The West’s Most Western Rodeo
Sept. 5-7, WestWorld of Scottsdale
All of the best rodeo action will be on display in the Equidome Arena for this PRCA-sanctioned rodeo event. Professional rodeos showcase the abilities of animal athletes, cowboys and cowgirls in eight classic competitions. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. General admission, $25; box seats, $75. www.rodeoscottsdale.com.
Enchantment Under the Sea Charity Gala
Sept. 6, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Embark on a deep-sea adventure to raise vital funds to support children fighting life-altering medical conditions. The gala supports The Armer Foundation for Kids, which works to reduce financial barriers for families so that they can care for their children with chronic disease. Maddie in the Morning from HOT 97.5 will emcee the event, which will feature dinner, dancing, cocktails, and special surprises and heartfelt moments. 5-10 p.m. Individual tickets, $275; table of 10, $2,000. www.amerfoundation.org.
Arabian National Breeders Finals
Sept. 10-13, WestWorld of Scottsdale
The Arabian Horse Show is a signature event for Scottsdale, making the city a world-class destination for the Arabian horse community. At this prestigious show, the very best of the breed will be showcased. Prizes will be awarded at the halter/breeding showcase, and Arabian horse enthusiasts will see some amazing animals competing. Noon. Free. www.scottsdaleshow.com.
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
Sept. 12-14. WestWorld of Scottsdale
First-timers and longtime “junkers” alike will find treasures, handmade goods and creative inspiration at this three-day event. More than 160 handpicked vendors from across the country will bring their furniture, vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, architectural salvage, and whimsical decor to the 12,000 square-foot marketplace. Live music, local food trucks, photo-worthy moments, and, of course, shopping keeps attendees coming back every year. Times vary. Friday VIP event, $60; Saturday early entry, $30; Saturday and Sunday general admission, $12. www.junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com.
Rewind ’90s Night
Sept. 13, Scottsdale Civic Center
Kick it back to the 1990s with a night of throwback fun, nostalgia and good vibes. Groove to a DJ dance party featuring DJ Tranzl8r and live music by Smashed. Learn about Scottsdale in the 1990s through a historic exhibit, play some laser tag and retro arcade games, and visit the ’90s-inspired craft stations. Iconic movie-themed photo ops are perfect for posting, and local food vendors and a cocktail garden offer food and libations. 6-9 p.m. Free. www.scottsdaleaz.gov.
Garlic Fest
Sept. 13-14 & Sept. 20-21, Queen Creek Olive Mill
Garlic lovers have two weekends to indulge in garlicky delights, including garlic-infused olive oil, garlic-stuffed olives, and a garlic themed Estate Farm tour. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations from the Mill’s Perry Rea. There will be a garlic inspired menu from Del Piero kitchen, local vendors and artisans, fun and games in the grove, live music, and much more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. www.queencreekolivemill.com.
Pumpkin Fest at The Princess
Sept. 13-Oct. 31, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Celebrate fall with a touch of indulgence. At the Pumpkin Patch, try your hand at gem mining and pick out the perfect pumpkin and pose with the vintage farm trucks, hay bales, and playful backdrops. In the Cider Orchard, dash through the hay maze, try the Pumpkin Bounce, or catch some thrills on the rides. The Lantern Lawn will feature whimsical animatronics, glowing gourds, and firepits. Enhance your experience with VIP seating at the Spookeasy and enjoy the fall market. There will be plenty of tricks, treats, bites, boos, and “boo-ze.” Hours vary. $33-$40. www.pumpkinfestattheprincess.com.
Celebrate Guitars
Sept. 13-14, Musical Instrument Museum
Celebrate the guitar in all its forms. Performances will showcase a variety of guitars from around the world and across genres. After learning about the history and types of guitars, take time to explore the MIM’s exhibits or try a bite in the museum cafe. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Included with museum admission. www.mim.org.
Ballet Under the Stars
Sept. 18, Fountain Park
A Valley tradition since 1997, Ballet Under the Stars is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of ballet in the beautiful outdoors. This year’s event will include excerpts from contemporary and classic ballets like Robert Bondara’s Take Me With You, set to recorded music by the alternative rock band Radiohead; Nocturne, a beautiful duet adorned by Frederic Chopin’s Nocturne No. 13; and an excerpt from The Sleeping Beauty. Ballet Under the Stars also features world premiere performances choreographed by local elementary students through the Ballet Arizona’s Class Act program. After kicking off at Fountain Park, there will be additional performances in parks across the Valley. 7 p.m. Free. www.balletaz.org.
Arizona Restaurant Week
Sept. 19-28, Valleywide
Take a 10-day tasting tour, revisiting old standbys or discovering new favorites. Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe dinners for $33, $44 or $55, giving diners a chance to channel their inner foodies and try all of the places on their wish list. Check the website for a list of participating locations, and their exciting special menus. www.arizonarestaurantweek.com.
Benson Boone American Heart World Tour
Sept. 24, Desert Diamond Arena
Benson Boone has been gaining momentum as a global hitmaker in the pop scene. His debut ballad, Ghost Town, got more than 530 million streams and cracked the Billboard Hot 100. His follow-up song, In The Stars, saw even more success. Having released two successful EPs, Boone has embarked on a headline world tour and has a hotly anticipated debut album in the works. 8 p.m. Starting at $125. www.desertdiamondarena.com.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Sept. 24, Tempe Center for the Arts
You read that right. Not to be mistaken for that other band with a similar name, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers steal the spotlight and light up the stage with their rocked up bagpipes and covers of popular songs from all genres. The nine-piece band repertoire includes traditional Highland classics like The Flowers of Scotland and The Hills of Argyll, to rock anthems like Queen’s We Will Rock You, Clocks by Coldplay and an incredible medley of Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water, and AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. 7:30 p.m. Starting at $34.50. www.tempecenterforthearts.com.
Maricopa County Home & Garden Show
Sept. 26-28, WestWorld of Scottsdale
Whether looking to renovate, decorate, or find some inspiration, the Home & Garden Show is a one-stop shop for everything for inside and outside the home. Don’t miss the Kitchen Showcase, where local contractors build jaw-dropping kitchens to compete for Best in Show. The Houseplant Pavilion will have a massive indoor plant sale and the Local Artisans Marketplace will have handmade goods and one of a kind gifts, just in time for the holidays. Take part in fall themed crafting workshops and walk-though landscape displays, and meet with a variety of local contractors. Shop, compare and find ideas without driving all over town. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10. www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com.
Save a Life Gala
Sept. 27, Caffe Boa
The suicide rate among physicians, nurses, healthcare workers, and first responders is estimated to be 25% to 50% higher than that of any other profession. This fundraiser supports the Living in Fulfilled Enlightenment (LIFE) and Stop Our Stigma (SOS) programs, which provide these everyday heroes with vital mental health resources and support. Admission includes a gourmet meal, drinks, raffle, and silent and live auctions. 6:30 p.m. $300. www.livingenlightenment.life.
Scottsdale Oktoberfest Bar Crawl
Sept. 27, Multiple venues
Enjoy exclusive entry to multiple venues with no cover charge to celebrate Oktoberfest. Drink specials and exclusive perks are included with tickets. Experience live music, DJs, seasonal and discounted drinks, and an official after-party. This is a 21-and-older event. 4 p.m. $14.79. www.pubcrawls.com.
Uptown Plaza’s 70th Anniversary Celebration
Sept. 27, Courtyard at The Plaza
Located on the northeast corner of Central Avenue and Camelback Road, Uptown Plaza was Phoenix’s first suburban shopping center. To commemorate its 70th anniversary, it’s throwing it back to the 1950s with live music from The Joeys, a vintage photo booth built into a retro Volkswagen bus, exclusive merchandise, and giveaways. Be one of the first 250 guests to check in and unlock one-night only 1955 pricing on some food and drink items and merchandise. The event kicks off with sunset yoga hosted by Sweatshop on Central. 5-8:30 p.m. Free. www.uptownplazaphx.com.
Majestic Mariposas
Sept. 27-Nov. 16, Desert Botanical Garden
This month, butterflies will return to the Cohn Family Butterfly Pavilion for the season. More than 1,000 Southwestern butterflies, including the stunning monarch, will flutter around as visitors stroll through the pavilion. Delve into the fascinating life cycle of these beautiful pollinators. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Included with garden general admission. www.dbg.org.
Roars & Pours
Oct. 2, Phoenix Zoo
Touchdowns & Tailgates is the theme for this fall spectacular event. Don a favorite jersey and head to the zoo after hours for happy hour featuring Huss Brewing, PHX Beer Co., Hundred Mile Brewing, Wren House Brewing, Catalyst Crafted Ales, and more. Food will be available at the Savanna Grill, Crossroads Café, Safari Snacks, and Lakeside tent. Enjoy yard games like beer pong, cornhole, Connect Four, giant Jenga, and ladder toss. Camel rides, Safari Cruiser, and Chicken Poop Bingo will be available for an additional fee. This is a 21-and-older event. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $13. www.phoenixzoo.org.
Railfair
Oct. 4-5, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Train enthusiasts of all ages can explore the world of model railroading. There will be a showcase of model trains in a variety of scales, including G, HO, N, and Z scale. Model railroad clubs and guest exhibitors will be on site with intricate layouts and hands-on displays. This year’s Railfair will be held in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the park’s opening. Tasty eats from local food trucks, live music from Rhythm Edition, Rock Lobster, and The JJ’s Band, and the park’s first-ever drone light show will be part of the celebration. Saturday, 3-8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. www.therailroadpark.com.