1
November 13
LeAnn Rimes
The country star, who topped the charts at age 13 with her rendition of “Blue,” performs an intimate set of beloved hits
as part of the Arizona Musicfest series. 7:30 p.m. $49-$84.
Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, 480-422-8449, azmusicfest.org.
2
November 24-January 15
ZooLights
This grand holiday event glows with millions of LED lights and includes a three-story-tall Christmas tree, lakeside music-in-motion shows, 3D light sculptures and life-size animal lanterns, ranging from a herd of bison and elephants to a one-eyed-one-horned-flying-purple-people-eater. A drive-through Cruise ZooLights complements the classic walk-through event on select nights. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily. $16-$75.
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org.
3
December 23-January 3
Zoppé Italian Family Circus
Presented in an intimate 500-seat tent, this one-ring circus celebrates the tradition of old-world Italian circus arts, including acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and expert jugglers. Check website for times. $30-$50.
Big Surf, 1500 N. Hayden Rd., Tempe, zoppe.net.
4
December 3-31
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Thousands of traditional luminarias line garden trails, buildings and courtyards, casting an elegant glow on the garden’s world-renowned plant collection. The event is complemented this year by Chihuly in the Desert, which blends ornate glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly with the distinct shapes and colors of the desert. A variety of musical groups performs each night. Select dates, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $16.95-$49.95. Desert
Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-481-1225, dbg.org.
5
November 11
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade
Wear your red, white and blue as this event honors the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. veterans with a parade of historic military vehicles, marching units, color guards, floats, bands and representatives of veterans’ service organizations. 11 a.m.
South on Central Avenue from Montebello Avenue, east on Camelback Road and South on Seventh Street to Indian School Road, Phoenix, 480-368-8714, honoringamericasveterans.org.
6
November 19-28
Hidden in the Hills
Sonoran Arts League presents this self-guided artist studio tour. The annual event showcases 192 artists who exhibit
and sell their work at 45 private studio locations, with artist demonstrations included at many of the stops. F-Su, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale, 480-575-6624, hiddeninthehills.org.
7
November 13-14
Phoenix Pizza Festival
It’s a pizza paradise as pies of all types – wood-fired, deep dish, New York and more – are available to pair with wine and craft beer at this tasty festival. For dessert, head to the Donut Hole, a curated area of local donut shops serving up their specialties. Live bands, a children’s craft zone and local vendor marketplace round out the festivities. Sa, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Su, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $12 advance purchase only; slices, $2-$4.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix, 480-442-9176, phoenix.pizza.
8
November 7
Tempe 150 Festival
The city of Tempe celebrates its past, present and future at this sesquicentennial celebration – a once-in-150-years event that features two stages of entertainment, including Tempe favorites The Meat Puppets. Interactive art projects, a beer and wine garden, vendors with “made in Tempe” items, community and history displays, and children’s activities are included. Noon-6 p.m.
Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, 480-350-5100, tempe.gov/tempe150.
9
December 18
Fiesta Bowl Parade
An array of colorful floats, high-flying helium balloons, marching bands, and specialty and equestrian units performs along the 2-mile parade route. This year’s event celebrates the 50-year history of the Fiesta Bowl organization with the theme, Gold Standard: A Commitment to CommUNITY. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper and the Fiesta Bowl founders are grand marshals. 9 a.m. Reserved seating available, $30.
Central Avenue from just south of Bethany Home Road, south to Camelback Road, east to Seventh Street, south to Minnezona Avenue, Phoenix, 480-350-0900, fiestabowl.org
10
November 13
AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews
An afternoon of sips and samples is on tap as this event brings together more than 25 local breweries, distilleries and wineries. Food trucks are on-site to balance the booze. 2-5 p.m. $50; $19 for designated driver. VIP access, 1 p.m., $65.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 480-270-5000, azbottlesandbrews.com.
