This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for September 25-October 1.
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number, or check each website for last minute confirmation or cancellations.
Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest
September 30-October 1
Pedal Haus Brewery and San Tan Brewing Company are joining forces for the most festive event of the fall. In addition to German-style food and games, there will be a Desert Polka party and live music from Rock Lobster and Metalhead. Sa., 1-10 p.m.; Su., 1-8 p.m., $16-$25, A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, santanbrewing.com
Arizona Diamondbacks Regular Season Finale
Friday-Sunday, September 29 – October 1
The D-Backs cap off their amazing season by taking on the Houston Astros, Sept. 29-October 1. Call for times and ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-514-8400, dbacks.com
Monster Jam
September 30
A dozen 12,000-pound monster trucks will race, fly and crush their way through State Farm Stadium in this competition for the whole family. Headliners include legends like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Son-uva Digger and Jurassic Attack. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, statefarmstadium.com
Scottsdale Fashion Week
September 27-October 1
If you’ve attended this event before, chances are some of the ensembles from your favorite designers also enrobed the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood and Nicki Minaj. To see what the future holds for red carpet fashion, check out the Southwest’s top models sashaying down the catwalk sporting the latest fashions. Experience the runway shows, trunk sales, workshops, retail events and, of course, the stylish afterparties. Check website for schedule, location and ticket prices. scottsdalefashionweek.com
Arizona State Fair
September 28-October 29
The monster trucks, rodeos, carnival rides, deep-fried food and other fair traditions aren’t going anywhere. However, this year’s big change is that the Coliseum Concert Series is returning with performances by Walker Hayes, Brothers Osborne and Ne-Yo. Check website for ticket prices and event schedules. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
September 29-November 4
The Biblically inspired musical by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice follows the trials and tribulations of the favorite son of Jacob as he and his kaleidoscopic outfit rise to become Egypt’s second-in-command. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, azbroadway.org
Iliza Shlesinger
September 29
The Last Comic Standing comedian (and elder millennial) is hitting the road for another set that reveals the truth about life at 40. 8 p.m., $43-$83, Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
The CARE Organization’s Red-Carpet Gala
September 30
This stunning gala will feature entertainment and a live auction to raise funds to help fulfill the CARE Organization’s mission to open a group home dedicated to the recovery of survivors of human trafficking. 5-11 p.m., Tickets start at $250, Gila River Resorts & Casinos: Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 623-271-5432, thecareorg.com
Red is the Night
September 30
Experience the lights of Paris at this Moulin Rouge-themed gala! This ball includes dinner, dancing, costumes and cocktails. The money raised from this event will benefit Aunt Rita’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to ending HIV in Arizona. 6 p.m., Tickets start at $250. Warehouse215, 215 E. Grant St., Phoenix, redisthenight.org
The Band CAMINO
September 26
The debut album of the Nashville-based band, known for their blend of techno and rock, topped the charts during the pandemic. Now they’re making up for lost time with a worldwide tour. 7 p.m., $39.50-$50, Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
Steel Magnolias
Through November 21
Don’t forget to bring plenty of tissues to this show about a group of small-town Southern women who share an unbreakable bond, despite their various backgrounds and struggles. The play served as the inspiration for the 1989 film of the same name starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton and Daryl Hannah. Check website for days and times. $32-$48. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
Damn Yankees
Through October 28
Staged in the round, catch this musical about a middle-aged baseball fan who makes a deal with the devil to lead his team to victory against the Yankees. With songs by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, including the standards “Heart” and “Whatever Lola Wants,” Damn Yankees hits it out of the park. Check website for days and times. $25-$36. 8989 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
The Frog Prince
Through October 1
A spoiled princess must learn about friendship and keeping her promises in this fairytale told with puppets. Call tor times. $12, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
Through November 26
Pioneering chanteuse Billie Holiday sings and tells stories about her life – and becomes increasingly inebriated and incomprehensible – in a raggedy Philadelphia bar, just months before her untimely death in 1959. The setlist includes the captivating “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” contemplative “God Bless the Child,” and the haunting, controversial “Strange Fruit.” Call for times and ticket prices. Judith Hardes Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Foo Fighters
October 3
The “Everlong” rockers are hitting the road again to introduce their new drummer Josh Freese, who played with Weezer and Guns N’ Roses before taking the job. 7:30 p.m., $39.50-$139.50, Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
Arizona Craft Beer Awards Festival
Saturday, October 21
PHOENIX magazine, in partnership with the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild, is proud to present the 2nd Annual AZ Craft Beer Awards, recognizing the best in Arizona brewing! The Festival, held on October 21, 2023, will be the celebration of these awards, bringing the beer community together so we can all enjoy the best Arizona has to offer! tickets.phoenixmag.com
Canal Convergence
November 3-12
Playful art that merges color, water and light will illuminate the Arizona Canal this fall. This annual event, presented by Scottsdale Public Art, will also feature hands-on activities, workshops, music and dance performances, and a beer and wine garden. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, canalconvergence.com
Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks
December 8
Christmas comes early for fans of the Piano Man and the reigning Queen of Rock and Roll. The ‘70s singer-songwriters are teaming up for an unforgettable concert. 7 p.m., $67.50-$346.50, Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-514-8400, dbacks.com