games, crafts and entertainment.

Phoenix Zoo

 

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