Don’t Face FOMO This Fall, Circle These 7 Outdoor Festivals on Your Calendar
It’s about that time where the temps finally start to drop and Arizona becomes “the place to be” again. Don’t you love the fall season? While the rest of the nation is focused on pumpkin spice lattes and boot weather (don’t worry, we love those too!), we’re just getting started with festivals on festivals to begin the best time of the year to be an Arizonan.
Located all over the valley, we’ve curated a list specifically for you and your festival-loving friends! From food and beverages to activities galore, we’ve definitely got at least a few events for everyone. So mark your calendars, grab your shades and appetites, and let’s get started!
1. Summer End’s Margarita Mojito Festival
September 22nd: 4 pm
Margaritas and Mojitos, need we say more? No, but we will. Located at the Chicago Cubs spring training field, Sloan Park, Lucky Dog Cocktails is infusing 20 mojitos and margaritas for your sampling pleasure. Need some grub along with those stiff drinks? No worries, food trucks will be present and accounted for!
2. Chile Pepper Festival
September 29th: 5pm-10pm
Located close to downtown Phoenix, this festival is full of culture. From music and dancing to chile-infused food and drinks, you won’t want to miss it. At only $10 per ticket, this is one of our more affordable options that will still pack a punch of spice (and fun)!
3. Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake
October 12th: 5pm-12am, October 13th: 10am-12am, October 14th: 10am-8pm
This one is so much fun they couldn’t fit it all into one day! Put on by one of the breweries near and dear to our hearts, Four Peaks, you’re sure to have a blast during this awesome weekend. Not only are there activities for children, but they have an adult carnival as well! Coupled with great beer, food, and culture, you won’t want to miss it.
4. Arizona Taco Festival
October 13-14th: 11am-7pm daily
Could we even talk about festivals in the Phoenix area without touching on this? Having been around for several years, Salt River Fields turns into a sea of tacos, only running you $2 a piece! Grab a wristband for the day, and sample tacos from over 50 restaurants. Oh, there will also be margaritas, so treat yo’self!
5. Scottsdale International Film Festival
Looking to slow it down a little? This one is just the speed you’re looking for. Over the span of 10 days, you have the ability to watch over 50 independent films, documentaries, and award-winning screenplays. Taking place at the Harkins Shea location, this is a great chance to view one or all of the early showings and special films that very well could place in award shows in the coming year.
6. Phoenix Pizza Festival
November 17th: 11am-5pm
Again, what really needs to be said about Pizza and Festival being used in the same sentence? At $2-$4 per slice, you have the opportunity to try pies from 15+ vendors. Paired with craft beers and wines brought to the table by local breweries and wineries, you really can’t go wrong.
7. Mac and Cheese Festival
November 17-18th: 11am-6pm
Holy smokes, friends. They expanded this festival to two days and are calling it a “cheddar doubleheader”. If that doesn’t get you pumped up – we’re not sure what will! Salt River Fields will be plum full of vendors for this one, and we can’t wait. Craft beer and other food vendors will also be there for anyone mac-ed out on cheese.
Basically, what we’re trying to say is the fall and early winter seasons are jam-packed with festivals and weekend fairs. Our list has something for really everyone, but there are so many to choose from!
Didn’t find something that really makes you want to get out there? Take a peek at this massive list of festivals and events around the Phoenix area. We suggest trying many along your journey to find the best and don’t forget to tag us with #FrayLife #PhxFray so we can follow along on social.
Do you need even more awesome activities to add to your upcoming fall calendar? Discover the perfect happy hour spot for every day of the week.
View More Articles By Jessy Harbach