The fall season is an opportunity to once again immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Valley. Witness creativity flourish with new theater productions, art exhibitions, outdoor festivals and concerts. Whether you are looking for knowledge, connection, inspiration or entertainment, there are plenty of captivating experiences. Make your plans now – tickets go fast.
Event dates and times are subject to change and cancellation.
Always verify directly with venue/host online or via phone.
Arizona Broadway Theatre
623-776-8400, azbroadway.org
This beloved West Valley performing arts staple offers visitors some of the best food and entertainment in the area.
- Disney’s Newsies, Oct. 3-Nov. 1
- A Christmas Story: The Musical, Nov. 14-Dec. 28
- Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, Dec. 11-21
- 42nd Street, Jan. 16-Feb. 27
- Pretty Woman: The Musical, March 13-April 19
- Bonnie and Clyde, May 1-31
- Cats, June 12-25
- Avenue Q, July 9-19
- Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, July 30-Aug. 8
- The Prom, Aug. 21-Sept. 20
Arizona Musicfest
480-422-8449, azmusicfest.org
For 35 years, both legendary and up-and-coming musicians from multiple genres have taken the stage in North Scottsdale. Events held at Highlands Church unless otherwise noted.
- Rachael & Vilray, Oct. 27 at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
- The Righteous Brothers Farewell Tour, Oct. 31
- Kenny G, Nov. 14
- The Texas Tenors Present Let Freedom Sing, Nov. 22
- Phat Cat Swinger, Dec. 5
- Christmas with the Celts, Dec. 8
- Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience with the Musicfest Pops Ensemble, Jan. 8
- Neil Berg: The ’70s, Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll, Jan. 10
- Laura Benanti and Norm Lewis, Jan. 16
- Garrison Keillor at 83, Jan. 18 at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church
- The Dreamboats, Jan. 31
- The Barricade Boys Present Broadway at the Movies, Feb. 2
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents the Great American Crooners, Feb. 9
- Counterpoint, Feb. 13 at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
- Patti LuPone Presents Matters of the Heart, Feb. 16
- The Ten Tenors, Feb. 19
- Festival Orchestra & Chorus Presents Mozart Symphony No. 35, Feb. 22, at La Casa de Cristo
- Festival Orchestra Presents Rachmaninoff & Brahms, Feb. 24, at La Casa de Cristo
- Festival Orchestra Presents American Portraits, Feb. 27, at La Casa de Cristo
- Festival Orchestra Presents The Planets & Tchaikovsky, March 1, at La Casa de Cristo
- Michael Feinstein: Big Band Broadway, March 12
- Charlie Chaplin’s SMILE with Philippe Quint, March 15, at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
- Il Divo Presents By Candlelight, March 19
- Three American Troubadours: Celebrating James Taylor, Carly Simon & Carole King, March 21
- The Hot Sardines Presenting Vive Le Jazz with the Musicfest Pops Ensemble, March 23
- Electric Light Orchestra Experience, March 26
- An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee, March 28
- Samara Joy, April 9
- The British Invasion Years, April 11
- Ragtime, April 24-26, at Herberger Theater Center
Arizona Opera
602-266-7464, azopera.org
For more than half a century, this company has staged operas, concerts and educational programs throughout the 48th state.
- Zorro, Sept. 27-28
- Madama Butterfly, Jan. 31-Feb. 1
- Jamie Barton in Recital, March 3
- Cinderella, April 18-19
Arizona Theatre Company
833-282-7328, atc.org
The magic of theater comes alive with bold productions at the Tempe Center for the Arts.
- Deceived, Oct. 25-Nov. 9
- Heist, Jan. 10-25
- Ain’t Misbehavin’, Feb. 21-March 8
- The Roommate, April 11-26
- Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, May 23-June 7
Ballet Arizona
602-381-0184, balletaz.org
The Valley’s world-class ballet company creates productions with one foot rooted in traditional dance, and the other pointed toward ballet’s future.
- The Sleeping Beauty, Oct. 23-26
- The Nutcracker, Dec. 12-27
- ALICE (in Wonderland), Feb. 12-15
- Cacti and Other Works, March 19-22
- An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden, May 13-30
- Eroica, May 14-31
City of Litchfield Park
623-935-9040, litchfieldpark.gov
A short drive from Central Phoenix, this charming suburb features outdoor concerts, fine art festivals, fun runs and holiday celebrations. Check website for locations and details.
- Fall Festival of Arts, Nov. 1-2
- Touch-A-Truck, Nov. 15
- Christmas in the Park, Dec. 13
- Litchfield Park Gathering, Jan. 10-11
- Trout Fishing Derby, Jan. 24
- Litchfield Park 10K, 5K, 1 Mile Run/Walk Presented by WM, Feb. 28
- Spring Art and Wine Festival, March 7-8
- Movies in the Park, Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 8, Feb. 14 and 28, March 14
- Arts in the Park Concerts, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Jan. 18, Feb. 22, March 15, April 10
Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts
928-684-6624, dewpac.org
This venue in Wickenburg has staged top-notch music, drama and dance productions for more than two decades.
- The Five Browns, Dec. 4
- D R. Carlos Nakai Trio, Dec. 7
- Forever Motown: A Holiday Celebration, Dec. 13
- One Christmas Night in Memphis, Dec. 19-20
- Frankie Avalon, Jan. 20
- Stella Cole, Jan. 25
- Spamilton, Jan. 31
- Hotel California, A Salute to the Eagles, Feb. 17
- The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra 90th Anniversary Celebration with Nnenna Freelon, Feb. 23
- Sports Photographer Jean Fruth: “From Sandlots to Stadiums: Inside America’s Favorite Pastime,” Feb. 26
- America’s Sweethearts, March 1
- Mireya Ramos and The Poor Choices, March 6
- Women of Americana: A Celebration of American Music, March 11
- Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque, March 17
- Pink Martini, March 26
The Madison Center for the Arts
602-664-7777, themadison.org
This elegant venue with more than 900 seats brings world-class performances to the North-Central Phoenix neighborhood.
- Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid, Oct. 1
- One Night in Memphis, Oct. 25
- Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontenelle, Oct. 28
- Phoenix Symphony: Brass Odyssey, Nov. 3
- The Arizona Nutcracker, Dec. 21-22
- So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience, Jan. 8
- Buckets ’N Boards, Jan. 15
- Spamiliton, Jan. 30
- Arizona Operatunity, Feb. 12
- American Elton John, Feb. 14
- Yellow Bird Indian Dancers, March 17
- Motown Forever, March 19
- Omnium Circus, March 22-23
- The Hitmen of Country, April 7
- Dinosaur World Live!, April 15
- Mariachi Sol de Mexico, May 5
Orpheum Theatre
800-514-3849, pccticketing.com
A historical landmark and source of pride for the city, the elegant Orpheum Theatre has brought world-class entertainment for nearly a century.
- Brincos Dieras, Sept. 12
- The Goonies 40th Anniversary with Sean Astin, Sept. 13
- Becky Robinson, Sept. 20
- Molotov, Sept. 25
- Hip-Hop Orchestra, Sept. 27
- Zakir Khan, Sept. 28
- Ehrlich Brothers, Oct. 8-9
- Zucchero, Oct. 24
- Evil Dead in Concert, Nov. 2
- Sigur Rós, Nov. 4
- Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Snow Queen, Nov. 7
- Ebi, Nov. 8
- Sarah Millican, Nov. 9
- William Shatner Live: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Nov. 13
- The Knockout Tour: Gottmik vs. Violet, Nov. 14
- X & Los Lobos, Nov. 15
- MC Magic, Nov. 29
- International Ballet Stars: The Nutcracker, Dec. 9
- The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, Dec. 17
The Phoenix Symphony
602-495-1999, phoenixsymphony.org
The Phoenix Symphony features world-renowned musicians and guest artists performing classical, chamber and pops concerts, as well as performances for families and children.
- Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, Oct. 3-5
- Danny Elfman in Phoenix: Music from the Films of Tim Burton, Oct. 12
- Mozart & Mahler, Oct. 17-19
- Celebrating Día de los Muertos, starring Mauricio Martínez, Nov. 1-2
- Litton Conducts Tchaikovsky, Nov. 7-9
- Rick Steves’s Europe, Nov. 11-16
- The Magical Music of Harry Potter, Nov. 15
- Scheherazade and Sandoval, Nov. 22-23
- Home Alone in Concert, Nov. 28-30
- Holiday Pops Spectacular, Dec. 5-7
- Handel’s “Messiah,” Dec. 11-14 (various venues)
- Christmas Baroque, Dec. 20-21 (Orpheum Theatre)
- New Year’s Eve Celebration with Champagne Toast, Jan. 31
- Pictures at an Exhibition, Jan. 9-11
- The Baroque Era: Bach and Beyond, Jan. 15
- How to Train Your Dragon in Concert, Jan. 17-18
- Summer Breeze: Yacht Rock Classics, Jan. 30-Feb. 1
- Pictures at an Exhibition: Music at the Museum, Jan. 31
- Sibelius Violin Concerto and Enigma Variations, Feb. 6-8
- Disco Divas, Feb. 20-22
- The Wild Woods: Before Peter Met the Wolf, Feb. 21
- Celebrating America at 250: Gershwin, Copland & More, Feb. 27-March 1
- The Classical Era: Mozart and More, March 5
- Back to the Future in Concert, March 7-8
- Lin plays Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, March 13-15
- Side-by-Side, March 18
- The Music of Elton John, starring Michael Cavanaugh, March 20-22
- Phoenix Symphony Chorus Concert, March 26
- Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, March 28
- Marvel Studios Infinity Saga Concert Experience, April 11-12
- The Romantic Era: Passion and Precision, April 16
- Sinatra & Beyond, starring Tony DeSare, April 17-19
- Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, April 24-26
- Triumph and Tragedy: The Greatest Opera Choruses, May 2-3
- Troupe Vertigo: Cirque Carmen, May 8-10
- Northern Lights Adventure, May 9
- Zhang Conducts Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky, May 15-17
- The Music of our Time: Sounds of America at 250, May 20
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert, May 22-24
- Igor DAMN Stravinsky, May 29-30
Prescott Area Artist Studio Tour
prescottstudiotour.com
From October 3-5, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can observe the creative processes of 78 artists across 55 private studios and purchase one-of-a-kind works of art. These artists include:
- Dale Andress, metal sculpture
- Denise Incao, ceramics
- Sandy Applegate, painting
- Maryhelen Ewing, painting
- Alison Crary, painting
- Patty Lindsey, glass
- Holly Weisel, painting
- Carol Holum, jewelry
- Michael Brown, ceramics
- Kim Fox, jewelry
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
Assorted lineups of musicians, dancers and other artists will take the stage in Old Town Scottsdale.
- Sippin’ Series: Kokomo Rum, Sept. 20
- ariZoni Theatre Arts Awards of Excellence, Sept. 30
- The Scottsdale Chorus, Oct. 5
- An Evening with Jeremy Jordan, Oct. 16-17
- Julia Chacón Flamenco Theatre Braided Roots, Oct. 18
- Five For Fighting, Oct. 22
- Alison Krauss & Union Station for the Venue’s 50th Anniversary Concert, Nov. 1
- Rufus Wainwright, Nov. 4
- Dreamy Draw Music Festival, Nov. 6-7
- Lea Salonga – Stage, Screen & Everything in Between, Nov. 12
- Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra – Legends and Legacy, Nov. 23
- Hung Dance – BIRDY, Dec. 6
- Rita Rudner, Dec. 13
- Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra – A Season of Light, Dec. 14
- Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel – Beethoven: The Young Genius, Dec. 16
- The Hollywood Film Orchestra presents The Music of Hans Zimmer and Others, Dec. 18
- Squirrel Nut Zippers, Dec. 20
- Merry-Achi Christmas, Dec. 21
- Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel – Chopin: The Romantic, Jan. 13
- The Graduates: The Sound of Simon and Garfunkel, Jan. 14
- Arizona Concours d’Elegance, Jan. 18
- Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jan. 22
- Phoenix Chorale, Jan. 24-25
- Ballet Hispánico – CARMEN.maquia, Jan. 31
- Cheyenne Jackson – Signs of Life, Feb. 1
- Gunhild Carling, Feb. 13
- Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra – Voices of Courage, Feb. 15
- Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel – Poetic Tone Pictures, Feb. 17
- Chris Thile, Feb. 25
- GALLIM, Feb. 28
- Paquito D’Rivera, March 7
- Fran Lebowitz, March 11
- Trampled by Turtles, March 14
- Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra – The Wayfarer’s Hope, March 22
- Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel – Music of Joy and Peace, March 24
- Jacob Jonas The Company, March 28
- Drew and Ellie Holcomb, April 19
- Homegrown: An Arizona Choreographer Showcase, April 25
- David Sedaris, May 2
- Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra – Dreams of Freedom: The American Experience, May 10
Southwest Shakespeare Company
480-644-6500, swshakespeare.org
The Bard is in the name, but this theater company has dedicated itself to bringing more than Shakespeare to audiences. It’s been the home for classical theater in the Valley for more than three decades. Check website for event locations.
- 1984, Oct. 11-26
- Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words, Oct. 18-25
- The Merry Wives of Windsor, Feb. 7-22
- Henry V, Feb. 14-21
- Moby Dick, March 20-April 4
Valley Youth Theatre
602-253-8188, vyt.com
Oscar winners and Broadway stars have gained the vital experience they need to perform by coming up through this non-profit theater company. Check website for event locations.
- Little Shop of Horrors, Nov. 1-16
- A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail, Dec. 5-23
- Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic for Young Wizards, Feb. 13-March 1
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, April 10-26
- Shrek: The Musical, June 12-28
West Valley Symphony
623-236-6781, westvalleysymphony.org
This classical ensemble includes professional musicians, retirees, the Flagstaff and Phoenix Symphony, and performers from Luke Air Force Base.
- Fire and Fjord, Nov. 16
- Home for the Holidays, Dec. 14
- Legacy of A Titan, Jan. 11
- Witches, Wizards and the Music of Harry Potter, Feb. 15
- Seascapes, March 1
- Fate and Defiance, March 22
