Festivals and Events in Greater Phoenix: Greater Phoenix is a vibrant and bustling city that is home to a multitude of festivals and events throughout the year. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the area, there is always something exciting to see and do in Phoenix. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the monthly calendars of festivals and events in Greater Phoenix that you can look forward to.
January
The start of the year in Greater Phoenix is always a busy one, with a range of exciting festivals and events taking place throughout the month. One of the most popular events is the Arizona Balloon Classic, which takes place over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. This event sees over 20 hot air balloons take to the skies, with live music, food, and family-friendly activities on the ground.
Another popular January event is the Phoenix Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, which draws thousands of runners from around the world. With a course that takes in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, this is a great event for both runners and spectators alike.
February
February is the month of love, and Greater Phoenix certainly knows how to celebrate it in style. The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a popular event that takes place over several weekends in February and March. This medieval-themed festival features jousting, live music, and performances, as well as plenty of food and drink.
Another event to look out for in February is the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, which attracts some of the world’s top Arabian horses and their owners. This event features competitions, exhibitions, and educational seminars, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities for horse enthusiasts.
March
March is a busy month for festivals and events in Greater Phoenix, with something to suit all interests. One of the most popular events is the Phoenix Pride Festival, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with live music, food, and family-friendly activities. The festival also includes a parade through the streets of downtown Phoenix.
Another popular March event is the Scottsdale Arts Festival, which showcases the work of over 170 artists from around the world. With live music, food, and drink, as well as hands-on art activities for all ages, this is a great event for art lovers.
April
As spring arrives in Greater Phoenix, the city comes alive with a range of festivals and events to enjoy. One of the most popular is the Tempe Festival of the Arts, which takes place over several weekends in April and December. This event features over 300 artists showcasing their work, as well as live music, food, and drink.
Another April event to look out for is the Phoenix Film Festival, which showcases over 150 independent and international films. With filmmaker Q&A sessions, workshops, and parties, this event is a must for movie lovers.
May
May is a great time to be in Greater Phoenix, with a range of outdoor festivals and events to enjoy. One of the most popular is the Cave Creek Balloon Festival, which features over 20 hot air balloons taking to the skies at sunset. With live music, food, and drink, as well as family-friendly activities, this is a great event for all ages.
Another May event to look out for is the Arizona BBQ Festival, which celebrates all things barbecue. With over 25 BBQ vendors, live music, and cooking demos, this event is a must for foodies.
June
June may be one of the hottest months in Greater Phoenix, but that doesn’t stop the city from hosting some fantastic festivals and events. One of the most popular is the Phoenix Comic Fest, which attracts thousands of fans of comics, sci-fi, and pop culture. With guest appearances from actors, writers, and artists, as well as a cosplay contest and exhibitors, this event is a must for fans of all ages.
Another June event to look out for is the Arizona Musicfest, which features a range of music genres from classical to jazz to country. With concerts and performances taking place in various venues across the city, this event is a great way to enjoy some live music.
July
July may be a hot month in Greater Phoenix, but there are still plenty of indoor and outdoor festivals and events to enjoy. One of the most popular is the Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival, which takes place in the cool shade of the Flagstaff Arboretum. With over 50 breweries showcasing their beers, as well as live music and food vendors, this event is a must for beer lovers.
Another July event to look out for is the Phoenix Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights, which takes place every Saturday evening. With animal encounters, live music, and food and drink options, this is a great way to spend a summer evening with family and friends.
August
August may be a quieter month for festivals and events in Greater Phoenix, but there are still plenty of fun activities to enjoy. One event to look out for is Arizona Restaurant Week, which showcases some of the best restaurants in the city. With special prix-fixe menus and deals, this event is a great way to sample some of the city’s culinary delights.
Another August event to look out for is the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Fan Fest, which takes place at Chase Field. With player autographs, photo opportunities, and games and activities, this event is a must for baseball fans.
September
As summer draws to a close, Greater Phoenix hosts a range of festivals and events to mark the transition to fall. One of the most popular is the Four Peaks Oktoberfest, which takes place in Tempe Beach Park. With live music, food and drink, and a range of activities, this event is a great way to celebrate Oktoberfest in style.
Another September event to look out for is the Arizona State Fair, which runs for several weeks and features live music, carnival rides, and plenty of food and drink options. With a range of activities for all ages, this event is a must for anyone looking for a fun day out.
October
October is a busy month for festivals and events in Greater Phoenix, with plenty of Halloween-themed activities to enjoy. One event to look out for is the Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular, which features over 20 hot air balloons glowing in the dark. With a haunted house, live music, and trick-or-treating, this event is a must for families.
Another October event to look out for is the Arizona State University Homecoming Parade, which takes place on Mill Avenue in Tempe. With floats, bands, and a range of activities, this event is a great way to celebrate the university and the community.
November
As fall continues in Greater Phoenix, the city hosts a range of festivals and events to enjoy. One of the most popular is the Dia de los Muertos Festival, which takes place at the Desert Botanical Garden. With altars, food and drink, and cultural activities, this event is a great way to celebrate the Mexican holiday.
Another November event to look out for is the Scottsdale International Film Festival, which showcases a range of international and independent films. With filmmaker Q&A sessions and a range of activities, this event is a must for movie lovers.
December
As the year draws to a close, Greater Phoenix hosts a range of festive events to enjoy. One of the most popular is the Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, which features over 8,000 luminarias lighting up the garden. With live music, food and drink, and family-friendly activities, this event is a great way to get into the festive spirit.
Another December event to look out for is the Fiesta Bowl, one of the largest college football games of the year, which takes place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. With pre-game festivities, a parade, and a range of activities, this event is a must for sports fans.
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Conclusion
As you can see, there is no shortage of festivals and events to enjoy in Greater Phoenix. From music festivals to food festivals, and from sporting events to cultural celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
By using a monthly calendar to plan your visits, you can make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the exciting events taking place in the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these festivals and events are a great way to experience the best of Greater Phoenix and to make lasting memories with family and friends.
