As we approach double-digit temperatures in Phoenix, people brave the outdoors once again for the myriad festivals that pop up in parks, streets and stadiums across the Valley.
I’m a true downtowner at heart, so while the festivities in other cities are tempting, the central city (or at least as close as I can get to it) is the only place to be.
Given that, here’s my list of events during the months of September and October in Downtown Phoenix:

Friday, Sept. 27 (4-11 p.m.) Oktoberfest Pub Crawl at CityScape Phoenix
In observance of the German holiday celebrated for several weeks in Germany, participating restaurants at CityScape will have German food and beer specials, and festive games for your Bavarian enjoyment. Head straight for the pubs or start your night out at the Diamondbacks game, either way it’s sure to be a good time. And as a bonus, $5 of every Dbacks ticket purchased benefits Downtown Phoenix, Inc., which promotes business and residential development. Free admission. Click here for more information.

Saturday, Sept. 28 (5-11 p.m.) Roosevelt Row CDC Chile Pepper Festival at the A.R.T.S. Market in Roosevelt Row
This isn’t their first Chile Pepper Festival and each year gets better and better. You can expect to find the best chile-infused food and fun the community has to offer, including freshly roasted chiles, chocolate-covered chiles, a salsa competition, beer garden, live music and more. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the cooler temperatures. Tickets are $15. Click here for more information.

Friday, Oct. 4 (7 p.m.) Downtown Phoenix Zombie Homecoming at The Duce
The party begins at 7 p.m., and features the crowning of the Zombie Walk 5 King and Queen, as well as homecoming classics like punch, snacks, and a photo booth in an undead replica of a high school dance—but with booze. Tickets are $10 (Use promo code PHXZOMBIE and get $2 off). Click here for more information.
Saturday, Oct. 5 (12-5 p.m.) Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts
Going on its fourth year, the Herberger puts on a great event featuring live musical and dance performances, art, food, film shorts and more. This is a great experience for all ages. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero to compete in the superhero costume contest, or they can make their own costume the day of. Tickets are $5, and free for kids 12 and under. Click here for more information.

Friday, Oct. 18 (5-10 p.m.) RHarvest Block Party in front of Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel

Celebrate the new season with local beer, live performances and some good karma. RHarvest is helping to raise funds and awareness for non-profit incubator Seed Spot. The Renaissance crew is keeping the party interesting with festivities like pumpkin bowling and a cornhole tournament. And though they haven’t revealed too many details yet, the chef’s “seasonal creations” are sure to be delicious. Free admission. Click here for more information.
Saturday, Oct. 26 (2-11 p.m.) Zombie Walk 5 at Heritage Square Park and Science Center
The last four years has brought thousands of people to Downtown Phoenix dressed in their best zombie attire to celebrate what you used to give us nightmares. And considering how realistic these zombies look—you just might. But really, Zombie Walk is a great way to celebrate the Halloween season and have some fun with the most recent zombie-craze sweeping the nation. Live music, food and beer, and a kid’s section keep the party going until late into the night. Free admission. Click here for more information.
As events and event details are announced, I’ll update this list, but in the meantime you should mark these dates on your calendar.