Las Noches de la Luminarias 2016
November 25, 2016 – December 31, 2016
“Eight thousand hand-lit luminaria bags and thousands of white twinkle lights will set the Garden aglow this winter for 21 magical evenings. Join us for this Southwest holiday tradition that features the sights and sounds of nine entertainment ensembles, including the return of Simply Three. Enjoy dinner at the Garden with family and friends and stroll the paths with a warm cup of cider or cocoa, as you celebrate the season at this year’s very special Las Noches de las Luminaries.” Visit the Desert Botanical Garden’s website for more info. 

Mesa Temple Gardens Christmas Lights
November 25, 2016 – December 31, 2016
“Join us in a celebration of the birth of Christ at the Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens this Christmas Season. As you thrill to the sights and sounds of the holidays, we hope that you, your family and friends will enjoy: hundreds of thousands of colorful lights; uniquely illuminated palm trees and flower gardens; an inspiring nativity scene; a display of Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem; recorded messages in English and Spanish and a modern Visitors’ Center open to all. This spectacular annual display, provided by volunteers, is free of charge each evening of the holiday season.” Visit the event’s website for more info. 

Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade
November 26, 2016 | 6-9pm
“The Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade and Boat Parade have become family traditions in Downtown Tempe. For over 20 years the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade kicks off the holiday season in downtown Tempe. This festive event brings over 35,000 people to downtown to enjoy the parade, tree lighting ceremony, and a visit with Santa.” Visit Downtown Tempe’s website for more info. 

CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink
November 25, 2016 – January 8, 2017
“Phoenix’s only real outdoor ice rink returns to CityScape in the heart of downtown Phoenix.” Visit the event’s website for more info. 

ZooLights
November 23, 2016 – January 8, 2017
“Join the Phoenix Zoo at the Valley’s brightest holiday tradition: ZooLights presented by SRP! Celebrating 25 years, ZooLights shines with millions of lights, a three-story-high holiday tree, hundreds of glimmering light displays and lakeside music-in-motion shows.” Visit the Phoenix Zoo’s website for more info. 

Get into the Halloween spirit with the family at the Great Pumpkin Festival at Desert Botanical Gardens. Take a hayride to the Pumpkin Patch, where kids can pick out their favorite pumpkin to decorate. The event also features a hay bale maze, carnival games, farm animals and music. Check out the event’s website for more info.

The East Valley’s favorite Halloween festival is back again every weekend in October. Entry to the event includes all the activities listed below (according to the Schnepf Farms event website), plus tons more fall fun, food, and activities available at an extra cost.

Admission Includes:
Hayrides
Roller coaster
Swinging lady bugz
Honeybee adventure
Flying farmers ride
Carousel rides
Jumping pillows
Petting zoo
Country road rally
Rock climbing wall
Miniature golf
Bonfires
Marshmallow roasting
4 acre corn maze
10 acre celebrity corn maze
Farmhouse museum
Hillbilly Bob’s Pig Races
Entertainment
Extreme Canine Dog Show
Lil Farmers Play Yard
Forest ZIP LINE (NEW ATTRACTION)
GYPSY Time Travelers (NEW SHOW)
Mountain Slides
Pumpkin Launch
Fireworks (Friday & Saturday nights)
Country Air

Check out the event website to get all the details!

As monsoon season comes to an end and we usher in the long-awaited cooler evenings, SanTan Brewery offers us the perfect occasion to celebrate the coming of Fall with their annual Oktoberfest. According to their website, “Fans of polka music, German food and craft beer will don their lederhosen and dirndls and gather in Downtown Chandler Saturday, October 1st, to celebrate SanTan Brewing’s 9th annual Oktoberfest. Leading the entertainment lineup includes: Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Reel Big Fish and other local acts. This year’s event will highlight beer games, Von Hanson’s brat eating contest, and family zone all in celebration of SanTan Brewing’s 9th anniversary.”

AJ Chandler Park
3 S Arizona Ave. Chandler, AZ 85225
October 1, 2016 | 3pm – 11pm

Check the event website for more info.

Looking for a fun/interesting/local adventure this weekend? Check out some of Mesa’s greatest treasures, featured in this awesome article from AZCentral, the “Ultimate Arizona bucket list: 25 things to do in Mesa.” From museums to restaurants to Salt River tubing— this list has something for everyone!