Local Events {Arizona} – Life as Leels


Events are in date order with the most recent at the top. If you have an event or any suggestion to make this page better, please email [email protected]


Looking for our Halloween events? Find them
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Kratchner Caverns Cave Tours


Year Round

Find pricing, schedule, and reservation information by

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GEOLOGY HIKE


October 8

2nd Sunday of the month (Oct.-May) @ 1 p.m.

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is located at the base of the Mogollon Rim, the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The escarpment is over 200 miles long and ranges in elevation from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Over millions of years of erosion the rim has receded over four miles leaving behind picturesque features of Sedona. Join our knowledgeable volunteers as they venture out on the trails and discuss how Sedona transform into what you see today. This interpretive experience is for both the beginner and the experienced hiker, lasting between 2-2.5 hours with an elevation gain of 250 feet. Please bring water, suitable footwear and meet in the Visitor Center a little before 1:00 P.M. Hike is included with park entrance fees.

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The Maricopa County Home Show


October 20, 2017 10:00 AM – October 22, 2017 5:00 PM

Westworld of Scottsdale

16601 N. Pima Road

Scottsdale, AZ

For tickets, and discount coupons, go to
. Paid parking $5.

Pinterest-inspired workshops, Holiday Shopping Marketplace, and over 1,000 vendor booths showcasing flooring, closets, shutters, lighting, doors, landscaping, pools, and so much more. Don’t miss HGTV’s Property Brothers! Event days Friday & Saturday 10 AM-6 PM; Sunday 10 AM-5 PM.

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Movie Night in the Park-Desert Animals Outlaws and Renegades


Friday, October 20, 2017

07:00 PM – 08:00 PM

Usery Mountain Regional Park

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd.

Mesa , AZ 85207

(480) 984-0032

Just beyond our own backyard rages an amazing spectacle that few will ever see. Join us as we step into this hidden desert world teaming with life! This movie includes rare footage of a Sonoran Desert jaguar as well as the historic dust storm that hit this area in July, 2011. Feel free to bring snacks with you (no glass bottles), otherwise, concessions are available. As a bonus, watch us feed our snakes after the movie! Location: Nature Center

Find more info

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Stargazing for Everyone


Saturday, October 21, 2017

07:30 PM – 09:00 PM

Cave Creek Regional Park

37900 E. Cave Creek Parkway

Cave Creek, AZ 85331

(623) 465-0431

Stargazing For Everyone, LLC, with Tony & Carole La Conte. Take A Guided Tour Of The Night Sky and Explore The Universe Through Our Telescopes! Learn star names, see the constellations, and listen to stories of the night sky. View the moon, planets, star clusters, nebula, galaxies and more through our telescopes. We encourage you to bring your digital camera and binoculars to enjoy the views from this great location. The stargazing programs are outdoor events, dress appropriately and bring chairs or blankets for your seating comfort.***NOTE: Times & Dates subject to change due to weather – program should be confirmed by calling Cave Creek Regional Park @ (623) 465-0431 For more information, please contact Ranger Mark at [email protected].

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Kids Storytime Funtime


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Usery Mountain Regional Park

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd.

Mesa, AZ 85207

(480) 984-0032

Kids (including parents and caregivers) will learn about our desert through a fun story, game, and a short outdoor experience. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the program at one of the playgrounds in our park. Please bring water and closed-toe shoes. Suggested for ages 3-6. Location: Nature Center.

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Scottsdale ArtWalk


October 26, 2017 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Thursday every week until March 1, 2018

Various locations in Downtown Scottsdale

For more information visit

Celebrate an American original – the Scottsdale ArtWalk. This free event takes place every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Scottsdale. Restaurants, museums and free trolley and/or horse-drawn carriage rides are available during ArtWalk to transport folks from numerous free parking areas throughout the Scottsdale Arts District and Scottsdale Downtown.

Locations include Main Street from Scottsdale Road west to Goldwater Boulevard, and on Marshall Way north of Indian School Road to 5th Avenue.

Find more info

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Gilbert Off the Street Art & Music Festival


Friday, October 27 from 4pm – 9pm

Saturday, October 28 from 9am – 3pm

Gilbert Heritage District

Downtown Gilbert, Gilbert, Arizona 85234

Enjoy the sights, sounds and vibrant energy at the Gilbert “Off the Street” Art and Music Festival. The festival will be held in Gilbert’s popular Heritage District in Downtown Gilbert. The event will be filled with live music, street performers, kids activities, food trucks, artisan and craft vendors. Chalk artists will “chalk it up” in the downtown with colorful and exciting chalk murals.

This years event will have two stages of live entertainment. Come down and enjoy the sounds of Marmalade Skies and other great musicians.

The festival will be happening on Friday, October 27 from 4pm – 9pm and on Saturday, October 28 from 9am – 3pm.

To learn more about this event, visit:

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Ghost Story Campfire


Friday, October 27, 2017 06:30 PM – 08:00 PM

Estrella Mountain Regional Park

14805 W. Vineyard Ave.

Goodyear, AZ 85338

(623) 932-3811

Ready to share some spooky stories? Come by Estrella Park and we’ll share our best scary stories while enjoying the warm glow of the campfire…if you’re not too scared! Meet at the Nature Center. Muahahahaha…

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Bats: Truth or Tales


Saturday, October 28, 2017 @ 6:30-8 p.m.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Bat guy (Brian Buttazoni) will talk about the truth or tales of bats during this one-hour program. Join us to learn about the wide variety of bats around the world and here in Arizona. You will hear the sounds that bats make, and see photos of the unique species and places they live in. We will discuss why it is important to conserve these nocturnal animals. Don’t forget to wear a scarf!

Meet at the amphitheater. Please note there is very limited parking: please arrive early as you may need to park in Siphon Draw and walk. Campers please walk from your campsites.

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Veg out at Old Town Farmers Market


October 28, 2017 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Saturday every week until July 27, 2018

The southwest corner of First Street and Brown Avenue

Check out Scottsdale’s Old Town Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays starting Oct. 7, for a wonderful selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, organic produce and socializing. The market is on the southwest corner of First Street and Brown Avenue. Drop by and experience the simpler things that make a city a community!

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Reptile Feeding


Saturday, October 28, 2017

02:00 PM – 02:30 PM

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.

MMRP, AZ 85268

Phone: (480) 471-0173

Join the staff for a meal with the critters. See for yourself how our cold-blooded residents eat their monthly meals. Frozen rodent entrees will be served. Program takes place at the Visitor Center.

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EVENING HALLOWEEN TOURS


October 28th, 29th and 30th @ 7pm, 8pm and 9pm

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Riordan Mansion State Park offers a special nighttime program during the week of Halloween every year. This very popular guided tour is a storytelling session involving tales of the fantastic and the factual. The historic Riordan Mansion makes a great backdrop for spinning yarns appropriate to the Halloween season.

The tours are for ages twelve and older. Cost $12 Space is limited, so advanced ticket purchase is required. Information can be obtained by calling Riordan Mansion State Historic Park at (928) 779-4395 after October 1st.

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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION


NOVEMBER 4, 2017 – NOVEMBER 5, 2017

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | La Procesión 5 – 6 p.m., daily

Free with paid Garden admission or Membership.

Explore the beauty and meaning of Día de los Muertos through music, dance, and storytelling at the Garden.

Entertainment & Activities

OFRENDA EXHIBITION

Oct. 27 – Oct. 28 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Oct. 29 – Nov. 7 | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Webster Auditorium

Ofrenda, or Offering, is part of the traditional Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos. The altars are original pieces created by local artists.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Boppart Courtyard

Enjoy mariachis, ballet folklorico and more.

COMMUNITY ALTAR

Nov. 1-5, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Cohn Tour Gathering Area

Guests are welcome to photograph the community altar and leave a paper flower or note in memory of a special loved one.

EL MERCADO

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dorrance Hall and ​Boppart Courtyard

Visit with local and international artists and vendors.From paintings and sculptures to jewelry, décor and more.

LA PROCESIÓN

5 – 6 p.m.

The Día de los Muertos festivities conclude with La Procesión or Procession. La Procesión represents the ancient tradition of marching as a community to burial sites in order to honor those who have passed on.

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CHILES & CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL


NOVEMBER 10, 2017 – NOVEMBER 12, 2017

Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Free with paid Garden admission or Membership.

An ideal recipe for a sweet and spicy weekend. Sample and shop your way through Arizona’s top chile and chocolate vendors. Indulge in gourmet chocolates, zesty sauces, fresh fire-roasted chiles and other handcrafted delights. Listen to catchy musical mixes and enjoy fiery live performances of Brazilian, Caribbean and Latin dance on Boppart Courtyard.

Daily Entertainment

DJ Seduce (Miguel Ivery), owner of Afro:Baile Records fills the air with hot beats from Latin America and beyond. He will be joined by Latin, Caribbean, and South American dancers.

Cooking Demonstrations

Saturday, Nov. 11

12 p.m. – Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events

2 p.m. – Gertrude’s

Sunday, Nov. 12

3:30 p.m. – Special Guest, Chef Jeff Smedstad of Elote Café and Cookbook signing

Find more info and the vendors

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Out West Balloon Festival


Friday, March 2nd through Sunday, March 4th

University of Phoenix Stadium

Find information on the
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