Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair is held annually in the fall, typically from late September through October, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. One of the state’s largest and most anticipated events, it features major concert headliners, a massive midway of rides and games, agricultural exhibits, competitive showcases, and iconic fair food.
Phoenix Pride Festival
Celebrated in October, this festival is complete with live performances, art exhibitions, and a parade. The Phoenix Pride Festival is an event with a purpose to promote unity, positivity, and education in the Valley of the Sun. Stroll down the Rainbows Festival in Heritage Square Park, attend the Pride Pageant, and learn about community resources in the area! The Phoenix Pride Festival features over 300 exhibitors with a variety of food options, shopping, performances, and more.
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
Grab your friends and head to Tempe Beach Park for Four Peaks Oktoberfest, a lively weekend filled with German food, beer, live music, and carnival fun. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and a taste of Oktoberfest right on Tempe Town Lake.
Taco Festival
During October, munch on tacos and sip on margaritas at the Arizona Taco Festival! With an array of delicious dishes, tequilas, and live entertainment, this festival is fun for the whole family and a must-do for taco enthusiasts. Enjoy $3 tacos from 30 different vendors!
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Balloon Spooktacular is an annual, family-friendly fall event typically held in October, offering a safe and festive trick-or-treat experience for all ages. Featuring colorful hot air balloons, Halloween activities, costumes, and seasonal fun, it’s a beloved community tradition that brings families together for a memorable night of autumn magic.
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships is an annual fall event, typically held in November in Scottsdale, Arizona. Known as one of the most prestigious polo tournaments in the country, it brings together world-class polo teams, luxury brands, fashion, and live entertainment for a high-energy day of sport and socializing. Often dubbed “the best polo event in the world,” it’s a can’t-miss experience on Scottsdale’s fall events calendar.
Hondo Rodeo
The Hondo Rodeo Fest is a three‑day Western sports and live entertainment event in Phoenix, Arizona, combining world‑class rodeo competition with nightly country and rock music concerts at Chase Field in Mid-November. Top athletes compete for a $1 million prize purse and fans can enjoy rodeo action, food, vendors, and headline performances by major artists for a true Southwest celebration of Western culture.
Christmas at The Princess
Celebrate the holiday season with an evening at Christmas at the Princess! Beginning in November and lasting through the beginning of January, this event, boasts 5 million LED lights, festive décor, ice skating, and even Santa Claus himself. This is the perfect destination for families to celebrate the holidays.
Dreamy Draw Festival
Dreamy Draw Music Festival in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a two‑day celebration in early November of music, art, and community under the desert sky. Featuring multiple stages with a diverse lineup of indie, Americana, and alt‑rock acts, the festival blends live performances, local food and drink, and immersive art installations in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale’s Civic Center.
Cactus Bowl
Typically held in late December, this game features teams from the Big 10 and Big 12 conferences. The Cactus Bowl is a staple in college football. Played on a gridiron field, this bowl game has been held in Arizona since 1989. One of the nation’s most unique and exciting college bowl games!
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
Catch one of college football’s biggest games at State Farm Stadium when the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl returns to Glendale in late December. This year’s matchup will serve as a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal, bringing top teams and plenty of excitement to the Valley.
Barrett-Jackson
Head to WestWorld of Scottsdale in January for the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction! Admire an incredible lineup of classic and collectible automobiles, browse the Exhibitor Marketplace, and experience the excitement as the bidding gets underway. It’s one of the biggest events of the year for car enthusiasts.
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
Experience one of Scottsdale’s most celebrated equestrian events each February, featuring more than 2,000 Arabian horses and top riders from around the world. Watch impressive competitions, explore the grounds, and take in the excitement of an event that draws equestrian fans to Scottsdale year after year.
Waste Management Phoenix Open
Every year in early February, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, or “the Greatest Show on Grass,” offers a front-row seat to the excitement of the PGA Tour. The Phoenix Open sports the largest crowds on the PGA tour and is a favorite of Phoenix locals and tourists alike.
Spring Training
With 15 teams making use of 10 stadiums in the greater Phoenix area, you’re sure to be able to find a team to root for during Spring Training in March! Take yourself out to the ball game and watch a game or two during Arizona’s Spring Training season, a tradition for devoted baseball fans since 1947. Catch the Giants, Rockies, Diamondbacks, and more.
Inning & Extra Innings Fest
In the weeks leading up to Spring Training (typically late February), Inning Fest & Extra Innings Festival bring the ultimate baseball and music experience to Tempe, Arizona! Enjoy live performances, local eats, and interactive baseball-themed activities during Cactus League Spring Training—two weekends of food, fun, and unforgettable entertainment for fans of all ages.
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Step into another era at a Renaissance or Medieval Fair, happening across the Valley from February through April. Enjoy costumed characters, period-inspired entertainment, artisan vendors, hearty food, and plenty of old-world fun for a memorable day out.
M3f Music Festival
M3F Festival is an annual music and arts festival held every March in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together a diverse lineup of national and emerging artists across multiple genres. Known for its community-driven mission, the festival blends live music with local food, art installations, and nonprofit partnerships, creating an experience that’s as impactful as it is fun.
NASCAR & NTT INDYCAR Series
Catch an exciting weekend of racing as NASCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES take over Phoenix Raceway. With multiple races, high-speed action, and top drivers on the track, it’s a can’t-miss event for motorsports fans.
Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival
The Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival is a beloved annual tradition celebrating Chandler’s early ostrich-ranching history. Held each spring, this family-friendly event features national concert acts, a lively carnival midway, local food vendors, and plenty of opportunities to see ostriches up close. It’s a fun-filled celebration of Chandler’s unique history and community spirit.
Maricopa County Fair
The Maricopa County Fair is held annually each spring, typically in April, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. Known for hosting the largest county fair carnival in the area, the event features more than 35 thrill rides, classic fair games, live entertainment, livestock exhibits, and plenty of fair-favorite food.
Arizona Bike Week
Celebrate 30 years of Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld of Scottsdale with five days of motorcycles, live concerts, stunt shows, camping, and a massive vendor village. This annual spring event brings riders and motorcycle enthusiasts together for one of Scottsdale’s biggest celebrations of the year.
Country Thunder Arizona
Check out the lively Country Thunder Arizona music festival held in April in Florence, AZ! There’s a fantastic lineup of amazing artists for each day of the festival. Slip on your boots, grab a cowboy hat, and be ready to rock out all weekend long!
