Whether you’re a long-time local or a first-time visitor, Phoenix is a great place to enjoy all sorts of festivals and fairs throughout the year. From significant-scale events like the Arizona State Fair to smaller community celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
To help you make the most of your festival experience, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to all the festivals and fairs happening in Phoenix. Here, you’ll find information on when and where each event is taking place and what you can expect to see and do at each one.
So whether you’re looking for a family-friendly event or something more adult-oriented, check out our guide below.
The Big Three
Three festivals and fairs stand out in Phoenix and attract people from all over the state: the Arizona State Fair, the Phoenix Lights Festival, and the Parada del Sol. All three of these events are massive and offer something unique that you won’t find at any other festival or fair.
The Arizona Renaissance Festival
Website: https://arizona.renfestinfo.com/
The Renaissance Festival is one of Phoenix’s biggest and most popular festivals. It is held every year in October and November, and it features a wide variety of Renaissance-themed attractions, including live music, food, and rides.
The Arizona State Fair
Website: https://azstatefair.com/
The Arizona State Fair is one of the state’s biggest and most popular fairs. Held every fall, the fair features a wide variety of attractions, including rides, games, food, and live entertainment. There is also a large midway where you can find various carnival games and rides. The fair usually runs for about two weeks in October.
The Phoenix Pride Festival
Website: https://phoenixpride.org/events/pride-festival/
The Phoenix Pride Festival is one of the country’s biggest and most popular Pride festivals. Held every year in downtown Phoenix, the festival attracts tens of thousands of people worldwide. The festival features a Parade, live music, food and drink vendors, a Family Fun Zone, and much more.
The Mid-Sized Festivals
There are many festivals and fairs in Phoenix that cater to different interests. If you are looking for a mid-sized festival, there are a few that you can choose from. The Phoenix Film Festival is an excellent choice if you are into independent films. The Arizona Renaissance Festival is perfect for anyone who loves medieval culture. And the Scottsdale Arts Festival is an excellent option for art lovers. Keep reading to learn more about these and other mid-sized festivals in Phoenix.
The Mesa Music Festival
Website: http://mesamusicfest.com/
The Mesa Music Festival is a mid-sized festival in April in Mesa, Arizona. The festival features a variety of musical genres, including rock, pop, and country. Various food and drink vendors are also available at the festival. The Mesa Music Festival is typically held in the fall.
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F)
Website: https://m3ffest.com/
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F) is a three-day annual music festival held in Phoenix, Arizona. The festival features a variety of genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic and more.
The first M3F was held in March 2004 at the now-defunct Mason Jar nightclub. The event featured local and regional bands such as The Format, Spoonshine, and Beat Angels. Over the next few years, the festival grew in popularity and began to attract more significant name acts such as Modest Mouse, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, and The Flaming Lips.
Today, M3F is one of the largest music festivals in the state of Arizona. It is held every year at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix. The event features more than 40 musical acts each year and attracts over 30,000 people daily.
The Phoenix Film Festival
Website: https://www.phoenixfilmfestival.com/
The Phoenix Film Festival is a mid-sized festival in Phoenix, Arizona. This festival is known for its diverse selection of films, as well as its friendly atmosphere. Attending the Phoenix Film Festival is a great way to experience a wide range of films from all over the world, meet new people and have a great time.
The Smaller Festivals
There are many small festivals in Phoenix that many people need to learn about. Smaller festivals are more personal and usually have cheaper tickets. They are also a great way to support local businesses and artists. Here is a list of some smaller festivals in the Phoenix area.
The Tempe Festival of the Arts
Website: https://tempefestivalofthearts.com
Ranked as one of the top Fine Arts Festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine, the Tempe Festival of the Arts is a beloved Valley tradition. More than 350,000 people annually enjoy fine art, music, and dance performances, delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks, unique handcrafted gifts, and more. The nationally recognized festival takes place in Downtown Tempe on Mill Avenue & between 5th & 3rd Streets, just south of Tempe Town Lake. The three-day festival is free to attend.
The Gilbert Days Festival
Website: https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events-and-permits/gilbert-days
The Gilbert Days Festival is one of the smaller festivals in the Phoenix area, but it is no less fun! This two-day event celebrates the history and culture of Gilbert, Arizona. There will be live music, food vendors, and plenty of activities for the whole family.
The Glendale Chocolate Affaire
Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Glendale-Chocolate-Affaire/100076166657155/
The Glendale Chocolate Affaire is one of the smaller festivals on our list, but it’s one to attend! This festival features chocolate in every form imaginable, from chocolate-covered strawberries to chocolate fountains. There are also a variety of vendors selling unique gifts and sweets. This festival is in early February, so it’s the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our guide to all festivals and fairs in Phoenix. There is something for everyone to enjoy, so be sure to check out one or more of these remarkable events. Thanks for reading!
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