Just when you think the long hot days are here to stay, September sneaks around the corner bringing cooler days, and fabulous fall festivals and events. In case you need help deciding what to add to your calendar, we’ve got a list of seven must-see events to kickstart your end-of-summer celebrations. For a complete list of things to do, with even more activities going on now through November, check out our fall events guide — Live It Up Downtown.
A night this fun is truly one in a minion! Enjoy a free flick under the stars with your family and friends on the second Friday of each month at City Lights Movie Nights! For the September screening of “Minions,” everyone’s invited to dress the part, so wear yellow and arrive early—there’s free minion-themed doughnuts for the first 100 people!
The Phoenix Symphony kicks-off its 2016/17 season with Beethoven’s epic and memorable Symphony No. 5. If you’re feeling a little fancy, or you’ve just never treated yourself to the experience, plan a night out at the symphony for an evening of beautiful music in an equally beautiful venue!
Food, beer, games, music and Sriracha. What more could you want? The Valley’s best chefs join forces at Arizona’s first-ever Sriracha Festival to bring you unlimited tastings of delicious dishes and desserts made using the famed red rooster sauce! More than 15 local restaurants and breweries are going to be featured, so you don’t want to miss out on these spicy sips and samples!
Saturday, Oct. 1; 7 p.m.; The Pressroom; $15-$100; 21 and over
(Graphic: Come Together Benefit Concert)
Help provide food, shelter and clothing for the Valley’s homeless by attending this wonderful benefit concert featuring live local music. Bands include Gelatinous Groove—an original jam band, Freezer (Phish Tribute), Xtra Ticket with special guest Mark Karan, and the Pink Floyd Tribute band Empty Spaces. Funds raised directly benefit Phoenix Rescue Mission and the I Have A Name project.
Roosevelt Row is keeping things spicy fall with the return of the wildly popular Chile Pepper Festival! Enjoy chile-themed food, drinks and desserts from the area’s best restauranteurs and chefs. Join thousands of chile enthusiasts at this family-friendly event in the Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Saturday, Oct. 29; 4 p.m. to midnight; Warehouse District; free admission with $5 donation
(Photo: Fara Illich)
The Southwest’s largest gathering of the undead returns this year for Zombie Walk 8! Join this family-friendly event to be one of the thousands of zombies doing a slow-paced shuffle through downtown’s Warehouse District. Activities include makeup stations, a costume contest, and an after-dark blood crawl pub crawl for the 21+ crowd!
Shop for the holidays and celebrate Arizona’s local businesses at the 12th Annual Certified Local Fall Festival! Presented by Local First Arizona, this annual celebration of all things Arizona features more than 100 local vendors. The family-friendly event showcases one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants, as well as Arizona wine, beer, live music food trucks and more! To accommodate the festival’s growing popularity (and crowds), this year’s event will be held at Hance Park!
