Arizona's East Valley Fall Bucket List!
Arizona fall may not come with piles of colorful leaves, but it does come with cooler evenings, patio weather, pumpkin patches, outdoor festivals and some of the best months of the year to explore the Valley.
GILBERT š
Pick out a pumpkin at Mother Nature's FarmTake the kids for pumpkins, farm animals and all the classic fall photo opportunities.
Spend a morning at the Gilbert Art Walk Shop local artists, listen to live music and wander Downtown Gilbert. Fall dates include October 3 and 17 and November 7, 14 and 28.
Pack a blanket for Concerts in the Park - Enjoy an evening outside at Gilbert Regional Park. Fall concerts are scheduled for October 1, 15, 22 and 29.
Eat your way through Sound BitesGilbert Regional Park hosts the Sound Bites Music & Food Festival on October 9 with food, music and an evening outside.
5. Celebrate Gilbert DaysCatch the Gilbert Days Parade and then head to Gilbert Regional Park for the festival on November 21 with live music, food, shopping and family activities.
SCOTTSDALE šµ
Try someplace new during Arizona Restaurant Week Fall Arizona Restaurant Week runs September 18 through 27, making it the perfect excuse to finally try that Scottsdale restaurant sitting on your saved list.
See the balloons glow at the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon FestivalSalt River Fields lights up October 23 through 25 with glowing hot air balloons, trick or treating and Halloween festivities.
18. Experience Canal ConvergenceFrom November 6 through 15, the Scottsdale Waterfront transforms with large scale public art, light installations, performances, music and interactive experiences. Admission is free.
Spend the day at the Scottsdale Polo ChampionshipsThe Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships return to WestWorld on November 7 with polo, fashion, Arabian horses, wine tasting and plenty of Scottsdale people watching.
Have dinner and wander through Old Town ScottsdaleOnce patio weather returns, spend an evening walking the shops, galleries and restaurants of Old Town. Bonus points for staying long enough to catch an Arizona sunset.
TEMPE šŗ
Raise a stein at Four Peaks OktoberfestOne of Tempe's longest running fall traditions returns to Tempe Beach Park October 9 through 11 with German food, live entertainment and Oktoberfest festivities.
Shop 2nd Sundays on MillThe outdoor market returns November 8 with Arizona makers, artists, entertainment, activities and the Kids Market along Mill Avenue.
Walk or bike Tempe Town Lake at sunsetThis one is simple, free and SO much better once the temperatures finally cooperate.
Hike Hayden Butte, aka A MountainDo the short climb, catch the views over Tempe and then reward yourself with breakfast, lunch or drinks along Mill Avenue.
Finish fall at the Tempe Festival of the ArtsDecember 4 through 6, Mill Avenue fills with more than 300 artists, live music, food, chalk art and entertainment for one of Tempe's biggest annual traditions.
CHANDLER š»
Jump into the Pumpkin Dunk Chandler's Pumpkin Dunk takes place October 24. Yes, fall in Arizona sometimes involves pumpkins and a swimming pool. Very on brand.
Dress up for Chandler's Halloween SpooktacularThe city's Halloween celebration returns October 30 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Experience DĆa de Muertos in ChandlerEntre Dos Mundos: A DĆa de Muertos Celebration takes place November 1.
Take a sunset walk at Veterans Oasis Park Cooler weather means it is finally time to enjoy the trails, lake, wildlife and desert views without melting.
Spend an evening in Downtown Chandler Grab dinner, walk downtown and stop for a local beer at SanTan Brewing - Downtown Chandler. Patio season deserves its own spot on an Arizona bucket list.
QUEEN CREEK šš¤
Spend an evening at Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party
This one is practically an Arizona fall tradition. Pick out a pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze, ride the train, catch the pig races and stay for chili, rides and all the fall photo opportunities. Schnepf Farms celebrates the season throughout October.
Experience the Gilbert Days Rodeo at Horseshoe Park
Pull out the boots and spend a night at the rodeo! The 2026 Gilbert Days Rodeo takes over Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre November 20 through 22 with classic rodeo action and plenty of western Arizona tradition. There is also a special event on November 19 with free admission when you bring a new pair of socks.
Celebrate Christmas Queen Creek style
QC Hometown Christmas kicks off December 4 with the community tree lighting, Santa, music and holiday festivities. Come back the next morning for the Hometown Christmas Parade at 10 a.m. along Ellsworth Road. Bring your lawn chairs, find a spot along the route and watch bands, local businesses and equestrian groups make their way through town.
Catch an equestrian event at Horseshoe Park
Queen Creek's western roots are alive and well at Horseshoe Park. Check the fall calendar for barrel racing, roping, cutting horses, rodeos and other equestrian events throughout the season.
How Many Can You Check Off This Fall? š
Save this list and make a goal to explore somewhere new this season. Whether you are picking pumpkins with the kids, spending a night at a festival, trying a new restaurant or simply enjoying the first evening when it is finally cool enough to sit outside, fall is one of the BEST times to love where you live in the East Valley.
Text me for my printable checklist!
NATALIE FRICKE, Real Estate Advisor
Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
480.748.7885
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