This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for October 2-8.
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.
Arizona State Fair
Through 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
Gilbert Oktoberfest
October 7
Local breweries O.H.S.O., Desert Monks, 12 West, Oro and Old Ellsworth will serve suds during this celebration of all things German. Just save your appetite for the bratwurst eating contest, then dance off the calories to live music. 2-9 p.m., General admission, $15; children 12 and under are free. Gilbert Civic Center, 50 E. Civic Center Dr., Gilbert, forty8live.com
Tiananmen: A New Musical
October 4-29
Decades after the tragic Tiananmen Square Massacre, the leader’s sister returns to where it all happened to pay tribute to those who clashed over democracy and human rights in communist China. Call for times and ticket prices. Mainstage Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Heart of the House Island Party
October 7
Did inflation cause you to cancel your Hawaiian vacation this year? You can still get that island feeling while helping Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona at this event. There will be food, drinks and a raffle for a trip. 6-10 p.m., tickets start at $500. Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, rmhccnaz.org
Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze
October 1-31
This yearly tradition includes a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, jumping pillows, a tomato cannon, corm mazes and train rides. Call for times and ticket prices. Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N 75th Ave., Glendale, 623-999-3276, tolmachoff-farms.com
Old MacDonald’s Pumpkin Patch
October 4-29
The famous farmer’s animals are getting ready to trick or treat. There’s only one problem: They need costumes! Call for times. $12, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Something’s Afoot
Through October 7
This satire of Agatha Christie mysteries will have you watching your back as your sides hurt from laughter. Ten people are stuck on a remote estate in the English countryside during a thunderstorm. One by one, each guest meets their demise in increasingly convoluted ways. As the body count rises, the survivors race to determine both the identity and motive of the murderer. Just try to find out who committed the crime before the curtain falls. Check website for days and times. $32-$48. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
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
The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie
October 3
Songwriter Ben Gibbard is pulling double duty as both of his bands are headlining this indie rock concert celebrating the 20th anniversary of two landmark albums: The Postal Service’s Give Up and Death Cab’s Transatlanticism. 7 p.m., $38.50-$85, Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
Wilco
October 3
Dad rockers Wilco have been busy. Last year saw the release of Cruel Country, a throwback to the band’s roots rock beginnings. Their follow-up, a breezy ’70s pop throwback titled Cousin, will be a few days old by the time they reach the Valley. Fans can expect frontman Jeff Tweedy’s third book a month later. 7 p.m., $59.50, Scottsdale Civic Center East Bowl, 7380 E. Second Street., Scottsdale, 480-874-4607, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
The 1975
October 5
According to lead singer (and Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriend) Matty Healy’s Twitter feed, he refused a lucrative opportunity to open for singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran because the Manchester, UK, pop-rock band wanted to do their own shows. 7:30 p.m., $44-$350, Desert Diamond Arena, 29400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, 623-772-3200, desertdiamondarena.com
The Church
October 6
The ’80s psychedelic rockers, best known for “Under the Milky Way,” know how to set the mood for a brisk fall evening in the Valley. 8 p.m., $25-$65, Showroom at Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 800-946-4452, playatgila.com
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Through October 8
More than 75 puppets will bring four of Eric Carle’s books to life, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and the insect with a seemingly endless appetite. Check website for showtimes. $15-$55, Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 602-664-7777, themadison.org
Goldrush: Sonoran Skies
October 7-8
The flagship EDM festival of local promoters Relentless Beats is taking its eye-popping dance party to Phoenix Raceway. This year’s lineup is headlined by who many consider the godfather of the genre: Tiësto. He’ll be joined by Zeds Dead, Zhu and ATLiens. goldrushfestaz.com
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Through 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
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
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
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
