Our picks for the top events and exhibitions in Phoenix and Scottsdale for October/November 2024.

Halloween Town 2024
Oct. 2-31

If your young ones aren’t ready for a trip inside a haunted house, take them to this event designed for kids between 2 to 8 years old. There will be carnival games, a hay maze, kids’ activities, face painting and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. All activities will be available at both locations. $7, Wed.-Thurs., 4-9 p.m., Fri., 4-10 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 4500 E. Orchid Lane, Gilbert, or 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix, halloweentownaz.com

Kevin Hart
Oct. 11-13

Now that his Olympic gig is over, the busiest man in show business needs something else to do. Support the comedian when he comes to the Valley for his latest tour titled “Acting My Age.” 7:30 p.m. Check the website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 514-2919, livenation.com

3rd Annual AZ Craft Beer Awards and Festival
Oct. 19

Celebrate all things beer with our sister publication, PHOENIX magazine, and the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. Sample some of the best brews in the state and enjoy bites from the finest food vendors around the Valley, then stick around and see if your favorite craft brewery takes home an award. 12-5 p.m., $15-$70, Centerpoint Plaza, 660 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, phoenixmag.com

Taco Fest
Oct. 19-20

There’s more to tacos than tortillas, meat, lettuce and cheese. Discover the possibilities when more than 40 of Arizona’s best taco makers will be joined by local musicians, DJs, artists and vendors to celebrate the world’s most perfect meal. Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Check the website for ticket prices. Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, tacofestaz.com

Sunsets & Sips
Oct. 17

Taliesin West kicks off its popular happy hour program with live music and a book signing of “Taliesin West: At Home With Frank Lloyd Wright” by author and Phoenix Home & Garden contributor Nora Burba Trulsson. Tickets include an adult beverage, a chance to explore several indoor and outdoor spaces at Wright’s iconic architectural compound and the opportunity to enjoy the golden hour in the desert. 5 to 7 p.m., $37, Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, franklloydwright.org

Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Oct. 26

Experience the pinnacle of polo at Scottsdale’s annual Polo Party. This high-energy event combines luxury, excitement and sporting elegance for a spectacular day out. Enjoy thrilling polo matches, gourmet food and drink, and live entertainment in a stylish, festive atmosphere. The championship will feature top polo players and showcase the best in equestrian sport. In addition to daytime festivities, this year will also feature nighttime programming, including a sunset concert by Relentless Beats. General admission, $40; VIP from $95. WestWorld,16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, scottsdalepolochampionships.com

Dreamy Draw Music Festival
Nov. 1-2

Scottsdale’s Americana festival returns for its sophomore year, and it’s not slumping with this stellar lineup, which includes Mt. Joy, Shakey Graves, Paul Cauthen and local songwriter Julia DiGraza. VIP packages are available. Check the website for the complete schedule and ticket prices. Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, dreamydrawfest.com

Arizona State Fair
Through Oct. 27

When the fairgrounds light up, Valley dwellers know that fall has finally arrived in Phoenix. But be sure to come prepared. Between the topsy-turvy carnival rides, corn dogs, fry bread and funnel cakes, you’ll need a strong stomach to make it through the night, especially if you want to catch The All-American Rejects, Big Time Rush, and Vanilla Ice at the Coliseum. Thursdays-Sundays. Check the website for ticket prices and specials. 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, (602) 252-6771, azstatefair.com

Phoenix Home & Garden 2024 Home Tour
Nov. 16

Are you looking for some inspiration for your home? Then you won’t want to miss this self-guided tour of some of the most beautiful private residences in the Valley. You will also have the opportunity to pick the brains of the area’s leading designers and architects, as well as the editors of Phoenix Home & Garden. VIP ticket holders get early admission and access to even more stunning homes, as well as a cocktail reception with catered nibbles to cap off the day. The tour stops will be released to ticket holders on Nov. 15. General admission, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; VIP, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; $85-$125, tickets.phoenixmag.com

Mariah Carey
Nov. 15

It’s been 30 years since Mariah Carey gave the world her contribution to the holiday carol canon with the inescapable “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” To celebrate, the diva is putting on a holiday show that will also feature some of her biggest hits. 7:30 p.m. Check the website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-7800, footprintcenter.com

Phoenix Pizza Fest
Nov. 16-17

You may not realize that the Valley is nationally renowned for its pizzas. Now is your chance to taste why when area restaurants serve pies of all types, including wood-fired, deep-dish, New York-style and more. Grab a slice with your favorite craft beer or wine. Then stick around and enjoy lawn games and performances from some of the best local bands. Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $16, Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix, (480) 442-9176, phoenix.pizza

The Hondo Rodeo Fest
Nov. 7-9

Come downtown to see some of the best athletes buck a bronco for a piece of a million-dollar prize pool. Stay to see some of the most beloved country artists of all time, including Hank Williams Jr., Brooks and Dunn, and the Zac Brown Band. 6 p.m. Check the website for schedule and ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 514-8400, dbacks.com

33rd Annual Sedona Arts Festival
Oct. 12-13

In addition to the more than 100 creatives displaying and selling their work at Verde Valley’s leading arts event, there will be a live pottery display, live music, raffle prizes, food, and a beer and wine garden set against the gorgeous backdrop of the stunning red rocks of Sedona. $15, Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, (928) 204-9456, sedonartsfestival.org

Kierland Fine Art and Wine Festival
Oct. 26-27

More than 150 renowned artists from around the world will showcase original and captivating sculptures, paintings, mixed-media creations, fiber art, exquisite hand-blown glass, artisan jewelry and fine photography at an event ranked as one of the best festivals in the nation. There will also be live music and beer and wine tastings from breweries and wineries from around the state. Beer tastings, $15 (in advance); Wine tastings, $30-$35 (in advance); 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kierland Commons Main Street, 15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale, kierlandcommons.com/artwinefestival

Unspoken
Opening Oct. 26

Painter Diana Madaras is celebrating a quarter century of her popular namesake gallery, and to commemorate this milestone, she is unveiling 20 new paintings featuring wildlife, desert scenes and florals. Their common thread is the unspoken emotion she felt when bringing these awe-inspiring moments in time to life. Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road, Tucson, (520) 615-3001, madaras.com

7th Annual Sunnyslope Studio Tour
Oct. 26-27

Local art lovers worn out from the hustle and bustle of First Friday can go at their own pace on a self-guided tour of the unique galleries in the North Central Phoenix neighborhood of Sunnyslope. More than 25 artists working in various mediums, from ceramics to oil painting to printmaking to mixed media, will be available to discuss their process and sell their work. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Check sunnyslopestudiotour.com for a map of participating studios and tour information.

AFGHANADELICK
Nov. 1-30

Do you remember that cozy little afghan on your mom’s couch? Local artist Joe Willie Smith is taking those crocheted heirlooms and transforming the Five15 Arts Gallery into a world of yarn and color that evokes that psychedelic spirit of the ’ 60s and ’ 70s. Smith will also perform his “Immersive Afghanalistic Masquerade Performance and Gathering” using his sculptural musical instruments. Gallery visitors will be invited to wear paper masks of their choice. Fri., 6-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse, 1301 NW. Grand Ave., Phoenix, five15arts.com

Shemer Arizona Arts Festival
Nov. 4-5

Local artists, authors and illustrators will be on hand at Shemer Art Center to help those looking for the perfect holiday gift for their art-loving friends and family. There will also be live music, an interactive art zone for all ages, a silent auction, and food and drinks. Admission is free. VIP Parking and tent access is $25. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 262-4727, shemerartcenter.org

Canal Convergence
Nov. 8-17

Art reflects life, which is one of the reasons why the organizers of Canal Convergence chose “Reflections” as the public artwork event’s theme, with immersive, interactive exhibits that will focus on sustainability and the merging of water, creativity and light. This family-friendly event will also feature hands-on activities, workshops, music and dance performances, a beer and wine garden, and a mini film festival. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, canalconvergence.com

28th Annual Hidden in the Hills
Nov. 22-24, 29-Dec. 1

Conveniently scheduled around the holidays, the state’s longest-running art tour is the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind gift or something to tie the room together. Take a self-guided studio excursion through the Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale, where more than 160 nationally recognized and up-and-coming artists’ work in various mediums, styles and price ranges will be displayed and available for purchase. Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Check the website for a map of participating galleries. (480) 575-6624, sonoranartsleague.org

Phoenix

Arizona Science Center
Designed to inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages, the center boasts four levels of hands-on exhibits, plus live demonstrations, a state-of-the-art planetarium and giant-screen theater. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, azscience.org, (602) 716-2000.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Focusing on learning through play, the facility offers creative, hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children from birth to age 10, with an emphasis on early childhood education and school readiness. 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org, (602) 253-0501.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
Exhibits cover nearly an acre, including more than 90 restored pieces of fire apparatus from around the world dating from 1725 to 1969. The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes honors firefighters who died in the line of duty or were decorated for heroism, and another gallery is dedicated to the history of wildland firefighting. Exhibits for children also are featured. 6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, hallofflame.org, (602) 275-3473.

Heard Museum
Founded in 1929, this globally renowned museum explores American Indian arts and cultures with comprehensive exhibitions displayed in 12 galleries, interactive learning opportunities and a variety of festivals. The collection of art ranges from historic cultural items to contemporary fine art. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, heard.org, (602) 252-8848.

Lisa Sette Gallery
By consistently seeking out diverse artists working on the edge of aesthetic, social and conceptual investigation, Lisa Sette has shaped a contemporary art space that remains as vital and relevant today as when it was founded in 1985. Visitors will find original paintings, sculpture and photography displayed alongside intriguing installations and performance pieces from its roster of emerging and established artists. 210 E. Catalina Drive, Phoenix, lisasettegallery.com, (480) 990-7342.

Musical Instrument Museum
Thousands of instruments and artifacts from around the world, plus live performances make MIM a music lover’s dream. Advanced wireless technology and high-resolution video screens enable a full sensory experience as guests explore five geographic galleries displaying instruments from major global regions, an experience gallery that allows guests of all ages to play instruments from around the world and a mechanical music gallery that showcases unique instruments that “play themselves.” Signature events celebrate musical traditions with live performances, lectures and family-friendly activities. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, mim.org, (480) 478-6000.

Phoenix Art Museum
Top national and international exhibitions are shown alongside the museum’s collection of more than 20,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, photography and fashion design. The museum also presents a comprehensive film program, live performances and educational programs designed for visitors of all ages. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, phxart.‌org, (602) 257-1880.

Pueblo Grande Museum
This national historic landmark is built around a Hohokam mound that overlooks the source of more than 600 miles of canals built by these prehistoric people, with exhibits and hands-on activities, plus full-scale reproductions of Hohokam homes. 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix, pueblogrande.com, (602) 495-0901.

Shemer Art Center
Built in 1919, this former residence with a panoramic view of Camelback Mountain offers a unique, historic-home setting in which visitors can learn about visual arts through classes, lectures, workshops, exhibits and events. 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, shemerart‌‌center.org, (602) 262-4727.

Scottsdale

Altamira Fine Art
The gallery specializes in exhibition and sale of Western contemporary artwork by more than 40 artists in a range of media, including oil and acrylic paintings, glass and bronze works and digital art installations. 7038 E. Main St., Scottsdale, altamiraart.com, (480) 949-1256.

Bonner David Galleries
The gallery features the best of both representational and contemporary fine art by more than 30 nationally and internationally collected artists, providing a welcoming, relaxed setting for the seasoned collector and those just beginning their art journeys. 7040 E. Main St., Scottsdale, bonnerdavid.‌com, (480) 941-8500.

Carstens Fine Art Studio & Gallery
An artist since 6 years old, Cyndy Carstens is the visionary behind this working artist studio and gallery. Her paintings focus on elements of light as she strives to reflect the assurance of beauty, hope and tranquilitys. 7100 E. Main St., Scottsdale, cyndycarstens.com, (480) 946-3217.

Old Town Scottsdale

Rodeo Museum
Located in the heart of Old Town, the museum is packed with historic cowboy and rodeo artifacts and memorabilia dating back to the 1950s, including bull ropes, saddles, vintage rodeo magazines and original Parada del Sol posters that boast artwork by the likes of Kenneth M. Freeman. Adventurous guests can climb atop El Diablo—one of the winningest bulls ever who is now on permanent display, mid-buck—for a fun photo-op. 3806 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale, (602) 616-6901.

On the Edge Gallery
Visitors can interact directly with the artists at this one-of-a-kind Scottsdale gallery, which represents more than 40 professional, juried Arizona makers who own and operate the exhibit space. An array of fine and contemporary art from every creative medium is featured, including fiber art, photography, ceramics, paintings, jewelry and mixed-media pieces. 7077 E. Main St., Scottsdale, ontheedgegallery.com, (480) 265-8991.

Pejman Gallery
Artist Bob Pejman is internationally acclaimed for his depictions of European and Old-World vistas. The Scottsdale gallery exhibits his collection of oil paintings and mixed-media works on canvas as well as original paintings by leading American and European artists and sculptures by Gaylord Ho. 7130 E. Main St., Scottsdale, pejmangallery.com, (480) 970-1505.

Quan’tum Art Inc.
Located in the courtyard at Marshall Square, QAI offers original contemporary art by internationally collected artists: sculptor John Gleason, glass artist Suzanne Larson, painter Jacque L. Keller, ceramicist Alvin Pace and more. 7077 E. Main St., Scottsdale, quantumartinc.com, (480) 216-0450.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
A museum dedicated to contemporary art, architecture and design that challenges expectations, SMoCA has four main galleries that showcase changing exhibitions and works from the museum’s growing permanent collection, plus an outdoor courtyard featuring “Knight Rise,” a Skyspace enclosure by James Turrell. 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale, smoca.org, (480) 874-4666.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum features Western and Native American art and artifacts, gallery tours and educational activities that bring the West’s heritage and culture to life. Permanent exhibits include “Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection,” which features 65 examples of Hopi pottery spanning six centuries, and “The Abe Hays Family Spirit of the West Collection,” a showcase of more than 1,400 cowboy gear and other Old West objects. 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, scottsdalemu‌seumwest.‌org, (480) 686-9539.

Wilde Meyer Gallery
With galleries in Scottsdale and Tucson, Wilde Meyer presents changing exhibits of innovative, original, contemporary fine art, with styles that range from sophisticated abstracts and contemporary Western to figurative and landscape works. Media includes paintings, bronzes, sculpture, glass and more. 4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, (480) 945-2323; 2890 E. Skyline Drive, Tucson, (520) 615-5222, wildemeyer.‌com.

Xanadu Gallery
Paintings, sculpture, mixed-media pieces and other works in a variety of media and styles are in the spotlight at this eclectic gallery, which was established in 2001. 7039 E. Main St., Scottsdale, xanadugallery.com, (480) 368-9929.

Tempe

ASU Art Museum
Founded in 1950, the contemporary museum is located in Antoine Predock’s award-winning Nelson Fine Arts Center on the western edge of the Tempe campus, boasting six expansive galleries and three sculpture courts. Nelson Fine Arts Center, 51 E. 10th St., Tempe, asuartmuseum.‌asu.‌edu, (480) 965-2787.

ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center
A destination for the study and appreciation of ceramics, the center presents more than 3,500 objects. Since 1967, the collection has been displayed in open storage, providing year-round access to a majority of the permanent collection. 699 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, asuartmuseum.asu.edu, (480) 727-8170.