23 Things You Have to Do in Phoenix This Year, From the Arizona State Fair to Taco Fest
These are the must-hit festivals, concerts, events, and most fun things to do this year in Phoenix, broken down by month.
Phoenicians make the most of their desert climes by knowing when to get outdoors and when it’s time to stay cool inside. Just peep the variety of options: museums, indie bookstores, restaurants, bars, music venues, local shops, and a strong sports landscape, too. As for the actual landscape, the Valley of Sun has lots of beauty and wonderful hikes to help you appreciate it. And if you’re just visiting, there’s plenty of great hotels for your post-outdoorsy adventures. Further afield, travel to nearby wonderlands where dude ranches proliferate, or where you can gaze at the night sky unencumbered.
With all this in mind, our annual events guide will help keep your calendar full with a variety of fun things to do in Phoenix in 2024.
January
Jan 18–26, 2025
WestWorld
“The heartbeat of our Scottsdale Auction is, and always will be, the incredible collection of vehicles that cross our auction block throughout the week,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Our upcoming Scottsdale event is seeing extraordinary demand across the board with an unprecedented quality of consignments, and we’re anticipating a docket filled with exceptional collectibles every single day of the auction.” In addition to the cars, Barrett-Jackson has grown into an annual destination where enthusiasts, industry titans and celebrities from around the world gather to celebrate this high-octane lifestyle.
February
Feb 1, 2025
Old Town Scottsdale
Arizona’s heritage rings through during Scottsdale’s Western Week, capped off by the historic Parada Del Sol that finishes with the Trail’s End Festival. Parada Del Sol has been a staple event for over 70 years, where attendees bring their best Stetson to watch the 150 parade entries march by. Trail’s End Festival wraps things up with a block party atmosphere for participants to enjoy with concerts, food, and a Kid’s Zone.
Feb 3–9, 2025
TPC Scottsdale
Oh, the Waste Management Phoenix Open—if you’ve never been or aren’t into golf, it’s still worth a go. The atmosphere, people-watching, and overall vibe are definitely a one-of-a-kind thing that should be experienced at least once. Although played for decades here, the tournament has recently made bigger headlines for its party atmosphere where the beer flows constantly and the bros roam freely. There are quieter holes for those who actually want to watch golf and the final round is always on Super Bowl Sunday, so things can be a little tamer. If you want to truly be in the thick of it, line up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to get into the raucous 16th hole.
Feb 15–16, 2025
Heard Museum
Phoenix is privileged to host this annual event, a cultural celebration of North American Indigenous tradition and talent. For over 30 years, dozens of participants have come to the Heard Museum to demonstrate their skills against the powerful sound of drum groups and singers. Propped up on the slopes of the museum’s front law, it is so mesmerizing the first time you attend and impossible to pull your eyes away from these spirited, memorable, and significant dances.
March
Feb 27–Mar 4, 2025
Various venues
Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns for its 13th year. While it has exploded in terms of popularity and international reach, AZCW has managed to keep its local vibes, with an array of amazing events, educational seminars, brand showcases and activations descending upon downtown Phoenix. “Through our strategic programming, AZCW has been highly successful in attracting global talent, bars and a wide bartender audience from around the country, as well as local cocktail enthusiasts,” says co-founder Ross Simon. “We’ve been graced by the presence of beverage professionals from far away locales over the years such as Savoy London, Allegory, Double Chicken Please, Eleven Madison Park, Tokyo Confidential, Yacht Club, Dead Rabbit, Death & Co, and more.”
March 2025, dates TBD
Steele Indian School Park
This is not your run-of-the-mill show. For two days, the 100% nonprofit M3F (McDowell Mountain Music Festival) showcases some of the biggest and hottest names in music in central Phoenix. They then turn around and donate to a myriad of charities, which has totaled millions of dollars over the last two decades. “We're thrilled to return to Phoenix in 2025 for our 21st year, celebrating how music, art, and culture unite us and amplify our collective impact to give back to the community,” says M3F Festival Manager, Rachel Blanchard.
April
April 2025, dates TBD
Downtown Mesa
The annual festival that brings together both industry pros and music fans in Downtown Mesa has been going strong for nearly a decade. In addition to the live musical performances, the festival generally features a keynote address, music symposium, and networking parties. This provides valuable opportunities for artists and industry professionals to connect and collaborate, all for free.
April 2025
Downtown
What’s better than strolling through Downtown during a beautiful spring day? Maybe one with wine at each stop? Join DTPHX’s annual Urban Wine Walk, where over 20 restaurants and bars within a walkable route will offer three different $5 wine and food pairings. The free and self-guided event is the perfect way to gather some friends and get familiar with some of the offerings across Downtown.
May
May 4, 2025
Downtown
Phoenix’s Hispanic heritage is such an important part of its identity and is a significant part of the culture. The annual Cinco de Mayo festival has been going strong for over three decades and there’s more than just Mexican food and margaritas (although the food vendors are absolutely delicious). There is baile folklorico on display, Lucha libre, and lots of live music. The event is budget-friendly, so it’s easy to bring the entire family, a point of pride for the Arvizu family, who have presented every single festival.
June
June 6–8, 2025
Convention Center
Pop culture and comic books enthusiasts unite! This is the premier event to hit in the Southwest and it’s all indoors in the heart of Downtown. Tickets are sold almost a year in advance and visitors travel far and wide to attend, as the panels and screenings attract top-tier talent. There’s a massive exhibits hall to peruse in between events and arcade games to play. Dressing up is definitely encouraged, as is coming down just to see all of the great costumes.
July
July 2025, exact dates TBD
Steele Indian School Park
Few things can get Phoenicians outside en masse during one of the hottest times of the year that’s also prone to monsoon storms. However, the annual 4th of July celebration in Phoenix is worth the late night sweats for one of the best fireworks displays in the entire Southwest. There is always great music available and the entrance is free. There are plenty of vendors to choose from, but no alcohol, so it’s a good option for family activity.
July 2025, exact dates TBD
Scottsdale Arts District
On a Thursday night not long after 4th of July, the galleries in Scottsdale open their doors for an evening of after-dark art in air-conditioned luxury. Large names in the art world have pieces on display and there are artist receptions along the artwalk, which winds through the Old Town galleries, as well as refreshments and live music. The night atmosphere brings a more laid back vibe to the whole area and it’s a nice cultural touch to the summer monotony.
August
Aug 24 & 31, Sept 7 & 14
Desert Botanical Gardens
Even though daytime temps are still record-breaking, late August generally brings a slight break in evening and early morning Fahrenheit readings. This makes touring the stunning Desert Botanical Gardens during Flashlight Nights even more pleasant – and it’s already pretty amazing. DBG is a beloved local institution and this is such a unique way to tour the collection. There are food trucks and s’mores for sale while walking through different trails, along with constellation gazing, education about desert animals, and learning about the mighty Saguaro cactus.
September
Sept 11–14
WestWorld
Scottsdale has long been connected with Arabian horses; in fact, there is a sculpture of running horses in front of WestWorld. Inspired by the passion for these animals, the Arabian National Breeder Finals is a show that offers an exciting stage for them to compete. The competition consists of a series of different performances, called classes, where some of the best Arabian and halter horses in the world will compete for over $85,000 in prize money and the coveted title of Finals Champion.
Sept 20–Oct 27
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Few things in Phoenix have the kind of storied history like the Arizona State Fair, which is celebrating its 140th birthday in 2024. For weeks, locals and visitors alike flock to the grounds in the center of the city for endless variations of fried food, traditional ag display, and all the carnival games you expect. The big draw here is the particularly strong live music lineups that are worth the price of admission alone.
October
Oct 19–20
Old Town Scottsdale
“La Strada del Vino means ‘the street of wine,’” said Italian Association President Mickey Rao in a press release. “We’re delighted to bring over 30-plus wines from different regions of Italy with even more new vendors and entertainment to this year’s festival.” The ninth edition of this family-friendly festival will feature more than a dozen food vendors, including local fan favorites Pomo Pizzeria, Mamma Lucy, Aroma Culinary and Marcellino Ristorante. Festival attendees can purchase Italian goods from merchant vendors, enjoy live music from Italian musicians, and street performers will provide entertainment throughout the festival.
Oct 19–20
Steele Indian School Park
Although Pride Month is in June, Phoenix’s annual celebration in October takes advantage of cooler weather to get out and enjoy the festivities. There are 7 stages for performances with over 150 entertainers scheduled throughout the event and over 55,000 attendees are expected. There’s a Dance Pavilion, a Fiesta Caliente Latin Stage presented by Club Papi, community resources, and much more.
Oct 19–20
Salt River Fields
Tacos and agave spirits combine for two days of craveable tastings in Scottsdale. “We’re working to create something authentic to our community,” says co-founder Dave Tyda. “Something so focused on the food, drinks, music, art, and experience that makes this event the benchmark for taco festivals around the country.” The gauntlet has definitely been thrown down for every other taco and agave shindig out there.
November
Nov 1–2
Old Town Scottsdale
The event is a celebration of the American West, with over two dozen of the best artists today in alt-country, folk, Americana, roots and rock music. 2025 is the festival's second edition and includes headliners Mt. Joy and Flatland Cavalry along with Charles Wesley Godwin, Shane Smith and the Saints, and more. There will be art installations to explore and a Trading Post area where local artisans can showcase their best.
Nov 16–17
Margaret T. Hance Park
The 9th Annual Phoenix Pizza Fest is set in Downtown Phoenix. Attendees are invited to eat their weight in pizza, grab a local craft beer or wine, bring a blanket for the lawn, and chill out in front of the live music stage featuring local bands, enjoying the vibes. Expect approximately 15 to 20 pizza makers, dessert food trucks, related food vendors, and a full, park-filled festival with lawn games, live bands, and a kid’s craft zone. The festival sells out every year so get tickets early.
December
All month long
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
One of the most beautiful events in the Valley, Christmas at the Princess can be a great night out for friends, a magical evening with children, or a holiday tradition with family. “As always, our team has thought up great new experiences for one of the Southwest’s favorite Christmas events,” says Director of Public Relations John Glynn. “This year will feature a brand new light show at our lagoon, a larger ice slide, a completely new Aurora Ice experience, updated Chateau Champagne, and more.” The property always goes all out crafting the immersive world and is open for non-resort guests to attend; get tickets as early as September for discounted pricing.
Dec 2025
Sky Harbor
The annual S’edav Va’aki Museum Indian Market (formerly known as Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market) has been going on for almost 50 years. It will feature dozens of Native American artists vending fine art, crafts and cultural items, as well as main stage performances, cultural demonstrator area and food sales. Main stage entertainment often includes hoop dancing, Native American flute, traditional dance and solo guitar. The cultural demonstrators in the Ki:him (O’odham word for village) area provide hands-on learning in hoop dancing, beading, gourd art, shell etching, mask making and other activities suitable for all ages.
Dec 2025
Downtown
The beloved and famously quirky holiday craft market Phoestivus has been delighting shoppers for 15 years, having grown into the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market location. The multi-day outdoor holiday market will usually feature more than 150 small businesses, music, live performances, delicious and diverse food and of course, the beloved Phreddie the Yeti and Hipster Santa.