Something's Always Happening
One of my favorite things about this city is how much of it happens outdoors, in public, with your neighbors. Between weekly farmers markets, a monthly art walk that's one of the largest in the country, and a spring calendar packed with music festivals, there's rarely a slow weekend in the Valley.
I get asked all the time by clients moving here what there actually is to do once the moving boxes are unpacked, so here's my running list: the markets I shop, the art walk I never miss, and the festivals worth marking on the calendar every year.
Farmers Market Go-Tos
Both markets are open year-round, rain or shine, with local produce, baked goods, and ready-to-eat breakfast.
Every Saturday, 7:30 to 11:30am in the warmer months and 8am to 1pm October through April. Local produce, grass-fed meats, fresh eggs, and baked goods, walk-up welcome.
The largest farmers market in the Valley, with 200-plus vendors on the grounds of North Phoenix Baptist Church. Saturdays 7 to 11am year-round, plus Wednesdays in cooler months.
First Fridays
The Roosevelt Row Arts District has hosted First Friday since 1994, and it's grown into one of the largest self-guided art walks in the country. It runs 6 to 10pm on the first Friday of every month, spanning galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and street art from Central Avenue to 7th Street. The murals alone are worth the trip.
Galleries are always free to visit, and the Central Avenue/Roosevelt Street light rail stop drops you right in the middle of it, which is the easiest way to go if you'd rather not deal with parking.
A Valley Tradition
1826 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix. This year's theme is "A State of Wonder," with rides, concerts, livestock shows, fair food, and the exhibits Arizona families have been going to for generations. Gates open at noon, closing at 9pm Thursdays and Sundays and 10pm Fridays and Saturdays.
azstatefair.com →Fall Tradition
A running list of the local farms worth the drive every fall. Dates and details change year to year, so I'd always check each farm's website before you go.
Pumpkins, fall décor, hayrides, a maze, petting zoo, picnic spots and more. Admission includes a pumpkin.
mothernaturesfarm.com →A 5-acre corn maze, mini golf, pumpkin painting, farm animals and fall activities. Tickets must be purchased online.
vertucciofarms.com →Corn maze, pumpkin picking, farm rides, games, farm-to-table food, live entertainment and weekend fun with fire dancers, karaoke and barn dances.
mortimerfarmsaz.com →Pumpkin launching, pig races, zip lines, a play yard for kids, farm animals, bakery treats and more.
schnepffarms.com →A giant pumpkin patch, themed corn mazes, petting zoo, rides and endless fall fun for kids and adults alike.
tolmachoff-farms.com →A petting zoo, gold panning, hay maze, games, pony rides, hayrides and Blazin' BBQ.
macdonaldsranch.com →Circle the Calendar
Most of the Valley's big festivals cluster in late winter and spring, before the summer heat sets in.
A three-stage, multi-day festival that mixes big-name headliners with a lineup of MLB legends and events. A great excuse for a weekend in Tempe.
Formerly the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, this nonprofit festival raises money for local charities while bringing music, art, and food to Central Phoenix.
Six days of mostly free concerts, art, and culinary experiences spread across downtown venues. An easy, low-cost way to see a ton of the city at once.
Arizona's largest country music festival, four days of camping and headliners at Canyon Moon Ranch. Worth planning transportation for in advance.