Things to Do in Phoenix This Weekend: October 23–25, 2026

Fall festivals, Día de los Muertos celebrations, concerts, sports, family adventures and date-night ideas across the Valley of the Sun.

October is one of the best times to explore Arizona, and this weekend is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy it. Whether you're looking for a free cultural festival, a pumpkin-season adventure with the kids, a live concert, a sporting event or a memorable date night, there's plenty happening around Phoenix and Maricopa County.

Welcome to this week's Desert Dwelling Weekender, your local guide to making the most of life in the Valley of the Sun.

🎃 Fall Festivals & Family Fun

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival | Scottsdale | October 23–25

Make Halloween memorable with more than 20 hot-air balloons transformed into trick-or-treat stations, plus a Kids Zone, costume contests and a spooky trail at Salt River Fields. Check the event website for admission, schedules and optional balloon rides.

Arizona State Fair | Phoenix | Through November 1

Enjoy carnival rides, games, fair food, exhibits and entertainment at one of Arizona's biggest fall traditions. Daily hours, ticket prices and attractions vary, so plan ahead.

Pumpkin & Chili Party at Schnepf Farms | Queen Creek

Celebrate the season with pumpkin-themed activities, farm attractions, fall food and entertainment. Check the farm's calendar for admission and activity schedules.

Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival | Mesa

A corn maze and fall-festival outing for East Valley families looking for seasonal fun.

💀 Día de los Muertos: Three Ways to Celebrate

This weekend offers several opportunities to experience the art, music and traditions of Día de los Muertos.

Día de los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center | Saturday and Sunday

This FREE cultural celebration features music, folklórico performances, art activities and community altars. Saturday's program includes Lila Downs in the evening. A relaxed hour from 11 a.m. to noon offers a quieter, more sensory-friendly introduction before the main festival begins.

MIKIZTLI at Arizona Center | Saturday

Head downtown for a FREE family-friendly festival featuring mariachi music, ballet folklórico, art activities, food vendors and a community ofrenda.

Día de los Muertos Fiestas in Old Town Scottsdale | Saturday

Enjoy cultural performances, art installations, a Catrina fashion show and the Desfile de los Muertos procession at Scottsdale Civic Center. Admission is free.

🍷 Art, Wine & a Perfect Date Day

Stagecoach Village Fine Art & Wine Festival | Cave Creek | October 23–25

Browse more than 100 juried artists and artisans, discover Arizona wines, enjoy food vendors and listen to live music. It's an excellent option for couples, friends or anyone who appreciates art and a relaxed outdoor setting.

For another cultural date, visit the Desert Botanical Garden, explore a museum, or combine a concert with dinner downtown.

🎶 Concerts & Live Music

Gorillaz | Friday | Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix

A major concert for fans of the genre-blending band and its distinctive visual style.

Los Tigres del Norte | Saturday | Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale

Catch the celebrated regional Mexican group on its Los Tigres del Mundo tour.

Lila Downs | Saturday | Mesa Arts Center

A special musical highlight of the free Día de los Muertos Festival.

For a more casual live-music experience, explore the performers at Stagecoach Village's festival and the music stages at the weekend's cultural celebrations.

🏀🏈 Sports Weekend

Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors | Saturday at 7 p.m.

The Suns welcome the Warriors to Mortgage Matchup Center for the home opener. It's a great option for basketball fans and a lively downtown night out.

Arizona State Sun Devils Football | Saturday

Head to Tempe for college football at Mountain America Stadium as ASU takes on Kansas State. Verify the final kickoff time before leaving.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos | Sunday

Spend Sunday cheering on the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Check the official schedule for kickoff details and stadium policies.

Phoenix Rising FC | Saturday

Local soccer fans can catch Phoenix Rising against Lexington SC. Check the club's official schedule for match information.

🌵 Explore Arizona's Museums & Attractions

Not every great weekend outing needs a festival ticket. These attractions offer excellent options for residents, visitors and winter guests.

• Desert Botanical Garden: Explore desert landscapes and seasonal programming. The Garden's Strange Garden activities run October 22–31, including family-friendly adventures, an adults-only Spirit Walk and live music. The public fall plant sale also runs October 23–26.

• Butterfly Wonderland: Walk through a tropical butterfly conservatory and discover the life cycle of these remarkable insects.

• Arizona Science Center: Explore interactive exhibits and planetarium experiences.

• Phoenix Zoo: Spend the day discovering animal habitats and check for seasonal Halloween programming.

• Musical Instrument Museum: Experience musical instruments and traditions from around the world.

• OdySea Aquarium: Discover marine life and underwater exhibits in Scottsdale.

• Heard Museum: Explore Indigenous art, history and culture.

• Phoenix Art Museum: Discover art exhibitions and enjoy a cultural outing downtown.

Check each attraction's official website for current hours, admission and special exhibits before visiting.

💸 Free & Budget-Friendly Weekend Ideas

Want to have fun without spending a fortune?

Start with the free Día de los Muertos celebrations in Mesa, Phoenix or Scottsdale. Browse the public plant sale at Desert Botanical Garden, or spend time exploring a cultural festival and its live performances.

For paid activities, compare admission and parking costs in advance. Some festivals have free components but charge for food, tastings, rides or special experiences.

🌙 Date Night & Grown-Up Fun

Looking for something beyond the family festival circuit? Consider Gorillaz on Friday, Los Tigres del Norte on Saturday, or an art-and-wine outing in Cave Creek. The Desert Botanical Garden's adults-only Spirit Walk is another seasonal option to investigate; check the Garden's schedule and ticket requirements.

You can also make a night of it at a Valley resort or casino by checking the current live-entertainment calendar and pairing a confirmed show with dinner.

Make This Weekend Count

From cultural celebrations and glowing balloons to live music, football and beautiful desert attractions, October 23–25 is a great weekend to discover something new around the Valley.

Save this guide, share it with your weekend crew, and tell us which event you're most excited about!

Event details, admission, schedules and ticket availability can change. Confirm all information with the official organizer before heading out.

Desert Dwelling Weekender
Curated by Pamela Manwaring, REALTOR® | Real Broker, LLC
Domi in the Desert | Luxury Real Estate
Let's Find Your Domi in the Desert.