Phoenix Events & Festivals By Month
Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Greater Phoenix hosts major festivals, sporting events, cultural celebrations, car shows, fairs and seasonal attractions throughout the year. Popular annual events include the WM Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Cactus League Spring Training, Arizona Renaissance Festival, Chandler Ostrich Festival, Arizona State Fair and holiday celebrations across the Valley.
Use this month-by-month guide to discover popular annual events in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale and surrounding communities. Event dates, locations and schedules can change from year to year, so always confirm current information with the event organizer before making travel plans.
- Popular Phoenix Events
- January Events
- February Events
- March Events
- April Events
- May Events
- June Events
- July Events
- August Events
- September Events
- October Events
- November Events
- December Events
- Event Planning Tips
- FAQ
Popular Annual Events In Greater Phoenix
Some Greater Phoenix events attract visitors from across Arizona and throughout the country. These long-running sporting events, festivals and cultural celebrations are among the best-known annual events in the Valley.
- WM Phoenix Open: One of the PGA TOUR's best-known tournaments, played at TPC Scottsdale.
- Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction: A major collector-car auction and automotive lifestyle event held at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
- Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show: An internationally recognized Arabian horse competition and shopping expo at WestWorld.
- Arizona Renaissance Festival: A large medieval-themed festival southeast of Phoenix featuring entertainment, jousting, food and shopping.
- Cactus League Spring Training: Fifteen Major League Baseball teams play preseason games at stadiums throughout Greater Phoenix.
- Chandler Ostrich Festival: A major family festival featuring concerts, carnival rides, food and entertainment.
- Arizona State Fair: Phoenix's traditional fall fair featuring carnival rides, food, entertainment, exhibits and agricultural attractions.
- ZooLights: The Phoenix Zoo's popular annual holiday light experience.
January Events
This annual, free festival features ethnic cuisine, arts and crafts, and such diverse entertainment as martial arts demonstrations, cultural dances and music from nearly a dozen Asian countries.
Arizona boat shows provide opportunities to explore recreational boats, marine equipment and accessories for fishing, watersports and cruising. Exhibits may include fishing boats, pontoons, personal watercraft and boating products. Check the event organizer's website to confirm the current show dates, location and participating exhibitors.
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
One of the world's best-known collector-car auctions, Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale brings sought-after classic, exotic, custom and collectible vehicles to WestWorld of Scottsdale along with automotive exhibits, shopping, entertainment and special experiences.
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl is one of Arizona's premier college football bowl games and regularly features nationally ranked teams. The game is played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale and is one of the signature sporting events of the Greater Phoenix holiday season.
Rock 'n' Roll Arizona combines running with live entertainment on courses through the Valley. Current race weekends can include a half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids event, with routes and activities centered around Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale.
February Events
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Shopping Expo is held annually at WestWorld of Scottsdale and attracts Arabian horses, owners, trainers and breeders from around the world for competition, exhibitions, shopping and family activities.
Fun for all. A medieval amusement park, a 12-stage theater, a 30-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast -- all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure!
This three-day juried art fair features nearly 450 artists and artisans from across the United States and around the globe, and attracts over 200,000 visitors.
Superstition Mountain Views, Carnival, Rodeo, BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption, Marketplace, Live Entertainment. Held at the Apache Junction Rodeo Park at Lost Dutchman and Tomahawk.
The WM Phoenix Open is one of the PGA TOUR's best-known annual tournaments and is played at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. The tournament is famous for large crowds, a lively atmosphere and the enclosed par-3 16th hole.
Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival
Discover the finest in fine art, indulge your senses, and enjoy a weekend where art, wine, and music come together in spectacular harmony.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest
Held at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, this nationally recognized competition brings Indigenous hoop dancers from across North America together to demonstrate precision, creativity, storytelling and athletic skill in multiple age divisions.
March Events
Marketplace and Lath House stages are filled with performing groups from Arizona and surrounding states. Guest artist groups have joined us from Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands.
Cactus League Spring Training brings 15 Major League Baseball teams to 10 stadiums in the Phoenix metropolitan area each spring, giving fans an opportunity to see teams and players in smaller ballparks throughout the Valley.
Carefree Fine Arts & Wine Festival
A three-day outdoor cultural event produced by Thunderbird Artists in the scenic desert town of Carefree, Arizona, displaying fine art and offering wine tasting.
For lovers of music and food. Held at the Westworld Polo Grounds in Scottsdale, this festival brings together musicians who perform at this event which benefits local charities.
NASCAR Spring Race at Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix Raceway in Avondale hosts major NASCAR racing events, attracting fans from throughout Arizona and across the country. The spring race weekend features professional stock-car racing and special fan experiences. Check the official raceway schedule for current dates and event details.
The Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival celebrates the area's ostrich-ranching heritage with national and regional music acts, carnival rides, food, family attractions and entertainment. The festival is held at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in Chandler.
Month-long, western-themed events including the Parada del Sol Parade, Trail’s End Celebration in Old Town Scottsdale, the Kid's Corral Art Show, art unveiling, 5 rodeos and 2 rodeo dances.
The Festival is an urban street fair and festival to celebrate the great diversity of Phoenix. This celebration is held each year in downtown Phoenix in Heritage Square Park.
April Events
Country Thunder Music Festival
A country music party. This four-day, outdoor, country music festival brings together top country entertainers for music and dancing southeast of Phoenix in Florence.
The Desert Caballeros week-long horse ride attracts men from all over the world and all walks of life. This scenic and memorable adventure has been a Wickenburg tradition for decades.
Annual gathering of the gay community for a parade and festival.
As the longest running festival of its kind in the United States, the Festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun, festivities and ideal weather!
May Events
This annual event is open to the public for a nominal fee on Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of May. Pick your own peaches.
June Events
The Grand Canyon State Games is a multi-sport Olympic Festival for Arizona amateur athletes of all ages and abilities.
Fun in the mud. Mighty Mud Mania is the activity held at Chaparral Park as the culminating activity of all the Scottsdale Parks and Recreation summer programs. Mud pools and courses for all ages.
July Events
Fabulous Phoenix 4th is a free Independence Day celebration at Steele Indian School Park featuring live entertainment, family activities, food vendors and one of the Valley's major professional fireworks displays.
Lori Piestewa Native American Games
Sporting events held throughout the Valley of the Sun include basketball, softball, track and field, volleyball, cross country and more.
August Events
This annual event brings the Hispanic community together for live music, dancing and traditional Latin-American foods, cultural performances, and fun games and much more.
September Events
September marks the transition toward Arizona's fall event season. Greater Phoenix communities may host cultural celebrations, concerts, sporting events and early fall festivals, although outdoor schedules remain limited by the heat. Check local event calendars for confirmed September dates and venues.
October Events
The Arizona State Fair returns to the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix each fall with carnival rides, fair food, concerts and entertainment, agricultural attractions, exhibits, competitions and family activities.
NASCAR Fall Race at Phoenix Raceway
Fall NASCAR racing at Phoenix Raceway brings professional stock-car competition to the desert west of Phoenix. Race weekends may include multiple racing series, fan activities and special events. Confirm the current fall schedule and ticket availability with Phoenix Raceway.
The latest in home improvement. Find everything you ever wanted to fix up the indoors or outdoors. You'll probably find many things you never dreamed of before.
An extraordinary cycling adventure that will circumnavigate the beautiful McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale. The 70-mile race benefits The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.
November Events
November brings cooler weather and the beginning of Greater Phoenix's holiday event season. Visitors can find community festivals, arts and cultural events, outdoor activities and the opening of seasonal light displays. Check official event calendars for current dates and locations.
December Events
Bring the family and cap off the Arizona holiday season with a delightful pageantry of floats, glorious helium balloons, marching bands and spirited specialty and equestrian units.
Arizona National Livestock Show
The Arizona National Livestock Show is the largest show of its kind in the Southwest, an annual Phoenix tradition since 1948 with a reputation as a prestigious Show with warm hospitality.
Join with your friends, family and neighbors to enjoy a cool nighttime parade where every entry is decorated with colorful holiday lights and official lighting of the annual Tumbleweed Tree!
See the Desert Botanical Garden in a new light with unique and exciting entertainment, undiscovered trails and intimate destinations that evoke the spirit and warmth of the holiday season.
The whole family will enjoy this boat parade which features as many as 50 decorated watercraft lighting up the night with thousands of holiday lights. Fireworks also enhance the event.
ZooLights is one of the largest holiday light shows in the southwest with 2.5 million lights, hundreds of custom lighted animal displays, carousel rides, camel rides, wagon rides and more!
Tips For Attending Phoenix Events & Festivals
- Confirm current dates, hours and locations on the official event website before traveling.
- Buy tickets in advance for major sporting events, concerts, festivals and popular weekend dates.
- Allow extra travel time for events in Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe and downtown Phoenix.
- Check parking, rideshare and public-transit options before leaving for large events.
- Bring sun protection and drinking water for daytime outdoor events, even during winter and spring.
- Review each event's bag policy, outside-food rules and prohibited-items list before arriving.
- Expect schedules, performers and attractions to change from year to year.
- For summer events, consider indoor or evening activities and take Arizona heat precautions.
Phoenix Events & Festivals FAQ
What Are The Biggest Annual Events In Phoenix?
Major annual events in Greater Phoenix include the WM Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Cactus League Spring Training, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Arizona Renaissance Festival, Chandler Ostrich Festival, Arizona State Fair and numerous holiday celebrations.
What Events Are Held In Phoenix During The Winter?
Winter is one of the busiest event seasons in Greater Phoenix. January and February typically feature major collector-car auctions, golf tournaments, horse shows, running events, cultural festivals and outdoor celebrations.
When Is Cactus League Spring Training In Phoenix?
Cactus League Spring Training is generally held during February and March, with Major League Baseball teams playing preseason games at stadiums throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
What Are Popular Spring Festivals Near Phoenix?
Popular spring events can include the Arizona Renaissance Festival, Chandler Ostrich Festival, arts festivals, cultural celebrations, sporting events and Country Thunder Arizona southeast of Phoenix.
Are There Phoenix Events During Summer?
Yes. Summer events include Independence Day celebrations, sporting events and indoor attractions, although the number of major outdoor festivals declines because of the desert heat.
What Are Popular Fall Events In Phoenix?
The Arizona State Fair is one of the best-known fall events in Phoenix. The season also brings community festivals, sporting events, arts events and other celebrations as temperatures begin to cool.
Are There Holiday Events In Phoenix?
Yes. Greater Phoenix hosts holiday light displays, parades, seasonal festivals and special attractions during November and December, including ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and celebrations throughout Phoenix-area communities.
Should Phoenix Event Tickets Be Purchased In Advance?
Advance tickets are recommended for major festivals, sporting events, concerts and limited-capacity attractions. Free community events generally do not require tickets, but parking and transportation should still be planned in advance.
Do Phoenix Event Dates Stay The Same Every Year?
No. Dates, venues, schedules, performers and event formats can change each year. Always check the event organizer's official website for current information before traveling.
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