14 Fall Festivals in Downtown Phoenix to Put on your Calendar

Make room on your calendars Phoenix: We’ve got a cornucopia of fall festivals coming your way this season in DTPHX. From a dog costume parade to food and drink festivals that make our mouth water, here are 14 fall festivals in Downtown Phoenix you need to know about: 
9/28 – Downtown Phoenix Oktoberfest 

(Photo: Downtown Phoenix Oktoberfest)

Beer, brats and a whole lot of Oktoberfest fun. This event is an authentic Arizona take on the German festival with live polka music, stein hold competitions and a beer maid costume contest. Admission will cost you just $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and includes festival access, entertainment, contests and games. Bring cash and an appetite, food and beverages are sold separately.
Location: Civic Space Park, 424 N. Central Ave.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28 from 3 to 9 p.m.
More info: dtphxoktoberfest.com
9/28 – Phoenix Famtastical Festival

(Photo: Fara Illich)

Previously the Phoenix Children’s Festival, this kid-centric event has expanded to fill six Downtown Phoenix blocks. Things to look forward to this year include appearances by PJ Masks, a slime zone, rides, a petting zoo and food trucks. General admission tickets for children 12 years and younger are free, adults and kids 13 years and older pay $5. 
Location: 1 W. Washington Street
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
More info: famtasticalfestival.com
10/20 – PHX Zine Fest

(Photo: PHX Zine Fest)

A zine, pronounced zeen, is an independently- or self-published booklet that is often created by physically cutting and gluing text and images together. The fourth-annual PHX Zine Fest provides the opportunity to learn more about DIY small-press publications, share your work and connect with the community. Admission is free, all ages are welcome. 
Location: Unexpected Gallery, 734 W. Polk Street
Date: Sunday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More info: phxzinefest.com
10/26 – Herberger Festival of the Arts

(Photo: Fara Illich)

Celebrate the arts in Phoenix with performances by more than 25 local organizations, live music, children’s activities, aerial performances, wine tasting, vendor booths and more.
Location: Herberger Theater Center
Date: Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More info: herbergertheater.org/herberger-theater-festival-of-the-arts
10/27 – Howl-o-ween Featuring The Big Dog Show

(Photo: @merlypearly)

Dogs. In costume. On parade. If this sounds like your version of paradise, you’ll want to attend Howl-o-ween this October. The event benefits the Arizona Humane Society, and there will be adoptable dogs at the event. In addition to a canine costumed Sunday “funday” in the park, The Big Dog Show will be making its debut — a traveling art installation raising funds for pets in-need around the country. Featuring 20 eight-foot dog sculptures, you’ll be able to see this homage to man’s best friend during the Howl-o-ween Dog Parade, and throughout the entire month of November. For $25, you can enter your pet in the parade with a chance to win the grand prize for best costume. You’ll also get some goodies for your pet and new memories with your best friend. 
Location: Margaret T. Hance Park (west side) 
Date: Sunday, Oct. 27 from 12 to 4 p.m. 
More info: dtphx.org/howloween
11/2 – NovemBEER 

(Photo: Lauren Potter)

Taste up to 30 samples of beers from local and national breweries while enjoying great food and live entertainment along Washington Street. General admission ticket prices start at $25 and include a commemorative tasting mug. Must be 21 years and older.
Location: Arizona Center
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. 
11/2-11/3 – Rainbows Festival

(Photo: @fontes_four_pack)

Presented by Phoenix Pride, the two-day annual street fair at the historic Heritage Square is a celebration of our city’s diverse LGBTQ+ community. Spend your weekend shopping and chatting with more than 150 exhibitors and enjoy a variety of entertainment on two stages.
Location: Heritage Square Park
Date: Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
More info: phoenixpride.org/events/rainbows-festival
11/2 – Arizona Fall Fest 

(Photo: Fara Illich)

Discover 200 vendors representing Arizona’s diverse local businesses at the Arizona Fall Fest. Celebrating its 15th year, the festival will have multiple stages with Arizona musical talent and live cultural performances as well as a beverage garden featuring all local wineries, breweries and spirits. 
Location: Margaret T. Hance Park
Date: Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
More info: localfirstaz.com/fall-festival
11/3 – St. Mary’s Basilica Dia De Los Muertos

(Photo: PeterJordanPhoto.com)

The sixth annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival attracts crowds from all over the Valley to St. Mary’s Basilica, a Phoenix Point of Pride and historic building listed on the National Register. This family-friendly event is free and will include live entertainment, a lowrider car show, face painting and a procession at 12:30 with catrinas, mariachi and matachines. A donation of non-perishable food is suggested to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. 
Location: St. Mary’s Basilica Outdoor Plaza / 231 N. 3rd Street 
Date: Sunday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
More info: bit.ly/DiaDeLosMuertosDTPHX
11/9 – Phoenix Mariachi Festival 

(Photo: Mariachi Rubor by Aaron Wood Photography)

Experience lively performances from internationally recognized entertainers at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan and their folklor dancers will grace the stage as well as all female group Mariachi Rubor, Chandler-based Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli and more.  
Location: Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. 
More info: bit.ly/OrpheumMariachi
11/9 – Grand Avenue Festival

(Photo: Lauren Potter)

The Grand Avenue Festival is fun for the whole family featuring indoor and outdoor art installations, historic building tours, music, food trucks and more. Admission is free as well as many of the interactive activities. 
Location: Grand Avenue from the I-10 overpass south to Van Buren Street
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More info: grandavenueartsandpreservation.org/2019-festival
11/10 – Pie Social 

(Photo: Lauren Potter)

Celebrating its 10th year of delicious pies in the park, the Pie Social is a festival you’ll want a piece of. Either bring two pies or $10 in exchange for five pie tasting tickets (yes, five entire slices!). The afternoon event also features kids activities, live music and entertainment.
Location: Margaret T. Hance Park
Date: Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m.
More info: facebook.com/PieSocialPhx
11/16 –  Phoenix Pizza Festival

(Photo: Zee Peralta)

More than a dozen local pizza makers come together for a day of cheesy paradise at Hance Park. The event will include live bands, lawn games, desserts, local vendors, a kid’s zone and more.  Slices cost $2 to $4 and aren’t included with the $10 general admission ticket. 
Location: Margaret T. Hance Park
Date: Saturday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More info: phoenix.pizza
11/17 – Downtown Donut Festival

(Photo: Downtown Donut Festival by Jacob Tyler Dunn)

Devour delicious donuts from more than 20 local purveyors while enjoying craft beer, mimosas, coffee, music and activities for the little ones. Donuts and samples will be available starting at just $1. (Make it easy and bring singles!) General admission starts at $8. 
Location: Margaret T. Hance Park
Date: Sunday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More info: downtowndonutfest.com