Our picks for things to do in the greater Phoenix area in the late summer/early fall.
September 19-October 26
Arizona State Fair
With the weather cooling down, it’s the perfect time of year for rodeos, monster trucks, carnival rides, deep-fried food and other state fair traditions. There’s also the Coliseum Concert Series, where 2Chainz, The Format, Brett Eldredge and Latin pop group Reik are scheduled to perform. Check website for ticket prices and event schedules. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com
October 16
Twin Peaks: Conversation With the Stars
“The owls are not what they seem.” The mysteries hidden in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks have haunted television viewers for decades. Now the show’s cast – Ray Wise, Harry Goaz, Kimmy Robertson, Sheryl Lee, and executive producer Sabrina S. Sutherland – will reveal its secrets for an evening you won’t forget. 7 p.m. $49.74-$207.99. Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
October 14-19
Suffs
The Tony Award-winning musical about the suffragette movement that eventually led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment is coming to the Valley for a series of shows. Check website for times and ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com
October 17
Bert Kreischer
The oft-shirtless funnyman is one of the most popular comedians today, and he has plenty of hilarious stories to share with you. 7 p.m. Check website for prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, desertdiamondarena.com
October 18-19
Taco Fest
More than 40 of the best taco makers will be joined by local musicians, DJs, artists and vendors to celebrate everyone’s favorite entrée: tacos. Sa, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Su, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, tacofestaz.com
October 10-12
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
This celebration of all things Bavarian includes live music, games, carnival rides, dancing, German-style food and drinks and Das 32nd Oktoberfest Runnin’ for the Brats. Proceeds from the event benefit Tempe Sister Cities, an organization dedicated to sending students abroad for educational and cultural experiences. F, 5 p.m.-midnight; Sa, 10 a.m.-midnight; Su, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, fourpeaksoktoberfest.com
September 19-28
Fall Arizona Restaurant Week B
Have higher prices made going out for a good, local meal tough on your budget? Some of the Valley’s best eateries will be participating in this biannual event for Arizona foodies. You can find your new favorite dish without the massive check with a three-course prix fixe menu for only $33, $44 or $55 per person. Check the website at arizonarestaurantweek.com on September 1 for a complete list of participating restaurants, menus and other details.
September 28
The Price Is Right Live
It’s time to come on down! Experience America’s longest-running game show live and in person in this touring production. You may even be selected to play a pricing game such as Plinko and win some great prizes. 3 and 7 p.m. $45-$65. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, chandlercenter.org
October 6
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour
Hold onto your heels! It’s time to get to work! Finalists from the 17th season of the hit reality show are taking you behind the scenes of the most exclusive awards show, and the competition is fierce. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
September 1-2
Jeff Goldblum
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo aren’t the only members of the Wicked cast with musical chops. Their co-star Jeff Goldblum is an accomplished jazz pianist, and both Grande and Erivo appear on his fourth album, Still Blooming. To promote the record, the Jurassic Park actor is hitting the road with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra for several shows over the holiday weekend. M, 6 and 8 p.m.; Tu, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. $180.50-$220.50. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org
