Fall in Arizona looks a little different. Instead of changing leaves, the season brings fall festivals, rodeos, Oktoberfests, pumpkin displays, waterfront art installations, and some of the state’s biggest annual events. From weekends in Scottsdale to getaways in Phoenix and adventures beyond the Valley, these 10 can’t-miss fall festivities are worth adding to your fall itinerary.
1. Ales on Rails at Verde Canyon Railroad
When: September 13 – October 31, 2026
Where: 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ
The first sign that fall has arrived in Arizona isn’t cooler air; it’s the tap handles going up. Ales on Rails is Verde Canyon Railroad’s ode to Arizona’s craft beer scene, held on the depot pavilion in Clarkdale before the train departs for its scenic run through the state’s “other” grand canyon, with the $139 ticket including living-room-style seating in a climate-controlled car, access to the open-air viewing car, a charcuterie box, and a champagne or sparkling cider toast at boarding, a great pick for couples and craft beer fans who want their fall festival with a side of scenery.
2. The Desert Fall Festival
When: September 25 – November 1, 2026
Where: 14470 W Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ
Out in Surprise, Arizona, 13 acres transform into one of the state’s biggest fall playgrounds, with an illuminated pumpkin scavenger hunt, ziplines, apple cannons, interactive excavator digs, and fire pits set up for s’mores once the sun goes down. It’s an easy option for families or anyone who wants an outdoor, hands-on fall day rather than a sit-and-watch event.
3. Arizona State Fair
When: October 1 – November 1, 2026
Where: 1826 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ
No fall lineup in Arizona is complete without the state fair, running Thursdays through Sundays at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. Guests can spend the day enjoying classic fair attractions, creative arts exhibits, local flavors, and grandstand events, then stay for the Coliseum Concert Series featuring All Time Low, Gin Blossoms, Russell Dickerson, and Public Enemy. With live entertainment, rodeo events, and activities for all ages, the fair is a must-add stop for anyone planning an Arizona fall getaway.
4. Glowing Pumpkins
When: October 1 – November 1, 2026
Where: 5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ
For a quieter, more atmospheric fall night, Glowing Pumpkins is a walk-through display of more than 5,000 hand-carved art pumpkins set to synchronized lights and music, with everything from Halloween icons and dinosaurs to superheroes and pop culture favorites carved into pumpkin form. The immersive display offers a festive way to enjoy the season at a slower pace, making it a fun addition to any Phoenix fall itinerary.
5. Four Peaks Oktoberfest
When: October 9 – 11, 2026
Where: 80 W Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ
Now in its 53rd year at Tempe Town Lake, Four Peaks Brewing’s Oktoberfest is one of the Valley’s most established fall traditions. The three-day celebration brings Bavarian-inspired fun to the waterfront with German fare, cold beer, live music, carnival attractions, and returning favorites like the Wiener Dog Races and brat-eating contest. Guests can also join the Frank Kush Foundation’s “Runnin’ for the Brats” 10K/5K/1-mile fun run on Saturday, October 10, adding even more energy to an already packed weekend of festivities.
6. Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: October 23 – 25, 2026
Where: 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Held at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, this is one of the more visually striking events on the fall calendar, with more than 20 glowing hot air balloons doubling as trick-or-treat stations, 4,000+ pounds of candy, a haunted “Spook Trail,” 30+ inflatables, nightly costume contests, and tethered balloon rides. It’s a festive Scottsdale tradition that combines Halloween fun with one-of-a-kind balloon displays.
7. Water Lantern Festival
When: November 6 – 8, 2026
Where: 5500 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ
As dusk settles over Kiwanis Park in Tempe, hundreds of decorated lanterns are released onto the water in one of the season’s most peaceful events. Gates open at 3:00 PM each day with food trucks and live music, leading up to the lantern launch around 6:00 to 7:00 PM. The glowing lanterns create a beautiful backdrop for an evening by the water.
8. Canal Convergence
When: November 6 – 15, 2026
Where: 4420 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Marking its 15th year, Canal Convergence is a free, 10-night public art event at the Scottsdale Waterfront featuring large-scale installations from artists around the world. The 2026 lineup highlights themes inspired by Arizona and the Southwest, alongside live performances, creative workshops, educational tours, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. With artwork illuminating the waterfront after dark, the event offers a unique way to enjoy Scottsdale’s arts and culture scene during the fall.
9. Arizona Fall Festival
When: November 7, 2026
Where: 67 W Culver Street, Phoenix, AZ
What started more than 20 years ago with 27 vendors in a parking lot has grown into the largest certified local event in the state. 1-The Arizona Fall Festival brings together more than 200 vendors, food trucks, a silent auction, and local music in a free, family-friendly, and dog-friendly celebration. Adding this event to your fall itinerary is a great way to experience Phoenix’s local culture while supporting small businesses.
10. The Hondo Rodeo Fest
When: November 13 – 15, 2026
Where: 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ
Hondo Rodeo Fest returns to Chase Field in downtown Phoenix for a three-day celebration of Western culture, combining a million-dollar professional rodeo, a massive street festival, and nightly country music concerts. The lineup features country favorites including Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Parker McCollum, bringing together rodeo fans and music lovers for one of the Valley’s standout fall events.
With 10 must-do festivals stacked between September and mid-November, it’s worth picking a home base and building a long weekend, or a full week, around the ones that match your bucket list; and since where you stay matters just as much as what you see, GoodNight Stay offers a range of homes across the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas so you can spend less time commuting between events and more time checking them off. Right now you can save 15% on select Arizona homes with code AZSTAY15 for stays from September 1–October 31, 2026 when you book by October 28, 2026, making this the perfect time to turn your must-do list into your next trip.
