Originally published by Visit Phoenix View Original Article
Things to Do in Phoenix This Weekend

Things to Do in Phoenix This Weekend

September 25-27, 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 Fall Restaurant Week and the Garlic Festival to the Mexican Baseball Fiesta, 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. 

We've also rounded up things to do in Phoenix this fall. Discover all the top events happening in September 2026 here. 

Fall Arizona Restaurant Week

Friday through Sunday

During Fall ARW, participating restaurants offer specific menus featuring hyper-seasonal or limited-availability ingredients and, oftentimes, dishes that are not generally on their regular menus, allowing diners to get a new taste of chefs’ culinary talents and creativity. Through this unique opportunity, guests can enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu for just $33, $44 or $55 per person (and in some cases per couple!). Wine or cocktail pairings are often also available to enhance the ARW dining experience at participating restaurants for an additional charge. Check out Visit Phoenix's Guide to Restaurant Week.

Participating Restaurants Valleywide

Garlic Festival

Saturday and Sunday

Savor 11,000 heads of organically grown estate garlic in five unique varieties, indulge in a garlic-inspired menu from del Piero Kitchen, and explore gourmet vendor alley with creative garlic products like our famous Garlic Olive Oil Growlers and garlic-stuffed olives. Enjoy live cooking demos by Queen Creek Olive Mill owner Perry Rea, Olive Oil 101 classes, and garlic-themed estate farm tours (tickets at marketplace counter). With live music, raffles, games, wine and beer tastings, and exclusive event merchandise, this family-friendly festival offers a flavorful, fun-filled experience for all ages.

Queen Creek Olive Mill

Mexican Baseball Fiesta Phoenix

Friday through Sunday

The Mexican Baseball Fiesta returns with three days of matchups featuring teams from the Mexican Winter League, Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University. Enjoy baseball alongside music, authentic food and a festive ballpark atmosphere. Mexican Winter League teams will include Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Yaquis de Obregon, and Jaguares de Nayarit.

American Family Fields of Phoenix

Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour

Saturday

The worlds of “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES” and “Camp Rock” come together in an all-new arena concert. Sing along to fan-favorite songs and fresh mashups brought to life with Disney stars, choreography, special effects and audience interactions.

Mortgage Matchup Center

10th Annual Hatch Green Chile Festival

Saturday

Celebrate the flavors of Hatch green chile during this annual Phoenix tradition. The festival marks its 10th year with plenty of chile-inspired food and seasonal flavors for guests to enjoy.

Chelsea's Kitchen

Arizona Moon Festival

Saturday

Celebrate culture, family and tradition beneath the moon at this free community festival. The evening features lanterns and gifts for children, cultural performances, lion dances, food vendors and live entertainment.

Saigon Center Plaza

Dinosaurs in the Desert

Saturday 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

PHX Zine Fest 2026

Saturday and Sunday

Browse independently published comics, artwork, poetry, photography and more from approximately 80 zine makers. This free, all-ages festival features a different selection of creators each day, giving visitors more to discover throughout the weekend.

Rocket Space Gallery at Danelle Plaza

Salt River Arts Festival 2026

Saturday

Celebrate Indigenous creativity while exploring work from Native artists and vendors at this free festival. Guests can meet local creators and discover artwork representing the talent and traditions of Indigenous communities.

RoadHouse Cinemas at The Pavilions at Talking Stick

Scalia/Ginsburg: An Opera by Derrick Wang

Saturday and Sunday

Arizona Opera transforms the Supreme Court chambers into the setting for a witty operatic battle between Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The production celebrates their unlikely friendship and shared love of opera while exploring how disagreement and mutual respect can coexist.

Herberger Theater Center

Puppet Making With Chris Ignacio

Saturday

Explore the art of puppetry during a hands-on workshop led by artist Chris Ignacio. Participants will use their creativity to design and construct a puppet of their own.

Phoenix Art Museum

Afrobeats Block Party

Sunday

Close out the weekend with an outdoor celebration of Afrobeats music, dance and culture. DJs keep the party moving with global sounds and energetic rhythms in the heart of the Grand Avenue Arts District.

Egyptian Motor Hotel


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. 

Spookie Stripes Safari: Phoenix Zoo x Keebler®

Sept. 1 through Oct. 31

Follow the cookie-striped trail through Phoenix Zoo during this family-friendly Halloween adventure. Guests can enjoy themed activities, photo opportunities and appearances by Ernie the Keebler Elf on select days.

Phoenix Zoo

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
Saturday
Sunday

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:
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

 

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