Autumn attractions
A guide to Arizona’s fall festivals
Temperatures may be only inching down the thermometer, but we’re in the mood to get outside. Lucky for us, festival season is getting underway.
From great ethnic food to colorful cultural experiences to the best shopping experiences we are eager to sample everything the crafters, chefs, musicians and diverse Valley cultures have to offer.
Here are some of our top picks for festivals and fairs to check out this September, October, November and December in the metro Phoenix area.
For a listing of all fall festivals and events, visit events.azcentral.com.
SEPTEMBER 9/3: Phoenix Cooks!
On Sept. 3, some of the Valley’s best chefs will convene to share a variety of tasty ingredients combined into delicious dishes. Described as a “food-lover’s paradise,” Phoenix Cooks! is the largest annual food event in the Phoenix area. Now in its 12th year, Phoenix Cooks! benefits Banner Children’s Hospital. Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Westin Kierland, 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale. $60-$100. 480-6241000, phoenixcooks.com.
9/9-11: El Zaribah Shrine Circus
Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy the El Zaribah Shrine Circus held in the air-conditioned comfort of the equidome building at WestWorld of Scottsdale. In addition to the classic circus acts, kids can take a ride on an elephant or pony. One boy’s and one girl’s bike will also be given away at each performance.
Details: Sept. 9-11. 6:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $18; $15 for military and seniors. 480-9463696, el-zaribah.org.
9/10: Teddy Bear Day
Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day during the 12th Annual Teddy Bear Day event in Glendale. Fans of the furry friends will enjoy a fun-filled day of make-and-take arts and crafts and exclusive deals. Start the day at the Glendale Visitor Center and pick up a map that will guide guests to boutique stores, shops and downtown restaurants for special offers and discounts.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Glendale Visitor Center, 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140, Glendale. 623930-4500, visitglendale.com.
9/16-25: Arizona Restaurant Week
Dozens of popular restaurants in metro Phoenix will offer three-course tasting menus at a discount for this twice-ayear event highlighting the creative chefs and diverse tastes the local dining scene has to offer. So if you’ve been dying to try the “improvisational cuisine” of Posh in Scottsdale or the exquisite small plates at Nobuo at Teeter House in Phoenix, now’s your chance. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Details: Sept. 16-25. $33 or $44. arizonarestaurantweek.com.
9/16-18: Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
Fans of vintage, handmade and rusty items are sure to enjoy Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Over 170 handpicked vendors from Arizona will be on hand selling their creative wares. From vintage dresses and unique furniture to handmade jewelry and treasures for the garden, the event has something for everyone.
Details: Sept. 16-18. 5-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Ticket prices TBA, check website for details. Parking is $5 per vehicle. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com.
9/17: Messy Fest
Queen Creek will get a serious dose of sloppiness at Schnepf Farms, with an asfun-as-it-sounds fundraiser benefiting the children and families of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. There will be massive mud pits, bouncy pillows, paintball, tomato tosses, a slip-and-slide and a mashed-potato mosh pit. Wear old clothes and expect to get filthy; an onsite Rinse Zone is available.
Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $20 pre-sale wristbands for a limited time; $5 for spectators; free for 3 or younger. 480-808-6910, messyfest.com.
9/17-18: Tardeada Latina
Tolleson will celebrate Latin culture with a two-day street festival. Live bands will entertain the crowd, including David Garza and the Reality Band. Families will love the kids area with activities, crafts and a zone with inflatables. Eight food trucks will be on-site, and vendors will sell handmade crafts.
Details: Sept. 17-18. 2 p.m.-midnight Saturday; 1-9 p.m. Sunday. Paseo de Luces from 91st to 94th avenues in Tolleson. Free admission; additional for food and craft items. 623-474-4992, tollesonaz.org/events.
9/24-25: Keen Halloween
Keen Halloween is a dream come true for people who love to dress up for the trick-or-treat holiday. The two-day, family-oriented celebration provides workshops that teach attendees how to make their own unique costumes, decorations and props. Since 2012, Halloween enthusiasts Daniel and Dawna Davis have hosted the event in hopes of delivering a haven for fans of horror-based conventions looking for an event that is as ghoulish as it is kid-friendly.
Details: Sept. 24-25. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix. $15-$25. 602-6354306, keenhalloween.com.
9/24-25: Garlic Festival in the Grove
Garlic is the star of Queen Creek Olive Mill’s festival highlighting the aromatic bulbs’ importance. While details have not yet been announced, last year’s festival included live music, garlic dishes and gelato to try, a garlic-recipe contest, bocce ball and complimentary wine and product tastings.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., SaturdaySunday, Sept. 24-25. Ticket information TBA. 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek. 480-888-9290, queencreekolivemill.com.
OCTOBER 10/1: Chile Pepper Festival
This festival, presented by Roosevelt Row Community Development Corp., highlights restaurateurs offering chile pepper-based cuisine. There is also music, cooking demonstrations, kids’ activities and a talent show.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Second and Roosevelt streets, Phoenix. Free admission (online registration encouraged to guarantee admission). Tasting tickets: $2 or 12 for $20; beer and margarita tokens $5 or 5 for $20. chilepepperfest.com.
10/1-2: Arizona Dragon Boat Festival
The 13th annual Arizona Dragon Boat Festival will celebrate Asian culture in Tempe with two days of dragon boat races, vendor and food booths and performances by martial artists, musicians and dancers. The beautifully decorated dragon boats are manned by teams of up to 20 paddlers. One team member pounds a drum to keep the paddlers’ oars in sync; the drum represents the heart of the dragon.
Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 1-2. Tempe Town Lake Marina, north side, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Free for spectators. azdba.com.
10/1: Tequila, Taco, & Cerveza Fest
This “wildly infamous” event, as it’s billed on its Facebook event page, was designed to showcase diverse Mexican beers, worldwide tequilas and local taco recipes. Ten .25-oz. tequila samples in a branded #TTCFest shot glass are included with admission.
Details: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. $30-$40. tequilatacocervezafest.com.
10/1: SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest
Fans of polka music, German food and craft beer are hereby encouraged to don their festive lederhosen and dirndls to gather in downtown Chandler for SanTan Brewing’s 9th annual Oktoberfest. Headlining artists include Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Reel Big Fish and other local artists. This year’s fest will also feature beer games, Von Hanson’s brat eating contest and a family zone, which we’re assuming is not where the beer games will be held.
Details: 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. AJ Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. $10 presale at Bashas’; $12 presale online; $15 day of event. 602-276-2499, santanoktoberfest.com.
10/1-30: Pioneer Harvest Festival
Family-friendly festival takes people back in time to Arizona’s territorial days on 90 acres of Pioneer’s Western town. Gunslingers, tea parties, hayrides, pony rides, gun shows, an archery range, gold panning and pumpkin painting will help you celebrate the season. Entry includes a free pumpkin per family.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Every Saturday and Sunday starting Oct. 1. Pioneer Living History Museum, 3901 W. Pioneer Road, Phoenix. $10 adults, $8 children, free for children under 2 years. Discounts online. 623-465-1052. pioneeraz.org.
10/1-11/6: Vertuccio Farms Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Admission to this Mesa festival includes a 7-acre corn maze, mini hay maze, one barrel train ride and one tractor train ride. Families can also enjoy the petting zoo, duck races and a giant jump pad. Marked pumpkins for sale are priced by size and variety. Hay bales and corn stalks are also available to buy.
Details: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday -Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 1-Nov. 6. Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. vertucciofarms.com.
10/1: Bites ‘N Brews Craft Beer Festival
Twenty-plus breweries will be on hand for this year’s Bites ‘N Brews Craft Beer Festival at the Peoria Sports Complex. Enjoy samples of some of the tastiest local and national craft beers and satisfy your appetite with eats from 27-plus food trucks. Games like cornhole and life-sized beer pong and music will round out the evening.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. $30-$60. bitesbrews.com.
10/1-31: Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party
Fall for autumn while enjoying the fresh farm air during the annual Pumpkin and Chili Party. Every Thursday through Sunday, families can enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, corn mazes and dog shows. Gypsy Time Travelers, a storytelling husband and wife duo, will be performing at the the festival for the first time this season. The party also includes amusement rides, a rock-climbing wall and marshmallow roasting. Train and pony rides, food and pumpkins are available for an extra cost.
Details: Oct. 1-30.10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $18; $15 at Fry’s Food Stores. 480-9873100, schnepffarms.com.
10/6-10: Scottsdale International Film Festival
Now in its 16th year, this celluloid celebration will showcase more than 50 films, ranging from animated shorts to full-length features from around the globe. The festival kicks off with an opening night celebration and a screening of “Denial” starring Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz. A Skype session will follow, featuring the film’s true-life heroine Deborah E. Lipstadt. The remaining four days of screenings will take place at Harkins Shea 14. Look for the full lineup of films to be announced when tickets go on sale Sept. 6.
Details: Opening reception: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. Screenings: Friday-Monday, Oct. 7-10. Harkins Shea 14, 7354 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. Tickets and full schedule TBA. scottsdalefilmfestival.com.
10/7-9: Greater Phoenix Greek Festival
This fest has been transporting festivalgoers to Greece for more than 50 years through music, dancing and food such as gyros, pastitsio, roasted lamb and pastries baked by yiayias (grandmothers). Jewelry, art, wines, beer, feta cheese, phyllo dough and other Greek items will be sold, and there will be kids activities, dance lessons and church tours. Park at the church or at Charles Schwab at 24th Street and Lincoln Drive; a free shuttle runs every 15 minutes.
Details: Oct. 7-9. 5-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.8 p.m. Sunday. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community Center, 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix. $3, free for age 11 or younger and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday for age 60 or older; $5 church parking; free at Charles Schwab. 602264-2791, phoenixgreekfestival.org, holytrinityphx.org/ festival.
10/7-30: Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair first appeared in 1884 (yes, before we were even a state). It has grown to become an annual bash that features big-name concerts, amusement-park rides, livestock, shopping, and, of course, more fried food than your arteries care to taste.
Details: Oct. 7-30. Noon-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays;,10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays. 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. $10; $5 children ages 5-13 and seniors. 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.
10/8-23: Stagecoach Days
Celebrate the city of Maricopa’s founding and its history during two weeks of Stagecoach Days. A 24-hour Shutter Shots photo contest, to help preserve a snapshot of the city, is set for Saturday, Oct. 15. As a nod to the rich history of farming in the community, the Pecan Pride Celebration starts Monday, Oct. 10. Get limited-edition pecan dishes at particpating restaurants; see the list at maricopa-az.gov/web/pecan-pridecelebration. Details: Various events Saturday, Oct. 8-Sunday, Oct. 23. 520-316-6833, maricopa-az.gov/ web/ events.
10/13-15: Phoenix Fashion Week
Known as the leading fashion industry event in the Southwest, Phoenix Fashion Week is host to fashionistas, VIPs, fashion retailers, bloggers and more, all showcasing 30-plus emerging and established designers in a runway marketplace at Talking Stick Resort. The event also includes educational fashion seminars and workshops.
Details: 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 13-15. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. $50-$225. phoenixfashionweek.com.
10/15-16: Arizona Taco Festival
More than 50 restaurants and food trucks will serve $2 tacos (sold separately) featuring some unique recipe. The event also features live bands playing everything from surf and rock to mariachi and Latin music, along with Lucha Libre wrestling shows. Enjoy eating contests, chile pepper-eating challenges, and a chihuahua beauty pageant.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 15-16. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $15. 480-270-5000, aztacofestival.com.
10/15-16: Rainbows Festival and Street Fair
Put on by Phoenix Pride, the festival celebrating the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community features more than 150 exhibitors and live entertainment.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 15-16. Heritage Square Park, 115 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. Free. 602-277-7433, phoenixpride.org.
10/22-23: Dia de los Muertos Festival
Mesa Arts Center will again celebrate the Latin-American holiday that honors those who have died. There will be performances from regional folklorico groups, mariachi bands and dance troupes. Other attractions include food, a market where you can shop for arts and crafts, and a community altar.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23. 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Free admission and parking. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.
10/28-29: Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular Festival
Satisfy your sweet tooth when more than 20 hot-air balloons will hand out more than 4,000 pounds of candy to trickor-treaters in Scottsdale. Get a fright at the haunted house or take a ride in a tethered balloon. Catch live music and see a fireworks display to close the evening. Written waiver required for balloon rides.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 28-29. Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road, Salt River Reservation. $10 adults; $5 children; balloon rides $25 for adults, $5 for ages 10 and under. 480-270-5000, saltriverfields.com.
10/29: Wingstock
Wingstock is a festival that combines restaurants, music, contests and beer in one event. Chefs can show off their chicken wing recipes to compete for the title “Wingstock King of Wings.” Diamond’s Sports Grille, ATL Wings, On the Green Sports Grill and The Monastery Mesa are some of the restaurants that will be competing in the wing competition.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 29. Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa. $8 advance; $12 day of event. wingstockaz.com.
NOVEMBER 11/2-6: Wild West Days
Celebrate life in the Old West with bull riding on Wednesday evening and an authentic cattle drive to lead the annual Wild West Days Parade through downtown Cave Creek on Saturday. Other scheduled festivities include a Miss Wild West Days Pageant, a mutton-bustin’
competition for youngsters (ages 4 to 7) and pig races. Don’t miss the half-pie eating contest, bathtub races, cornhole tournament, horseback Poker Trail Ride and special performances by a re-enactment group. The event also features live music, raffles and more.
Details: Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 2-6. Parade 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Times and venues for other activities and events vary. Free admission to festival. Free parking is available. A shuttle will be available to transport guests from the east to the west side of town. One lane of Cave Creek Road will be closed for the parade on Saturday. 480-437-1110, WildWestDaysCaveCreek.com.
11/5: Certified Local Fall Festival
This family-friendly event celebrates all things local to Arizona. Guests can browse more than 100 vendors and food trucks, listen to live music, sample local brews from the beverage garden and more. Plan to arrive early, because the first 500 guests will receive a gift bag filled with freebies from more than 50 local businesses. The festival is dogfriendly and has plenty of activities planned for kids, as well as adults.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St Phoenix. Free. 602-956-0909, localfirstaz.com.
11/5: Herberger Festival of the Arts
Celebrate the arts with food, performances, live music and more. The afternoon event features children’s activities, film shorts and pet adoptions. You can also view a collection of visual art or enjoy a craft-beer tasting. Proceeds benefit the Herberger Theater’s youth-outreach programs.
Details: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix. Free admission. 602254-7399, herbergertheater.org.
11/5-6: Armenia Fest 2016
Celebrate Armenia at the first Armenian church built in Arizona. Try a chicken kebab, sarma (stuffed grape leaves) or some lahmejun (Armenian pizza). Wine, beer and liquor will be sold and traditional folk dances and music will be performed. Gifts can be purchased. There will be raffles and kids games.
Details: Nov. 5-6. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church, 8849 E. Cholla St., Scottsdale. $2; free for age 12 or younger; free parking. 480-451-8171, saintapkar.com and facebook.com/saintapkar.
11/5-6: Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts
This two-day event kicks off the fallfestival and holiday-shopping season. Walk the streets and view more than 250 juried fine artists and craftsman, along with dozens of eateries. The festival includes a wine garden and live music. This year’s event features about 10 wineries and breweries.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5-6. Downtown Litchfield Park, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd. Free. 623734-6526, vermillionpromotions.com.
11/6: West Valley Island Cultural Festival
Celebrate Polynesian culture with music, dance competitions, a fashion show and more at the annual festival. Guests can learn dances from around the world including belly dancing, hula and salsa. Single women are encouraged to wear a flower behind their right ear for the Singles Corner mixer. Fifty percent of the admission cost will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix.
Details: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6. Glendale Adult Center, 5970 W. Brown St. $10; free for ages 15 or younger. 623255-8491, wvislandculturalfest.com.
11/11-13: Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts
Browse booths full of original artwork, sculptures and paintings from more than 500 artists at this annual outdoor festival. Listen to live music while having a bite to eat and visiting the beer garden. Guests can browse clothing, jewelry and more. The event is held rain or shine. Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13. Downtown Fountain Hills, Avenue of the Fountains. Free. 480-8371654, fountainhillschamber.com.
11/11-12: Chandler Chuckwagon Cook-Off
Experience Western history and chow down on food prepared by authentic 1880s chuck-wagons from around the Southwest. Visitors get a close-up look at slow-cook, wood-fire methods and experience live music, cooking demonstrations, art, historic home tours and more. Chuck-wagon meals will be sold. On Saturday, watch the chuck-wagon competition and purchase a five-course lunch from competitors. The event supports educational development efforts at Tumbleweed Ranch.
Details: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Tumbleweed Ranch at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen, Chandler. Admission is free. Chuck-wagon meal tickets are sold for $15 each at 10 a.m. Saturday. 480782-2717, chandleraz.gov.
11/11-13: Chiles and Chocolate
The Chiles and Chocolate event at the Desert Botanical Garden mixes sweet and spicy with flora and food. Guests can sample and purchase gourmet chocolates, fiery sauces and other products that pack a punch. Entertainment throughout the evening includes music mixes and live performances of Latin, Brazilian and Spanish dances.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $22; $20 for age 60 or older; $12 for ages 13-18 (with student ID); $10 for age 3-12; free for members. 480-941-1225, dbg.org.
11/12: Grand Avenue Festival
This festival celebrates the arts, small businesses and conservation while highlighting the history and character of Lower Grand Avenue. The event, put on by Grand Avenue Arts & Preservation, provides tours of historical commercial buildings, along with art exhibits, fashion shows, live music and more. Make costumes and masks for the Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts.
Details: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Grand Avenue Arts & Preservation, 1301 Grand Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-391-4016, grandavenueartsandpreservation.org.
11/17-19: Gilbert Days
Celebrate Gilbert’s heritage and history with three days of activities that are fun for the whole family. A water-tower lighting and concert featuring Cisco and the Racecars kick off the festivities on Thursday. A mile run and 5K take place at Freestone Park on Friday. The festivities conclude with a parade in downtown Gilbert on Saturday.
Details: Concert is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Water Tower Plaza, 45 W. Page Ave. Free. Festivities at the 5K and mile run begin at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at Freestone Park, 1045 E. Juniper Ave. Spectators are free. Registration details at gilbertaz.gov. The parade is held in the Gilbert Heritage District at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. 480-503-6200, gilbertaz.gov.
11/19-20: Artfest of Scottsdale
Celebrate fine arts and do some early Christmas shopping. More than 150 artists and dozens of local authors will display their works, all to the sound of regional musicians. Sample delicious food from Valley restaurants or just enjoy the beautiful weather in downtown Scottsdale. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, and dogs are welcome.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20. Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza, 7380 E. Second St. Free. 480968-5353, 888artfest.com.
11/19: Phoenix Pizza Festival
It’s Phoenix’s second-annual pizza party, and the entire city is invited. About 15 pizza makers will be tossing, saucing and topping pies, and festivalgoers can choose from slices or half or whole pizzas. The event will also feature craft-beer and wine bars, dessert vendors, lawn games, live bands and a kids zone. The 2016 event is set to benefit Downtown Phoenix Inc., a community development group that works to promote downtown revitalization efforts.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix. $10 admission, babies and toddlers are free, pizza costs extra. 480442-9176, phoenix.pizza.
11/19: Woofstock
It’s a day of peace, love and puppies at Chandler’s annual canine celebration. Bring Fido down for the annual Walk of Honor - A Salute to Veterans, sponsored by the American Service Animal Society, and play “Spot the Service Animal:” Keep track of all the service animals you can find for a prize. Proceeds help provide guide dogs for veterans. There also will be vendors and a Blazin’ K9s flyball racing demonstration.
Details: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road. Free. 480-782-2665, chandleraz.gov/ default. aspx ? page id = 284.
DECEMBER 12/2-4: Tempe Festival of the Arts
Downtown Tempe turns into a giant art show as hundreds of artists and craftspeople line Mill Avenue and adjacent streets with their work. Now in its 47th year, this year’s festival’s guest of honor is Geoffrey Aaron Harris, a digital artist inspired by antique toys and robots. In addition, there will be plenty of live music, street performers, craft stations for the kids and beer and wine tasting for the adults.
Details: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4. Downtown Tempe. Free. tempefestivalofthearts.com.
12/3-4: Arizona Asian Festival
This free festival features food, arts and crafts, cultural performances and an Asian marketplace. Presented by the Arizona Asian American Association, the day includes dance and poetry contests, along with souvenir booths and vendors.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3939 N. Drinkwater, Blvd. Free. 602-451-6574, aaaa-az.org.
12/9-11: Phoenix Festival of the Arts
Art, entertainment and more than 125 vendor booths make up the outdoor, family-friendly event. The free festival includes a hands-on community art project organized by local muralist Hugo Medina. There will also be a Family Zone and local food trucks.
Details: Dec. 9-11. Noon-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. Free. 602-254-3100, phoenixfestivalofthearts.org.
12/10-11: Mesa Arts Festival
This community event features original works from local, regional and national artists in a variety of mediums. Guests will find live entertainment on two stages, live artist demonstrations, a family activity area and a wide selection of food. Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Free. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.