Arizona State Fair: Fun with rides, food and animals
The Arizona State Fair has been in operation since 1884. It celebrated 140 years in 2024. Here’s what you should know.
- Arizona’s event season runs from September to December, offering a variety of festivals and fairs as the weather cools.
- Events range from cultural celebrations and food festivals to music concerts and art markets across the Valley.
- The season features numerous family-friendly activities, including fall festivals, hot air balloon shows and holiday parades.
Arizona is about to hit the busiest and tastiest time of the year: event season. As the scorching summer finally gives way to cooler evenings, the Valley transforms into a hub of festivals, fairs and foodie gatherings that bring the community together.
Cultural events, craft fairs and seasonal markets begin to fill up weekends, making it almost impossible to stay home. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a carnival ride, the taste of a limited-edition brew or the vibes of live music, there is an event for you this fall.
Grab your calendar and start planning. Here are all the events happening around the Valley from September to December.
Things to do in September
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
This semiannual event is returning to WestWorld of Scottsdale. Spanning over 120,000 square feet, the market features more than 160 vendors from across the country offering an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, antiques, furniture, home décor and more. It’s the perfect destination for those in search of unique finds and handcrafted treasures.
Details: Sept. 12-14. 4-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. $10. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com.
Goldrush Music Festival
Get ready to saddle up at this immersive electronic dance music festival. Fans journey into the Wild, Wild West theme with a lineup including Major Lazer, Disco Lines, CrankDat, Excision and more.
Details: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 12-13. Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. $148.47. goldrushfestaz.com.
Filipino Night Market: Food and Culture Festival
Get a taste of the Philippines at Mesa’s monthly night market spotlighting local Filipino food vendors. Expect crispy adobo fried rice, lumpia, ube treats, halo halo and more. The event also includes anime and retail vendors. The market runs every second Saturday of the month. The remaining 2025 dates are Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13.
Details: 4- 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. AZ International Marketplace, 1920 W. Broadway Road, Mesa. Free. tickettailor.com.
Garlic Festival
Indulge in a garlic-inspired menu crafted by Del Piero Kitchen, explore local vendors’ products and enjoy live cooking demonstrations. Festival highlights include garlic-infused olive oil tastings and live music.
Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21. Queen Creek Olive Mill Estate, 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek. Free. queencreekolivemill.com.
2025 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week
Back for another year is Arizona Restaurant Week with ten days of special dining deals across the Valley. Diners can enjoy exclusive three-course, prix-fixe menus priced at $33, $44 or $55 per person, featuring seasonal or off-menu dishes. More than 230 restaurants are participating and new additions were being announced leading up to the event.
Details: Sept. 19-28. Participating restaurants Valley-wide. arizonarestaurantweek.com.
Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair is back, highlighting community, culture and entertainment. It will have thrilling rides, live entertainment, exhibitions, competitions and a variety of delicious food. The Coliseum Concert Series includes performances by The Format, Reik, AJR, 2Chainz and more.
Details: Sept. 19-Oct. 26. Noon-9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays-Wednesdays. Arizona State Fair and Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. $17.50. azstatefair.com.
Maricopa County Home and Garden Show
Whether you’re planning a total remodel or just seeking inspiration, you’ll find everything you need at the Maricopa County Home Show. Shop, compare and get deals on pools, landscaping, flooring, kitchen and bath remodeling, décor and more. The Home and Garden Show also features cooking demonstrations, hands-on gardening lessons, master gardener seminars, backyard glowscapes, crafting workshops and over 1,000 vendor booths.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Sept. 26-28. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. $10. MaricopaCountyHomeShows.com.
Things to do in October
Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival
Celebrate the season at Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival which offers a range of family-friendly activities, including a corn maze, petting zoo, carnival games and new attractions like a pig race ride and ropes course challenge.
Details: Oct. 3-Nov. 2. 3-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-7 p.m. Sunday. 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. $17, vertucciofarms.com.
Downtown Chandler Rocktoberfest
Why go to Germany for Oktoberfest when you can get it in the Valley? SanTan Brewing Company is teaming up with Huss Brewing Co. to bring you the first-ever Rocktoberfest in Chandler. Offer live music, craft beers from both breweries, plus games and contests such as wiener dog races, brat eating contest and stein holding.
Details: 4:30- 10 p.m. Friday; 1-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3-4. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $18.48. downtownchandler.org.
5th Annual Latino LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
Celebrate history, pride, diversity and culture at the Annual Latino LGBTQ+ Pride Festival. Special guests include Wendy Guevara, Ruby Reynolds and La Sonora Dinamita. There will also be live music, dance shows, a beauty pageant and food vendors.
Details: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. $25. latinopridealliance.org.
Mariachi and Folklorico Festival
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the vibrant spirit of Mexican culture and honor “The Queen of Ranchera Music,” Aída Cuevas. The musicians will be accompanied by folklórico dancers from Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ.
Details: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. $60. chandlercenter.org.
Phoenix Greek Festival
This event has been sharing Greek food and culture for 64 years. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, including roasted lemon chicken, gyros, moussaka, loukoumades, baklava sundaes and roasted leg of lamb. Quench your thirst with imported Greek beers, wines and ouzo flights. There’s also live music and dance performances, plus an Agora marketplace with jewelry, clothing, olive oil, cheeses, herbs, spices, coffee and more.
Details: Oct. 10-12. 3-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix. $5, phoenixgreekfestival.com.
Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest
Celebrate 50 years of this Tempe tradition full of live music from rock to pop to German polka, contests like the Runnin’ for the Brats and carnival. Savor traditional German cuisine and new beers from Four Peaks Brewing, including Bad Birdie Juicy Golden Ale and Desert Daydream IPAs.
Details: Oct. 10-12. 5 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday and Sunday. Tempe Beach Park, 620 N. Mill Ave. $21.63. fourpeaksoktoberfest.com.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phx Fest
This vibrant festival aims to “Indigenize the Valley” with an immersive showcase of art, music, film and food. In collaboration with local partners like the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and Burton Barr Central Library, the festival offers a rich cultural experience featuring diverse Indigenous creatives and entrepreneurs.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Monday, Oct. 12-13. Arizona Center, 400 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix. Free. ipdphx.com.
UwU Con
Did you miss Phoenix Fan Fusion this year? No worries. This three-day anime and comic convention promises a weekend filled with fun for fans of Star Wars, comics, anime and gaming. Meet voice actors and celebrities — including Steve Blum, Wendee Lee, Beau Billingslea, Melissa Fahn — and shop hundreds of vendors offering exclusive merchandise. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, show off your cosplay and compete in gaming tournaments.
Details: 5- 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17-19. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. Mesa. $25. uwucon.com.
Phoenix Pride Festival
Celebrate 4 years of pride at the Phoenix Pride Festival, which brings together diverse communities for a weekend filled with unity, celebration and education. Enjoy over 150 performances on seven stages, featuring headliners like Snow Product, Big Freedia, Todrick Hall, Debby Holiday and Jamie J. Sanchez. There will be food, merchandise and community resources from over 300 vendors and exhibitors. Other highlights include the Arts Expo, KidSpace, Dance Pavilion, Erotic World and Fiesta Caliente Latin Stage.
Details: Oct. 18-19. 2-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Steele Indian School Park. 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. $34.02. phoenixpride.org.
Taco Fest
You don’t need to bring your own tortilla at this festival. Over 40 vendors will stake their claim offering every style of taco possible. If tequila’s more your speed you can sample over 20 brands of tequila and mezcal. Beyond food and drink, there will be live music, lucha libre, a mercado for shopping and art installations.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18-19. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $13.33.tacofestaz.com.
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
Why go door to door when you can go from hot air balloon to hot air balloon? This family-friendly event offers trick-or-treating with over 20 glowing hot air balloons acting as candy stations, providing more than 4,000 pounds of sweets. The kids zone will have over 30 inflatables; shop for arts, crafts and other merch from local vendors; and watch fireworks on Friday and Saturday night.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 24-26. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. $25.11. azspooktacular.com.
Arizona Toy Con
Looking for a rare action figure or new Pokémon cards to complete your collection? The Arizona Toy Con might be your next place to visit to see over 200 vendors selling vintage and modern toys.
Details: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. $10. aztoyshows.com.
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Honor the departed at this tribute to Latin American art and culture. Visitors will be immersed in a rich tapestry of traditions and artistic expressions. Enjoy live music and dance, explore elaborate altars and art installations, and participate in activities that highlight the cultural significance of this cherished holiday.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25-26. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Free. mesaartscenter.com.
Things to do in November
Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Phoenix Festival
Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos at Mikiztli, which preserves the Indigenous roots of the observance. This family-friendly event features cultural performances, food trucks, local artists and a community ofrenda. Enjoy mariachi music, ballet folklórico, arts, crafts and face painting, culminating in a lively sunset procession with Las Flacas, 8-foot-tall skeleton puppets leading a dance party.
Details: 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1. Arizona Center, 455 N. 3rd St., Phoenix. Free. culturalcoalition.com.
Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts
Enjoy a diverse array of art forms and crafts from over 150 artists and vendors offering paintings, sculptures, jewelry and ceramics. The festival includes food and a beer and a wine garden.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 1-2. Litchfield Square Park, 279 N. La Loma Ave., Litchfield Park. Free. litchfieldpark.gov.
NASCAR Cup Series Championship
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship returns to Phoenix for its final race of the season. This event brings together the top drivers who have qualified through the season’s playoffs to compete for the title.
Details: 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale. $44.40. phoenixraceway.com.
Water Lantern Festival
Witness a beautiful sight as participants decorate their own lanterns with messages, drawings or designs, and then gather at a designated body of water to launch them as dusk falls. The festival features live music, food vendors, and various activities, creating a festive and serene atmosphere. The sight of hundreds or thousands of glowing lanterns floating on the water creates a magical and visually stunning experience.
Details: 2:30- 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8. Kiwanis Park, 5992 S. All America Way, Tempe. $35.99. waterlanternfestival.com.
Arizona Jazz Fest
From bebop to modern jazz to swing, the Arizona Jazz Festival promises a weekend of live performances featuring over 20 acts throughout the weekend. Attendees can enjoy a diverse range of food and beverage options as well. Check the website for schedule announcements.
Details: Nov. 7-9. West Valley Event Complex, 10020 N. Ball Park Blvd., Glendale. $115. azjazzfest.com.
Hondo Rodeo Fest
The Hondo Rodeo and Music Fest offers a dynamic mix of rodeo excitement and live music. There will be three days of rodeo events with top riders plus live performances by Nickelback, Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean and more.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 7-9. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $69.60. thehondorodeofest.com.
Canal Convergence 2024
Canal Convergence is a sprawling outdoor art event along the Scottsdale Waterfront. This year celebrates its 50th anniversary and the event will span 10 nights and offer a diverse array of activities. Other highlights include live music and dance performances, creative workshops, educational tours, a mini film festival, and a beer and wine garden.
Details: Nov. 7-16. Along the Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road. Free. scottsdalearts.org.
Arizona Fall Fest 2025
The 19th annual Local First Arizona Fall Fest celebrates Arizona’s local culture with over 200 local businesses, a diverse selection of food from top restaurants and a beverage garden with local wines, beers and spirits. Enjoy live entertainment and participate in a silent auction offering over 100 unique local gifts and experiences.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. Margaret T. Hance Park. 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix. Free. localfirstaz.com.
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Celebrate the elegance and excitement of polo at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. The event is known for high-level polo matches, stylish fashion, live music, gourmet food and a showcase of luxury automobiles.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8-9. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $45. thepoloparty.com.
USA TODAY Wine and Food Experience
The USA TODAY Wine and Food experience features a diverse selection of culinary creations from top local restaurants, renowned chefs and specialty food vendors, paired with wines, craft beers and cocktails. Attendees can enjoy tastings, cooking demonstrations and other experiences.
Details: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. High Street, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix. $60. wineandfood.usatoday.com.
2025 Charles Schwab Cup Championship
The 2025 Charles Schwab Cup Championship will feature top senior golfers competing for the title of the season’s best player. Check the website for player and ticket info.
Details: 9:30 a.m. Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 13-16. Phoenix Country Club, 2901 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. phoenixcountryclub.com.
AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews
The seventh annual AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews celebrates Arizona craft beer, spirits and wine. The event features over 25 local breweries, distilleries and wineries, offering a wide variety of craft beverages to sample.
Details: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. $64.65. azbottlesandbrews.com.
Fountain Hills Fall Fountain Festival
Get ready to go shopping, purchase art and enjoy food and live entertainment. The 52nd Fountain Hills Festival features nearly 500 artists, artisans and gourmet food provisioners from all over the Valley.
Details: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 14-16. Avenue of the Fountains,12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. Free. fhchamber.com.
Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts
Celebrate the arts at the 16th annual Festival of the Arts with live performances from local arts organizations, a Kids Zone with activities, a vendor market with artist demonstrations, and a wine and beer garden.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. Herberger Theater Center. 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. Free. herbergertheater.org.
Phoenix Pizza Festival
Pepperoni, cheese, Hawaiian and meat lovers, unite! Indulge in pizza of all kinds at the ninth annual Phoenix Pizza Festival. The 10th annual event features pizza, pasta, meatballs and desserts from local makers, along with live music and drinks including wine, beer, cocktails and nonalcoholic options.
Details: Nov. 16-17. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix. $16. phoenix.pizza.
Things to do in December
38th Annual APS Electric Light Parade
Let it glow, let it glow, the annual APS Electric Light Parade is back for another year of lit-up floats, marching bands and community support. For more information on road closures, check the city of Phoenix website.
Details: 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Starting location on Central Ave. and Montebello Ave. Free. phoenix.gov.
The Phoenix Marathon
Calling all runners, the Phoenix marathon is back with a new course. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or seeking a fun race, this event is fit for any beginner or pro. The marathon’s starting location will be at Deer Valley Towne Center, the half-marathon starting location will be on the intersection of Glendale and Central Avenue and the 10K starting location will be on the Arizona Canal Trail just east of 40th and Camelback Road.
Details: 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Marathon starting point at Deer Valley Towne Center, 2805 Agua Fria Fwy., Phoenix. $169. phxmarathon.com.
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