November is one of the best months to get out and enjoy Arizona!
The weather is finally cooperating, patios are filling up, and the Valley’s event calendar is packed with everything from spectacular light installations and art festivals to rodeos, food celebrations, shopping, and Thanksgiving traditions.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Phoenix in November 2026, planning a weekend in Scottsdale, or searching for family-friendly activities near Anthem, North Phoenix, Cave Creek, and Peoria, we’ve rounded up 14 events worth adding to your calendar.
Grab your calendar—November is going to be a fun month!
🍂 November 1: Last Chance for the Desert Fall Festival
Where: 14470 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise
When: Sunday, November 1 | 4–10 PM
If you haven’t experienced the Desert Fall Festival yet, November 1 is your last opportunity this season.
The festival transforms 13 acres into an interactive fall attraction featuring a glowing pumpkin maze, ziplines, apple cannons, a giant slide, games, food, and plenty of photo opportunities.
It’s a fun way to wrap up the Halloween season before the holiday festivities begin.
Admission: Ticketed; some attractions may require additional credits.
Desert Fall Festival – Official Website
🦁 November 5: Roars & Pours at the Phoenix Zoo
Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
When: Thursday, November 5 | 5:30–8:30 PM
Who says happy hour has to happen at a restaurant?
Roars & Pours returns to the Phoenix Zoo with a special BrewLights edition, giving adults a sneak peek at the ZooLights displays before the holiday season gets underway.
Guests can explore select zoo trails after dark, enjoy seasonal lights, purchase drinks and food, play oversized lawn games, and encounter some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors.
Admission: $13 per person. Ages 21 and older only.
Roars & Pours – Official Phoenix Zoo Event Information
✨ November 6–15: Canal Convergence — Western Nature
Where: Scottsdale Waterfront, Downtown Scottsdale
When: November 6–15 | Evenings
One of Scottsdale’s most visually impressive annual events returns with a new theme: Western Nature.
Canal Convergence transforms the Scottsdale Waterfront into an outdoor art experience featuring enormous illuminated installations, interactive artwork, live music, dance performances, workshops, and nightly fire shows.
The 2026 theme celebrates Arizona and the Southwest through creativity, technology, and community.
Best of all, general admission is FREE.
Hours: 6–10 PM on November 6–7 and 13–14; 6–9 PM on the remaining evenings.
Canal Convergence 2026 – Official Scottsdale Arts Guide
🐎 November 7: Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road
When: Saturday, November 7 | 10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Polo, fashion, luxury automobiles, live entertainment, and Arizona wine tasting—all in one place!
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships celebrates its 15th anniversary with international polo competition and a full day of entertainment.
This year’s event includes an Army vs. Navy matchup, fashion shows, VIP experiences, and an expanded selection of activities surrounding the matches.
Whether you’re a polo enthusiast or simply enjoy Scottsdale’s social scene, this is one of November’s signature events.
Admission: Ticketed; multiple seating and hospitality options.
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships – Official Tickets
🐶 November 7: #LovePup Family Fest
Where: Vertuccio Farms, Mesa
When: Saturday, November 7 | 4–8 PM
Dog lovers, this one’s for you!
The #LovePup Family Fest brings together families, animal lovers, music, and community support for dogs in need.
The event benefits the #LovePup Foundation, which helps rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs throughout Arizona.
Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, and opportunities to meet adoptable dogs. The event’s featured performer is Gavin DeGraw.
Admission: FREE with a donation of pet supplies or a monetary contribution.
#LovePup Family Fest – Official Event Information
🎨 November 7–8: Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival
Where: Kierland Commons, Scottsdale
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 7–8 | 10 AM–5 PM
Art, live music, shopping, and Arizona wine make for a pretty good weekend.
The Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival brings more than 100 local and national artists to Kierland Commons, showcasing paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and other original works.
Visitors can browse the artwork while enjoying live music throughout the weekend. Optional wine tasting features selections from Willcox Wine Country.
Admission: FREE to attend. Wine tasting tickets sold separately.
Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival – Official Schedule
🇺🇸 November 11: Phoenix Veterans Day Parade
Where: Third Street, Central Phoenix
When: Wednesday, November 11 | 11 AM
Phoenix celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Veterans Day Parade with an important change for 2026: a new parade route.
This year’s procession travels north on Third Street from McDowell Road to Indian School Road.
The parade honors the men and women who have served our country, featuring veterans, military units, marching bands, community organizations, and patriotic displays.
It’s a meaningful way for families to show their appreciation for our nation’s veterans.
Admission: FREE.
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade – Official Route & Details
🤠 November 13–15: Hondo Rodeo Fest at Chase Field
Where: Chase Field, Downtown Phoenix
When: Friday–Sunday, November 13–15
Rodeo fans and country music lovers have a big weekend ahead!
Hondo Rodeo Fest returns to Chase Field with three nights of professional rodeo competition followed by major concerts.
2026 concert lineup:
- Friday, November 13: Tim McGraw and Miranda Lambert
- Saturday, November 14: Blake Shelton and Turnpike Troubadours
- Sunday, November 15: Parker McCollum and Lynyrd Skynyrd
It’s a combination of Western competition and arena-sized entertainment right in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
Admission: Ticketed.
Hondo Rodeo Fest – Official Schedule & Tickets
🍣 November 13–15: Sumo + Sushi Tour
Where: Rawhide Event Center, Chandler
When: November 13–15
Here’s something you don’t see every day in Arizona.
The Sumo + Sushi Tour combines live sumo wrestling exhibitions with Japanese cultural education and optional sushi dining experiences.
Hosted by legendary sumo wrestler Konishiki, the event introduces guests to the history, traditions, and techniques of the sport before bringing the action into the ring.
Depending on the ticket package, guests can watch the matches, enjoy sushi, or upgrade to premium experiences.
Age restrictions: Friday and Saturday performances are 21+. Sunday’s performance is open to all ages.
Sumo + Sushi Phoenix – Official Event Information
🍹 November 14: Margarita Madness in Surprise
Where: Mark Coronado Park, Surprise
When: Saturday, November 14
Margarita Madness brings a festive food-and-drink experience to Surprise.
For adults looking for an outing on the West Valley side of town, this is an event to keep on the calendar.
Check the organizer’s event information before attending for final hours, ticket packages, entertainment, and age restrictions.
Phoenix-Area November Events Calendar
🥟 November 14–15: Arizona Bao & Dumpling Festival
Where: Centennial Plaza Park, 8401 W. Monroe Street, Peoria
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 14–15 | 11 AM–5 PM for early admission
Come hungry!
The 10th Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival brings a variety of Asian-inspired food vendors to downtown Peoria for two days of delicious discoveries.
Expect handmade dumplings, steamed bao buns, potstickers, boba tea, and other specialties, with different vendors appearing on Saturday and Sunday.
Some vendors offer exclusive festival dishes, so this is a good opportunity to try something new.
Tip: General admission begins at 12:30 PM. Early-entry and preorder packages are available, and children 12 and under are free.
Arizona Bao & Dumpling Festival – Event Details & Preorders
🫓 November 21: Indian Frybread & Arts Festival
Where: Rawhide Western Town, Chandler
When: Saturday, November 21 | Noon–8 PM
Celebrate Native American cuisine, art, and culture at the Indian Frybread & Arts Festival.
This family-friendly event features traditional dance performances, artists, vendors, carnival rides, and plenty of delicious food—including frybread, chili, desserts, and snacks.
The evening concludes with a performance by Indigenous recording artist Stella Standingbear.
Admission: Ticketed; children 12 and younger enter free with an adult.
Indian Frybread & Arts Festival – Official Event Information
🛍️ November 21–22: Thriftapalooza Phoenix
Where: Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 21–22
If you love finding bargains, vintage treasures, and unusual secondhand items, Thriftapalooza belongs on your calendar.
This large-scale shopping event brings together vendors selling vintage clothing, collectibles, accessories, home goods, and other pre-loved merchandise.
It’s a great opportunity to shop sustainably, find unique gifts, and discover something you probably won’t see at the mall.
Thriftapalooza Phoenix – Official Event Schedule
🦃 November 26: Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade
Where: Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills
When: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26 | 9:30 AM
Start Thanksgiving morning with a hometown tradition!
The 42nd annual Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrates America’s 250th birthday with patriotic floats, marching bands, classic cars, community groups, performers, and plenty of holiday spirit.
And yes—Santa Claus makes an appearance at the end of the parade to officially welcome the holiday season.
Admission and parking: FREE.
Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade – Official Details
🏡 Enjoying Life in Phoenix & the North Valley
One of the things we love most about living in Arizona is the incredible variety of activities, communities, and experiences available throughout the Valley.
From the beautiful desert surroundings of Anthem and Cave Creek to the shopping, dining, and entertainment in North Phoenix and Scottsdale, there’s always something new to discover.
And when it comes to real estate, every community has its own personality, housing options, and market conditions.
We’re David and Donna Patterson with Patterson Real Estate Group, and we’ve spent more than 20 years helping buyers and sellers throughout the Phoenix area.
Whether you’re thinking about buying a home, preparing to sell, or simply curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, we’re always happy to help.
David & Donna Patterson
Patterson Real Estate Group
David: 623-692-6996
Donna: 623-692-6998
Have a wonderful November, Arizona!
Event dates, admission prices, schedules, and availability are subject to change. Check the official event website before attending.