10 Big Food and Drink Events Across Arizona This August

Temperatures are blazing out there, but that doesn't mean the Valley food and drink scene is shying away from the outdoors. August's events include a stroll through downtown Tempe's restaurant scene, a walk around Cave Creek's Frontier Town, and a 10-mile bike ride with tons of excellent celebratory breakfast and booze afterward. If you'd like to stay inside in the air conditioning, we've got you covered too. It's shaping up to be a very good month indeed.
Day Drinker Devil Ride
Saturday, August 7
Pedal Haus Brewery
730 South Mill Avenue, #102, Tempe
The Day Drinker Devil Ride is just what it sounds like — a 10-mile gravel mountain bike ride undertaken in hellish Phoenix heat. Check in at Pedal Haus Brewery from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and then take off on your journey. The course will have eight landmarks in and around Mill Avenue, Papago Park, and Tempe Town Lake. Riders will receive a raffle ticket for each of the landmarks they take a selfie at during the ride. After you finish, head back to Pedal Haus for your first Day Drinker Light Lager for a penny, $12 bottomless breakfast, happy hour pricing on PHB beer, and a raffle prize giveaway.
Wine Country BBQ Saturday, August 7
LDV Winery Vineyard
13922 South Kuykendall Cutoff Road, Pearce
LDV Winery is celebrating summer and fabulous wine at its beautiful vineyard estate in the Chiricahua Mountain Foothills with a wine country barbecue. The cost is $40 per person, or $30 for LDV Sky Islander Wine Club members, and includes lunch, a glass of wine, a winery tour lead by winemaker Curt Dunham. Additional wine by the glass or bottle is available for purchase to sip on site or to take home. Plan to be there from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CreekWest Summerfest
Saturday, August 7             
Frontier Town
6245 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
Cave Creek's Frontier Town hosts the CreekWest Summerfest on the first Saturday of every month from 3 to 8 p.m. It's a family-friendly event that includes a bounce house, water slides, live music, and drive-in movies. Walk around town to local restaurants like Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue and Local Jonny's for some good food too. Proceeds from the day benefit the Desert Foothills Land Trust.
Spirit of Aloha
Saturday, August 7
Original Breakfast House
13623 North 32nd Street
Every year, Original Breakfast House dedicates the month of August to celebrating the food and spirit of Hawaii. From 8 to 11 a.m. on August 7, stop by the restaurant for live Hawaiian music and authentic dancers while enjoying Aloha-inspired specials like short rib Loco Moco; Kalua pork Benedict; banana, white chocolate chip, and macadamia nut pancakes; Kona coffee shrimp and coconut grits; and a Hawaii plate lunch. That comes with a choice of pork, short rib, or teriyaki chicken served with a big scoop of rice and macaroni salad. If you can't get there that date, don't worry. The specials are available all month long for dine-in and takeout.
10th Annual Superior Prickly Pear Festival
Saturday, August 14
Throughout Superior, AZ
It's hard to believe it, but 2021 marks the tenth year of the Superior Prickly Pear Festival held in Superior. The one-day event put on by Regenerating Sonora celebrates the incredible and edible Sonoran desert and starts with a prickly pear foraging and a pancake breakfast. Guest speakers will be discussing food education and harvesting, and there will be retail vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden with live entertainment. Local restaurants will also be serving a desert-related dish or beverage. The fun goes on until 10 p.m. Lunch and Learn
Saturdays, August 14 and 28
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
5700 East MacDonald Drive, Paradise Valley
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa has two more "Lunch and Learn" events planned for August after making its return last month. At both, the reception begins at 6 p.m. and is followed by a three-course dinner, live music, and plenty of surprises along the way. August 14's theme is "Whiskey Made Me Do It" while it's "Fiesta de Sangria" on August 28. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 855-245-2051. Passport Series
Saturday, August 14
Found:RE Phoenix
1100 North Central Avenue
Where will Found:RE Phoenix Hotel's Passport Series take us next? This month's "trip" is to Finland, with cuisine from Match Market & Bar, plus cocktails, entertainment, and more inspired by the “Happiest Country in the World.” The ticket price is $15 and includes a specialty cocktail.  Attendees who collect the most stamps during the series have the opportunity to win additional prizes and giveaways.
Scottsdale Sangria Fest
Saturday, August 21
Wasted Grain
7295 East Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
What's better than one sangria? How about 12? That's what you'll get when you attend the Scottsdale Sangria Fest from 1 to 5 p.m. at Wasted Grain. Each ticket includes 12 tastings. Is it your birthday that day? Even better. Email [email protected] for more information about celebrating your day for free.
Welcome Back Student Events
Sunday, August 22 through Thursday, August 26
Fuel to Fit
1900 East Apache Boulevard, Tempe
Fuel to Fit is a meal-prep company located in Tempe, close to where many college students live. To mark the return of the school year, Fuel to Fit is hosting a variety of events including an ice cream social on Sunday, free meal on Monday, Taco Tuesday, and BYOMP on Thursday. That stands for "Build Your Own Meal Prep" where you can prepare five meals to take home for $20. You must show a valid student ID to participate.
Best of Downtown Tempe Stroll Saturday, August 28
Downtown Tempe 5th Street and Mill Avenue, Tempe
Enjoy the vibrant energy of downtown Tempe while savoring small bites and drinks from this stroll-at-your-own pace event. More than 10 restaurants are participating and offering exclusive small bites and drink specials. Simply purchase a $5 access pass and check in at 5th Street and Mill Avenue. Parking is complimentary.