7 Events Coming to Downtown Phoenix this Fall
by Elizabeth Montgomery
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Cooler temps are ahead as we countdown to festival season. Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) is proud to be part of exciting new events and old favorites in the city. After all, it’s part of our mission and makes our Downtown vibrant, activated, and a destination for locals and visitors alike.
As a nonprofit organization, DPI creates and sponsors events that activate street-level businesses and public spaces that contribute to the growth and vitality of our community. Raise your hand if you’ve been to one of our signature events like Urban Wine Walk, Winter Wanderland, or Urban Ale Trail — we appreciate your support!
DPI, along with event producers, have been working behind the scenes all summer to bring the community some fantastic things to do Downtown. Soon you’ll fill yourself with sushi, mochi, and sake at Taste of Japan and immerse yourself in Chihuahuan culture and libations at Spirits of Mexico.
“This is the strongest, mission-driven slate of fall events we’ve ever curated. We’re activating public spaces and feeding our hyper-local businesses with inclusive, multicultural, family-friendly opportunities that showcase what Downtown has become,” said DPI Chief Growth Officer R.J. Price.
“Events build community and help shape our city. It’s exciting to help drive that.”
Here’s a look at events being produced or sponsored by DPI.
By playing DTPHX Lotería you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, explore new places, discover local businesses, and appreciate some cool, Mexican-inspired art by a dozen local artists. (Photo: Downtown Phoenix Inc.)
Part art walk, part game, part urban adventure, participating in DTPHX Lotería is an easy and fun activity for the whole family. Just pick up a “tabla” Oct. 6-15 at any participating Downtown business or from a DTPHX Ambassador, and let the games begin. By playing DTPHX Lotería you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, explore new places, discover local businesses, and appreciate some cool, Mexican-inspired art by a dozen local artists. There are some neat prizes and surprises in store, so stay tuned for more.
A kick-off celebration will take place at Xico Inc. on Friday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. that will include an opportunity to meet the artists, sip on agave spirits at Barcoa next door, enjoy tacos from Provecho, and get a headstart playing the game.
Details: The kickoff party on Oct. 6 will be hosted at Xico Inc. At 829 N. 1st Ave. And the game will take place at various locations Downtown. For more information, visit dtphx.org/loteria
Each summer, DPI partners with Friends of the Orpheum Theatre for “The Classics” a film series held at one of the oldest buildings in the city. Moviegoers can escape the heat and enjoy blockbuster hits on the big screen. This year, films include “Jaws,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” on Sept. 12, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” on Oct. 10, “Night of the Living Dead” on Oct. 31, and “Psycho” on Nov. 21.
Details: Orpheum Theatre at 203 W. Adams St. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.pccticketing.com
This event is brand new to Arizona! Presented by Tanoshii Project Inc. Taste of Japan will be held Oct. 7-8 at Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix. Bringing all your favorite Japanese foods, pop culture, anime, cosplay, entertainment, merchandise and fun activities all in one place. Vendors include Daikokuya, Tanota Takoyaki, Sushi Boy, Midoh and more. Retail vendors include Confettikitty, Daitoapparel, Goozeepins, and Smolprints, with more on the way. For those looking to indulge, there is a VIP experience called Yokocho Fest that includes an enhanced experience with premium sake tasting.
Details: Heritage Square at 113 N. Sixth St. For tickets and more information, visit tasteofjpn.com
One of the many stops on the Urban Ale Trail. (Photo: Elizabeth Montgomery)
DTPHX Urban Ale Trail is your opportunity to sip and nosh your way through dozens of bars and restaurants, the vast majority locally owned and operated, and all located within a walkable, art-rich neighborhood. Dozens of bars and restaurants participate each year. Each location serves up beer samples and snacks as you hop from one location to the next. More details are coming soon.
Details: Multiple bars and restaurants all within walking distance Downtown. For more information, visit dtphx.org/aletrail
The 8th annual Phoenix Pizza Festival will feature more than 20 pizza makers slinging dough by the slice or by the pie Nov. 11-12. The popular event will also feature performances by some of Phoenix’s best local bands, plus lawn games, desserts, local market vendors, kid’s activities, and more. Bars will offer a selection of wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Details: Margaret T. Hance Park at 67 W Culver St. For tickets and more information, visit phoenix.pizza
Get ready for your next adventure! The inaugural Spirits of Mexico Fest will celebrate the state of Chihuahua, MX. The event will be held Dec. 2-3 at Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix. Attendees will explore the State of Chihuahua through their traditional food, culture, places to visit, and interesting facts. In the tasting area, you will enjoy different spirit beverages with an expert guide. There will also be a cooking class, a Lotería game, and live entertainment.
Details: Heritage Square at 113 N. Sixth St. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit imexliveevents.com
DTPHX Winter Wanderland, 2021. At The Herberger Theatre Center. Photo: Zee Peralta
DPI launched Winter Wanderland in 2021, and each year the event draws hundreds of spectators ready to get in the holiday spirit. The event offers a full day of free holiday programming across Downtown Phoenix. Last year aerial artists flew in the air in the lobby of Collier Center, an ice sculptor put on a show to remember at Arizona Center, and dozens of kids got to decorate sugar cookies at The Sheraton Downtown with Buddy the Elf. More festive performances are in the works for 2023; check back for updates.
Details: Multiple locations all within walking distance Downtown. For more information, visit dtphx.org/wanderland
When you come to a DPI signature or sponsored event Downtown, you will leave ready to come back for the next one.