29 Metro Phoenix Festivals This Fall

Whether you want to shop for holiday goods or maneuver your way through spooky corn mazes, there is plenty to do this fall, and something for everyone. Maybe you'd like to check out some intriguing underground films, or see locals dress up for costumed theme parades? From underground film festivals and costumed theme parades to cultural celebrations and a little bit of yoga, we've compiled a guide to 29 fall festivals that'll keep you busy from now through the end of November. 

Fall Festival
September 26 to November 1
Vertuccio Farms

This event encourages celebrating the fall season through an array of fun, outdoor activities. Attendees can explore a 7-acre corn maze, watch duck races, and enjoy interactive animal fun at the petting zoo. There are also areas for sliding, jumping, and climbing, and train rides. Tickets are $9; free for kids two and younger. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.vertucciofarms.com or call 480-882-1482.


Pumpkin Days and Corn Maze
October 1 to November 8
Tolmachoff Farms

This fall festival lets you participate in farm-themed activities like grinding corn, along with different fun ways to celebrate the blissful weather, including hay rides, train rides, a six-acre corn maze, and a hay pyramid. In October, the corn maze takes on a Halloween theme. Admission is $9 for ages 2 and older. Festival hours vary in October and November. Visit www.tolmachoff-farms.com or call 623-386-1301.


Tour de Fat
October 3
Tempe Beach Park

Cyclists don festive costumes and promote bike riding as a primary form of transportation at this annual carnival on wheels, which features New Belgium Brewing Company's different beers and ales and live entertainment and contests. Registration is $5 to $15. The fun happens from 10 am. to 5 p.m. Visit New Belgium online for more info. 



43rd Annual Oktoberfest
October 9 to 11
Tempe Town Lake

Tempe's Oktoberfest celebrates the annual event that originated in Munich, Germany, with German food, lots of beer, live music, wiener dog races, and a carnival that has rides for both kids and adults. Admission is free. Festival hours are 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.tempeoktoberfest.com.


Tour de Scottsdale
October 11
DC Ranch

This annual charitable ride offers up to 2,000 riders the choice between a 30- and 70-mile course to help raise money for McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a nonprofit that protects the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Ride solo or as part of a team. Registration fees vary. Rides begin at 6:30 a.m. Visit www.tourdescottsdale.net or call 480-342-7178.

Shine Yoga Festival
October 10
Hidden Meadow Park

The Shine Yoga Festival occurs each year to celebrate and highlight the yoga culture in Arizona. Participants can be beginners or experienced yoga practitioners. Registrants get a free yoga mat and gift bag and can peruse goods in the vendors market. Registration is $25 to $30. The event starts at 8 a.m. Visit tortoiseandharesports.com/shine/ to register.

Kickstarter Film Festival
October 15
FilmBar

The Kickstarter Film Festival shows a selection of movies made possible through funding from crowdfunding campaigns. It includes both full length features, short films, and animation. The event is free, but RSVPs are required. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. Visit www.thefilmbarphx.com or call 602-595-9187.

Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular
October 23 to 24
Salt River Fields

See more than 20 hot air balloons on display at this annual Halloween festival. More than 4,000 pounds of candy will be distributed to trick-or-treaters, and guests can also enjoy live music, food, fireworks, and a haunted house. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 3 to 12, free for those 2 and younger. The event happens from 5 to 10 p.m. Visit www.srfballoonfestival.com or call 480-270-5000.

Stagecoach Village Fine Art and Wine Festival
October 30 to November 1
Stagecoach Village

This outdoor arts festival features paintings and sculptures, along with handmade furniture and jewelry. Wine samples will be available. Admission and parking are free. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.vermillionpromotions.com/festivals or call 623-734-6526.

Arab American Festival
October 17 and 18
Steele Indian School Park

The annual Arab American Festival takes over a large portion of the Central Phoenix park to highlight multiple aspects of Arab cultures through live musical acts, dance, foods, arts and crafts, and children's activities. Admission is free. Hours are from 4 to 9 p.m. Visit www.arabamericanfestival.com or call 602-412-1525.

Rainbows Festival
October 17 and 18
Heritage Square Park

The Rainbows Festival heads downtown to Heritage Square Park for two days to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ community. The event includes live performances, craft beer, and more than 100 vendors. Admission is free. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.phoenixpride.org or call 602-277-7743.

Wild Western Festival
October 23 to 25
Sahuaro Ranch Park

Guests of this festival can ride a mechanical bull, watch gunfights and stunt shows, and catch a performance by a world champion gun spinner at this event that celebrates the wild, wild West. Attendees can buy goods at a mercantile, and enjoy live musical entertainment. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.wildwesternfestival.com or call 623-521-3856.

Otsukimi Moonviewing Festival 
October 23 and 24
Japanese Friendship Garden

This traditional celebration of the full moon allows guests to stroll the garden, view the moon through telescopes, enjoy food from local vendors, and hear ambient Japanese music. Prices range from $20 to $30 for adults, $5 for kids 3 to 12, free for age two and younger. The festival takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit www.jfgphx.org or call 602-274-8700.


9th Annual El Dia de los Muertos Celebration
October 24 and 25
Mesa Arts Center

Artistic skulls and statues abound at this event celebrating the annual Mexican holiday — Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead — which honors those who are no longer with us. The event includes food, a mercado with colorful handmade goods, and live music and dance. Admission is free. Hours are 10 am to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.mesaartscenter.com or call 480-644-6500.


Dia de los Muertos and La Procesion
October 31 to November 1
Desert Botanical Garden

The scenic Desert Botanical Garden is the spot for this celebration that explores the history and symbols of this Mexican holiday that honors the dead. Enjoy food, live music, a mercado, and participate in La Procesion – a march with guests and costumed performers to remember lost loved ones that occurs at the end of the event each day. Admission is included with paid Garden admission, ranging from $10 to $22, and free for those age 3 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day for the festival and 5  to 6:30 p.m. for the procession march. Visit www.dbg.org or call 480-481-8188.


4th Annual Art is Alive Arts & Cultural Festival
October 31 and November 1
Goodyear Ballpark

This arts and culture festival features more than 100 artist booths exhibiting work in different media, along with live music and entertainment, a student art contest, and a teen skateboard painting contest. Guests can buy food, beer, and wine from different vendors. Admission is free. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit http://www.wham-art.org/art-is-alive-2015.html or call 623-584-8311.

Discover India Diwali Festival
November 1
Scottsdale Civic Center Park

Take this opportunity to experience the culture of India at this 14th annual festival. Enjoy food, live music, dance performances, and activities. Admission is free. The festival hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.phoenixindiaassociation.org.

Scottsdale International Film Festival
November 5 to November 9
Various Locations

This 15th annual event showcases more than 50 films from 20 different countries. Multiple genres are represented, including horror, comedy, and documentaries. The festival also includes a variety of related special events. Admission prices and hours vary. Visit www.scottsdalefilmfestival.com for ticket prices and showtimes.

Festival of the Superstitions
November 7 and 8
Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce

The Festival of the Superstitions puts the spotlight on Apache Junction merchants. The event also includes children's activities, and a movie screening on Saturday evening. Admission is free. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Visit http://festivalofthesuperstitions.com or call 480-982-3141.

Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival
November 6 to 8
Downtown Carefree

The streets of downtown Carefree welcome more than 150 juried artists during the 22nd edition of this annual festival. See art in many media, including painting, sculpture, and hand-blown glass. Guests enjoy live music and can purchase a ticket to sample different domestic and imported wines. Admission is $3, $10 for the optional wine tasting ticket and souvenir cup. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.thunderbirdartists.com or call 480-837-5637.

Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts
November 13 to 15
Downtown Fountain Hills

Nearly 500 juried artisans exhibit their wares at this annual event. In time for the holiday season, many offer holiday-oriented items. Guests can enjoy different breakfast and lunch options from different food vendors, as well as live entertainment. Admission is free. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.fountainhillschamber.com/fountain-festival or call 480-837-1654.

Grand Avenue Festival and Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts
November 14
Grand Avenue

This seventh annual event celebrates the uniqueness of Grand Avenue, between Seventh and 15th avenues, giving attendees a chance to see the shops, galleries, restaurants, and businesses that are part of the district. Enjoy music, food, tours, fashion, art, and kids' activities. In the evening, the Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts (PAPA) begins. Full of costumes and floats, this year's theme is "Big Top PAPA," celebrating the event's 10th anniversary with carnivalesque fanfare. Admission is free. Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The parade happens from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visit www.grandavephoenix.com or www.phoenixannualparadeofthearts.com.

11th Annual Certified Local Fall Festival
November 14
Portland Parkway, Downtown Phoenix

People and well-behaved dogs are welcome at this annual event that puts a spotlight on local business and culture. Check out the booths of several area vendors, enjoy live entertainment, food from local restaurants and food trucks, and fun activities for kids. Admission is free. The festival happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.localfirstaz.com/fall-festival or call 602-956-0909.

El Mercado de Las Artes
November 14 and 15
Heard Museum

Formerly known as the Spanish Market, this event gives attendees an opportunity to talk with 65 Hispanic artists as they show and sell their unique artwork. The Courtyard Café offers a range of traditional foods. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10, which gets you museum admission. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit http://heard.org/event/el-mercado-de-las-artes or call 602-252-8840.


American Heritage Festival
November 21
Schnepf Farms

Get a dose of history at this annual festival that features interactive educational presentations of civilian and military aspects of historic American life from colonial days through modern times, portrayed by a cast of historical interpreters assembled from around the country. Artisans and crafters will be on hand showing and selling their wares. Guests also enjoy live music and food. Admission is $15, free for kids three and younger. Visit www.americanheritagefestival.com.


The Big Heap Vintage & Handmade Festival
November 20 to 22
Salt River Fields

The Big Heap is a shopping paradise for those who love vintage, antique, and handmade goods. To make the shopping experience even more fun, the event includes food trucks and a beer garden. Admission is $5. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.thebigheap.com.


22nd Annual ArtFest of Scottsdale
November 21 and 22
Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza

More than 150 artists and artisans from around the country bring their fine art and crafts to Scottsdale for this annual happening that encourages holiday shopping. Guests also enjoy food in a decorative sculpture garden area, live entertainment, fun activities for kids, and close proximity to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and other Old Town Scottsdale businesses. Admission and parking are free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.888artfest.com.

Ornament Marketplace
November 27 to 29
Heard Museum Shop

This annual shopping opportunity gives you a chance to view and purchase Native-themed ornaments hand-crafted by Native American artists in a variety of styles. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.heard.org or call 602-252-8840. 


Doggie Street Festival
November 28 at
Steele Indian School Park

This event that happens annually in Los Angeles and San Diego visits Phoenix for the first time. The large scale pet-centric festival is an adopt-a-thon and also an opportunity to celebrate pets with speakers, special guests, veterinary tips, fun and activities just for kids, and food vendors. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.doggiestreetfestival.org/phoenix.