October 16-18, 2026
Find out what’s happening this weekend in Phoenix, where art walks, major concerts, cultural celebrations, and can’t-miss sporting events are taking over the Valley. From the Arizona State Fair and World of Illumination to the Phoenix Suns, and pool parties, live music, and family-friendly events, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. Explore the latest art exhibitions, cheer on your favorite teams, or plan a night out with top concerts and performances. For even more ideas, browse our full event calendar and check out our major annual events happening in 2026 here.
Looking for seasonal fun? Explore our fall events and things to do in Phoenix this fall. Discover all the top events happening in October 2026 here.
Arizona State Fair
Friday through Sunday
Kick off fair season with rides, games, exhibits, concerts and classic fair food. The Arizona State Fair opens its monthlong run this weekend.
Arizona State Fairgrounds
World of Illumination: Zombie Zoo Halloween Experience
Friday through Sunday
Cruise through glowing animal habitats, animated monsters and Halloween scenes at this family-friendly drive-through light show. Tune in to the Halloween soundtrack as the displays turn Tempe Diablo Stadium into an after-dark dance party. Looking for more seasonal fun? Get into the spooky spirit with our guide to Halloween events in Phoenix.
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze at Tolmachoff Farms
Friday through Sunday
Pick out a pumpkin and find your way through a five-acre corn maze at Tolmachoff Farms. Bring the family for a mini maze, petting zoo, jumping pillow and more fall fun. Looking for more seasonal fun? Explore our fall events and things to do in Phoenix this fall.
Tolmachoff Farms
Taking Back Sunday
Friday
Taking Back Sunday brings a night of emo and alternative rock to downtown Phoenix. Catch the band live with special guests Thrice and Saves the Day.
Arizona Financial Theatre
Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz
Friday
The Phoenix Suns take on the Utah Jazz as preseason basketball returns to downtown Phoenix. Cheer on the home team before the regular season gets underway.
Mortgage Matchup Center
Phoenix Greek Festival
Friday through Sunday
Get a taste of Greece with gyros, roasted lamb, baklava and more at this annual celebration of Greek culture. Stay for live music, traditional dance performances and shopping throughout the weekend.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community Center
Super Bloom: Art Exhibit
Friday through Sunday
Explore giant desert flowers, colorful glass houses and immersive botanical art at Super Bloom by Graphic Rewilding. Experience the installations by day or visit after dark to see the Garden’s trails transformed with light, color and shadow.
Desert Botanical Garden
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Friday
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series rolls into Phoenix Raceway for an afternoon of racing action. Watch drivers battle for position as they take on the Avondale track.
Phoenix Raceway
Ranfla Vida: Local Lowrider History
Friday and Saturday
Discover the artistry and community stories behind local lowrider culture at this free exhibition. Explore how Mexican American car customization grew into a tradition spanning generations and cultures.
Tempe History Museum
The Offspring at the Arizona State Fair
Friday
The Offspring brings decades of punk rock hits to the Arizona State Fair’s Coliseum Concert Series. Concert tickets include fair admission, so arrive early for rides, games and classic fair food.
Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Arizona State Fair
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Saturday and Sunday
Spend an evening with Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra for a mix of live jazz and the actor’s signature charm. Catch the ensemble in the intimate setting of MIM’s Music Theater.
Musical Instrument Museum
Willcox Wine Country Fall Festival
Saturday and Sunday
Plan a weekend road trip to Willcox for a celebration of Arizona wine. Sample local wines, meet winemakers and enjoy food, artisan vendors and live entertainment in historic downtown Willcox.
Historic Railroad Park, Willcox
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Classical Compositions
Sunday
Set the mood for spooky season with haunting melodies performed by live musicians under the glow of candlelight. This atmospheric concert brings a Halloween-inspired musical evening to the Phoenix Zoo.
Phoenix Zoo
Day Trips from Phoenix
Friday through Sunday
Phoenix is a hub for a number of memorable day and weekend trips that allow you to explore Arizona for the day and be back in town by night, from Sedona and Prescott to Tucson and Camp Verde. Check our Day Trip Guide for more information.
Free Things to Do
Friday through Sunday
Many of the events featured on our blog are free, but if you're looking for more options, check out our Free and Cheap in Phoenix Guide.
Greater Phoenix
Family-Friendly Activities This Weekend
Discover the best family-friendly things to do in Phoenix—from interactive museums to outdoor adventures and kid-friendly eats.
Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND
Friday through Sunday
Build your way into spooky season with Halloween-themed LEGO activities and creative workshops. Bring the family for some monster-inspired fun, included with admission.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
Sports This Weekend
Phoenix is a premier sports destination, and our local teams are bringing the heat. The Valley also hosts major sports events. Here’s who you can cheer on this weekend:
Friday
Concerts & Performances This Weekend
Shows are taking place more often now, including theatre performances, comedy shows and concerts. Here's who you can see perform this weekend:
Friday:
- Jazzy's Hip Hop House Party at The Pemberton
- Filthy Fridays at Thunderbird Lounge
- Live Music at Weft & Warp
- Live Music at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
- Sip and Spin at Eden Rooftop Bar
Saturday:
Sunday:
Art Exhibits This Weekend
Phoenix is home to the largest art museum in the southwestern United States. Ignite your mind with the creativity and inspiration you will find at our local cultural institutions. Here's the art exhibits you can see this weekend:
Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
Through October 25, 2026
Join a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to experience Titanic, the most luxurious ship to ever set sail. Featuring numerous artifacts, dramatic room recreations, never-before-seen 3D views, video animations, and cutting-edge technology, Titanic: An Immersive Voyage – Secrets of the Deep tells the story of the RMS Titanic like never before.
Galleria Centre
Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour at SEA LIFE Arizona
Through November 15, 2026
Explore marine life through the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons with themed displays, character standees and photo opportunities. Guests can also complete special activities and meet Isabelle, Tom Nook or K.K. Slider on select days.
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Dinosaurs in the Desert
Through April 30, 2027
Life-size dinosaurs return to the Phoenix Zoo for the first time since 2023. Explore prehistoric creatures throughout the Zoo’s trails, dig for fossils and celebrate opening day with dinosaur-themed games, crafts and entertainment.
Phoenix Zoo