20 Sept 21St–Sept 27th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | Fall Food Festivals Over the heat? Get excited for these 12 events happening around Phoenix this fall. BY TIRION BOAN I t’s safe to say this summer’s relentless heat has us all dreaming of fall. And event organizers are right there with us. As they’re looking forward to Phoenix’s peak event season, plans are falling into place for some of the Valley’s premier food and drink festivals. Oktoberfests are on the horizon and pumpkin patches are more than just a daydream. Greek food, German food, pizza and Arizona-made spirits are all on the docket for the next few months. Here are 12 upcoming events to get excited for this fall. Arizona State Fair SEPT. 22 - OCT. 29 1826 W. McDowell Road Some may visit the Arizona State Fair for its rides and attractions. But we go for the food. Funnel cakes and corn dogs are just the beginning of this fun-filled event. Last year, there were enormous doughnuts, bacon-wrapped turkey legs and a cotton candy burrito filled with ice cream. And with a year to think up their next big thing, the fair’s food vendors are getting ready to wow crowds this fall. The fair runs for a month, but there are five days geared toward those looking to try all the funky foods on a budget. On each Friday, excluding the opening day, fair food items are just $3 from noon to 6 p.m. Rockin’ Taco Street Fest SEPT. 23 178 E. Commonwealth Ave. Chandler From noon until 9 p.m., the Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will take over Dr. AJ Chandler Park in Chandler. The festival includes live music from the Red NOT Chili Peppers, Mariachi Luz Del Sur and a Selena tribute show. Pair the music with tacos from 20 different restaurants and food trucks and wash it all down with margaritas, miche- ladas, beer and aguas frescas. For the taco-obsessed, check out the mechanical taco ride and taco eating contest. Tickets cost $15 and food and drinks are extra. Kids under 12 are free. Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest SEPT. 30 - OCT. 1 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler In downtown Chandler, two local beer giants are teaming up for a grand Oktoberfest celebration. Pedal Haus Brewery and San Tan Brewing Co. are hosting a two-day festival packed with live music, games, family fun (kids under 6 are free), German food and of course, plenty of locally brewed beer. The Original Phoenix Greek Festival OCT. 6-8 1973 E. Maryland Ave. After more than 60 years of celebrating, this year, the Original Phoenix Greek Festival is set to take place from Oct. 6 through 8. The weekend will be packed with “the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Greece” according to the festival’s website. Head to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Maryland Avenue to taste the flavors of mousaka, pastitsio, dolmades and spanakopita. If you find something you love, stop by the Greek grocery market set up at the festival and grab some authentic ingredients to try and recreate the dishes at home. Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival OCT. 7 4320 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale A festival celebrating all things dumplings is coming to the Martin Auto Museum in Glendale this October. On Oct. 7, around 20 different Valley dumpling and bao makers will gather to celebrate steamed buns, takoyaki and potstickers with a multitude of sweet and savory fillings. A selection of vendors will also offer boba, desserts and other Asian dishes. General admission tickets are available for $12.99. All food and museum entrance is sold separately. Taste of Japan OCT. 7-8 501 E. Monroe St. Indulge in the flavors of Japanese street foods at this downtown Phoenix festival. The Taste of Japan will take over Heritage Square for two days this October with vendors serving ramen, takoyaki, yakitori and frozen sweets. There will also be a beer and sake garden with sake tastings and a tuna-cutting show. Tickets are $15 each day, or $25 for the full weekend. Get in the fall spirit with Valley Oktoberfests and the Arizona State Fair. (Photos by Pedal Haus Brewery (top) and Allison Young (bottom)) The Original Phoenix Greek Festival invited attendees to experience traditional foods and Greek culture. (Photos by Sandy Meris) ▼ Chow
