From endless tacos to catwalks of couture here are some of the must-attend events and festivals in metro Phoenix this fall.
What: Phoenix Fashion Week
Get your fashion fix with three days of stylish happenings including runway shows from over a dozen emerging designers, educational workshops, exclusive shopping opportunities, and more.
When: Thursday, October 18 – Saturday, October 20
Where: Talking Stick Resort – 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale 85256
What: Arizona State Fair
With specialty deep-fried foods and rides like bumper cars and the Ferris wheel, it’s no wonder that the Arizona State Fair has been ranked one of the best in the southwest. This year’s concert lineup includes Gary Allan, The Flaming Lips, Big & Rich, Pitbull and more. Admission is $7-$10 and free for kids ages 5 or younger.
When: Friday, October 5 – Sunday, October 28
Where: State Fairgrounds – 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix 85007
What: Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake
Indulge in the total German experience with Four Peaks. The 46th annual Oktoberfest features a variety of fun like a full carnival style amusement park, live music all weekend long, soccer tournament, dachshund races, polka, and of course beers and brats galore. The three day Bavarian style celebration is free to attend.
When: Friday, October 12 – Sunday, October 14
Where: Tempe Town Lake – 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe 85281
What: Arizona Taco Festival
Celebrate the taco for two whole days at the Arizona Taco Festival. Special events include the best-sombrero and taco-eating contests, a Chihuahua beauty pageant, and the Legendary Tequila Expo, which will feature 10 tequila samples for $20, live mariachi and surf-rock bands, margaritas, lucha libre wrestling and more. Tickets are $12 and free for ages 11 or younger.
When: Saturday, October 13 – Sunday, October 14
Where: Salt River Fields – 7555 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale 85258
What: Wild West Days
Cowgirls and guys, get your boots shined up for Arizona’s largest western celebration. The entire town of Cave Creek will feature three days of non-stop family entertainment like mutton bustin’, live bull riding, period costume competitions and live country music. Admission is free.
When: Friday, November 3 – Sunday, November 5
Where: Downtown Cave Creek
What: Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Horses & Horsepower
Coined as the “Best Polo Event in the World” and quite possibly the party of the season, this two day extravaganza features everything from a canine catwalk and dozens of designer vehicles to Phoenix Opera performers to Red Bull skydivers. Oh, and heart-pounding Polo action of course. Tickets start at just $12 and with tables & tents available for purchase.
When: Saturday, November 10 & Sunday, November 11
Where: West World of Scottsdale -16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
What: Mac & Cheese Fest AZ
Spend a full day splurging on the ultimate comfort food. Arizona’s first and only mac & cheese fest will feature dozens of samples from restaurants all over the Valley along with craft libations to wash it all down with. Attendees can work up an appetite at the Big Cheese Game Deck with games like ping pong, giant Jenga and cornhole. Tickets start at just $15.
When: Saturday, November 17 & Sunday, November 18
Where: Salt River Fields – 7555 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale 85258
What: Kierland POP Experience
Live art, music, fashion, philanthropy, culinary, wellness and more all come together for the second annual Kierland Pop Experience. Colorful experiences range a from larger-than-life PaintScaping with 3-D images and animations digitally mapped to music to street shopping with Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market to a charity 5K Run/Walk and Arts & Crafts Beer Garden. The main event on Saturday is free to attend with ticketed experiences ranging from $45 – $50.
When: Friday, November 16 & Saturday, November 17
Where: Kierland Commons (15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254) & The Westin Kierland Resort (6902 E. Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85254)
