Arizona is a hotspot for travelers seeking warmth, culture, and exciting outdoor events, making it a prime destination for Canadians during the colder months. From music and arts festivals to culinary celebrations and sporting events, Arizona offers a diverse lineup of festivals from October 2024 to May 2025. Below are the top 25 Arizona festivals and events Canadians won’t want to miss during this time, complete with dates, locations, and links to the official event pages.
1. Arizona State Fair
Date: October 4–27, 2024
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
The Arizona State Fair is one of the most anticipated annual events, featuring rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and exhibitions. Canadians can experience the best of Arizona’s local culture, agriculture, and music.
Arizona State Fair Official Website
2. Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake
Date: October 11–13, 2024
Location: Tempe, Arizona
This three-day Oktoberfest celebration offers a fun-filled weekend with authentic German beer, food, music, and carnival rides. Canadians in Arizona during October can enjoy a taste of Bavaria in the heart of Tempe.
Four Peaks Oktoberfest Official Website
3. Lost Lake Festival
Date: October 18–20, 2024
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
The Lost Lake Festival is a unique blend of music, arts, and culinary experiences in the beautiful Steele Indian School Park. With a diverse lineup of artists, this festival is perfect for Canadians looking to enjoy a laid-back, vibrant music scene.
Lost Lake Festival Official Website
4. Scottsdale International Film Festival
Date: October 31–November 5, 2024
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Film lovers will enjoy the Scottsdale International Film Festival, which features screenings of independent films from around the world. Canadians can attend premieres, panel discussions, and meet industry insiders at this top-tier event.
Scottsdale International Film Festival Official Website
5. Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Date: November 2–3, 2024
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with traditional Mexican festivities, art, music, and food at Mesa’s annual event. Canadians can learn about this rich cultural tradition while enjoying a colorful celebration of life and remembrance.
Dia de los Muertos Mesa Official Website
6. Fountain Hills Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts
Date: November 8–10, 2024
Location: Fountain Hills, Arizona
This popular arts festival features over 500 artists showcasing their crafts, fine arts, and unique goods. Canadians can enjoy a weekend of browsing handmade items, fine jewelry, and art while taking in stunning views of the nearby fountain.
Fountain Hills Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts Official Website
7. Grand Canyon Music Festival
Date: October 4–November 9, 2024
Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon Music Festival combines the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Canyon with classical music performances. Canadians seeking both nature and culture can enjoy concerts by renowned musicians in one of the most iconic natural settings.
Grand Canyon Music Festival Official Website
8. Arizona Taco Festival
Date: October 12–13, 2024
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
For taco lovers, the Arizona Taco Festival is a must. With over 50 vendors offering a wide range of taco styles, from traditional to innovative, Canadians can indulge in flavorful bites while enjoying live music, contests, and tequila tastings.
Arizona Taco Festival Official Website
9. Tucson Meet Yourself
Date: October 11–13, 2024
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Meet Yourself is a multicultural festival celebrating the diverse communities that make up the region. Canadians can experience global flavors, live performances, and crafts from various cultures while exploring downtown Tucson.
Tucson Meet Yourself Official Website
10. McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F)
Date: March 1–3, 2025
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Known as Arizona’s 100% nonprofit music festival, M3F features a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres. Canadians can enjoy performances by top musicians while knowing that their ticket purchase supports local charities.
M3F Official Website
11. Phoenix Pride Festival
Date: October 19–20, 2024
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix Pride Festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with two days of live music, drag shows, and food vendors. Canadians attending this vibrant event will experience an atmosphere of inclusion, diversity, and fun.
Phoenix Pride Festival Official Website
12. Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Date: April 11–13, 2025
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
This long-running culinary event is perfect for food enthusiasts looking to sample dishes from top local restaurants. Canadians can enjoy cooking demos, wine and beer tastings, and a grand tasting event while soaking up the desert sun.
Scottsdale Culinary Festival Official Website
13. Arizona Renaissance Festival
Date: February 8–March 29, 2025 (Weekends)
Location: Gold Canyon, Arizona
Step back in time at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, where visitors can enjoy jousting tournaments, costumed performers, and artisan vendors. Canadians visiting this immersive event will feel like they’ve traveled to a 16th-century European village.
Arizona Renaissance Festival Official Website
14. Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
Date: January 25–February 10, 2025
Location: Tucson, Arizona
One of the largest gem and mineral shows in the world, the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase attracts collectors, gemologists, and jewelry enthusiasts from around the globe. Canadians interested in rare stones and fossils won’t want to miss this event.
Tucson Gem Show Official Website
15. Cactus League Spring Training
Date: February–March 2025
Location: Various Cities, Arizona
Baseball fans can catch their favorite MLB teams in action during Spring Training in Arizona’s Cactus League. With 10 stadiums hosting 15 teams, Canadians can enjoy an up-close look at the players in a more relaxed setting than regular season games.
Cactus League Official Website
16. Innings Festival
Date: February 29–March 1, 2025
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Innings Festival is a music and baseball lover’s dream, featuring live performances by top artists and appearances by famous baseball players. Canadians attending this unique event can enjoy a mix of entertainment and sports culture.
Innings Festival Official Website
17. Ostrich Festival
Date: March 8–10, 2025
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Celebrate Chandler’s quirky history with the Ostrich Festival, a family-friendly event featuring live ostrich races, rides, and music. Canadians seeking something fun and unusual will enjoy this lighthearted celebration.
Ostrich Festival Official Website
18. Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
Date: February 13–23, 2025
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Horse enthusiasts can witness the beauty and elegance of Arabian horses at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Canadians attending this event can explore hundreds of equestrian competitions, educational events, and shopping opportunities.
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Official Website
19. Tucson Rodeo (La Fiesta de los Vaqueros)
Date: February 22–March 1, 2025
Location: Tucson, Arizona
The Tucson Rodeo is a classic Western event, featuring rodeo competitions, parades, and live entertainment. Canadians visiting Arizona in February can experience the thrill of bull riding, roping, and barrel racing in the Old West tradition.
Tucson Rodeo Official Website
20. Scottsdale Western Week
Date: February 3–10, 2025
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale Western Week is a celebration of Arizona’s rich Western heritage, complete with parades, horse shows, and art exhibits. Canadians interested in cowboy culture and the Old West can immerse themselves in history, art, and entertainment during this week-long event.
Scottsdale Western Week Official Website
21. Phoenix Film Festival
Date: March 27–April 6, 2025
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Film buffs will enjoy the Phoenix Film Festival, which showcases independent films from around the world. Canadians can attend screenings, panel discussions, and meet filmmakers during this ten-day event that celebrates the art of filmmaking.
Phoenix Film Festival Official Website
22. Tempe Festival of the Arts
Date: December 6–8, 2024
Location: Tempe, Arizona
This bi-annual event attracts over 300 artists showcasing their work in a variety of mediums, from painting to sculpture. Canadians looking to explore the arts scene will love the Tempe Festival of the Arts, which also features live entertainment, food, and interactive art installations.
Tempe Festival of the Arts Official Website
23. Scottsdale Arts Festival
Date: March 8–10, 2025
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Held in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Arts Festival is an award-winning event that features the work of hundreds of artists. Canadians can enjoy live music, gourmet food, and beautiful art displays in this three-day festival set against the backdrop of Scottsdale’s stunning desert scenery.
Scottsdale Arts Festival Official Website
24. Chandler Jazz Festival
Date: April 5–6, 2025
Location: Chandler, Arizona
This free two-day event brings jazz music to the streets of downtown Chandler. Canadians who love music can enjoy live performances from top jazz musicians, while also exploring the city’s shops and restaurants.
Chandler Jazz Festival Official Website
25. Phoenix Fan Fusion
Date: May 23–26, 2025
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
For fans of comic books, movies, and pop culture, Phoenix Fan Fusion is Arizona’s premier comic convention. Canadians can meet celebrities, attend panels, and shop for collectibles at this exciting event that brings together fandoms from all over.
Phoenix Fan Fusion Official Website
Conclusion
Arizona offers a wide array of exciting festivals and events from October 2024 to May 2025, perfect for Canadians seeking warm weather, culture, and entertainment. Whether you’re interested in music, food, film, or the arts, these top 25 events promise something for everyone.
For more information about planning your trip, visit these event pages and mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Southwest.
External Links
Arizona State Fair
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
Lost Lake Festival
Scottsdale International Film Festival
Dia de los Muertos Mesa
Grand Canyon Music Festival
Arizona Taco Festival
Tucson Meet Yourself
M3F
Phoenix Pride Festival
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Cactus League
Innings Festival
Ostrich Festival
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
Tucson Rodeo
Phoenix Film Festival
Tempe Festival of the Arts
Scottsdale Arts Festival
Phoenix Fan Fusion
