Looking for things to do in Downtown Phoenix? Well, look no further than this Saturday, Nov. 14.
Get outside, take a bike ride, join a funky arts parade, and discover some of the best local food, drink, and holiday gifts for the family.
Certified Local Fall Festival
In its sixth year, Local First Arizona’s fall festival celebrates all things Arizona by featuring more than 100 vendors from around the state. Get a head start on your holiday shopping while you enjoy live music, a beer and wine garden, and activities for the kids.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, November 14
Where: Portland Parkway — 10 W. Portland Street.
Admission: Admission is free. Food tickets cost $1 each and each drink sample requires two food tickets.
Getting there: The festival is located directly off the Central and Roosevelt Light Rail station, and attendees are encouraged to use public transit, bike, or walk. There is also limited street parking available.
Grand Avenue Festival & PAPA Arts Parade
Experience the quirky side of Phoenix at the annual Grand Avenue Festival. The all-day festival is spread across the diagonal street, and features myriad free events, including tours of historic buildings, a fashion show comprised of recycled materials, art activations, arts and crafts vendors, over 50 bands, hands-on kids’ activities, food trucks, and so much more.
The Grand Avenue Festival will highlight the creative and quirky sides of the neighborhood, while the PAPA parade encourages the community to express their creativity by dressing up, building floats, and marching in the parade. Combined, the two events will celebrate the culture, art, small businesses, community and history of Grand Avenue.
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, November 14
Where: Historic Lower Grand Avenue, between Van Buren Street and roughly 15th Avenue.
Admission: Free.
Getting there: Biking and public transit are recommended. However, there is free on-street parking along Grand as well as side streets and parking lots. Free pedi-cabs will be running throughout the day, but remember tips are always appreciated by the drivers. Bike racks can be found at the PAPA lot (SW corner of Grand and 15th avenues), at The Lodge (1231 Grand Avenue), at La Melgosa (1023 Grand Avenue), and at Unexpected Gallery (734 W Polk Street).
Tip: Pick up a festival guide and map at the info tables, which will be located at the PAPA lot (SW corner where 15th Avenue and Grand Avenue and Roosevelt intersect), in front of Bragg’s Pie Factory (1301 NW Grand Avenue), and in front of Fushicho Daiko Dojo (925 Grand Avenue).
Arizona Hip-Hop Festival
In one of the most ambitious events to date, the Arizona Hip-Hop Festival will bring over 125 rap artists from across the state together under one roof. The festival celebrates all facets of hip hop culture including rap, dance, art and fashion. The five-stage event will feature musicians, dancers, more than a dozen live painters, more than 100 street-wear and urban fashion lines, and other vendors.
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, November 14
Where: Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street
Admission: Entrance to the festival is $20, which includes all performances and activities.
Getting there: The parking garage is adjacent to the theater at Fourth Ave and Adams (Adams Street Garage). Comerica Theatre is located near the Jefferson/First Avenue and Washington/Central Light Rail stations.
Tour de Coops
Move over Rex — chickens may be man’s new best friend. Valley Permaculture Alliance’s annual fundraising event is a bike-able and drivable tour of Phoenix’s urban chicken coops. Come learn about chicken health, coop construction, and incorporating chickens into your backyard garden.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, November 14
Where: Greater Downtown Phoenix. The tour headquarters are located at 2225 N. 16th Street, where you will check-in and receive a map of all the coops.
Admission: Tickets are $20 for adults in advance and children ages 12 and under are free. Day-of ticket are $30.
Getting there: This tour is bikeable, but there will be parking available at each stop.
Uncorked Wine Festival
Discover your new favorite wine at the the inaugural Uncorked Wine Festival. The event will feature over 50 wineries from around the country paired with delicious food and lively music for an intimate evening in historic Heritage Square.
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, November 14
Where: Heritage & Science Park, 113 N. Sixth Street
Admission: General admission is $55, which includes all wine samples. VIP admission ($65) includes an added hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. before the festival begins, giving you the chance to beat the crowds.
Getting there: Parking is available at the Heritage Square Garage off of Monroe and Fifth Street. Utilize public transit, bike or walk if possible. The festival is located off of the Third Street/Jefferson and Third Street/Washington Light Rail stations.
Roosevelt Home Tour
Eat, play, and discover the rich history and turn-of-the-century architecture of the Roosevelt Neighborhood this Sunday on the Roosevelt Home Tour. The event features a self-guided walking tour of homes — including bungalows, neoclassical, tudor, period revival, and southwest vernacular buildings — on Roosevelt, Portland, and Latham streets plus food trucks, antique cars, and a craft fair.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, November
Where: Roosevelt Neighborhood on Latham, Portland, and Roosevelt streets.
Admission: Tickets are $11 in advance or $14 day of.
Getting there: There is free street parking throughout the neighborhood, but attendees are encouraged to bike, walk or take public transit.