There’s a lot of annual local events in the valley. It’s taken me a few years of living here to realize when things happen and what not to miss! Here’s my best attempt at a round-up of favorites, done in chronological order.

Arizona Renaissance Festival

While it’s easily a 45 minute drive from downtown Phoenix, our local Ren Faire had to make this list because it’s my absolute favorite yearly event. From early February to late March or early April, you can wander through the massive, well-curated fairgrounds, seeing shows, riding attractions, trying different activities, and shopping. There’s no better place for people watching.

Innings Festival

Held annually in Tempe around spring training, this music festival brings in some big names (and some MLB players for good measure). 2023’s event was definitely a bit oversold, and I don’t recommend this for those who don’t do well in crowds or packed spaces. But if you know what you’re in for and you like the lineup, Innings can be worth it.

Arizona Matsuri

This festival of Japanese culture is held annually on the last full weekend of February in Steele Indian School Park. Their food, shopping booths, and cultural displays are a ton of fun. It’s free to enter and family friendly.

M3F

Originally “McDowell Mountain Music Festival,” this music festival happens one weekend a year in early March. It’s recently been held at Margaret T. Hance park in downtown Phoenix. 100% of ticket proceeds go to charity, so you can feel good about ticket prices.

The Ostrich Festival

This festival is a little bit of everything: part concert, part fair, with shows and foods of all kinds. The musical guests they get can be surprisingly good (hello, Sublime with Rome in 2023). I wish the ostriches were more involved, but they’re also a little terrifying. Go for the fair experience and for the shows.

Maricopa County Fair

A smaller version of the state fair (held for a week in April instead of a month in October) run in the same fairgrounds. Entrance isn’t free, but they often run deals on admission.

AZ State Fair

The best fair in the valley runs for a few weeks in October, showcasing the best of Arizona– including the weather that time of year! They have all the rides, deep fried food, competitions, and crafts you could possibly want. A can’t miss: the rodeo events.

Phoestivus

This is a local holiday market that runs for just a couple days shortly before Christmas. Held outdoors, this farmer’s market-esque craft fair has a wide selection of local art and products. I love its many nods to Festivus and its uniquely Arizonan flavor.