Annual Events in Greater Phoenix

No matter the season, you'll be sure to find these events taking place in Greater Phoenix. 

First Friday Art Walk

Experience one of the nation's largest, self-guided art walks on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. Tour more than 70 galleries, venues and art-related spaces throughout the Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue arts districts — as well as some worthwhile stops beyond — for a variety of artwork and creative expression, and to enjoy the spirit and culture of the city. Check out our First Friday guide for all the details.

Downtown Phoenix

Spring is when Greater Phoenix is at its liveliest, thanks in part to the beautiful weather this time of year. But also because of all the fun festivals and events. If you visit Phoenix in the spring, make plans for spring training, music festivals, food festivals and more. 

Cactus League Spring Training

February–March

Cactus League Spring Training is a seasonal rite that descends on the Greater Phoenix area every February and March with the iconic sounds of cracking bats, snapping mitts and happy fans. For baseball lovers, it doesn’t get much better than this: sunny weather, affordable tickets and unparalleled proximity to the best players in the game.

Arizona Renaissance Festival

February–April

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast — all rolled into one nonstop family adventure. This unique, outdoor event combines entertainment and wares reminiscent of what may have been found in a 16th Century European village market, celebrating the arrival of the King and Queen to their shire. Walk through the gates to be transported back in time. 

Festival Village
12601 E. Highway 60, Gold Canyon

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

March

Top American Indian and Canadian First Nations hoop dancers compete at the Heard Museum for the prestigious World Champion title and cash prizes. At this two-day competition, men and women compete on an equal field. The art of hoop dance was first employed as a healing ceremony, today it's shared as an artistic expression to celebrate and honor Indigenous traditions throughout North America.

Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

Innings Festival

March

Innings Festival is a two-day event that will feature rock, pop and country performances, culinary demos, as well as curated food vendors, fun family activations and appearances by professional baseball players.

Tempe Beach Park
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

NASCAR Championship Weekend

March

Start your engines for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Enjoy nonstop action featuring on-track access to sign your name on the finish line, INfield access to meet the drivers and go inside the garage, and enjoy the Midway festivities and campground parties alongside friends and family. 

Phoenix Raceway
7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale

Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market

March

Long-standing, nationally recognized event, this is the largest art market in Arizona and the second largest market of its kind in the country. It features more than 600 Native artists from 116 tribal affiliations in the U.S. and Canada. A variety of traditional and cutting-edge media dazzle guests each year.

Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

Arizona Aloha Festival

March

Join the Arizona Aloha Festival for two days of celebrating the cultures of the South Pacific islands. Live entertainment on several stages includes music, dance, and lectures. Shop traditional crafts, modern gifts, apparel and more in the Island Marketplace. And vendors serve up some of the favorite foods of the people of Hawaii and the South Pacific, including kalua pig, manapua, Vilo Vilo chicken, Spam musubi, haupia and malasadas. 

Tempe Beach Park
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

M3F Music Festival

March

M3F is a 100% nonprofit music festival that was established in 2004 and has become a musical destination for festivalgoers. This three-day festival has attracted visitors to Arizona with such previous acts as Odesza, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Empire of the Sun, Griz, Flume, Beck, Kid Cudi, Chromeo, Father John Misty, Grouplove, The Avett Brothers, The Revivalists, The Roots, The Shins, Slightly Stoopid, and many others.

Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 N. Third St., Phoenix

Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival

March

Created in 1988 to celebrate Chandler's history of ostrich ranching, this festival features — you guessed it — live ostriches. But it's grown to also include national and local entertainment, thrilling stage shows, over 50 exhilarating midway rides and games, classic festival food, interactive activities for all ages, meet and greets with your favorite mascots, ostrich-themed educational activities, exciting attractions, upscale arts and crafts and much more.

Tumbleweed Park
745 E. Germann Road, Chandler

Maricopa County Fair

April

The fair features the largest county fair carnival in Phoenix with over 35 rides. Foodies will appreciate the wide selection of fair food, which includes such unique items as Steve's flaming hot turkey legs, deep-fried coffee, the Mac Doggie Dog and so much more. The shopping pavilion is filled with more than 60 vendors, plus there are over 25 more vendors outside. Agriculture and livestock are a part of the fair's history and tradition, and are a mainstay.

Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix

Rainbows Festival

April–May

Presented by Phoenix Pride, Rainbows Festival has been dubbed  “Arizona’s Greatest Street Fair." The annual event is a celebration of the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community that draws community members, friends, families, allies downtown for more than 150 exhibitors and two stages of entertainment throughout the weekend.

Historic Heritage Square
115 N. Sixth St., Phoenix

Spring Arizona Restaurant Week

May

For 10 days, diners can enjoy menus specially designed to showcase the true culinary talents that exist within the state — from the finest five-star restaurants to locally owned and chef-driven “hidden gems.” During the event, participating restaurants offer culinary adventurers a unique tasting opportunity (in addition to their regular menus), featuring three-course prix-fixe menus for just $33 or $44 per person. Wine pairings to enhance each course are offered at some establishments for an additional cost. Menus are available for dine-in as well as to-go. 

Sure, it's hot during summer months, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. You can still find events to attend and ways to experience the Sonoran Desert, even in the middle of July.

Phoenix Fan Fusion

June

Phoenix Fan Fusion is the premier pop culture event in the desert Southwest that attracts thousands of comic book, superhero, cosplay and anime enthusiasts for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Phoenix Convention Center
100 N. Third St, Phoenix

Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tours

June–September

Flashlight Nights are nighttime self-guided adventures through Desert Botanical Garden, where nocturnal explorers can bring their own flashlights to shine along the trails, in search of night-blooming plants and desert animals that emerge after dark. 

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

Arizona Diamondbacks

April–October

America's favorite past time can be found right in the heart of downtown. Chase Field plays host to the Arizona Diamondbacks — and their loyal fans — seven months out of the year (catch them at Cactus League Spring Training, too), but there's something about a summer baseball game that just hits different. Maybe it's the hotdogs, maybe it's the 4th of July fireworks. Either way, take us out to the ballgame!

Chase Field
401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

Phoenix Rising

April—October

The USL's Phoenix Rising FC takes the field at Wild Horse Pass for its regular season schedule. Experiences range from field-side VIP tables to the ultra-hyped fan zone on the stadium's south end — both of which can expect player interaction.

Casino Arizona Field
19593 S. 48th St., Chandler

Phoenix Mercury

May–September

Fondly known as the X-Factor, fans of the three-time WNBA champions head to downtown for one of the city's most beloved summer traditions. The Phoenix Mercury — including Olympic goal medalists Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins-Smith — offer nonstop action on the home court all summer long.

Footprint Center
201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

World Atlatl Day

June

Join Pueblo Grande Museum in celebrating World Atlatl Day as local primitive skills group S.A.L.T. will put on an atlatl demonstration and accuracy contest. The atlatl is a weapon predating the bow and arrow. Used worldwide for thousands of years, it proved an effective weapon. A stick with a hook on the end to hold the dart/spear, it increased the distance, speed and force of the dart/spear.  Everyone is welcome, no experience needed.

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix

Autumn is still warm in Greater Phoenix, but pleasantly so. It's the perfect weather for food festivals galore, including the Arizona Taco Festival and Four Peaks Oktoberfest, as well as sports championships, art festivals, shopping and more. 

Fall Arizona Restaurant Week

September

‘Tis the season for the return of one of the most popular culinary events of the year. During these 10 days, diners can take advantage of three-course meals and prix-fixe menus for just $33 or $44 per person at participating restaurants around the state.

Arizona State Fair

October

For more than a century, the Arizona State Fair has been a gathering place for nearby locals, residents from the far corners of the state and visitors. Filled with cute animals, blue ribbons, fried food, immersive exhibits and all the carnival rides you can imagine. Additional scheduling includes a star-studded concert series and the All-Indian Rodeo, one of the longest-running Arizona State Fair events.

Arizona State Fair & Coliseum
1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix

Four Peaks Oktoberfest

October

Celebrate the season German-style with three days of live music, brats, keg tappings, dachshund races, dancing, karaoke, carnival rides and more. 

Tempe Beach Park
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

Phoenix Pride Festival & Parade

October

The annual Phoenix Pride Festival is a two-day celebration designed to bring LGBTQ+ community members, and allies, together for a weekend of camaraderie in honor of our past and in celebration of our future. The festival features over 150 entertainment performances on six stages and more than 300 exhibitors showcasing a diverse variety of food options, shopping opportunities and community resources. The parade, which takes place along Third Street, kicks off the first day of the festival.

Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

Phoenix Greek Festival

October

This festival is an opportunity to share in the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Greece. In addition to the authentically prepared Greek cuisine, you can indulge in a shopper’s paradise where vendors sell a variety of items including Greek jewelry, artwork and food. Additionally, the nationally recognized community dancers — in traditional costumes from the various regions of Greece — will perform throughout the weekend.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party 

October

Throughout October, Schnepf Farms offers such fall activities as hay rides, a 4-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, pig races. Come hungry and choose from chili, burgers and succotash. Take a spin on exciting rides or the farm's train. Fireworks light up the sky Friday and Saturday nights. Don't forget to grab your Halloween pumpkin during your visit.

Schnepf Farms
24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival

October

The annual Balloon Spooktacular — featuring nightly firework shows, live music, a pumpkin patch and a free KidsZone — is a safe, fun and memorable trick-or-treat experience for the entire family. More than 20 majestic hot air balloons illuminate the sky as they participate in the world's longest continuous glow (over 3 hours), tethered balloons are available for rides and balloon candy stations serve up more than 4,000 pounds of candy. 

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 N. Pima Road. Scottsdale

Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Phoenix Festival

October

The annual Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Festival features music, dance, masked performances, art activities for kids, artist's mercado and candlelight closing procession with ceremony and celebration. This festival is a unique and exciting artistic event that keeps families connected to their cultural heritage and traditions. Other noteworthy observations of this holiday take place at Desert Botanical Garden (pictured) and the Mesa Arts Center.

Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts

November

Celebrate the arts in our community and enjoy performances by more than 25 arts groups, including dance, live music, and aerialists. Additionally, this festival includes children’s activities, pet adoptions, food, craft beer and wine tasting and more. Proceeds benefit the Herberger Theater’s Youth Outreach Programs.

Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix

PGA Tour Champions' Charles Schwab Cup Championship

November

Featuring the top 36 players of the season, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship is the culmination of the  PGA Tour Champions road to the Charles Schwab Cup, a year-long competition that ends with the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs. The Charles Schwab Cup Championship boasts an illustrious list of champions including two-time winners Hale Irwin, Tom Watson, Jay Haas, Kenny Perry, Tom Lehman and Bernhard Langer.

Phoenix Country Club
2901 N. 7th St., Phoenix

Greater Phoenix enjoys blue skies and highs in the 60s and 70s during the winter months, alternatively known as festival season, thanks to some of the area's most popular events, including the Fiesta Bowl, Waste Management Phoenix Open and World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.

Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts

December

Artists from all over the country descend to downtown Tempe for this biannual festival. Expect to browse 300 artists and a wide array of food vendors throughout the over 10-block footprint. This event gives the community an opportunity to connect to great art, enjoy our vibrant downtown area and indulge in great snacks, cuisine, and more, in an open-air and socially distant environment.

Downtown Tempe
1 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

Las Noches de las Luminarias

December

Celebrate the spirit of the season with Las Noches de las Luminarias. Stroll the garden’s trails, lined with 8,000 flickering luminaria bags, gaze at twinkling lights and admire the enchanting glow of Dale Chihuly’s glass masterpieces. Happen upon tunes from eclectic entertainment groups and cherish the time spent with friends and family during the holiday season.

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

Guaranteed Rate Bowl 

December

The Guaranteed Rate Bowl features the NCAA bowl season's only matchup between contenders in the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences, and is held annually at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in downtown Phoenix. 

Chase Field
401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

VRBO Fiesta Bowl

January

As a member of the College Football Playoff New Year's Six, the VRBO Fiesta Bowl will host a matchup with two of the highest-ranked teams at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, in Glendale. 

State Farm Stadium
1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

January

Widely regarded as a barometer of the collector car industry, these auctions have evolved into world-class automotive lifestyle events where thousands of the world’s most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience — in person and on live national and international television. Witness auction action at its best, capture the car of your dreams, learn more about collector cars through “Behind the Hobby” symposiums, mingle with celebrities, experience heart-stopping thrill rides in the latest vehicles from America’s top automakers, shop in the vast Exhibitor Marketplace and more.

WestWorld of Scottsdale
16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon

January

This race series promises a flat, fast and fun route in Greater Phoenix. Whether you're a first-timer or Boston-bound, both routes were designed to help you finish in record time. Live bands every mile, local cheer teams and themed water stations add spirit and inspiration as you run through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. The half marathon starts in Tempe, while the full marathon starts in downtown Phoenix — the finish line for both finish is at Tempe Beach Park.

Full Marathon start: CityScape | Half Marathon start: Downtown Tempe
1 E. Washington St., Phoenix | University Drive and College Avenue, Tempe

Waste Management Phoenix Open

February

Annually drawing the largest crowds on the PGA Tour, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has gained legendary status for being unlike any other golf tournament. If you're visiting for the first time, hole 16 is a must-see. With stadium seating and lively crowds, the fan experience at this hole more comparable to a Phoenix Suns game than a traditional PGA Tournament. Visit the website for more information, including a list of events and concerts throughout the week.

Scottsdale Tournament Players Club (TPC Scottsdale)
17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

February

The largest event of its kind in the world, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to WestWorld each year. In addition to 10 days of exciting competitions, gala parties, educational seminars, family-focused events and an international cuisine court, the event features more than 300 vendor booths, offering everything from lavish jewelry and clothing to works of art and more.

WestWorld of Scottsdale
16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

Phoenix Chinese Week Culture and Cuisine Festival

February

Phoenix Chinese Week is a series of cultural, social and educational events highlighting the diverse culture of China. This annual, three-day culture and cuisine festival attracts thousands of participants and features the arts, food, dance, entertainment, history and heritage of China.

Margaret T. Hance Park
67 W. Culver St. Phoenix

Devour Culinary Classic

February

For more than a decade, this award-winning culinary festival has featured Arizona’s best chefs, purveyors, wineries, and artists providing a sensory experience of desert sounds, tastes, sights, and feel. In addition to the Culinary Classic, the 7 Chefs Dinner and Devour the World are two of the signature culinary events that round out the week.

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

Arizona Strong Beer Festival

February

One of more than 200 events planned as part of Arizona Beer Week, the Arizona Strong Beer Festival is an annual celebration of local brews, as well as collaborations with out-of-state breweries. 

Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

Arizona Matsuri: Festival of Japan

February

Arizona Matsuri: Festival of Japan features Japanese exhibits, demonstrations, arts and crafts, children's activities, bonsai displays, Japanese cuisine, a Japanese beer and sake garden, games and contests, and live entertainment on four stages.

Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

Parada del Sol

February

Since its start in 1953, the Parada del Sol has grown to be one of the world's longest horse-drawn parades and boasts more than 100 entries, including floats, bands and individual riders. Following the parade, Trail’s End Festival showcases local history, participating school groups, bands, live musical entertainment and shopping. 

Old Town Scottsdale
Drinkwater Boulevard and Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Arizona Gay Rodeo

February

The Arizona Gay Rodeo, an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo, is a traditional rodeo event that also includes camp drag events, vendors, food, full-service bars, drag performances, dancing, rodeo royalty, games and more — all in a festival-style atmosphere. Rodeo events include bull riding, steer riding, chute dogging, calf roping (on foot), mounted breakaway roping, barrel racing, pole bending, flag race, team roping, steer decorating, *goat dressing and a *wild drag race. Bareback Bronc riding and Ranch Saddle Bronc Riding will not be offered.

Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds
7611 S. 29th Ave. Laveen