The best fall festivals in metro Phoenix, including the biggest art festivals of 2023

Seasons change from summer to fall, and as the weather gets just a little bit cooler in Arizona, people are going out to enjoy the weather.

Attending festivals and events is a fantastic way to break from routine and infuse life with fun and excitement. From pumpkin patches at local farms to Arizona Fall Festival and Pride Festival, these gatherings offer a chance to immerse oneself in unique experiences, whether it's enjoying live music, savoring delicious food, exploring diverse cultures, or simply connecting with others who share similar interests.

Here is your full guide to some of the upcoming Fall events and festivals around the valley.

Things to do in September

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

Go on a shopping spree at the Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. This popular semiannual shopping experience hosts over 160 small businesses from across the country selling home goods, jewelry, appliances, clothing and vintage items.

Details: Sept. 15-17. 4-9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com.

Things to do in October

Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival

Get in the autumn spirit and enjoy the Valley’s longest-running corn maze at the Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival. The event also includes a petting zoo, carnival rides, barrel train rides, pumpkin sales, mini golf and duck races.

Details: Sept. 29-Oct. 29. 3-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. $15. vertucciofarms.com.

Mariachi and Folklórico Festival

Experience the rich cultural history of Mexico through music and dance. The annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival hosts performances by mariachi bands and folkloric dance groups celebrating the heritage and artistic expressions of Mexican communities.

Details: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. $48. 480-782-2680, chandleraz.gov.

Indigenous People’s Day Festival

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day at this festival which honors the cultures, traditions and contributions of Indigenous communities. There will be cultural performances, art exhibitions and food vendors.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix. Free. ipdphx.com

Phoenix Fashion Week

Calling all fashionistas: Phoenix Fashion Week will showcase fall and holiday 2023 collections from over 20 established and emerging designers and accessory brands, offering couture, ready-to-wear, resort collections and luxury items.

Details: 5:30-11:59 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 20-21. Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix. $25. phoenixfashionweek.com.

Arizona Jazz Festival

Bebop to the music and channel your inner blues at the Arizona Jazz Festival. This event is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing jazz music and its various subgenres. Look for feature performances by renowned musicians and bands like Kenny G and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

Details: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 20-22. High Street, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix. Single-day tickets from $95; weekend packages available. 602-244-8444 azjazzfest.com.

Things to do in Phoenix, AZ Find local events, weekend festivals, and free attractions for families

Phoenix Pride

Celebrate diversity, inclusion and the LGBTQ+ community at the annual Phoenix Pride Festival. Vendors, drag queens, artists, live performances and a parade help promote awareness and support for the community.

Details: Noon-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 21-22. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. $30. 602-277-7433, phoenixpride.org.

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival

Take trick-or-treating to the next level. The Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival will feature over 20 hot air balloons serving as trick-or-treating stations with candy and treats, giving out over 4,000 pounds of candy. Additionally, festival-goers can enjoy tethered balloon rides offering aerial views of the festival.

Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 27-29. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. $17. azspooktacular.com.

Día de los Muertos Festival

Celebrate the iconic Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones. The festival will feature a variety of activities and traditions, such as colorful ofrendas (altars), sugar skulls, marigold flowers, music and dance performances, face painting and arts and crafts.

Details: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Free. diadelosmuertosphx.com.

Things to do in November

Fountain Hills Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts

The Fountain Hills Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts has grown from 60 artists in its inaugural year in 1974 to now featuring nearly 500 artists and craftspeople from around the world. It’s a great place for holiday shopping for ornaments and artwork or getting inspired by looking at the many art styles.

Details: Nov. 10-12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, 16837 E. Palisades Blvd., Fountain Hills. Free. fhchamber.com.

Arizona Fall Festival

The annual Arizona Fall Festival presents 200 vendors representing local businesses, wineries, breweries, a food court with more than 40 eateries, games, live music and a silent auction with more than 100 local gifts and experiences up for bids. The first 300 attendees will receive a free goodie bag.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Margaret T. Hance Park, near Third and Moreland streets, downtown Phoenix. Free. localfirstaz.com.

Herberger Theater Center Festival of the Arts

The Herberger Theater Center's 14th annual Festival of the Arts will offer a diverse range of experiences including live performances, artist demos, kids activities, a vendor market, food, a wine and beer garden and more. Mayor Kate Gallego will kick off the event, followed by performances including Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ and Roman Orona's Native American songs and dances.

Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. Free. herbergertheater.org.

Things to do in December

Tempe Festival of the Arts

With a history spanning over 50 years, the Tempe Festival of the Arts features over 350 artists from around the country and has become a point of pride for Tempe, attracting nearly 225,000 visitors to the historic Mill Avenue area for each spring and fall event, offering a diverse range of art, music and food.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 1-3. Along Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe. Free. tempefestivalofthearts.com.

Phoenix Festival of the Arts

Presented by Phoenix Center for the Arts, the Phoenix Festival of the Arts celebrates its 11th anniversary by featuring over 150 vendors, local music, food trucks and a wide range of activities, providing an opportunity for attendees of all ages to connect with the local art community.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 9-10. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. Free. phoenixfestivalofthearts.org.

S’edav Va’aki Museum Indian Market

The 46th annual S'edav Va'aki Museum Indian Market, formerly known as the Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market, will host over 110 Native American artists selling art, crafts and cultural items. There will also be performances and demonstrations including hoop dancing, flute music, an indie rock band, traditional dance and cultural activities for all ages, as well as food for sale.

Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 9-10. S'edav Va'aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. $5. pueblogrande.org.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The absolute best events and things to do in Phoenix in fall 2023