October 2026 Weekend Vibes
Compiled By Caitlin Coulter
events@valleyvibenews.com
Mark those calendars with these area events happening around the North Phoenix Valley.
Thursday, Oct. 1–Sunday, Nov. 1
Arizona State Fair
Various admission times
State Fairgrounds
$20/Ages 13–61; $14/Ages 62 & up; $12/Ages 5–12, Military & first responders; Free/Ages 4 & under
Fair food favorites, circus performing acts, livestock shows, comedy hypnotists, canine stunt dog shows, cultural dancers, rodeo competitions, bull riding, monster trucks, live concerts, carnival rides and games.
Thursdays, Oct. 1, 22 & 29
Reading with Regal
9 a.m.
Ridgeline Academy K-6
Free
The public is invited to join a fun and interactive story time with Ridgeline’s own Regal the Eagle in the school library. The Oct. 22 session will be held at the 7–12 campus located at 39808 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem.
Thursday, Oct. 1–Sunday, Oct. 18
‘Les Misérables’
Various showtimes
The Phoenix Theatre Company
phoenixtheatre.com
$60–$110
The eight–time Tony Award–winning musical set in 19th century France takes the stage, with unforgettable songs including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own” and “One More Day.”
Thursday, Oct. 1–Sunday, Oct. 4
‘Phantom of the Opera’
Various showtimes
ASU Gammage
$68–$595
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical set at the Paris Opera House comes to Phoenix on tour.
Thursday, Oct. 1
Prehistoric Pours
5:30–8:30 p.m.
Phoenix Zoo
$13
An adults–only dinosaur-themed happy hour where guests can sip on craft brews and wine while strolling select zoo trails. Plus, special animal encounters and lively yard games. Ages 21 and up only.
Friday, Oct. 2
Intro to Kayaking
8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
$15/Class fee; $10/Vehicle entry fee
Learn the basics of kayaking with a classroom session followed by hands–on practice out on the water. Equipment is provided. Ages 10 and up only. Registration required.
Friday, Oct. 2–Sunday, Oct. 4
Prescott Area Artist Studio Tour
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
‘Tis Art Center & Gallery
Free
Observe artists at work live with opportunities to purchase one–of–a–kind works of art in a variety of mediums. View the full map of locations for the self–guided tour online.
Friday, Oct. 2–Sunday, Oct. 4
Maricopa County Home and Garden Show
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
WestWorld
$10
Practical home improvement demonstrations, an expanded artisan market, make–and–take workshops, a plant pavilion, a book swap and a fun animal fashion show.
Friday, Oct. 2
Discovery Station: Aquatic Life of the Aqua Fria
Noon–2 p.m.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
$10/Vehicle entry fee
Stop by the discovery center for a macroscopic look at some creatures from a local water sample.
Friday, Oct. 2–Saturday, Oct. 10
‘Guys and Dolls Jr.’
Various showtimes
Musical Theatre of Anthem
$30
Ages 14–18 perform a youth adaptation of the Tony Award–winning musical set in brassy New York City.
Fridays, Oct. 2 & 16
Daisy Mountain Veterans Bingo Night
7 p.m.
DMV Post Headquarters
Free
Early bird bingo begins at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2–Sunday, Nov. 8
‘Pippin’
Various showtimes
Arizona Broadway Theatre
$52–$162
A Tony Award–winning musical with a bold score by Stephen Schwartz, composer of “Wicked,” following a young prince’s quest to discover his own purpose.
Friday, Oct. 2–Saturday, Oct. 3
Cedric the Entertainer
7 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
Stand Up Live
phoenix.standuplive.com/events
$52–$62
Live stand–up comedy.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Maker’s Hive Market
11 a.m–4 p.m.
The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace
Free
Visitors can shop nearly 40 local artisan vendors offering handmade goods, including custom clothing, permanent jewelry, candles and more.
Saturday, Oct. 3
42nd Annual Folk Music Festival
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sharlot Hall Museum
$17/General admission;
$15/Seniors and military;
$9/Students ages 10 and up;
Free/Ages 9 and under
A lively celebration of folk music featuring over 50 talented group performances, delicious food and fun activities.
Saturday, Oct. 3–Sunday, Oct. 4
Experience Brazil
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Musical Instrument Museum
$20/General admission; $15/Ages 13–19; $10/Ages 4–12; Free/Ages 3 and under
Enjoy live bossa nova and samba performances, engaging curator talks, an energetic capoeira workshop and cultural crafts of Brazil.
Saturday, Oct. 3–Sunday, Oct. 4
Final Symphony:Music from ‘Final Fantasy’
Various showtimes
Symphony Hall
$36–$165
The Phoenix Symphony performs music from the beloved video game franchise live.
Sunday, Oct. 4
Ron White
8 p.m.
Talking Stick Resort
$45–$176
Live stand–up comedy for ages 21 and up only.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
‘The Story of Cacti’
6 p.m.
Holland Center
Free
Dr. Ken Sweat from Arizona State University presents an engaging look at the evolution of cactus, presented by the Desert Foothills Land Trust. Registration required.
Thursday, Oct. 8
Discovery Station
10 a.m.–noon
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
$10/Vehicle entry fee
Talk with the park ranger about the venomous creatures of the Sonoran Desert, including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, scorpions and tarantulas.
Thursday, Oct. 8–Saturday, Oct. 10
PBR Teams: Ridge Rider Days
7:45 p.m., Thursday & Friday; 6:45 p.m., Saturday
Desert Diamond Arena
$27–$238
Head–to–head bull-riding competitions between professional teams.
Friday, Oct. 9, Sunday, Oct. 11
Fine Art Fair
10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sundays
Old Town Activity Park
Cottonwood
Free
Original art from a variety of top regional artists, live art creation, a free art scavenger hunt, raffles and a children’s activities tent.
Friday, Oct. 9
Sound Bites Music & Food Festival
4:30–10 p.m.
Gilbert Regional Park
$50
Live music from Wyves, Spin Doctors and Blues Traveler, craft drinks and food trucks.
Friday, Oct. 9–Sunday, Oct. 11
‘Paolo Conducts Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev’
Various showtimes
Symphony Hall
$36–$91
The Phoenix Symphony is led by newly appointed Music Director Designate Paolo Bortolameolli to open their 2026–2027 season with pieces by Mikhail Glinka, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Sergei Prokofiev.
Friday, Oct. 9–Sunday, Oct. 11
‘Secret Circus Musical’
Various showtimes
Great Arizona Puppet Theater
$15/Adults; $11/Children;
Free/Ages 2 & under
A touring circus–themed puppet musical for all ages.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Go Green
8–10:30 a.m.
Anthem Community Park: Lower Parking Lot
Free/Anthem residents only
Recycle and donate electronics, bulk cardboard, paint, medications, hazardous household items and other sensitive items. See the full list of accepted items, restrictions and entrance instructions online. ProShred will also be onsite to shred and dispose of personal documents. Proof of Anthem residency required.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Bird ID Basics
9–10 a.m.
Cave Creek Regional Park
$10/Vehicle
Learn how to identify a variety of birds found from the backyard to the hiking trails of the desert.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Wings & Wheels
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sedona Airport
sedonaairport.org/wings-and-wheels-2026-1
Free admission with non–perishable food item donation or $2/Person
An extensive display of static aircrafts, ranging from vintage airplanes and warbirds to modern, high-tech aircrafts, with live aviation demonstrations, flight rides, a car show, parachute demonstrations, food trucks, kids activities and a local vendor marketplace. Gate proceeds benefit the Sedona Community Food Bank.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Anthem Nights Car Show
5–8 p.m.
Outlets North Phoenix
Free
Watch the cool cars roll in at twilight for some car culture conversation.
Tuesday, Oct. 13
‘Rattlesnakes, Fact & Fiction’
6 p.m.
Valley of the Sun
Free
The Desert Foothills Land Trust presents “Rattlesnakes, Fact and Fiction” as part of their Sonoran Speaker Series, featuring guest speaker Bryan Hughes of Rattlesnake Solutions.
Wednesday, Oct. 14–Thursday, Oct. 25
Taste of Cave Creek
5–9 p.m.
Stagecoach Village
$15/Admission; $5–$7/Food samples
Over 25 local restaurants throw down their top dishes for sampling with live music and craft brews.
Thursday, Oct. 15
‘Mendelssohn & Beethoven’s 2nd Symphony’
11 a.m.
Musical Instrument Museum
$96–$141
The Phoenix Symphony performs Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Felix Mendelssohn, Chamber Symphony No. 1 by Arnold Schoenberg and Symphony No. 2 by Ludwig van Beethoven.
Thursday, Oct. 15–Sunday, Oct. 18
‘Little Women’
Various showtimes
The Holland Center
$30
A five-show limited engagement of the Broadway musical put on by Desert Foothills Theater.
Friday, Oct. 16–Sunday, Oct. 18
All American Plant and Reptile Expo
Various admission times
WestWorld
allamericanreptileplantexpo.com
$15/Ages 13 and up; $8/Ages 6–12; Free/Ages 5 and under
Explore a diverse showcase of exotic species of reptiles, plants, invertebrates, amphibians and other oddities of nature.
Friday, Oct. 16–Sunday, Oct. 25
‘Rumors’
Various showtimes
$30/Adults; $25/Seniors & veterans
A mysterious comedy performance by local youth actors.
Friday, Oct. 16
Art Affaire
5–7 p.m.
The Finer Arts Gallery
Free
Explore the latest works of over 50 professional Arizona artists specializing in ceramics, glass, wood, jewelry, paintings, photography and more.
Friday, Oct. 16–Sunday, Oct. 18
The Original Phoenix Greek Festival
Various admission times
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
$5/Admission
Experience rich Greek culture through fresh food, cathedral tours, dance performances, cultural shopping and live music.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Scottsdale’s 5th Annual Desert Foothills Book Festival
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Holland Community Center
desertfoothillsbookfestival.com
Free
Visit with over 90 Arizona authors spanning every genre for book signings, plus giveaways, raffles and food trucks.
Saturday, Oct. 17–Sunday, Oct. 18
AZ Taco Festival
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
$15/Admission; Free/Ages 12 and under
Taste tacos from a curated line of top competing chefs, watch live cooking and mixology demonstrations, explore the kids zone and sample margarita and tequila flights.
Saturday, Oct. 17
‘Symphonyfuse: Mahler X Notorious B.I.G. X 2Pac’
7:30 p.m.
Symphony Hall
$36–$165
A one–night only performance by The Phoenix Symphony where hip–hop meets Mahler.
Sunday, Oct. 18
Gears & Beers Car Show
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Homeland Brew Co.
Free
Car show featuring craft beer from the Valley and the community’s car culture.
Saturday, Oct. 20–Sunday, Oct. 11
Mercantile Market
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
WestWorld
$12/General admission;
Free/Ages 12 and under
Shop from over 200 vendors, engage in hands–on make–and–take experiences and groove to live music.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Casino Royale: An Evening of Impact
5:30–8:30 p.m.
The Bearded Barber
$120
An evening of casino-style entertainment, heavy appetizers, cocktails and surprises with all proceeds benefitting ACTS Gives to Kids, which helps with food, clothing, tutoring, educational expenses, extracurricular activities and more to support local families in need.
Thursday, Oct. 22
‘Desert to Dish: A Sonoran Foods Cooking Demonstration’
4–6 p.m.
Harmony Hollow
$50
The Desert Foothills Land Trust presents plant–forward meal demonstrations featuring native desert ingredients by Chef Christine Leo of HonorHealth.
Thursday, Oct. 22–Sunday, Oct. 25
‘Romeo & Juliet’
Various showtimes
Ballet Arizona: Symphony Hall
$36–$172
Ib Andersen’s iconic score is performed live while Ballet Arizona expresses pure love through dance.
Thursday, Oct. 22
‘Matilda the Musical Jr.’ Audition Prep Workshops
4–5:30 p.m., 5:30–7 p.m. & 7–8:30 p.m.
Musical Theatre of Anthem
$35
A workshop for ages 7–18 for “Matilda the Musical Jr.” through character and scene study, cold readings from the script and working with the production staff and director.
Friday, Oct. 23
‘Matilda the Musical Jr.’ Auditions
4–6 p.m.
Musical Theatre of Anthem
$350
Ages 7–18 can audition for a role in the upcoming production “Matilda the Musical Jr.”
Friday, Oct. 23–Sunday, Oct. 25
‘Man of La Mancha’
Various showtimes
Herberger Theater Center
$79.50–$130.50
The timeless Broadway classic inspired by Don Quixote’s famous work.
Saturday, Oct. 24–Sunday, Oct. 25
Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
WestWorld
$15/General admission; Free/Ages 12 and under
Watch as four–legged officers show off their skills and stunts and explore the exhibit hall with interactive displays and demonstrations.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Introduction to Archery
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
$10/Vehicle entry fee
Join a certified instructor to learn the fundamentals of International Style Target Archery, including safety protocols, shooting form and aim development. Ages 10 and up only. Registration required.
Saturday, Oct. 24
USA Today Wine & Food Experience
Noon–4 p.m.
High Street
wineandfood.usatoday.com/phoenix
$70
A culinary adventure planned by acclaimed local chefs and emerging talent with music, mixology and more.
Saturday, Oct. 24
‘Heart of America’
3:30 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
$35/General admission; $28/Seniors and military; $15/Students ages 16–22; Free/Ages 15 and under
ProMusica Arizona puts on a celebration of America through music that tells the nation’s story, including “Route 66 Suite” and a variety of folk songs and patriotic favorites.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Daniel Sloss
4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
The Van Buren
$68–$212
Live stand–up comedy from the Scottish comedy superstar’s brand new tour entitled “Bitter.”
Saturday, Oct. 24
Movies at the Boardwalk
5–8 p.m.
Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard
Free
Enjoy an outdoor presentation of Illumination’s “Minions & Monsters,” plus surprise appearances, an interactive treasure hunt and fun giveaways.
Saturday, Oct. 24
‘Inspiration Becomes Influence’
7 p.m.
North Canyon High School Auditorium
$10/General admission;
$5/Seniors, military and students; Free/Ages 5 and under
The North Valley Symphony Orchestra presents a special selection of pieces that reflect new inspiration in music, including works by Hummel, Haydn, Brahms and Britten.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Pup Festival at Tempe Marketplace
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tempe Marketplace
Free
Dog races, an agility course, costume contest, pawdicures, a dog gym, professional photo opportunities, rescue adoptions, paw prints, pup cups and a bone bar. New this year are dog massages, a pet psychic, open mic, a Wienermobile photo opportunity and a giant toy pit.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
‘Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights’
7 p.m.
Herberger Theater Center
$60–$66.50
A new production featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score set to a mesmerizing light experience.
Tuesday, Oct. 27–Sunday, Nov. 1
‘Water for Elephants’
Various showtimes
ASU Gammage
$39.45–$58.15
The Broadway musical version of the critically acclaimed bestselling novel.
Friday, Oct. 30
Lunch and Learn
9–11 a.m.
Cave Creek Regional Park
$10/Vehicle
Bust some myths about all the creepy crawler critters of the park with special activity sheets and coloring pages for the kids.
Friday, Oct. 30–Sunday, Nov. 1
‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in Concert’
Various showtimes
Symphony Hall
$36–$151
Watch the action–packed movie played on screen while The Phoenix Symphony performs the film score live.
Saturday, Oct. 31
‘Heroes & Villains: Music in Motion’
2 p.m.
Madison Center for the Arts
$26–$33
An epic music showcase from The Phoenix Symphony featuring music from popular franchises including “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” “The Avengers” and “Superman.”
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