advertisement
30 September 2024
Phoenix is alive with excitement this October as a variety of festivals celebrate culture, music, and community. Here are some of the highlights that residents and visitors can enjoy throughout the month.
October 3 – November 3
The Harvest in the Heritage District takes place in Downtown Gilbert, offering themed events and experiences for both locals and visitors. Running from October 3 to November 3, the festival features Family Nights every Thursday, along with interactive musical instruments and vibrant fall décor. Guests can enjoy special promotions from local merchants and engage with a community mural, all while taking in the festive atmosphere.
October 4-5
This year marks the return of the Goldrush Music Festival, an immersive event celebrating electronic dance music. Scheduled for October 4-5, the festival invites fans to step back into the Wild West, featuring a lineup that includes popular artists like Alesso and The Chainsmokers.
October 4-6
The FORM Festival returns to Arcosanti for its 10th anniversary from October 4-6. Attendees can look forward to performances from a diverse array of artists, including James Blake and Noname, making this a weekend of unforgettable music.
October 5
On October 5, the 25th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival will honor Hispanic Heritage Month through vibrant music and dance. The festival showcases renowned mariachi groups accompanied by traditional folklórico dancers, celebrating Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
October 5-6
The Desert Botanical Garden will host the Guelaguetza festival, celebrating Oaxaca’s vibrant traditions. Guests can enjoy a variety of music, dance, and culinary experiences that reflect the region’s rich culture.
October 10
This unique dining event focuses on local culinary talent and features a community table experience showcasing the creativity of renowned chef René Andrade and local artisans. It’s an opportunity to savor delicious food while enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.
October 11-13
From October 11-13, the Phoenix Greek Festival invites attendees to immerse themselves in Greek culture through food, music, and dance. The event features authentic Greek cuisine and shopping opportunities, along with performances by traditional dancers.
October 11-13
The Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest returns to Tempe Town Lake from October 11-13, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with live music, delicious German food, and carnival rides. This year’s festival introduces new attractions and exciting beer selections from Four Peaks Brewing.
October 11-14
Running from October 11-14, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phx Fest celebrates Indigenous culture through art, music, and food. This collaborative event features a variety of local Indigenous creatives and is held on the ancestral lands of the O’odham and Piipaash people.
October 12
Celebrate Mesa takes place on October 12, offering a free family festival packed with carnival games, music, and food trucks, making it an enjoyable day for the entire community.
October 12
On October 12, The Phoenician hosts its inaugural Fall Fest, featuring country music, line dancing, and a variety of activities. Guests can enjoy local food trucks and participate in fun games.
October 12
The Sound Bites Music & Food Festival occurs on October 12 at Gilbert Regional Park, headlined by the popular band Gin Blossoms. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere with various food and beverage vendors.
October 19
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, VIVA PHX returns to showcase the vibrant music scene in Downtown Phoenix on October 19. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of artists, local vendors, and unique culinary experiences.
October 19
The AZ Toy Con Mesa Mega Show on October 19 promises to be the largest toy show of the year, featuring an extensive array of toys, both vintage and modern, along with free admission for children under ten.
October 19-20
The Phoenix Pride Festival, scheduled for October 19-20, is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. This annual event promotes camaraderie while raising funds for local pride initiatives.
October 19-20
The Mesa Arts Center will celebrate Día de los Muertos with a festival on October 19-20. The event honors Latin American culture and traditions with performances and activities in remembrance of the deceased.
October 19-20
Taking place at Salt River Fields, the Taco Fest on October 19-20 will feature over 40 taco makers, alongside music and art, celebrating the vibrancy of Mexican culture through food.
October 25-27
The Arizona Jazz Fest, running from October 25-27, will showcase a variety of artists across multiple stages, offering something for everyone in attendance.
October 25-27
The Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival promises a family-friendly experience with trick-or-treating and over 20 glowing hot air balloons, making it a memorable event for all ages.
October 26
On October 26, Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company will present a performance celebrating the traditions of Día de Los Muertos through dance and music.
October 26
This prestigious event features polo matches, fashion, food, and live entertainment, attracting attendees from near and far on October 26.
October 26-27
The Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival, occurring on October 26-27, showcases over 100 artists and offers a delightful experience of art, culture, and fine wines.
October 26-27
Returning for its sixth year, this festival invites attendees to sample an array of dumplings and noodles from local vendors over the weekend.
October 27
The Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Festival on October 27 features music, dance, and cultural activities, creating a unique experience for families to celebrate their heritage.
Through October 27
The Arizona State Fair runs through October 27, offering a traditional gathering spot filled with entertainment, food, and attractions for residents from all over the state.
October 27-28
Phoenix Fashion Week, occurring on October 27-28, is the premier fashion event in the Southwest, featuring designer showcases, workshops, and networking opportunities in the fashion industry.
advertisement
A towering wall of dust can roll across central Arizona on a monsoon evening, swallowing skylines, grounding flights, and cutting visibility to near zero across parts of the Phoenix metro. Spectacular? Absolutely. Routine? In the Southwest, yes. These dramatic dust storms—called haboobs—are a hallmark of Arizona’s summer monsoon. Here is what they are, how they form, and how to stay safe when one arrives. advertisement What Is a Haboob? A haboob is a fast-moving dust storm generated by thunderstorm outflow winds. As a storm cell collapses or surges forward, dense, cool air rushes toward the ground and spreads outward like
Coyotes are as much a part of Arizona’s landscape as saguaros and sunsets. Known for their adaptability and eerie night calls, these wild canines have become one of the state’s most fascinating and misunderstood residents. Whether spotted trotting across desert trails or heard howling in suburban neighborhoods, coyotes embody the untamed spirit of the Southwest. advertisement Masters of Adaptation Arizona’s diverse terrain — from the Sonoran Desert to pine-covered plateaus — offers coyotes a variety of habitats. Few animals are as flexible in their survival strategies. Coyotes thrive in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban environments like Phoenix and Tucson.
Arizona might be known for its sun-soaked deserts and dramatic red rock formations, but the Grand Canyon State also offers incredible water adventures for locals and visitors alike. From lazy tubing down rivers to kayaking through canyons, there’s no shortage of aquatic fun to cool off under the Arizona sun. advertisement 1. Tubing the Salt River No Arizona summer is complete without a float down the Salt River in Mesa. This laid-back, family-friendly activity lets you relax as you drift through stunning desert scenery while spotting wild horses along the banks. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof speaker for
The Salt River wild horses are one of Arizona’s most beloved symbols of freedom, beauty, and resilience. These majestic animals roam the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, an area synonymous with the wild, untamed spirit of the American West. But once again, their very existence is under threat. advertisement A Fight for Survival In 2015, when the Salt River wild horses faced possible removal, Arizonans came together in a historic show of unity. The outpouring of public support led to the passage of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016, protecting the herd from unnecessary removal and
