This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for October 13-18.
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
October 17-18
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 dish: tacos. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, tacofestaz.com
October 18
Desert Foothills Book Festival
Bookworms of all ages are invited to visit this event, which features more than 90 local authors from various literary genres. There will also be book signings and prizes available. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, desertfoothillsbookfestival.com
October 17
Larsen Art Auction
Pieces from Ed Mell and Andy Warhol will be among the 400 artworks up for auction at this biannual event in Old Town Scottsdale. Check website for schedule. Larsen Art Auction, 3705 N. Bishop Ln., Scottsdale, 480-941-0900, larsenartauction.com
October 17
Learn and Lunch Cooking Class
They say there’s a story behind every dish, and Chef Marcellino Verzino will tell the tales of his Risotto ai Fragola on Sep. 19 and Ravioli ai Fragola on Oct. 17 while sharing the secrets behind each recipe. 1-3 p.m. Reservations required; $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity); Marcellino Ristorante, 7114 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale; 480-990-9500, marcellinoristorante.com
Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze
Through October 31
This yearly tradition includes a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, jumping pillows, a tomato cannon, corn mazes and train rides. Call for times and ticket prices. Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale, 623-999-3276, tolmachoff-farms.com
Dark Harvest
Through 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
THEATRE & DRAMA
Suffs
October 14-November 29
A production of the Tony Award-winning musical about the history-making individuals who challenged sexism to secure the right to vote will be playing the Valley. Call for times and ticket prices. Hormel Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254- 2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Annie
Through November 21
This musical follows a little optimistic orphan’s journey from a “hard knock life” to finding her adopted family with the billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. Check website for times and ticket prices. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Dracula
Through 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
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
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
October 14
Ilana Glazer
Be prepared to laugh when the co-creator of the comedy series Broad City and star of the hit movie Babes comes to the Valley for a stand-up performance. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix, orpheumphx.com
October 13
Chris Isaak
It’s hard to believe that crooner Chris Isaak’s breakthrough single “Wicked Game” is nearly 40 years old, but it proves how timeless the rocker’s output is. 7 p.m. $57.39-$99.59. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com
October 16
Taking Back Sunday
Like a fine wine, emo continues to get better with age. Look no further than Taking Back Sunday’s 2023 album, 152, for proof. It’s garnered some of the best reviews of the band’s two-decade-plus career. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
October 17
Kacey Musgraves
If you’re looking for proof that aliens do exist, you may want to make your way to this country star’s show. Back in April, Musgraves claimed that some unusual orbs followed her plane for a whopping 45 minutes. Considering that Phoenix is home to another high-profile UFO sighting, worlds may literally collide at this concert. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com
October 17-18
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. Together, they interpret the great American songbook for a modern audience. To promote the record, the Jurassic Park actor is hitting the road with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra for several shows over the holiday weekend. 6 and 8 p.m. $175.50-$225.50. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org
October 18
Chayanne
The Puerto Rican boy band Los Chicos may have parted ways four decades ago, but Chayanne is still a superstar. When he hits the road this year, he’ll perform songs from his prolific solo career. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, desertdiamondarena.com
SPORTS
October 16-18
Fall NASCAR Weekend
Green means go when the biggest weekend in racing pulls into Phoenix. Phoenix Raceway will host four exciting races over three days. Check website for races, times and ticket packages. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale, 866-408-RACE, phoenixraceway.com
ASU Football
The Sun Devils take on Kansas State University, Oct. 24. Call for times and ticket prices. Mountain America Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480-727-0000, thesundevils.com
Arizona Cardinals
The regular NFL season chugs along against the Denver Broncos, Oct. 25. Call for kickoff times and ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, azcardinals.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
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
November 6-15
Canal Convergence
An annual event presented by Scottsdale Arts, this year’s public art display highlights the American West, and will feature hands-on activities, workshops, music and dance performances. Check website for a schedule of events. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, canalconvergence.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.
