The Main Events Around the Valley in October and November
Home Sweet Home Tour
Phoenix Home & Garden 2026 Home Tour
November 7
If you ever wanted to peek inside some of the homes featured in the pages of this magazine, then you’ll want to get a ticket for this event. In addition to this self-guided tour of some of the most beautiful private residences in the Valley, you can also pick the brains of the Valley’s best designers and architects. VIP ticket holders receive early admission and access to additional homes. VIP admission, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; general admission, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $85-$125 plus fees. The tour stops will be released to ticket holders on Nov. 6. tickets. tickets.phoenixmag.com
Get Your Beer Here!
Arizona Craft Beer Fest
October 31
Being without a mug of frothy, delicious suds on Halloween sounds pretty scary. Thankfully, our sister publication, PHOENIX magazine, is partnering with the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild to make sure this nightmare doesn’t come true. Come sample some of the best beers the 48th state has to offer while enjoying the finest food from around the Valley. VIP Entry is at 11 a.m. General admission begins at 12 p.m. The fun ends at 4 p.m. $30-$60 plus fees. The Post, 26 N. Macdonald St., Mesa, tickets.phoenixmag.com
Fright This Way
Dark Harvest
Through November 1
There is no shortage of haunted houses in the Valley this time of year. But just when you think the Halloween-themed attractions couldn’t get more intense, Dark Harvest brings fright fans what may be the area’s first scary city. There will be scares around every corner, plus horror movie screenings and other fun surprises. Check website for ticket prices and schedule. Phoenix Event Complex, 2219 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix, darkharvestaz.com
Tipsy at Twilight
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Dracula
Through November 7
Bram Stoker’s fang-toothed creation drinks blood. But for this production, one of the actors must down five shots of alcohol before heading onstage. That’s when the other performers and the audience get caught up in the ensuing chaos. Check website for times and ticket prices. The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix, drunkshakespeare.com
Deep-Fried Fun
Arizona State Fair
October 1-November 1
Autumn in Arizona means it’s time for rodeos, monster trucks, carnival rides, deep-fried food, plus many other beloved Arizona State Fair traditions. But don’t forget to check out the Coliseum Concert Series. Tempe music legends Gin Blossoms are scheduled to perform with Becky G, All Time Low, Russell Dickerson and Public Enemy. Check website for ticket prices and event schedules. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, (602) 252-6771, azstatefair.com
Let’s Talk Design
Desert Design Week
October 6-11
Design isn’t a solo pursuit. The interior of a room or the look of a home is created through the relationships between objects, ideas and, most importantly, people. How we experience these connections is the central theme of the Fall 2026 edition of Desert Design Week. This event also includes a selection of artist receptions, pop-up art galleries and designer markets throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix. Check desertdesignweek.com for event schedule, locations and tickets.
Jurassic Chord
Jeff Goldblum
October 17-18
It was a little over a year ago that eccentric actor and accomplished jazz pianist Jeff Goldblum performed at the MIM to support his fourth album, “Still Blooming,” his take on the Great American Songbook. And just like the dinosaurs he’s seemingly battled for decades, he is coming back for more. He will be performing with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra for four shows. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $175.50-$225.50, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, (480) 478-6000, mim.org
Horsing Around
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Gila River Resorts and Casinos
November 7
Some of the world’s polo best players are coming to the Valley to compete for the coveted Molina Cup. But the “Best Polo Event in the World” isn’t just about the fast-paced equestrian sport. There will also be collectible cars from the Barrett-Jackson auction on display, a preview of Scottsdale Fashion Week, gourmet food and wine tastings, live music and other luxury experiences. Check website for ticket prices and schedule. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, (480) 423-1414, thepoloparty.com
Get Buck Wild
The Hondo Rodeo Fest
November 13-15
Many of the best professional rodeo stars from across the nation are coming to downtown Phoenix to buck a bronco. Plus, this year’s concert lineup will throw you out of your saddle. Headliners include Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Parker McCollum. 6 p.m. Tickets start at $60 plus fees. Check website for event schedule. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 514-8400, thehondorodeofest.com
It’s Ginormous
Jingle at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge
November 18-January 3
For us desert dwellers, this might be the best way to have a white Christmas. In addition to ice skating and sledding, Buddy from the beloved holiday movie Elf will be among the ice sculptures on display at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa’s annual holiday celebration. Families can also visit Santa, marvel at more than 3 million Christmas lights, participate in holiday events and sample seasonal food and beverages. Visit the website for event schedule and ticket packages. 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, (480) 293-5000, jwdesertridgechristmas.com
Galleries + Museums
Red Rock Fest
35th Annual Sedona Arts Festival
October 10-11
Sedona’s stunning red rocks make the perfect backdrop for the Verde Valley’s premier arts event. In addition to the more than 100 creatives displaying and selling their work, there will be a live pottery display, raffle prizes, live music, food and a beer and wine garden. $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 Rd., (928) 204-9456, sedonartsfestival.org
The First Spark
“ArtSpark #1”
Through January 17
The works in this exhibition were created by the emerging artists participating in Scottsdale Arts’ new career development program. From pieces that comment on the Valley’s rapid growth to vibrant paintings that dazzle the eye, this is an opportunity to see where art is heading. Check website for exhibition hours. The Center Space Gallery is inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, (480) 499-8587, scottsdalearts.org
Art of the Deal
Larsen Art Auction
October 17
This will be one of the most exciting days in the art world. More than 400 works estimated to be worth over $2 million will be up for bid at the fall edition of this biannual auction in Old Town Scottsdale. Among those represented are Southwestern artist Ed Mell, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Check website for schedule. Larsen Art Auction, 3705 N. Bishop Ln., Scottsdale, (480) 941-0900, larsenartauction.com
Back to Nature
“The World Is Too Much with Us”
October 17-December 30
Taking its title from the famous sonnet by William Wordsworth, this group exhibition features works inspired by nature. From billowy clouds in Ala Ebtekar’s “Zenith I” to the found objects that Mayme Kratz has encased in resin, these pieces ask the viewer to examine our connection with the environment. Opening reception takes place 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lisa Sette Gallery, 210 E. Catalina Dr., Phoenix, (480) 990-7342, lisasettegallery.com
Art On the Slope
9th Annual Sunnyslope Studio Tour
October 24-25
While the art scenes in downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale always seem to get the spotlight, creativity thrives in Sunnyslope. This annual fall event offers an opportunity to explore the neighborhood’s eclectic galleries at your own leisure. More than 25 artists working across various mediums will be available to share their creative processes and showcase their work. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit sunnyslopestudiotour.com for a map of participating studios and tour information.
The Art of Music
SOUNDCHECK
October 30
Sometimes art needs accompaniment, which is why Phoenix Art Museum is bringing back its monthly live music series. Electronic duo MRCH will set the mood this October. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $28 and include all-day museum admission. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, (602) 257-1880, phxart.org
Go “Western Nature”
Canal Convergence
November 6-15
It’s a convergence of milestones at Scottsdale’s annual celebration of creativity. Not only is it the 15th anniversary of the Scottsdale Arts event, but it also coincides with the city’s diamond jubilee. This is why the works for this year’s Canal Convergence will explore the elements that define “The West’s Most Western Town.” The event will also feature hands-on activities, workshops, and music and dance performances revolving around the theme of “Western Nature.” Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, canalconvergence.com
Holiday Studio Tour
30th Annual Hidden in the Hills
November 20-22, 27-29
For three decades, the state’s longest-running art tour has been a place to find that one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone on your list. Taking place throughout the communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale, this free event features more than 160 works by nationally recognized and emerging artists in various mediums, styles and price ranges. Maps are available online or at the Sonoran Arts League Studio. 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Ste. 144, Cave Creek. Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., (480) 575-6624, hiddeninthehills.org
