Editor's note: Previous events that have already happened have been removed from this listing to keep it current.
While September marks the start of fall and (finally) slightly cooler temperatures in the Valley, it also marks the start of the so-called events and festivals season.
Because of increasing concerns regarding the delta variant, the Arizona Taco Festival, Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival, and Tempe Oktoberfest have been canceled.
However, other events and festivals are currently moving forward as planned.
Generally, the CDC says fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask when outside, but also said people should "consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings." The CDC also recommends everyone wear a mask when at indoor public
places, regardless of their vaccination status.
For those planning ahead for the fall, here is a list of events and festivals happening around town.
Related: Fall concerts, events, and festivals around the Valley
Gilbert Oktoberfest (Oct. 23)
Enjoy traditional German food, listen to polka music, or participate in brat-eating and/or stein-holding competitions at the 2021 Gilbert Oktoberfest.
What to know: $12 in advance, $20 at the gate, plus the cost of food and drink; Oct. 23, 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Gilbert Regional Park. www.gilbertoktoberfest.com
Anthem AutumnFest (Oct. 23 & 24)
This year's Anthem AutumnFest will have carnival rides, an arts and crafts fair, hayrides, live music, a food court and beer garden, and a pumpkin patch.
What to know: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Communiy Park. Free. Pumpkins and carnival rides may have their own costs; www.onlineatanthem.com
Mesa Arts Center’s Dia De Los Muertos Festival (Oct. 23 & 24)
Celebrate "Day of the Dead" and Latin American art and culture at this free event at the Mesa Art Center.
What to know: Free, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Mesa Arts Center, One East Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201, www.mesaartscenter.com/diadelosmuertos
Dia De Los Muertos PHX (Oct. 24)
Also known as "Day of the Dead," families remember and honor their ancestors through photos, offerings, music, and artwork. Plans for this year's festival include mask making, a community altar, live music and entertainment, face painting, and a sunset procession.
What to know: Free, though food, drink, merchandise are separate costs; gates open at 1 p.m., http://diadelosmuertosphx.com
Pumpkin Party Palooza (Oct. 28)
The event will have cider, pumpkins to decorate, face painting, candy, and other Halloween-themed game for people
to play.
What to know: $5-$10 in advance, $15 at the gate; Oct. 28, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Hance Park Urban Plaza, 1st Street and Moreland Street in Phoenix. www.eventsthatmove.com
Canal Convergence (Nov. 5 - 14)
Ten immersive artworks and installations will line the Scottsdale Waterfront canal, near Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, for 2021 Canal Convergence, an outdoor art walk. This year's theme is "Art and Technology." Walter Productions will once again have their fire pieces on display. This year's piece, Floom, featured a series of "fire-spouting flower sculptures."
What to know: Free; Nov. 5 - 6, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., Nov. 7 - 11, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Nov. 12-13, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., and Nov. 14, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., https://canalconvergence.com
Fall Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival (Nov. 5-7)
Drive up to Carefree to sample wine and look at the artwork of more than 150 selected artists. Admission is $3 (cash only) per person, and $13 to sample wine.
What to know: $3 cash only, $13 to sample wines; Nov. 5-7, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 1-1 Easy Street, Carefree AZ 85377. https://thunderbirdartists.com
Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival (Nov. 6)
Asian steamed buns, gua bao, and sweet buns will be showcased at the Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival, as well as Boba, desserts, and other Asian dishes. The festival will be held in downtown Chandler.
What to know: Admission is $4-$15, plus fees and cost of food and drink; noon to 4:30 p.m., Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 3. S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler AZ 85224, www.facebook.com/azbaodumpling
Italian Pizza & Wine Festival (Nov. 6)
Intended as a preview of its spring Italian Fest, a handful of chefs and restaurants — Fabio on Fire, Trattoria D'Amico, Bored Baker Pizza Maker, L 'Impasto, and Re Di Roma, and others — will serve pizza, sandwiches, desserts, and other Italian dishes at this festival. There will also be Italian wines and imported beer for people to sample, live entertainment, and other activities.
What to know: $10 in advance, $15 at the gate; food and drinks are additional costs; noon to 9 p.m. at Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. www.italianassociation.org
The Good Life Festival (Nov. 6)
After years at the Trilogy at Encanterra community, The Good Life Festival moves to Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. The event was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic and is set to return in 2021. American, Don Felder, who served as the lead guitarist for the Eagles and launched a solo career, and The Guess Who with Nate Nathan and Mac Daddy-O’s, are set to perform at the event.
What to know: Tickets are $50-$95; doors open at 2 p.m. and show starts at 2:45 p.m., Schnepf Farms, 24810 E. Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ; www.thegoodlifefest.com
Phoenix Pride Parade and Festival (Nov. 6 & 7)
Phoenix Pride marks 40 years in 2021 after having to postpone its 2020 festivities due to the pandemic. This year, the Grand Marshals include past board chairs and executive directors. Neon Trees, Melanie Fiona, Jenn Cuneta, Maribel Guardia, and Los Horoscopos de Durango will headline the festival's main stages.
What to know: Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Nov. 6 near Third Street and Thomas, free admission; Festival runs noon to 9 p.m. Nov. 6 & 7 at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012; festival admission is $30-$100; https://phoenixpride.org.
2021 Serb Fest (Nov. 6 & 7)
The 2021 Serb Fest returns Nov. 6 & 7, 2021. Learn about Serbian culture and traditions, try Serbian cuisine, and listen to Serbian music.
What to know: Nov. 6, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday, noon to 8 p.m., Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 4436 E. McKinley Street, Phoenix AZ 85008. www.serbfest.com
Fountain Hills Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts (Nov. 12-14)
Dozens of fine-art artists will have their paintings, sculptures, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and other artworks on display and for sale during the fall Fountain Hills Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts.
What to know: Free; food, drink, and artworks are additional costs; Nov. 12-14, Friday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m,. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.fountainhillschamber.com
Phoenix Pizza Festival (Nov. 13-14)
A festival for pizza lovers. Around 20 pizza makers will be at Margarita T. Hance Park with individual slices available for $2 - $4, as well as half-pies and whole pizzas. This year, the festival expands to two days vs. one. There will also be vendors with beer, wine, cocktails, and dessert, plus lawn games and live music. There will also be a "Donut Hole" with a dozen or so doughnut makers in place of this year's Phoenix Donut Festival.
What to know: Tickets are $12 and must be bought in advance, plus costs of food and drink; Saturday, 11 a.m - 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The event is expected to sell out in advance. No tickets will be sold at the gate. www.phoenix.pizza.
AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews (Nov. 13)
Sample beers, wines, spirits, and hard seltzers from more than 25 Arizona breweries, wineries, and distilleries. All will have booths at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for the 2021 AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews festival.
What to know: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale AZ 85258; admission is $50 - $65 and includes a dozen samples. Additional sample tickets are available for purchase, https://azbottlesandbrews.com
Water Lantern Festival (Nov. 13)
Dozens of lanterns will light the water at Kiwanis Park during the Water Lantern Festival. Admission includes one lantern kit, an LED candle, bag, and a market. There will also be music and food trucks.
What to know: $26 - $56; Nov. 13 at Kiwanis Lake, 2:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., lantern release at 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. www.waterlanternfestival.com/tempe
Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off (Nov. 13)
Teams will compete against each other to cook trail-worthy meals out of 1800s-era chuck wagons. Meal tickets are $15 each and in limited supply. Meal options include cast iron chicken fried steak, chili Verde, beef tips, red chili tips, among others.
What to know: Meal tickets are $15 and can be bought in advance; Nov. 13 at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler AZ 85286. www.chandleraz.gov
Gilbert Days Music Fest (Nov. 19-20)
The 2021 Gilbert Day Music Fest will be held on Nov. 19 & 20, 2021, at Gilbert Regional Park. There will be nightly concerts, inflatables, food trucks, and other activities. "The Instant Classics" and "Piano Men Generations" perform Friday, followed by "Georgia Chrome" and "Desert Dixie on Saturday.
What to know: $5 in advance, $10 at the gate, (kids 12 and younger are free), $15-$20 for activity wristbands, Nov. 19 & 20, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., at Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert AZ 85298. www.gilbertaz.gov
Herberger Festival of the Arts (Nov. 20)
Celebrate the arts with live music, dancing, performances, food, and beer and wine tasting at the Fall Festival of the Arts. Parking garages, lots, and meters are nearby and will have their own fees.
What to know: Free; Nov. 20, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Herberger Center for the Arts, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. https://herbergertheater.org/festival-of-the-arts
Enchanted Island Harvest Festival (Nov. 20 & 21)
The family amusement park will have a two-day fall festival with a petting zoo, pony rides, carnival games, such as ring toss and pumpkin fishing, pumpkin golf, and pumpkin bowling. The park's other rides, including its train and carousel, will also be open.
What to know: 11 a.m. - 6p .m. both days; admission is $12 per person or $25 for unlimited access to festival and amusement park rides; www.enchantedisland.com
