Fall is the most perfect time of the year in Arizona. It starts the beginning of patio season, comfortable hot air balloon rides, enjoyable hikes and walks, cozy clothes, and actually getting outside to do things! Our population also doubles in size during fall and winter when the Snowbirds come back for their winter home. We also don’t sweat to death walking from the car to a store, which is always pleasant!
After a year of very few events, I’m happy to say, events are back on this fall in Arizona. While we don’t get the typical fall colors from the changing leaves here in the Phoenix Valley, up in Northern Arizona these are a staple as well as cooler temperatures. Pumpkin Patches, State Fair, Brewery and Food festivals, and so much more are returning this year to Arizona. Whether you are local to Arizona, visiting for the first time, a Snowbird, or a kid, there’s something for everyone here this fall and I can’t wait to share it all with you!
Fall Events In Arizona
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce Ostrich Festival
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce Ostrich Festival began in 1988 based on Chandler’s colorful early history of ostrich ranching. The event has grown into one of the premier festivals in the southwest. The Ostrich Festival features family-friendly ostrich-themed activities, national and regional entertainment, carnival midway, spectacular food, and upscale arts & crafts. For more information on Chandler Ostrich Festival, visit OstrichFestival.com.
This is an annual event which makes its return this year and promises to make you not miss last years festival! While I’ve never taken the family to this, it sounds like a great time with live music and a kids zone with all the games! (If you follow along on Instagram, you will know what I mean! We are a big carnival/Midway game family!) Tickets start at $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors, and the family pack for 4 is $125. You can also check out the VIP option.
Fairmont Princess Pumpkin Nights
Back again for another round, Pumpkin Fest at The Princess is fun for all ages! This event transforms the beautiful Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, AZ into a spooky fall wonderland! Enjoy some spiced or spiked 🙂 cider and then wander up to your room as the cool fall air hits.
Stroll through the resort, stop for photo opportunities, ride the carnival rides, be brave and go through the Hay Maze, pick your best pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, and enjoy a skeleton song through Mystic Passage to complete your Pumpkin Experience at The Princess. Be quick though! This event takes place on Saturday, October 29th from 8 pm – 2 am and will sell out!
Mac Donald’s Ranch and Pumpkin Patch
If you are looking for a fun experience for the family, head over to Mac Donald Ranch. They have a cute
You will find many western games, a western town, and great places to take photos at Mac Donald’s Ranch and family farm. It is in the middle of the desert, so it’s cute to have a little fall with a little desert reminder along with the friendly horses. Check out tickets here. Pumpkin Patch is open October 1-31 and they close at 6 pm daily, with the exception of Tuesday they are closed all day.
Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party
If you are up for a drive down to Queen Creek from October 1-31, amongst all the farmland, you will find this fall treasure. This place reminds me the most of the fall festivals and parties we would have back in Indiana where I grew up. Activities include chili, pumpkins, a kids playground, petting zoos, a corn maze, hay rides, ropes course, ziplines, roller coaster, rock wall, and it’s very family friendly. If you are looking for a spooky adventure with your friends, or significant other, hop aboard the nightmare bus, titled “The Wreckoning” if you dare! They have many food options, local vendors and the best kettle corn I’ve found! We’ve only been once as a family as it’s kind of a far drive for us, but if we lived closer, I’d do this one a lot more!
Schnepf Farms Bakery Pick Up — A few of their yummy options!
Schnepf Farms is family owned and operated, the largest Peach grower in the state of Arizona, and is open 10 months a year. You can host special events like weddings, family reunions, corporate outings, to name a few at Schnepf. They have a year round “You Pick” Garden and some of the best pies, maybe even better than Grandma’s, in their Country Store. They have even added online ordering if you would like to skip the picking and simply pick up. If you want to go glamping in a restored vintage camper trailer, you can now do so at Schnepf Farms as well! Check that out here. Tickets start around $24 per person for a single day or $79 per person for the entire festival to use any day you like.
Arizona State Fair
Our absolute favorite activity to do as a family in the fall, which we do every year (minus 2020 because it
This year, the state fair is open September 23 through October 30, Thursdays through Sundays, and you can get your tickets here. Starting again this year, 2022, live music will return.Ticket prices start at $10 and go up to $15 and kids 5 and under are free. I love to see what chocolate or dessert item they can create that is deep fried to perfection, making it better than the normal item! This free, family-friendly event is an absolute joy and you HAVE to see it!
Boo and Brew
Boo & Brew has a wide variety of fun for everyone, so bring your family and your pups and celebrate Fall at Scottsdale Quarter. Wander the pumpkin patch, beverage garden, and enjoy music, food, art, crafts and more! In celebration of the completion of the final phase of Scottsdale Quarter, Boo and Brew is one of the final events of the weeklong celebration titled, Boo & New at the Quarter.
Join in the fun with live entertainment, fall themed activities, family fun, local art, and of course, if you choose, shopping! Bring your pup, your kids, your family, or yourself! Grab a ticket for $10 for 3, 12 oz craft brews before the prices go up!
Kierland Commons Oktoberwest
As a family, we love visiting Kierland Commons. Previously, we experienced their KierlandPOP outdoor festival, which was fun for the whole family. This year, Kierland is hosting a one-of-a-kind experience called Oktoberwest. This event is a western-inspired take on the traditional Oktoberfest festivities and should be fun for all age groups. You can expect music from the best of West, tons of food trucks with mouth-watering options, line-dancing, corn-hole, and so much more. Plus, beer, wine, cocktails, and more. And, there will even be a mechanical bull – so fun! Grab your favorite Fall sweater and some comfy Fall sneakers and get ready to dance the night away. Oktoberwest will take place on October 15, 2022 from 4 pm – 10 pm and tickets start at $45 per person.
Arizona Fall Festival
Arizona Fall Fest runs on November 9, 2024 from 10-4 at Margaret T. Hance Park. This event hosted by Local First Arizona is the perfect event for families, food lovers, and anyone looking to support local businesses this fall. This festival celebrates Arizona’s local businesses and the season’s best offerings for all to enjoy. Get ready for a super fun day with a wide range of local restaurants and food trucks, artisan booths, live music, and activities for all ages. It’s free to attend, and all you need to bring is a good appetite and your smile!
Flagstaff Oktoberfest
Flagstaff’s Oktoberfest is a unique event that blends traditional Bavarian celebration with a twist. In addition to the famous Stein Holding Competition, this event features a variety of activities like a bratwurst-eating contest, polka music, local craft beer from Arizona breweries, food trucks, and SO MUCH MORE. It’s an incredibly fun and lively day for all ages, with a kids’ area and the iconic “Kiddie Stein Race” for little ones. Entry is only $10 and kiddos under 12 are free!
What Fall events will you attend this year in Arizona?
I’m sure I missed something, so if you want to visit Arizona or are local and wondering what is going on this weekend, be sure to use google and let me know what you did so I can add it to this list! Also, I’m dying to know which Arizona Fall Fest is your favorite!
If you’re in search of other fun Fall-inspired things to cross of your bucket list this year, check out my list of the coziest things to do in the Fall!
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