This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for September 21-27.
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. E-mail calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com to submit events for consideration.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dark Harvest
September 25-November 1
There are plenty of haunted houses in the Valley this time of year. Dark Harvest might be the area’s first scary city. This immersive attraction has frights around every corner, along with horror movie screenings and other fun surprises. Check website for ticket prices and schedule. Phoenix Event Complex, 2219 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix, darkharvestaz.com
27th Annual Behind the Flames Scottsdale Firefighter Charities Dinner
September 27
If you want to support the bravery and resilience of first responders, then grab a seat at this special dinner emceed by KTAR Radio’s Jim Sharpe. Proceeds go toward the Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association. 5 p.m. Single tickets are $500. Mastro’s City Hall, 6991 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, scottsdalefirefighters.org
Phantom of the Opera
Through October 4
Underneath the Paris Opera House, a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom haunts young soprano Christine Daaé. But his fixation on the singer sets off a dark chain of events in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed musical, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Check the website for times and ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com
Fall Arizona Restaurant Week
Through September 27
Have higher prices made going out for dinner tough on your budget? Don’t fret! Some of the Valley’s best eateries –including The Mexicano, Nook Kitchen and Collins Brothers Public House – will be participating in this biannual event for Arizona foodies. You can find your new favorite dish without the hefty price tag with a three-course prix fixe menu for only $33, $44 or $55 per person. Check the website at arizonarestaurantweek.com for a complete list of participating restaurants, menus and other details.
Queen Creek Olive Mill Garlic Fest
September 26-27
More than six varieties of garlic are organically grown at the Queen Creek Olive Mill estate, and you can savor them all over the two weekends of its annual family-friendly Garlic Fest. There will also be cooking demonstrations, tractor tours and a menu inspired by the aromatic plant. Check the website for schedule. Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridan Rd., Queen Creek, 480-888-9290, queencreekolivemill.com
Flashlight Nights
Through September 26
Bring the family to experience a magical nighttime adventure with the Desert Botanical Garden’s series of self-paced flashlight tours. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the desert night, filled with the beauty of night-blooming flowers and the sounds of flying predators, slithering snakes and insects scurrying in their natural habitat. Saturdays only. Check website for available times. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-941-1225, dbg.org
Beginning September 25
18th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
A curated collection of artists from the southwestern United States will capture how they see the beauty of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in front of the park’s visitors. Their completed works will then be displayed at an event on September 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Kolb Studio inside the park. Then, on September 27, the public will have the opportunity to admire these works and purchase them online, with the proceeds supporting a dedicated art venue at the beloved National Park. Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, 928-638-2481, grandcanyon.org
THEATRE & DRAMA
Jack Rabbit and the Desert Tortoise
Through September 27
The classic fable gets a Sonoran twist when an array of desert animals watches a road race between a speedy jackrabbit and a patient tortoise. Call for times. $15, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Dracula
September 24-November 7
The actors takes a respite from the Bard to drink blood (and five shots of liquor) with Bram Stoker’s creation. Check website for times and ticket prices. The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix, drunkshakespeare.com
Catch Me If You Can: The Musical
Through October 3
Steven Spielberg’s film about a con artist on the run from the FBI gets the stage musical treatment. Check website for times and ticket prices. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
Les Misérables
Through October 18
This award-winning musical, based on the epic Victor Hugo novel, chronicles one man’s search for redemption. It features the songs “One Day More” and “I Dreamed a Dream.” Call for times and ticket prices. Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
The Exonerated
Through September 27
This powerful play tells the story of six people jailed on death row for crimes they didn’t commit. Call for times. $52. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-258-8128, blacktheatretroupe.org
She Loves Me
Through October 31
Amalia and Geirg aren’t friends. Yet, as the perfumery employees anonymously exchange love letters, they have no idea that they are falling for each other. This delightful musical is based on the play that served as the inspiration for You’ve Got Mail. Check website for days and times. $32-$42. 8989 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
CONCERTS & COMEDY
Boz Scaggs
September 26
It’s been 50 years since “Lido Shuffle” and “Lowdown” reached the top of the charts. Now fans can see the R&B guitarist perform his hits live onstage. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Ikeda Theatre at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
Scalia/Ginsburg
September 26-27
Derrick Wang wrote this one-act comedic opera about the unlikely friendship between U.S. Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Sa, 7:30 p.m.; Su 2 p.m. $95-$155. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, azopera.org
SPORTS
Arizona Cardinals
The regular NFL season chugs along against the Detroit Lions, Oct. 11; and Denver Broncos, Oct. 25. Call for kickoff times and ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, azcardinals.com
Phoenix Rising F.C.
The Rising will hit the pitch and wrap up its season with matches against Las Vegas Lights F.C., Oct. 10; and Lexington S.C. Call for times and ticket prices. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium, 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, phxrisingfc.com
Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury will close out its season when they take on the Dallas Wings, Sep. 21; and the Las Vegas Aves, Sep. 24. Call for times and ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mercury.wnba.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Arizona Craft Beer Festival
October 31
Brand new location: The Post & Macdonald Plaza in Downtown Mesa! Come celebrate the best of Arizona beer at the AZ Craft Beer Festival. PHOENIX magazine, in partnership with the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild, is proud to present the 5th Annual AZ Craft Beer Awards, recognizing the best in Arizona brewing! The Festival, held on October 31, 2026, will be the celebration of these awards, bringing the beer community together so we can all enjoy the best Arizona has to offer! October 31, 2026; VIP Entry: 11 AM; General Admission Entry: 12 Noon; Late Admission Entry: 1 PM; Event ends: 4:00 PM. Tickets on sale now at tickets.phoenixmag.com
Jack White
October 3
Arguably Detroit’s best export since the automobile, White presently resides in Tennessee. The prolific guitarist will be coming to the Valley to perform songs from his latest album, the raucous No Name. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, livenation.com
Jack Johnson
October 6
Fans can get a sneak peek at Jack Johnson’s latest documentary, titled SURFILMUSIC, and hear some of the songs on its soundtrack when the “Better Together” singer-songwriter heads out on tour for the first time in four years. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, livenation.com
Labyrinth: In Concert
October 29
It’s been 40 years since David Bowie’s codpiece traumatized a generation of children in Jim Henson’s classic fantasy film. Now you can relive that experience with a live band performing the movie’s classic songs, including “Magic Dance.” 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix, orpheumphx.com
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
November 7
Polo, fashion and live entertainment collide as the nation’s most-attended polo event returns to Scottsdale for its 15th anniversary. Tickets start at $45. thepoloparty.com
About this guide
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number. Submissions must arrive at least 8-10 weeks prior to the month of publication/event. E-mail to: calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com; or mail to: PHOENIX magazine, 16100 N. 71st St., Ste. 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
