Upcoming Events Coming to Downtown Phoenix this Fall and Winter
by Haley Hoekstra
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Excitement is in the air as we count the days to cooler weather and the highly anticipated event season. The upcoming fall and winter months are packed with celebrated festivities and activations in Downtown Phoenix, which will highlight the best of our vibrant community.
As a nonprofit organization, Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) is dedicated to creating and sponsoring events that are family-friendly, budget-friendly, art-centric, multicultural, and inclusive that activate street-level businesses and public spaces.
From signature events like Urban Ale Trail to the long-awaited return of VIVA PHX, we appreciate your unwavering support and participation, making Downtown Phoenix the best place to work, live, and play.
Here’s a first look at the upcoming events that are produced, co-produced, or sponsored by DPI:
For the past few years, Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) has partnered with Friends of the Orpheum Theatre for “The Classics” — a monthly movie series featuring classic movies played in the historic Orpheum Theatre. Moviegoers can enjoy timeless films on the big screen in one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Details: Orpheum Theatre at 203 W. Adams St. From September 10 to December 17. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit pccticketing.com
This event is an electrifying celebration of Mexican Independence Day and will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy live music, dancing, arts and crafts, Baile folklórico, food, and more fun for the whole family. El Grito is presented by District 5 City Councilwoman Betty Guardado.
Details: September 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on 3rd Ave. and Adams St. Free to attend. For more information, visit elgritophoenix.com
By playing DTPHX Lotería you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy local cuisine and entertainment, and appreciate some cool, Mexican-inspired art by local artists. (Photo: Zee Peralta)
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by playing DTPHX Lotería – an experience filled with fun for the whole family. Play the traditional game of Lotería, created using local art commissioned to represent Downtown businesses, while enjoying a night of delicious food, vibrant entertainment, local artwork, and dynamic activities.
The evening will feature food trucks from local restaurants, colorful decorations, entertainment from DJ duo Vinyl Vagos, a local market hosted by Mujeres Mercado, the Arizona’s largest Latina market, and and a make-and-take craft station for the whole family, led by The Crafty Chica. The Funky Latina will be the special guest emcee for the evening.
There are some neat prizes and surprises in store, so stay tuned for more, and we can’t wait to see you there.
Details: Lotería will be hosted on September 19 at The Grotto at Arizona Center, at 455 N. 3rd Street. Registration begins at 6:00 p.m., and the game will start at 7:00 p.m. Free to play. For more information, visit dtphx.org/loteria
Join Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s volunteer program, The Flock, and Phoenix Community Alliance Member, Evans Churchill Community Association, for a neighborhood tree-planting event! Courtesy of the City of Phoenix Community Canopy Grant, The Flock will plant 25+ trees in the Evans Churchill Neighborhood on 5th Street between Roosevelt Street and Garfield Street.
Afterward, enjoy complimentary brunch at Tap That Downtown.
Details: October 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. starting at Tap That Downtown. Free to join. For more information, visit dtphx.org/theflock
One of the many stops on the Urban Ale Trail (Photo: Zee Peralta)
DPI’s annual Urban Ale Trail is back! This self-guided beer walk showcases DTPHX’s best bars and restaurants, providing an opportunity for folks to try new bites and brews from participating local restaurants and breweries. Get ready for a ‘Rock’n Hop’s’-themed adventure around the local craft beer scene with live music performances along the way.
Details: October 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. taking place at multiple bars and restaurants within walking distance Downtown. Starting location: Carcara patio at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown (Van Buren entrance). $5 for a beer and appetizer at each location. For more information, visit dtphx.org/aletrail
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration of Indigenous heritage and culture presented by Cahokia; this community-centric event will transform the Arizona Center into a celebration of all Indigenous nations, featuring family-fun activities, live music, film screenings, demos, native food, art, and more.
Details: October 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Arizona Center. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit cahokiaphx.com/events
The ultimate music festival returns with over 70 artists across 10+ stages in DTPHX. VIVA PHX celebrates Downtown Phoenix’s vibrant culture and dynamic music scene with live indoor and outdoor performances from local and national artists.
Fans can also look forward to culinary experiences from local restaurants like Bacanora, Cartel, Bad Jimmy’s, Cornish Pasty Co., and more.
Details: October 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at various Downtown locations. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit vivaphx.com
Nourish your mind, body, and soul at the Fall Wellness Fair! Join us for a day of self-care, free workouts, community, and local vendors. Whether you are just beginning your wellness journey or are a seasoned health enthusiast, this event offers a space to learn, connect, and explore new approaches to self-care.
Details: October 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Patriots Park. Free to attend. For more information, visit dtphx.org/wellness
Complete with twinkling lights, long rows of tables draped in white, and the soft glow of candles, Noche en Blanco is a dreamy picnic with live entertainment under the stars. In support of a great cause, this event benefits the future development of Margaret T. Hance Park. Attendees are encouraged to wear all white to match the theme of the evening.
Details: October 26 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Hance Park. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit hancepark.org/noche-en-blanco
DTPHX The Flock volunteer group clean-up (Photo: Zee Peralta)
The DTPHX Flock will clean up the Historic Grand Avenue area on Saturday, November 9, as a precursor to the Grand Avenue Festival. Join The Flock for a great opportunity to volunteer with your fellow Downtown community.
Details: November 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Historic Grand Avenue, located at 1301 Grand Avenue #2C. Free to join. For more information, visit dtphx.org/theflock
Be a part of the largest certified local event that brings people and businesses from all over the Valley together to build community pride and support our local economy. This free, family-friendly, and dog-friendly event showcases all things uniquely Arizona.
Details: November 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Margaret T. Hance Park. Free to attend. For more information, visit localfirstaz.com/fall-fest
Powered by the incredibly cool people who live and work on Grand Avenue, this unforgettable community event showcases the work of local artists, performers, and vendors.
Details: November 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Historic Grand Avenue. Free to attend. For more information, visit grandavenueartsandpreservation.org/2024-grand-ave-festival
Enjoy performances of the arts in a series of fully staged productions that will unite artists and audiences. Herberger’s Festival of the Arts provides a magical day of live show experiences for the community. Be sure to stop by the Kids Zone and say hi to the DTPHX Ambassadors!
Details: November 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Herberger Theater Center. Free to attend. For more information, visit herbergertheater.org/festival-of-the-arts
May pizza lovers unite! The 9th annual Phoenix Pizza Fest will feature savory creations from local pizza makers, along with band performances, lawn games, alcoholic beverages, desserts, local market vendors, kids’ activities, and more.
Details: November 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and November 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Margaret T. Hance Park. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit phoenix.pizza
PJs in the Park holiday movie screening (Photo: Kyle Niemier)
Put on your coziest pair of pajamas and enjoy a holiday movie screening under the stars. Be sure to bring your best smiles and a camera to capture a photo with Santa and enjoy delicious hot cocoa and snacks for purchase.
Details: November 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Patriots Park. Free to attend. For more information, visit dtphx.org/pjs
The streets of DTPHX are full of holiday magic during Winter Wanderland. (Photo: Zee Peralta)
Watch Downtown Phoenix transform into a holiday storybook setting for the most wonderful time of the year during Winter Wanderland. Multiple Downtown locations will participate in this FREE event, offering one-of-a-kind holiday performances throughout the walkable Downtown core.
Details: December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at various locations in the Downtown Phoenix core. Free to attend. For more information, visit dtphx.org/wanderland
The Phoestivus celebration returns for three days full of holiday shopping and revelry. Enjoy a festive experience with a market featuring hand-crafted gifts from local artisans, makers, and producers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to get their hands on the best that Arizona has to offer with options ranging from art, decorations, jewelry, toys, food products, and more.
Details: December 12 – 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and December 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, staged at Wexford Science + Technology on the north end of Phoenix Bioscience Core. Free to attend. Donations to Community Food Connections are accepted at points of entry. For more information, visit phoestivus.com
Presented by Tanoshii Project Inc., Taste of Japan returns to Downtown Phoenix but this time with a holiday spin. Enjoy classic Japanese foods, pop culture, anime, cosplay, entertainment, merchandise, and fun activities in the heart of Downtown Phoenix.
Details: December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and December 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Square Park. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit tasteofjpn.com