16 things to do in Phoenix in October
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Mesa Arts Center will again host a Día de los Muertos festival. Photo: Courtesy of Slaven Gujic via Mesa Arts Center
Your calendar is sure to be packed this month as spooky season, Pride and Día De Los Muertos usher in a host of fun things to do.
Fairs, festivals and events
The fair continues this month with new rides and fried food.
- Through Oct. 27, Thursdays-Sundays; State Fairgrounds; Tickets from $15
🇩🇪 Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest
The Valley's largest celebration of Bavarian culture and beer will showcase dachshund races, carnival rides, bratwurst galore and more.
- Oct. 11-13; 5pm-midnight Friday, 10am-midnight Saturday; 10am-8pm Sunday; Tempe Beach Park; Friday and Saturday: $20 presale, $25 at the gate and free admission for people under 21; Sunday: Free admission!
Celebrate Greek culture with music, dancing, yummy food and more.
- Oct. 11-13; 3-10pm Friday, 11am-10pm Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral; $5
Join fellow beer lovers for a taste-testing journey to some of downtown Phoenix's best bars.
- Oct. 12, 1-5pm; Kick-off at Carcara; Each participating location will offer a 4-ounce beer and snack pairing for $5.
🎶 VIVA PHX
Check out this festival showcasing Phoenix music, culture and cuisine.
- Oct. 19; 2pm-midnight; The Van Buren; Tickets from $70
Because it's too hot to gather outdoors in June, Phoenix's unofficial Pride Month is in October. Get ready for a fantastic celebration!
- Festival: Oct 19-20; 2-10pm Saturday and noon-9pm Sunday; Steele Indian School Park; Tickets from $30
- Parade: Oct. 20; 10am; 3rd Street and Thomas Road; Free!
Sample delicious fare from 30+ taqueros. Save room for margaritas!
- Oct. 19-20; 11am-7pm Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday; Salt River Fields at Talking Stick; $15, kids under 13 are free
🇲🇽 Día de los Muertos Festival
Mesa Arts Center will display its giant ofrenda — an altar honoring deceased friends and family — during its annual festival.
- Oct. 19-20; 10am-5pm; Mesa Arts Center; Free!
👻 Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
More than 20 frightfully fun hot air balloons will serve as trick-or-treat stations for little ghouls and goblins.
- Oct. 25-27; 5-9pm; Salt River Fields at Talking Stick; Tickets from $17
💀 Mikiztli Día De Los Muertos Festival
This Day of the Dead celebration will have live music, art activities and a candlelight procession.
- Oct. 27; 2-7pm; Steele Indian School Park; Free!
Concerts and performances
🌽 Korn
Get ready to rock with this popular nu metal band.
- Oct. 3 at 6:30pm; Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre; Buy tickets
🕺 Pitbull
Mr. Worldwide is sure to give you "Everything Tonight" at his "Party After Dark Tour."
- Oct. 4 at 8pm; Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre; Buy tickets
This band will make you a "Believer" with their "Loom World Tour."
- Oct. 6 at 7pm; Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre; Buy tickets
This show is sure to be "Brat."
- Oct. 13 at 7:30pm; Footprint Center; Buy tickets
🤣 "Funny Girl"
This bittersweet comedy chronicles the life of a Lower East Side girl who dreams of a life on the stage.
- Oct. 15-20; ASU Gammage Auditorium; Buy tickets
🙅 "We Ain't Ever Gonna Break Up"
This two-man folk musical parodies jukebox musicals like "Jersey Boys" and "Mamma Mia!"
- Through Nov. 3; Phoenix Theatre; Buy tickets