What's Happening in October
10 Fun Things To Do
October brings a festive shift to the Valley, with cooler evenings and a full calendar of fall celebrations, live entertainment, family-friendly events and seasonal favorites. From the Arizona State Fair and hot air balloon festivities to Broadway performances, live music and food and wine experiences, there are plenty of ways to get out, explore and enjoy everything Phoenix, Scottsdale and the surrounding communities have to offer this month.
Arizona State Fair 2026
October 1 – November 1 | Arizona State Fairgrounds
The Arizona State Fair returns with classic rides, live entertainment, fair food, agricultural exhibits and plenty of family-friendly fun. Open Thursdays through Sundays, this longtime Valley tradition is an easy way to embrace the energy of fall and enjoy a day of nostalgic favorites.
Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival
October 2–31 | Vertuccio Farms
Celebrate the season at Vertuccio Farms’ 28th Annual Fall Festival, featuring a month of family-friendly activities and autumn traditions. From interactive attractions and farm fun to plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, it’s a festive way to welcome fall in the East Valley.
Foreigner: Celebrating 50 Years
October 18 | Talking Stick Resort
Legendary rock band Foreigner celebrates 50 years of music with an evening of iconic hits at Talking Stick Resort. Fans can look forward to classics like “Cold As Ice,” “Juke Box Hero” and “I Want to Know What Love Is” in a lively outdoor concert setting.
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
October 23–25 | Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
The Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival brings Halloween fun to Scottsdale with more than 20 glowing hot air balloons, trick-or-treating, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. With thousands of pounds of candy, a kids’ zone and optional tethered balloon rides, it’s a colorful way to celebrate Halloween weekend.
USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience
October 24 | High Street, Phoenix
Spend an afternoon tasting your way through the Valley at the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience, featuring dishes from acclaimed local chefs alongside wine, beer and spirits from regional and national brands. Guests can also enjoy mixology experiences and live entertainment for an elevated afternoon of food, drinks and community.
Water for Elephants
October 27 – November 1 | ASU Gammage
The bestselling novel comes to life in this imaginative Broadway musical filled with romance, adventure and the spectacle of a traveling circus. With breathtaking performances and a heartfelt story about finding a new beginning, Water for Elephants offers a memorable night of live theater at ASU Gammage.
Arizona Cardinals
Select Dates in October | State Farm Stadium
Football season is back in the Valley as the Arizona Cardinals return home to take on the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. With the energy of a new NFL season, a passionate home crowd and all the excitement of game day, it’s a great way to spend a October afternoon with friends and family.
Phoenix Suns
Select Dates in October | Mortgage Matchup Center
Basketball returns to downtown Phoenix as the Suns tip off a new season with preseason and regular-season action throughout October. With an energized home crowd and exciting matchups ahead, it’s a great time to experience the atmosphere of Suns basketball and enjoy a lively night out in the Valley.
Phoenix Rising FC
Select Dates in October | Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium
Phoenix Rising FC continues its 2026 season this October with an exciting lineup of matches, including home games against Las Vegas Lights FC and Lexington SC. From Oktoberfest Night to the season-ending Rising As One Fanfest, it’s a great time to catch some soccer and cheer on the Valley’s home team. Phoenix Rising FC
Local Farmers Markets
Dates and Locations Vary
October marks the beginning of a seasonal shift across the Valley, making it a great time to reconnect with local farmers markets as cooler mornings slowly return. Browse fresh produce, artisan goods, baked treats and locally made favorites while supporting small businesses and enjoying a relaxed community outing.
As fall settles into the Valley, October brings a vibrant mix of seasonal celebrations, live entertainment, sporting events and local experiences to enjoy throughout the month. From fall festivals and the Arizona State Fair to concerts, Broadway performances and food and wine events, there are plenty of ways to embrace the season.
Whether you're spending an evening at a show, cheering on a local team, exploring a fall festival or enjoying a weekend out with friends and family, October offers no shortage of opportunities to experience the best of Phoenix, Scottsdale and the surrounding communities.
