This Weekend · Oct 23-25

This weekend in
Central Phoenix
& the East Valley.

12 picks for Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, big and small. Every one has the time, the address, a map link and the official page so you can make plans straight from here.

Oct 23-25

Plan your weekend

Fri-SunScottsdale

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
When
Fri to Sun, 5 to 9 pm
Where
7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Cost
Tickets online only, from about $22; kids 2 and under free; tethered balloon rides extra

Free parking. No box office on site. Arrive early: balloons can come down early for wind and there is no refund after that. Free Kids Zone.

Fri-SunPhoenix

Romeo & Juliet, Ballet Arizona

Symphony Hall
When
Fri 7:30 pm; Sat 2 and 7:30 pm; Sun 1 and 5:30 pm
Where
75 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Cost
Ticketed

Live with The Phoenix Symphony. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Clutch or clear bag only.

Fri-SunChandler

Glowing Pumpkins

Riverwalk at Rawhide
When
Fri to Sun, timed entry
Where
5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226
Cost
Timed tickets; kids 2 and under free

Free parking. The walk takes 45 to 75 minutes. Family friendly, no scares, strollers OK.

Fri-SatPhoenix

Strange Garden: Family Weekend

Desert Botanical Garden
When
Fri and Sat, 6 to 9 pm
Where
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Cost
Included with admission or membership

Free pumpkin for each child 12 and under. Family-friendly costumes welcome. Food trucks on site.

FridayPhoenix

Gorillaz: The Mountain Tour

Mortgage Matchup Center
When
Friday night
Where
201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Cost
Ticketed

No backpacks; bags up to 14 x 14 x 6 in. Event parking in the arena garage.

FridayTempe

Meet Me On Mill

Mill Avenue, Downtown Tempe
When
Friday, 5 to 9 pm
Where
Mill Ave and 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
Cost
Free

Stages at Hayden Flour Mill and Flower Power Park. Food and drink specials. Light rail stops right on Mill.

SaturdayPhoenix

Suns Home Opener vs. Warriors

Mortgage Matchup Center
When
Saturday, 7 pm tip-off
Where
201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Cost
Ticketed

The Suns' first home game of the season. No backpacks; bags up to 14 x 14 x 6 in.

SaturdayScottsdale

Fiesta de Muertos Festival

Scottsdale Civic Center
When
Saturday, 1 to 10 pm
Where
3939 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Cost
Free

Procession at 7 pm, Lupita Infante at 8 pm. The art installation is open Thursday to Sunday, 8 am to 10 pm.

SaturdayPhoenix

Noche en Blanco

Margaret T. Hance Park (East)
When
Saturday, 5 to 10 pm
Where
1202 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Cost
Ticketed

An evening art and light festival in the park.

SaturdayMesa

Haunting on Main Street

Downtown Mesa
When
Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm
Where
1 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
Cost
Free

Kids in costume trick-or-treat at downtown shops on Macdonald and Main, while candy lasts.

SaturdayGilbert

Live Pumpkin Carving with Ray Villafane

Water Tower Plaza, Heritage District
When
Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm
Where
45 W Page Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233
Cost
Free, with a free Eventbrite ticket

Part of Harvest in the Heritage District. Grab the free ticket ahead of time.

Sat-SunMesa

Día de los Muertos Festival

Mesa Arts Center
When
Sat 12 to 10 pm; Sun 12 to 5 pm
Where
1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Cost
Free

Relaxed Hour 11 am to noon both days: smaller crowds, quieter sound, sensory rooms.

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Sources

Every time, address, price and note comes from the organizer's or venue's own page, linked on each event and checked 18 October 2026. Schedules, prices and weather calls change, so confirm on the official page before you go.