Arizona Fall Fest
November 5
This annual autumnal celebration (staged by Valley advocacy group Local First Arizona) features food, merchant booths, a beer and wine garden and live music from all-Arizona purveyors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix, localfirstaz.com/fall-fest
Canal Convergence
November 4-13
Innovative displays that combine water, art and light are in the spotlight as Scottsdale Public Art presents this annual event in the water, on the banks and soaring above the Arizona Canal. The large-scale art installments are complemented by live music and a beer and wine garden. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, canalconvergence.com
Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts
November 11-13
This juried show in the northeast Valley features nearly 500 artists from across the nation, plus live music, food booths and beer gardens. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fountain Park, 12925 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, Fountain Hills, 480-837-1654, fountainhillsartfairs.com
Chiles & Chocolate
November 11-13
Enjoy a sweet and spicy weekend at Desert Botanical Garden. The Valley’s top vendors will be offering gourmet chocolates, savory sauces, fresh and fire-roasted chiles, and other locally grown and made goodies. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-941-1225, dbg.org
AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews
November 12
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. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 480-270-5000, azbottlesandbrews.com
Chuck Wagon Cook-Off
November 12
Experience the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of authentic 1880s chuck wagons as teams from across the West compete using slow-cook, wood-fire methods from the time period to create the best five-course meals fit for the trails. It’s a tasty homage to the Old West, outdoor cooking and the original food truck. noon. Tumbleweed Ranch, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler, 480-782-2717, pardnersoftumbleweedranch.org
Home Tour
November 12
Phoenix Home & Garden presents its premier luxury home tour, which offers a glimpse inside a number of the Valley’s finest homes. The self-guided event boasts a VIP experience that begins with brunch. Tickets must be purchased online, with a portion of proceeds benefiting a local charity. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley area, phgmag.com
Phoenix Pizza Festival
November 12-13
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. Live bands, a children’s craft zone and local vendor marketplace round out the festivities. Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix, 480-442-9176, phoenix.pizza
Hidden in the Hills
November 18-27
Sonoran Arts League presents this annual self-guided artist studio tour. The free event showcases more than 100 artists who exhibit and sell their work at nearly 50 private studio locations, with artist demonstrations included at many of the stops. Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale, 480-575-6624, hiddeninthehills.org
ZooLights
November 23-January 15
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 to a one-eyed-one-horned-flying-purple-people-eater. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org
Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 24
Celebrate the holiday at the only Thanksgiving Day parade in the state. Classic cars, marching bands, an appearance by Santa Claus and floats featuring local businesses and organizations are included. 9:30-10:45 a.m. Fountain Hills Town Center, Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, 480-837-1654, fountainhillschamber.com
Holiday Lights
November 25-December 30
Hop on board a miniature replica of a narrow-gauge railroad, and experience a winter wonderland of holiday lights and displays. 6-9:30 p.m. daily with a few exceptions. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, 480-312-2312, therailroadpark.com
This article first appeared in the 2023 City Guide, published by PHOENIX magazine in November 2022.
