It's finally event season in Arizona, which means there’s literally something for everyone to look forward to.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast looking for a car show, a rodeo fan ready for some Western action or someone who loves the energy of a parade, there’s plenty to add to your calendar. Foodies can explore food festivals and local flavors, while music lovers can catch everything from live concerts to full-on music festivals.
For the athletes, there are marathons, races and turkey trots to get moving. Art lovers can check out art shows, markets and creative events, while culture lovers can experience events celebrating Arizona’s diverse communities. And, of course, there are fairs, shows and seasonal celebrations for everyone to enjoy.
As
the year winds down, the holiday fun kicks in with Halloween events, Thanksgiving celebrations and Christmas light displays.
Here are over 50 events you can do from September all the way through December across the Valley.
Things to do in September
15th Annual Arizona Black Rodeo
Get your cowboy boots ready because more than 100 cowboys and cowgirls were expected to compete to win $25,000 in prizes. Some are coming from Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, California and other states to compete in traditional rough stock and timed events, including bull and ranch bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, ladies steer undecorating and ladies barrel racing.
Details: 1-9:30 p.m. Friday- Saturday, Sept. 4-5. WestWorld of Scottsdale, N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $38.35. blackrodeousa.com.
Goldrush Music Festival
Get ready to saddle up at this immersive electronic dance music festival. Fans journey into the Wild West theme with a lineup including Martin Garrix, Alessio, Deadmau5, Griz and more.
Details: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 11-12. Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. $129.99. goldrushfestaz.com.
2026 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week
Arizona Restaurant Week is back for another year with ten days of special dining deals across the Valley. Diners can enjoy exclusive three-course, prix-fixe menus priced at $33, $44 or $55 per person, featuring seasonal or off-menu dishes. More than 230 restaurants are participating and new additions were being announced leading up to the event.
Details: Sept. 18-27. Participating restaurants Valley-wide. arizonarestaurantweek.com.
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
This semiannual event returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale. Spanning over 120,000 square feet, the market features more than 160 vendors from across the country offering an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, antiques, furniture, home décor and more. It’s the perfect destination for those in search of unique finds and handcrafted treasures.
Details: Sept. 18-20. 4-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. $10. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com.
Garlic Festival
Indulge in a garlic-inspired menu crafted by Del Piero Kitchen, explore local vendors' products and enjoy live cooking demonstrations. The two weekend festival highlights include garlic-infused olive oil tastings and live music.
Details: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27. Queen Creek Olive Mill Estate, 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek. Free. queencreekolivemill.com.
Things to do in October
Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair is back, highlighting community, culture and entertainment. It will have thrilling rides, live entertainment, exhibitions, competitions and a variety of delicious food. The Coliseum Concert Series includes performances by Becky G, All Time Low, Gin Blossoms and more.
Details: Oct. 1-Nov. 1. Noon-9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays-Wednesdays. Arizona State Fair and Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. $20. azstatefair.com.
Maricopa County Home and Garden Show
Whether you’re planning a total remodel or just seeking inspiration, you’ll find everything you need at the Maricopa County Home Show. Shop, compare and get deals on pools, landscaping, flooring, kitchen and bath remodeling, decor and more. The Home and Garden Show also features cooking demonstrations, hands-on gardening lessons, master gardener seminars, backyard glowscapes, crafting workshops and over 1,000 vendor booths.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. $15. MaricopaCountyHomeShows.com.
Downtown Chandler Rocktoberfest
Why go to Germany for Oktoberfest when you can get it in the Valley? SanTan Brewing Company is teaming up with Huss Brewing Co. to bring you Rocktoberfest to Chandler. Expect live music, craft beers from both breweries, plus games and contests such as wiener dog races, brat eating contest and stein holding.
Details: 4:30- 10 p.m. Friday; 2-10 p.m. Saturday; 2-8 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 2-4. SanTan Gardens, 495 E. Warner Ave., Chandler. $15. downtownchandler.org.
UwU Con
Did you miss Phoenix Fan Fusion this year? No worries. This three-day anime and comic convention promises a weekend filled with fun for fans of Star Wars, comics, anime and gaming. Meet voice actors and celebrities, including Paul Castro Jr., Amber Lee Connors, Chris Rager, Jamie Marchi, and shop hundreds of vendors offering exclusive merchandise. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, show off your cosplay and compete in gaming tournaments.
Details: 3 p.m., Friday-Sunday. Oct. 2-4. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. $65. uwucon.com.
6th Annual Latino LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
Celebrate history, pride, diversity and culture at the Annual Latino LGBTQ+ Pride Festival. Special guests are to be announced, but there will be live music, dance shows, a beauty pageant and food vendors.
Details: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. $20. latinopridealliance.org.
Desert Sky Music Festival
Although Country Thunder only happens once a year, country music fans don’t have to wait that long for another festival. Desert Sky Music Festival takes over the West Valley and will feature some of country music's biggest stars, including Brett Young, Carly Pearce, Chayce Beckham, Dylan Schneider and Ashley Anne.
Details: 2-11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3. West Valley Events Complex, 10020 N. Ball Park Blvd., Glendale. $72.39. forty8live.com.
Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival
Celebrate the season at Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival, which offers a range of family-friendly activities, including a corn maze, petting zoo, carnival games and new attractions like a pig race ride and ropes course challenge.
Details: 3-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 3-Oct 31. 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. $17, vertucciofarms.com.
Sound Bites Music & Food Festival
Arizona has dozens of music festivals happening throughout the year and to add on to the growing list is Sound Bites Music & Food Festival. Don't miss this all-day concert and festival with headliners like Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler and Wyves.
Details: 4:30-10 p.m., Friday. Oct. 9. Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. $42.25. gilbertaz.gov.
Surprise Fiesta Grande
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month at Surprise Fiesta Grande offering Mexican food, a classic car show, Lucha Libre, kids zone, petting zoo, piñata plaza, music, live entertainment, vendors and more.
Details: 5- 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. Free. surpriseaz.gov.
Phoenix Pride Festival
Celebrate 45 years of pride at the Phoenix Pride Festival, which brings together diverse communities for a weekend filled with unity, celebration and education. New this year is the Pride Coming Out concert and this year’s festival will take place at the Arizona Center. Although performers and special guests were yet to be announced, there will be food, merchandise and community resources from over 300 vendors and exhibitors. Other highlights include the Arts Expo, KidSpace, Dance Pavilion and Erotic World.
Details: 7-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 10-11. Arizona Center, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix. $23.71. phoenixpride.org.
Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest
Celebrate over 50 years of this Tempe tradition full of live music from rock to pop to German polka, contests like the Runnin’ for the Brats and a carnival. Savor traditional German cuisine and new beers from Four Peaks Brewing, including Bad Birdie Juicy Golden Ale and Desert Daydream IPAs.
Details: 5 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday; noon- 10 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 9-11. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. $22. fourpeaksoktoberfest.com.
42nd Annual NAC Parade
Your typical parade with community floats, a Grand Marshal and a few surprises. Whether you're marching, cheering, or simply showing up in solidarity, come be part of a movement that celebrates Native American culture and history.
Details: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct.10. Parade route starts at Third Street and Virginia Avenue; ends at Indian School Road. Free. nativeconnections.org.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phx Fest
This vibrant festival aims to "Indigenize the Valley" with an immersive showcase of art, music, film and food. In collaboration with local partners like the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and Burton Barr Central Library, the festival offers a rich cultural experience featuring diverse Indigenous creatives and entrepreneurs.
Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12. Arizona Center, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix. Free. ipdphx.com.
Taste of Cave Creek
Calling all foodies in Cave Creek: over 25 local restaurants throw down their top dishes, craft breweries flow freely, live music keeps the good vibes going. This event is family-friendly and expect to eat food such as BBQ, seafood, Italian, Mexican, French, pizza and fine dining.
Details: 5-9 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday. Oct. 14-15. Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. $15. tasteofcavecreek.com.
Phoenix Greek Festival
This event has been sharing Greek food and culture for 65 years. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, including roasted lemon chicken, gyros, moussaka, loukoumades, baklava sundaes and roasted leg of lamb. Quench your thirst with imported Greek beers, wines and ouzo flights. There's also live music and dance performances, plus an Agora marketplace with jewelry, clothing, olive oil, cheeses, herbs, spices, coffee and more.
Details: 3-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 16-18. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix. $5, phoenixgreekfestival.com.
NASCAR Cup Series Championship
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship returns to Phoenix for its final race of the season. This event brings together the top drivers who have qualified through the season’s playoffs to compete for the title.
Details: 4:30 p.m., Friday- Sunday. Oct. 16-18. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale. $10. phoenixraceway.com.
Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs
Calling all marathon runners! The Cave Creek Thriller hosts four distances: 50K, 24K, 11K and 5K, and acts as the first race of the Fall Desert Runner Trail Series. 50K runners will have the unique opportunity to connect two regional parks in one day on the Maricopa Trail.
Details: Saturday, Oct. 17. 37900 E. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek. aravaiparunning.com.
Taco Fest
You don’t need to bring your own tortilla at this festival. Over 40 vendors will stake their claim, offering every style of taco possible. If tequila is more your speed, you can sample over 20 brands of tequila and mezcal. Beyond food and drink, there will be live music, lucha libre, mercado and art installations.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $16.91. tacofestaz.com.
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
Why go door to door when you can go from hot air balloon to hot air balloon? This family-friendly event offers trick-or-treating with over 20 glowing hot air balloons acting as candy stations, providing more than 4,000 pounds of sweets. The kids zone will have over 30 inflatables; shop for arts, crafts and other merch from local vendors; and watch fireworks on Friday and Saturday night.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 23-25. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. $19.57. azspooktacular.com.
Arizona Toy Con
Looking for a rare action figure or new Pokémon cards to complete your collection? The Arizona Toy Con might be your next place to visit to see over 200 vendors selling vintage and modern toys.
Details: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. $10. aztoyshows.com.
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Honor the departed at this tribute to Latin American art and culture. Visitors will be immersed in a rich tapestry of traditions and artistic expressions. Enjoy live music and dance, explore elaborate altars and art installations, and participate in activities that highlight the cultural significance of this cherished holiday.
Details: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24-25. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Free. mesaartscenter.com.
USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience
Sip drinks and taste foods from acclaimed local chefs, emerging talent and culinary leaders. Also expect wine, beer and spirits from the best regional and national brands.
Details: Noon- 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. High Street, East High Street, Phoenix. $70. wineandfood.usatoday.com.
Peoria's Annual Halloween Monster Bash
Get in the spooky spirit and celebrate Halloween a week early and wander through glowing pathways, Halloween-themed attractions and interactive booths offering treats, games, and eerie fun at Peoria's Annual Halloween Monster Bash. Live entertainment, costume contests, prizes and food trucks and fall treats will also be featured.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. City Hall Campus & Centennial Plaza, 8401 W. Monroe Street, Peoria. Free. peoriaaz.gov.
Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Phoenix Festival
Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos at Mikiztli, which preserves the Indigenous roots of the observance. This family-friendly event features cultural performances, food trucks, local artists and a community ofrenda. Enjoy mariachi music, ballet folklórico, arts, crafts and face painting, culminating in a lively sunset procession with Las Flacas, 8-foot-tall skeleton puppets leading a dance party.
Details: 4-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24. Arizona Center, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix. Free. culturalcoalition.com.
AZ Filipinos Fil-Am Fiesta
Get a taste of the Philippines, spotlighting local Filipino food vendors, cultural performances and live entertainment. Expect crispy adobo fried rice, lumpia, ube treats, halo-halo and more. The event also includes anime and retail vendors.
Details: 2- 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Arizona Center, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix. Free. eventbrite.com.
Things to do in November
27th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival
Get to know more about Mexico’s history through music, dance and a market featuring local vendors. This year's lineup features Mariachi Pueblo Viejo, Mariachi Nueva Fusion and it will also be a celebration of Día de Muertos.
Details: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. $49. chandlercenter.org.
Día de Muertos at Desert Botanical Garden
Want to see what Day of the Dead is really all about? The Desert Botanical Garden transforms into a vibrant celebration with marigolds, altars and festive trails. Experience live performances, immersive installations and moments of reflection woven throughout the Garden.
Details: 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. Friday- Monday. Nov. 6-9. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $18.95. dbg.org.
Canal Convergence
Canal Convergence is a sprawling outdoor art event along the Scottsdale Waterfront. The event will span 10 nights and offer a diverse array of activities. Other highlights include live music and dance performances, creative workshops, special events, rotating food truck and vendor options, nightly fire shows, plus a beer and wine garden.
Details: Nov. 6-15. Along the Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road. Free. scottsdalearts.org.
Arizona Fall Fest 2026
The annual Local First Arizona Fall Fest celebrates Arizona's local culture with over 200 local businesses, a diverse selection of food from top restaurants and a beverage garden with local wines, beers and spirits. Enjoy live entertainment and participate in a silent auction offering over 100 unique local gifts and experiences.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. Margaret T. Hance Park. 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix. Free. localfirstaz.com.
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Celebrate the elegance and excitement of polo at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. The event is known for high-level polo matches, stylish fashion, live music, gourmet food and a showcase of luxury automobiles.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday. Nov. 7. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $45. thepoloparty.com.
Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts
Enjoy a diverse array of art forms and crafts from over 150 artists and vendors offering paintings, sculptures, jewelry and ceramics. The festival includes food and a beer and wine garden.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8. Litchfield Square Park, 279 N. La Loma Ave., Litchfield Park. Free. litchfieldpark.gov.
Grand Ave Festival Phoenix
This annual event showcases local businesses, artisans, musicians and performers and highlights the dynamic and artistic community of the Historic Grand Avenue neighborhood. The event features a variety of activities, including an artisan market, live music, performances, interactive art experiences and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday. Nov. 7. Historic Grand Avenue, 1301 Grand Ave., Phoenix. Free. historicgrandave.com.
Water Lantern Festival
Witness a beautiful sight as participants decorate their own lanterns with messages, drawings or designs, and then gather at a designated body of water to launch them as dusk falls. The festival features live music, food vendors, and various activities, creating a festive and serene atmosphere. The sight of hundreds or thousands of glowing lanterns floating on the water creates a magical and visually stunning experience.
Details: 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8. Kiwanis Park, 5992 S. All America Way, Tempe. $24.99. waterlanternfestival.com.
Shemer Arizona Arts Festival
This two-day festival will feature works of art created in a variety of mediums by over 40 Arizona artists. Each day will also feature art demonstrations, Arizona authors, an interactive art zone, live music, food and beverage vendors and a silent auction.
Details: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8. Shemer Art Center and Museum, East Camelback Road, Phoenix. Free. shemerartcenter.org.
Bike MS: Arizona 2026
Why run when you can bike. Ride through Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and Rio Verde at this two-day bike riding event, which will feature routes that range from 25 to 75 miles, including our 19-mile trail ride. Newbies and veteran cyclists are welcome.
Details: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8. Fountain Hills, Arizona. events.nationalmssociety.org.
51st Annual Phoenix 10K
Runners of all ages can compete in Phoenix’s annual marathon. From half marathons, 5K, 10K, and even a mile run for kids. Depending on which race you run, runners will start on 24th and Camelback and extend into Paradise Valley.
Details: 6:30 a.m., Sunday. Nov. 8. 24th Street and Camelback Road. $70. phoenix10k.com.
2026 Charles Schwab Cup Championship
The 2026 Charles Schwab Cup Championship will feature top senior golfers competing for the title of the season's best player. Check the website for player and ticket info.
Details: 9:30 a.m. Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 12-15. Phoenix Country Club, 2901 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. $35.28. charlesschwabcupchampionship.com.
Hondo Rodeo Fest
The Hondo Rodeo and Music Fest offers a dynamic mix of rodeo excitement and live music. There will be three days of rodeo events with top riders plus live performances by Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and more.
Details: Noon-11 p.m., Friday-Sunday, Nov. 13-15. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $63.55. thehondorodeofest.com.
Fountain Hills Fall Fountain Festival
Get ready to go shopping, purchase art and enjoy food and live entertainment. The 52nd Fountain Hills Festival features nearly 500 artists, artisans and gourmet food providers from all over the Valley.
Details: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Nov. 13-15. Avenue of the Fountains,12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. Free. fhchamber.com.
6th Annual Tempe Jam
Have a party in Tempe at this free, annual music celebration that honors and highlights local bands and musicians who live, work or play in Tempe. The event will also feature interactive art installations, arts activities, dance performances, food trucks, beer garden and more.
Details: 6-10 p.m., Saturday. Nov. 14. Tempe Sports Complex, 8401 S. Hardy Drive, Tempe. Free. tempe.gov.
Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts
Celebrate the arts at the 17th annual Festival of the Arts with live performances from local arts organizations, a kids zone with activities, a vendor market with artist demonstrations, and a wine and beer garden.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Herberger Theater Center. 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. Free. herbergertheater.org.
Phoenix Pizza Festival
Pepperoni, cheese, Hawaiian and meat lovers, unite! Indulge in pizza of all kinds at the ninth annual Phoenix Pizza Festival. The 11th annual event features pizza, pasta, meatballs and desserts from local makers, along with live music and drinks including wine, beer, cocktails and nonalcoholic options.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Nov. 14-15. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix. $21.82. phoenix.pizza.
Gilbert Days Music Festival
Gilbert is hosting its very own festival with live music, food, drinks and local shopping. This family-friendly event also features inflatables and backyard games and all activities inside the event are free.
Details: 4- 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21. Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. $5. gilbertaz.gov.
Phoenix Turkey Trot
Get ready to ‘gobble-gobble-gobble’ at this family-friendly turkey trot. Featuring a 5K and 10K through downtown Phoenix. Also, a tot trot for the littlest members of your family and a 1-mile gobble dash for those who want something shorter on Thanksgiving morning. Don’t forget to dress up for a chance to win awards for the best costume.
Details: 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 26. Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $44.96. phoenixturkeytrot.com.
Cotton Fest
Paying tribute to Buckeye’s farming history, this street fair features items made by local artisans, indie crafts and a classic car show. Drawing shoppers from around the Valley looking for that perfect holiday gift.
Details: 3- 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28. Downtown Buckeye, Sixth Street Plaza and Monroe Avenue. Free. buckeyeaz.gov.
Things to do in December
38th Annual APS Electric Light Parade
Let it glow, let it glow. The annual APS Electric Light Parade is back for another year of lit-up floats, marching bands and community support. For more information on road closures, check the City of Phoenix website.
Details: 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5. Starting location on Central and Montebello avenues. Free. phoenix.gov.
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade of Lights
Some things are simply synonymous with the holidays: peppermint mochas, gingerbread houses, snow and of course, Chandler’s annual tumbleweed tree lighting. Behold the iconic Tumbleweed Tree, visit with the jolly man himself, Santa, and enjoy musical performances and glowing pageantry of lights.
Details: 4:30- 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5. Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov.
Hot Chocolate Run
Who doesn’t like a sweet treat after working out? The Hot Chocolate Run is an annual marathon where runners get to pick to run either a 5K, 10K or 15K. After crossing the finish line, runners celebrate by getting a warm cup of hot cocoa alongside their medal.
Details: 7:25 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $49. hotchocolate15k.com.
The Phoenix Marathon
Calling all runners, the Phoenix Marathon is back with a new course. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or seeking a fun race, this event is fit for any beginner or pro. The marathon's starting location will be at Deer Valley Towne Center; the half-marathon starting location will be at the intersection of Glendale and Central Avenue and the 10K starting location will be on the Arizona Canal Trail just east of 40th and Camelback Road.
Details: 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Marathon starting point at Deer Valley Towne Center, 2805 Agua Fria Fwy., Phoenix. $109. phxmarathon.com.
Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best fall 2026 events in metro Phoenix. Food, festivals and free fun











