Autumn isn’t all about the pumpkins. All season long, locals can celebrate beer and wine, tacos, live music, the arts–even garlic–during these fall festivals in Arizona.
Click here for 2024 Oktoberfest events in Arizona.
Sept. 14: Phoenix Children’s At One Yoga Festival
Tempe
Phoenix Children’s At One Yoga Festival–which supports the patients battling cancer at Phoenix Children’s through the state’s largest pediatric cancer program, Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders–will feature yoga classes with a DJ, giveaways, relaxing meditation sessions, and unique vendor booths for guests of all ages. The fall festival in Arizona is set for Tempe Mullett Arena from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 14. Note: Bring your own yoga mat.
Cost: $40 per person (general admission); $100 per person (VIP, which includes a limited-edition event item and reserved mat placement).
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com.
Sept. 14: 13th Annual Rockin’ Taco Street Festival
Chandler
Bottoms UP, the Van Halen tribute band, is set to headline the 13th Annual Rockin’ Taco Street Festival, taking place from noon to 9 p.m. on Sept. 14 in Downtown Chandler. Attendees of this family-friendly fest can also enjoy eats from 20 local restaurants, a mechanical riding Rockin’ Taco, lucha libre wrestlers, exciting entertainment, and much more.
Cost: $15 per person; $25 for two tickets; $44 for a four tickets; free admission for kids, ages 12 and under.
Tickets: forty8live.com.
Sept. 19: DTPHX Lotería
Phoenix
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by playing the traditional game of Lotería while enjoying a night of Mexican food, entertainment from Vinyl Vagos, a market hosted by Mujeres Mercado, and a make-and-take craft station led by The Crafty Chica. Registration starts at The Grotto at Arizona Center at 6 p.m.; the game kicks off at 7 p.m.
For more information: dtphx.org/loteria.
Sept. 21 to Sept. 29, Weekends: 11th Annual Garlic Fest at Queen Creek Olive Mill
Queen Creek
Queen Creek Olive Mill will host its 11th Annual Garlic Fest during two weekends, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, this fall: Sept. 21 and Sept. 22, followed by Sept. 28 and Sept. 29. The free-to-attend fall festival in Arizona will feature a variety of organically-grown garlic and garlic-inspired menus and products. Guests also enjoy live cooking demos, tractor tours, games in the grove, live music, and more.
For more information: www.queencreekolivemill.com.
Sept. 19 to Sept. 28, Select Dates: Ballet Arizona’s Ballet Under the Stars
Valleywide
Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars, presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, returns select dates from Sept. 19 to Sept. 28 with stellar performances at six Valley locations. This year’s shows will include excerpts from both contemporary and classic ballets, including Piazzolla Caldera and Swan Lake. All performances–which are free to attend–start at 7 p.m. Ballet Under the Stars kicks off at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills on Sept. 19; Sept. 20 at Chandler Park; Sept. 21 at Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater in Goodyear; Sept. 26 at Centennial Plaza Park in Peoria; Sept. 27 at Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park in Glendale; and Sept. 28 at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.
For more information: balletaz.org.
Sept. 27 to Nov. 10: Imaginarium “Where Light Meets Magic”
Phoenix
Phoenix Premium Outlets hosts Imaginarium, the popular interactive light spectacular, for a limited time through Sunday, Nov. 10. The interactive walk-through experience offers an imaginative world where more than five million lights come to life through captivating displays designed to enchant the entire family. Imaginarium is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 7 to 11 p.m.
Cost: General admission tickets start at $21 per person, with discount ticket prices available for children, ages 3 to 12, seniors over 62 and military with valid
I.D.
Tickets: imaginarium360.com/phoenix.
Sept. 28 and Sept. 29: Sedona WineFest
Sedona
Raise your glass at the 15th-annual Sedona Winefest as the beloved Northern Arizona event returns to Sedona Posse Grounds Park Sept. 28 and Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can sample several food trucks serving local cuisine, 20-plus award-winning wines from the state’s best wineries (like Arizona Stronghold, DA Ranch, Merkin, Javelina Leap, and many more), a variety of artisan vendors, live music, and local breweries and distilleries.
Cost: $35 per person; $45 per person, day-of; $10 for non-drinkers; free admission for kids under 18.
Tickets: www.sedonawinefest.com.
Oct. 5: 25th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival
Chandler
The Chandler Center for the Arts presents the 25th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival, a vibrant celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, the fall festival in Arizona will feature mariachi legends, Leyendas del Mariachi, comprised of respected musicians from Mariachi Vargas, Mariachi Cobre, and Mariachi Los Camperos; performances of Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ and Los Lupeños de San Jose; and more.
Cost: Tickets are $48 to $88 (VIP, including a private reception, an exclusive tequila tasting, and a meet-and-greet with the performers).
Tickets: chandlercenter.org.
Oct. 5: RetroByte – An 80’s Night
Litchfield Park
From 6 to 9 p.m. on The Wigwam Front Lawn, check out the first-ever RetroByte – a celebration of the ’80s. Enjoy themed food and drinks, gigantic versions of Pacman and LiteBrite, and live music from RadioDayz. And–of course–come in your most radical 80’s outfit.
Cost: $25 per person; $30 at the door (21-and-over event).
Tickets: www.wigwamarizona.com.
Oct. 12: Phoenician Fall Fest
Scottsdale
The Phoenician presents its first-ever Phoenician Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 12. Saddle up for country music, line dancing, BBQ and sweet treats from food trucks, cocktails from Jack Daniel’s, and western-themed activities, set amidst the backdrop of the historic Jokake Inn. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and entertainment begins at 7 p.m. with line dancing lessons.
Cost: $55 per person. A limited number of VIP packages are available for $1,000, which feature entrance tickets, food truck meal tickets, and personal firepit seating for up to eight guests. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
For more information: www.thephoenician.com/events/phoenician-fall-fest.
Oct. 9 to Oct. 13: Art in the Pines: 5th Annual Prescott Plein Air Festival
Prescott
Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery and Yavapai College Foundation present Art in the Pines: 5th Annual Prescott Plein Air Festival. The free-to-attend festival will feature 19 juried Arizona artists and one California artist painting in outdoor settings throughout Yavapai County, including the area’s pine forests and highland lakes and within the architectural beauty of Downtown Prescott. At accessible demonstration sites, the public have the opportunity to observe and engage with the artists. The festival will conclude with a ticketed public gala reception, art sale, and presentation of artist awards on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery in the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center.
For more information: arizonapleinair.com.
Oct. 19 and Oct. 20: Taco Fest
Scottsdale
Hungry yet? Those attending Taco Fest at Salt River Fields can choose among hundreds of taco options and sip ice-cold margaritas and tequila and mezcal tastings at the event-within-the-event, The Agave Show. Live music and a kids zone cap off the Taco Fest fun. This fall festival is Arizona is set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and closes an hour early at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Cost: $15 per person (general admission); $100 per person (VIP): $45 per person (The Agave Show); free admission for kids, ages 12 and under.
Tickets: www.tacofestaz.com.
Oct. 19 and Oct. 20: Italian Festival
Scottsdale
The Italian Association of Arizona hosts its ninth-annual Italian Festival at the Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-friendly festival–with a theme of “La Strada del Vino”–will feature more than a dozen food vendors, Italian goods from merchant vendors, live music, street performers, and more.
Cost: $15 (pre-sale general admission); $25 (general admission, at the door); $39 (VIP pre-sale); $65 (VIP).
Tickets: www.italianassociation.org.
Oct. 24 to Nov. 2: 8th Annual Scottsdale Día de los Muertos Fiestas
Scottsdale
The City of Scottsdale has partnered with Scottsdale- and Los Angeles-based cultural events specialty production company LORE Media & Arts to present the 8th Annual Scottsdale Día de los Muertos Fiestas. This two-week-long festival features traditional experiences and authentic art installations throughout Old Town Scottsdale from Thursday, Oct. 24, to Sunday, Nov. 2, the Day of the Dead. Events include the Altares Y Ofrendas Experience at The Old Adobe Mission (Oct. 24 to Nov. 2); Fiesta de Muertos (Oct. 26) at Scottsdale Civic Center; Danza de Muertos (Oct. 26) at Virginia G. Piper Theater, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts; and more.
Cost: Varies per event; many events are free to attend.
For more information: scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com.
Oct. 25 to Jan. 5: Tianyu Lights Festival
Phoenix
The Tianyu Lights Festival–a nighttime walk-through experience for all ages that brings nature and art together through visual, cultural, and light effects with more than 40 sets of larger-than-life lantern sculptures–is coming to the Valley for the first time ever. The festival takes place at Camelback Ranch, Wednesday to Sunday, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Plus, the festival features a marketplace where guests can shop for souvenirs and handicrafts in addition to a food court.
Cost: Reserved early-bird tickets, good for $5 off general admission tickets, are available through Oct. 6. Starting Oct. 7, tickets start at $18 for children, ages 3 to 11, and $25 for ages 12 and up. Parking is $10 per car if purchased in advance, or $15 at the gate.
Tickets: www.tianyuculture.us/phoenix.
Oct. 26: BARKtoberfest
Gilbert
Friends for Life, a no-kill shelter in Gilbert, will be returning to the Gilbert Civic Center for the first time in five years to host its 26th-annual BARKtoberfest. The charity event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and locals can come out for food trucks, shopping local vendors, raffles, contests for pups, dog adoptions, DogVinci (dogs step into safe paint onto a canvas), and more.
Cost: Free admission; some activities may require a donation.
For more information: www.facebook.com/AZFriendsforLife/.
Oct. 26 and Oct. 27: Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival
Scottsdale
Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, for an immersive experience celebrating art, wine, and music along Kierland Commons’ Main Street. Event-goers can peruse the works of more than 150 renowned artists from around the world in a range of subject matter and media, including bronze, clay, glass, metal, wood, hand-blown glass, artisan jewelry, fine photography, and more. Plus, the event will feature a variety of award-winning wines from Willcox Wine Country. This fall festival is Arizona takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Cost: Free admission; wine-tasting tickets are available for pre-purchase for $30 to $35 or at the gate for $35 to $40 (includes a commemorative wine glass and 10 tasting tickets). Proceeds benefit Horses Help.
Tickets: www.kierlandcommons.com/artwinefestival.
Oct. 26 and Oct. 27: The Ar(t)chitecture Home Tour
Phoenix
Ruth Price of Desert Style AZ is set to host the inaugural Desert Design Week, providing the chance for art and design lovers to experience the work of up-and-coming artists while touring some of the Valley’s most special residences. A highlight of the event week is The Ar(t)chitecture Home Tour, taking place Oct. 26 and Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will give locals the opportunity to visit architecturally distinct homes and shop a curated art gallery on display in each Phoenix residence, including Stay Skyeview. In addition to The Ar(t)chitecture Home Tour, Desert Design Week will include a series of maker’s markets, garden parties, and art installations from Oct. 16 to Oct. 27.
Cost: $45 for one day; $55 for both days. Proceeds from tour to benefit The Saguaros Children’s Charities.
Tickets: www.desertdesignweek.com/hometoursaturday.
Nov. 1 and Nov. 2: Dreamy Draw Music Festival
Scottsdale
The second-annual Dreamy Draw Music Festival returns to Old Town Scottsdale on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, headlined by indie rock icons, Mt. Joy, and country-folk superstars, Flatland Cavalry. The two-day, three-stage outdoor music-and-arts fest is expected to host 10,000-plus attendees at Scottsdale Civic Center. Other talents expected to take the stage include Shakey Graves, Paul Cauthen, Shane Smith & The Saints, Roger Clyne, and many more. There will also be plenty of food and drink options, art activations, and a trading post for guests to enjoy.
Cost: General admission tickets start at $135 per person, and $150 for per person for single-day VIP.
Tickets: dreamydrawfest.com.
Nov. 8 and Nov. 9: Pinners Conference
Scottsdale
During the two-day Pinners Conference at WestWorld of Scottsdale, attendees can get inspired at 120 creative, educational expert-led classes and a massive shopping exhibition with 300 vendor booths. Guests can expect to enhance and improve their skills, take home finished projects and leave with a breadth of knowledge. Event hours are Friday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: $12 per person (general admission includes entry to the exhibition hall and shopping area); classes ranges from $22 to $29; free admission for kids, ages 8 and under.
Tickets: az.pinnersconference.com.
Nov. 9: Amore Soiree – Tulum Meets the Desert
Scottsdale
The team behind the Salt & Lime Fiesta welcomes a new festival, Amore Soiree – Tulum Meets the Desert, Nov. 9 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center. Attendees will indulge in exclusive tequila tastings (there will be over 70 to choose from) while immersing themselves in the electrifying sounds of Afrobeat House music by Shimza, OVEOUS, and Pasta Rada. Beer, seltzers, and cocktails will also be provided at a beer garden. Food vendors like Santo and Los Olivos will offer tacos, tapas, and other delicious food at the event. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Laveen Youth Sports, a comprehensive youth sports program that provides before- and after-school sports activities to children in the Laveen Elementary School District.
Cost: VIP tickets are $99 and include eight tequila tastings and five food tickets. The Amore Club package is $199, and guests can enjoy all the VIP perks along with access to the lounge area around the DJ booth, an all-you-can-eat buffet, an exclusive cocktail menu and four pre-paid drinks. There is also a $49 phoneless ticket package where guests will check in their phones upon entry to fully immerse themselves into the getaway experience.
Tickets: amoresoiree.com.
Nov. 9: 15th Annual Grand Ave Festival
Phoenix
The Grand Ave Festival returns to Downtown Phoenix on Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located along the historic, lower Grand Avenue, the free, family-friendly, walkable event will feature a wide variety of music and performers, hands-on crafts stations, live artist demonstrations, open-air art installations and exhibitions, fashion shows, a local market, and kids’ activities. Plus, all businesses along lower Grand Avenue will be open. The festival will take place on Grand Avenue from 9th to 16th Avenues, which will be open to foot traffic only. Parking is limited to spots along the surrounding streets.
For more information: www.grandavefestivalphx.com.
Nov. 16: November Nights Music Festival
Phoenix
The schedule is set for an iconic day of music and entertainment during the inaugural November Nights music festival at Chase Field in Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 16, kicking off at noon. The highly-anticipated one-day event welcomes Weezer, Sublime, Third Eye Blind, Rebelution, The Head and the Heart, Violent Femmes and DJ Z-Trip & Friends to the open-air stage. Produced by Arizona Diamondbacks Events & Entertainment (ADEE), the event will deliver fan-favorite lineups and a memorable experience every fall.
Cost: Tickets start at $40; VIP packages are also available that include beverages, access to exclusive bars and lounges, exclusive festival merchandise, dedicated entry to the ballpark and more.
Tickets: NovemberNights.com.
Nov. 16: AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews
Scottsdale
Cheers! Celebrate National IPA Day with AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews on Nov. 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. Event-goers can sample more than 100 of Arizona’s finest craft beers, ciders, seltzers, and spirits during this fall festival in Arizona.
Cost: $60 per person (general admission); $85 per person (VIP); $19 per person (designated driver).
Tickets: www.ticketweb.com.
Nov. 16: Indian Fry Bread & Arts Festival
Chandler
The inaugural Indian Fry Bread & Arts Festival, a celebration of Indigenous culture and community, will be held on the Sonoran Lawn at Rawhide on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival guests will experience Native American culture through music, traditional Native dance performances, and artwork from Native American artists, as well as enjoy a vendor market and a kid’s zone. Additionally, this event will feature two competitions, an Indian fry bread competition and a chili cookoff competition.
Cost: $15 per adult; free admission for children ages 12 and under with an adult.
For more information: rawhide.com/events/.
Nov. 16: 9th Annual Fashion Week 4 Kids
Phoenix
The ninth-annual Fashion Week 4 Kids sashays to Desert Ridge Marketplace on Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fashion-loving guests can take in a full day of fashion shows featuring a range of brands at The District Stage, and also enjoy live children’s entertainment, giveaways, and more.
For more information: www.shopdesertridge.com.
Nov. 23: Desert Sky Music Festival
Mesa
Desert Sky Music Festival, a country music event, returns to Mesa Riverview Park on Nov. 23 from 2 to 10 p.m. Walker Hayes–known for his chart-topping hit “Fancy Like”–is set to headline the fall festival in Arizona. Joining Hayes are rising star Spencer Crandell and Arizona’s own Matt Farris.
Cost: Starting at $48 for general admission; starting at $398 for VIP.
Tickets: posh.vip/e/desert-sky-music-festival-2024.