Characterized by its sunny weather all-year-long and its pleasant warm climate, Arizona is a stunning city and an ideal place to visit for people who are in the mood for a vacation. Here, you will be overwhelmed with a multitude of attractions and leisure activities that are waiting for you. World-class golf courses, exquisite restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, fascinating museums, and gorgeous natural parks, to name a few. While in the city, be sure to check out Desert Botanical Garden, and be mesmerized by the beauty of enchanting cacti plants and exotic flora. Also, this Arizonian city has a rich cultural heritage, and the numerous festivals that are celebrated in it throughout the year are a testament to that. If you are planning to take the city by storm any time soon, here is a list of top festivals in Phoenix, Arizona, that you might be able to witness if you plan accordingly.
1. Phoenix Pride Festival
One of the many colorful and lively festivals that happen in Phoenix is their version of the Pride Festival, which they call Phoenix Pride Festival. Every year, the festivity starts with a vibrant Pride March where members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community dress in their most stylish and eye-catching fashion picks. Also, a pageant is held to identify the year’s Miss & Mister Phoenix Pride. The celebration does not end without a high-energy concert where everyone is welcome to dance to fantastic music and drink excellent beverages. Not only that but there are also exceptional booths in a trade fair set-up in which festival-goers can score some lovely items and gorge on local delicacies.
Phoenix Pride Festival
Address: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012, United States
Website: Phoenix Pride Festival
Dates: November
Hours: 12pm - 9pm
2. Day of the Dead
To kick off the spooky season, be sure to take part in the Day of the Dead festival that occurs in Phoenix, Arizona, every year. Generally, this event is inspired by the Mexicans as a celebration for the loved ones that have traveled to the other side. During the festival, there are solemn processions, numerous altar displays, Halloween figure exhibits, and other fascinating activities. Plus, live Mexican music plays from every corner of Mesa Arts Center. Additionally, be sure to catch the exhibits in the Desert Botanical Garden, where the place is turned into a spooky setting with scary figures, people in costumes, and fantastic retail booths.
Day of the Dead
Address: Phoenix, AZ 85012
Takes place: October to November
3. Phoenix Greek Festival
A celebration that revolves around the Greek heritage of the city, Phoenix Greek Festival is a vibrant festival that everyone should participate in when they visit the city in October. It has been a tradition for 58 strong years nows. Every year, there are programs, friendly games, and talent shows that await the festival-goers. This is a fabulous event that let people with Greek ancestry reconnect with their traditions and for curious people to experience the culture of the Greeks. Aside from shopping for local crafts, everyone can go on a palatable culinary adventure of sumptuous Greek delights.
Phoenix Greek Festival
Address: 1973 E Maryland Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States
Website: Phoenix Greek Festival
Takes place: October
Price: 5 USD onward
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4. Phoenix Fan Fusion
Are you a comic collector? A diehard Marvel or DC fan? Or are you just a visitor who plans to spend a vacation in Phoenix in May? If so, you might be interested in reliving your childhood memories by joining the Phoenix Fan Fusion that happens in the city annually. Here, you will be impressed by the number of retail booths that sell various goodies, from collector’s items, iconic toy figures, rare comics, books, and a lot of souvenir items. You can come as your favorite superhero, dress like a pirate, and even go as one of the Power Rangers.
Phoenix Fan Fusion
Address: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Website: Phoenix Fan Fusion
Takes place: May
Price: 10 USD onward
5. Arizona State Fair
A few days after the New Year, extend the holiday escapade by going to this magical state fair held in West McDowell Road. This fantastic event is hosted by Arizona State Fairgrounds, wherein the place is turned into the carnival of your dreams. Here you can indulge yourself in all simple pleasures. Have fun trying out various rides from starting from the Ferris Wheel to the Merry go Round, and a lot more. Also, there are arcade games that kids and adults both will surely love. Plus, you will be captivated by the flickering fairy lights that are scattered throughout the place.
Arizona State Fair
Address: 1826 W. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85007
Website: Arizona State Fair
Takes place: October
6. Las Noches de Las Luminarias
Planning to spend the yuletide season in Phoenix? Be sure to swing by Desert Botanical Garden and marvel at the beauty of the place as it turns into a magical setting that seems taken straight out of a fairytale book. Bring your family and friends, and together, make lasting memories. Explore the various sections of the gardens that are illuminated by enchanting lights. Plus, experience the sound of classic Christmas carols and the cool winter winds uplift the ambiance in Las Noches de las Luminarias.
Las Noches de Las Luminarias
Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ
Website: Las Noches de Las Luminarias
Takes place: December
Price: 30 USD onward
7. Phoenix Tamale Festival
Is Tamale one of your favorite Mesoamerican dishes? Do you know that there is a whole celebration in Phoenix that centers on the local’s love for this delicious fare? Sounds interesting, right? Spend some holiday vacation in Phoenix in December, and see for yourself. Here, the city’s top Tamale makers will impress every event-goer with their various tamale specialties and excellent cooking techniques. Aside from that, there are numerous merchants that sell local crafts. Games and exhibits are prepared to add attraction for the fun-filled Phoenix Tamale Festival. Plus, Ballet folkloric dancers amp up the party by showcasing some outstanding performances.
Phoenix Tamale Festival
Address: 200 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85003-1611, United States
Website: Phoenix Tamale Festival
Takes place: December
Price: Free entry
8. Tacolandia Tacos Festival
Tamale isn’t the only local favorite in Phoenix. Another delicious eat that vyes for the title is the mouthwatering tacos. Whether you have a big heart for this Mexican fare or have just developed a taste for it, be sure to check out the Tacolandia Tacos Festival when you visit Phoenix in January. Expect fantastic taco sampling for everyone, and live music and performances are also present for added entertainment. Plus, listen to stories and tops from skilled taco-makers at the festival.
Tacolandia Tacos Festival
Address: Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Website: Tacolandia Tacos Festival
Takes place: January
Price: 25 USD onward
9. Phoenix Improv Festival
Another unmissable event that is held in Phoenix annually is Phoenix Improv Festival. The event is organized in April. Considered one of the longest-running festivals that the city has to offer, Phoenix Improv Festival is expected to be back in 2020 for their 19th year. Revolving around the performing arts and generally, Phoenix’s art scene, this fun-filled event lasts for three days. Featuring exceptional local talents as well as budding talents, be ready to be entertained during the festival. Additionally, there will be trade fairs and fun games that everyone can participate in.
Phoenix Improv Festival
Address: 4721 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, United States
Website: Phoenix Improv Festival
Takes place: April
10. Arizona Strong Beer Festival
A fantastic festival that gives you the Oktoberfest vibes, but is conducted every February of the year, Arizona Strong Beer Festival is a wonderful event that everyone should experience once or twice in their lives. A lot of restaurant and bar owners participate in this annual event and hungry guests can gorge on the delicious food and chug it down with fantastic beer. Local bands amp up the party. Be sure to take home delightful souvenir items to remember the fun-filled event.
Arizona Strong Beer Festival
Address: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Website: Arizona Strong Beer Festival
Takes place: February
Price: 40 USD onward
11. World Championship Hoop Dance Competition
Whether you are an athlete, an artist, or a plain spectator, you will surely have lots of fun in the World Championship Hoop Dance Competition. In 2020, this annual event will be in its 30th year. Held at the Heard Museum, many participants will try to claim the title of the best hoop dancers in the world and bag home some hefty cash prizes. You will not only witness sports but also a celebration in honor of the fascinating hoop dancing culture that was introduced by Phoenix’s indigenous communities.
World Championship Hoop Dance Competition
Address: Heard Museum, 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Website: World Championship Hoop Dance Competition
Takes place: February
Price: 8 USD onward
12. Rainbows Festival
The Rainbow Festival is a wonderful event. An extension of the vibrant Pride Festival, this event is just as colorful, as lively, and as glamorous as the Phoenix Pride Festival in April. A celebration of the growing acceptance and love for the LGBTQIA+ community, expect shiny costumes, fantastic trade fairs, cute merch items, and lots of entertainment. Also, delicious fares and premium drinks will be sold at the Rainbows Festival.
Rainbows Festival
Address: Heritage Square Park, 115 N 6th St, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Website: Rainbows Festival
Takes place: November
Price: Free entry
13. Phoenix Film Festival
Are you a film buff, or just someone who plans to, or is scheduled to visit Phoenix between March and April? If so, swing by East Mayo Boulevard and check out the fascinating Phoenix Film Festival. This fantastic student film festival screens various movies from iconic ones to recently produced ones, showcasing various genres. Additionally, there will be lectures and programs for film enthusiasts. Check out their website for a complete schedule of events that you might be interested in attending.
Phoenix Film Festival
Address: 7000 E Mayo Blvd #1059, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States
Website: Phoenix Film Festival
Takes place: March to April
14. Phoenix Volleyball Festival
An exciting event for sports enthusiasts, Phoenix Volleyball Festival is an annual volleyball tournament in Phoenix that features the best volleyball teams from all over the country. Everyone is welcome to sign up, whether you are school representatives, random clubs, and even international teams. The event is held in two locations - the University of Phoenix Stadium and Phoenix Convention Center.
Phoenix Volleyball Festival
Address: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Website: Phoenix Volleyball Festival
Takes place: June
15. Phoenix Balloon Festival
Been dreaming of visiting the magical Balloon Festival in Phoenix? Visit the city in January and enjoy the stunning hot air balloons as they soar the picturesque Arizona skies, in different sizes, shapes, and designs. Also, rides are available for festival-goers who want to experience flying in the air and witness the scenic views from above. Plus, fireworks display at night make the experience come to full circle.
Phoenix Balloon Festival
Address: 2209 N 99th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85037-4201, United States
Website: Phoenix Balloon Festival
Takes place: January
Make the most of your vacation in Phoenix
Phoenix is a breathtaking city that boasts a warm climate and upscale city features. With a city as gorgeous as this, tourists will never run out of things to visit, activities to try, and even festivals to witness and take part in. If you are planning a trip to this side of the US, use this list as your guide in planning a detailed itinerary.
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