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The best 2023 fall food festivals in metro Phoenix: From mezcal and mead to tacos and pizza

Bahar Anooshahr
Arizona Republic

As the temperatures mellow out into double digits, metro Phoenix gets ready for a variety of fall events. Festivals are a great way to bring people together and give communities a chance to share their heritage and culture. And we have dozens to choose from, but our favorites all have to do with food.

This year, celebrations range from highlighting seasonal ingredients to specialty spirits: bao and dumplings to pizza and beer. No matter your taste, there’s no doubt a food fest on this list that will call your name.

Here's your guide to the best fall food festivals happening in metro Phoenix and beyond.

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Platform 18, one of the bars at Century Grand in Phoenix, is designed to mimic a Pullman train car.

Century Grand Bar Takeover series

Barter & Shake, the team behind Century Grand, is celebrating bars around the United States by hosting them at Platform 18. The guest bar will offer a five-drink cocktail menu and special decor. The first event featured Pacific Cocktail Haven on Sept. 3. For the next event, Platform 18 will host 2023 James Beard semifinalist Allegory from Washington D.C.

When: Once a month.

Where: Platform 18 at 3626 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

Tickets and information: Reservations open 30 days before the event. centurygrandphx.com/platform18-cocktails-reservation.

Asia Joy Espiritu Dising emcees the International Cultural Fashion Show at the Arizona Asian Festival while wearing a traditional Filipino dress on Oct. 22, 2022, in Scottsdale.

Arizona Asian Cultural Festival

A celebration of Asian culture, music, arts and crafts and food, some of the vendors include Xing Fu Tang, Yummy Thai, Takoyaki Balls, Tambayan at Joann's and Red Dragon Chinese Food.

When: Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Glendale Civic Center of the Arts at 750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale.

Tickets and information: Free.

Two friends drink beer at the Arizona Fall Festival.

Arizona Fall Festival

Presented by Local First Arizona, this event celebrates local food and beverage. Now, in its 17th year, the family- and dog-friendly festival is the largest certified local event with over 200 vendors. The Beverage Garden features Arizona wine, beer and spirits and restaurants and food trucks provide a variety of foods. Vendors include Mr. Momo, Pan de Mujer Sinaloa and The Aloha Menu. Kids’ activities are offered in the Kid Zone. Arizona sports teams will be at the Sport Zone. Adults can also participate in a silent auction. The first 300 attendees will receive gift bags.

When: Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Margaret T. Hance Park. 1202 N. 3rd St., Phoenix.

Tickets and information: Free. Beverage tasting tickets for individuals over 21 are $1 each. RSVP on Facebook.

The St. Sava SerbFest offers families a weekend celebration with traditional Serbian foods, traditional folk dancing and Serbian hospitality.

SerbFest Phoenix

Experience Serbian culture, music, dancing, cuisine and pastries during this two-day event. Between bites, take a tour of the Byzantine-style church.

When: Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Nov. 5, noon-8 p.m.

Where: Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 4436 E. McKinley St., Phoenix.

Tickets and information: Tickets are $5. facebook.com/events/3289825661264443/?ref=newsfeed.

Mary Joli, at right, serves Steve Kraus, at left, one of the white wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards during the Phoenix Wine and Food Experience at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Scottsdale.

Phoenix Wine & Food Experience

This annual event by USA Today features chefs and mixologists from all over the Valley. Attendees can sample food from chefs such as Nik Fields of the Chic Chef Café, Patience Ogunbanjo from Lagsidi Cafe, Tyson Cole's Uchi, Beau MacMillan and Peter McQuaid's Cala and Lara White from Periodic Baker. Duane Allen of Big Marble Organics, Jeff and Leah Huss of Huss brewing company and Down Time Wines are among the beverage vendors providing samples of craft colas, wines and cocktails.

When: Nov. 4, 1-4 p.m. (VIP entry starts at noon).

Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Tickets and information: General admission is $60 until Sept. 19, $65 until Nov. 3 and $80 until the day of the event. VIP tickets are $95 until Sept. 19, $100 until Nov. 3 and $115 until the day of the event. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. wineandfood.usatoday.com/events/phoenix.

ArmeniaFest

ArmeniaFest is a two-day event featuring Armenian music, folk dance, beverages and homemade foods like luleh kebab, chicken kebab, boureg, stuffed grape leaves (sarma), Armenian pizza lahmejun, pahklava, bourma (phyllo dough stuffed with chopped nuts) and other packaged Armenian desserts, cognac, beer, wine and coffee. Expect art, entertainment, a raffle and kids' activities.

When: Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Nov. 5, 1 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church, 8849 E. Cholla St., Scottsdale.

Tickets and information: Free to attend. facebook.com/StApkarArmeniaFest.

The Arizona Honeybee Festival

Sponsored by Paradise Valley Community College, this is event features all things honeybee with free lectures, music and lots of food. Grab some free bagels when you attend the first lecture of the day. There will be mead-making classes, children's book authors and more than 20 food vendors, including Spicy Sassy Dulces, Shannon's Kitchen, The Joy Bus, Dayeli’s Mexican Grill and Holy Empanadas. 

When: Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Where: Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. 

Tickets and information: Attendance and all classes are free. azhoneybeefest.org.

Food Truck Throwdown

Former Momma’s Organics, now Get Local Arizona Events, has announced its annual Food Truck Throwdown. At the event, attendees vote for their favorite food from a variety of gourmet food trucks. The truck with most votes wins "best street food truck." Guests can enjoy a full bar. In addition, kids can enjoy face painting, barrel train, free bounce houses and splash pad plus a playground.

When: Nov. 11, 4-10 p.m. 

Where: Peoria Sports Complex at 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria.

Tickets and information: General admission is $5; free for active military and veterans. Food samples are available for $5. getlocalarizonaevents.com/foodtruckthrowdown.

During the Phoenix Pizza Festival, patrons can try pizza slices from a variety of restaurants.

Phoenix Pizza Festival

Pizza lovers have the eighth annual Phoenix Pizza Festival and its more than 20 pizza makers to look forward to. Other than eating delicious pie, activities include live music, lawn games, beer and wine and kids activities. Some of last year’s pizza vendors included Dough Riders, Lou Malnati's, La Piazza al Forno and Fly Bye, to name a few.

When: Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov 12,11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: East side of Margaret T. Hance Park. 1202 N. Third St. Phoenix.

Tickets and information: Tickets are $16 and nonrefundable. phoenix.pizza.

The AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews will feature more than 25 Arizona craft beer, wine and spirit purveyors. The event takes place at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.

AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews

Check out beer, cider and wine made locally by 25 Arizona breweries, distilleries and wineries in one place.

When: Nov. 18, 2-5 p.m. VIP admission is at 1 p.m. and general admission is at 2 p.m.

Where: Salt River Fields Centerfield Parking Lot. 7555 N. Pima Road, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Tickets and information: Prices range from $19 for designated drivers to $60 for general admission and $85 for VIP. Guests must be 21 to attend. azbottlesandbrews.com.

Past events

Visitors can take a tour of the Queen Creek Olive Mill's orchards at the annual Garlic Fest.

Garlic Fest

This year marks Queen Creek Olive Mill's 10th annual Garlic Fest. During the week, guests can order garlic-infused dishes, including a garlic gelato at the restaurant. On the weekend, there will be live music, activities for the whole family and garlicky dishes.

When: Sept. 16 to 24.

Where: 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek. 480-888-9290.

Tickets and information: This event is free to attend. queencreekolivemill.com.

Mexico in a Bottle

This massive mezcal tasting returns to Phoenix for a second year. The event was started to celebrate mezcal, but expanded to highlight other Mexican spirits, including whisky, rum, gin and bitters. Some of the brands at the event include Abasolo Ancestral corn whisky, Tso'ok rum and Flor del Desierto sotol.

When: Sept. 17, 4-7 p.m.

Where: Walter Studios at 747 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. mezcalistas.com.

Tickets and information: $60 early bird pricing, $75 for general admission. seetickets.us/event/Mexico-inaBottle. Guests must be over 21.

This pair attended the 12th Annual SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest in downtown Chandler on Sept. 28, 2019.

Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest

Now in its second year, this festival is hosted by SanTan Brewing Co. and Pedal Haus Brewery. Patrons can experience German beer and food, canned cocktails, games like stein holding, weiner toss and brat eating contests, plus music by bands, such as People Who Could Fly, Super Hero and Rio Grande.

When: Sept. 30, 1-10 p.m. and Oct. 1, 1-8 p.m.

Where:  Dr. A.J. Chandler Park at 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Tickets and information: Advance tickets are $20 for Sept. 30 and $16 for Oct. 1. Prices increase to $25 and $20 on the day of the event. Free for kids 6 and under. eventbrite.com/e/downtown-chandler-oktoberfest-2023-tickets-634278583317?aff=erelexpmlt.

Rockin' Taco Street Fest

Now in its 12th year, Rockin' Taco brings together tacos from 20 different restaurants and food trucks. Micheladas, margaritas, cerveza and fresh fruit fresca are available. The festival features musical guests such as Red Not Chili Peppers and Mariachi as well as lucha libre wrestling, a mechanical taco ride and hot chili pepper and taco eating contests.

When: Sept. 23, noon-9 p.m.

Where: Dr. AJ Chandler Park at 78 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler.

Tickets and information: $15 for presale prices. Prices will increase closer to the event. Free for children 12 and under. forty8live.com/rockintacoaz.

Arizona State Fair

The Arizona State Fair draws millions of Arizonans with rides, concerts, a petting zoo, monster trucks and, of course, a fun and funky lineup of foods. This year we tried Flamin' Hot Cheetos cheesy pickle pizza, aguachile and birria tacos. There's always something new and surprising.

When: Sept. 22-Oct. 29. Doors open at 4 p.m. on the first weekend. After that, hours are noon-9 p.m., Thursdays and Sundays; noon-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays-Wednesdays.

Where: 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.

Tickets and information: $15 general admissions, free for kids 7 years old and younger. $30 for VIP parking. Concert tickets are sold separately.

Pumpkin and Chili Party

Experience a variety of rides, such as a roller coaster and carousel, along with activities like swings, jungle gyms, mini golf. The food options include pizza, burgers, sweets and, as the name would indicate, several kinds of chili, including a pumpkin chili option.

When: Oct. 5-29.

Where: Schnepf Farms at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. 480-987-3100.

Tickets and information: $25.95 for general admission. Free for children 2 and under. $15 for military, police, firefighters and people older than 65. $82.50 for season pass, which allows the pass holders to attend as many times as they like and receive 10 percent discount on merchandise and pumpkins. pumpkinandchiliparty.com/ticketing.

Astrapi dancers Melina Machas (right) and Chelsea Goard wait in line before performing during the Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Phoenix on Oct. 11, 2009.

Phoenix Greek Festival

Patrons can experience Greek food and culture at the 62nd Greek Festival. Food such as roasted leg of lamb, souvlaki, spanakopita, loukoumades Greek donuts and baklava sundaes will be available. Guests can also take a tour of the cathedral, shop at the market and watch a Greek dance every hour. The festival also offers children's activities and rides.

When: Oct. 6, 5-10 p.m.; Oct. 7, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Oct. 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix.

Tickets and information: $5 general admission. phoenixgreekfestival.org.

Pueblo Vida Fest

The Wandering Tortoise is collaborating with Tucson-based craft brewery Pueblo Vida for a four-day beer festival. The bar will have 21 Pueblo Vida beers on tap and guests can order food from Nelson's Meat + Fish next door or from rotating food trucks Sink or Swim, Lena Artisanal Woodfired Pizza and Pig Roast by Phoenix Lechon Roasters in the parking lot.

When: Oct. 6-9.

Where: The Wandering Tortoise at 2417 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-441-3490, thewanderingtortoise.com.

Tickets and information: Free to attend.

Gilbert Oktoberfest

Presented annually in Gilbert by Forty 8 Live, this festival is all about beer, bratwurst and pretzels. Patrons will experience live music, Stein holding contests and a brat eating competition.

The Klaberheads will perform everything from polkas to Big Band classics and The Taide Band combines classic rock, blues, reggae and hip-hop.

When: Oct. 7, 2-9 p.m.

Where: 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert.

Tickets and information: Pre-sale tickets are $15. forty8live.com/gilbertoktoberfest.

Taste of Japan Phoenix

At this event, guests can enjoy anime, cosplay, martial arts, shop for Japanese merchandise and foods like ramen, yakitori, takoyaki and saki.

When: Oct. 7, noon-9 p.m. and Oct. 8, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Heritage Square Garage at 501 E. Monroe St., Phoenix.

Tickets and information: Early bird prices: $12 for each day $20 for both days. After Sept. 15: $15 per day and $25 for both days. eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-japan-phoenix-tickets-673406877097.

The Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival

Cool cars and hot baos are the theme of this festival. Vendors include Hot Bamboo offering character bao and vegan options, Mr. Momo offering Nepalese baos and vegan options, Red Ginger Arizona and Flippin Rice. Ticket prices do not include food.

When: Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Where: The Martin Auto Museum Parking Lot at 4320 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale.

Tickets and information: $35 for VIP admission at 10:30 a.m., $12.99 for general admission and $5 for happy hour. tickettailor.com/events/arizonabaoanddumplingfestival.

Old Town Fests

Old Town Scottsdale puts on multiple festivals from October to December: Sangria Fest on Oct. 7, Pickle Fest on Oct. 19, Margarita Fest on Nov. 18, Whiskey Fest on Nov. 12, Wine Fest on Dec. 2 and Cocktail Fest on Dec. 9. 

Tickets and information: Visit oldtownfests.weebly.com and choose your favorite fest for prices and locations. 

Having fun during Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake.

Four Peaks Tempe Oktoberfest

Guests can experience German food, like bratwurst and carnival treats, like pizza, churros and funnel cakes plus German drinks, including both beer and non-alcoholic options. Other activities at this three-day festival include kids' activities, musical guests and running for brats.

When: Oct. 13, 5 p.m.-midnight; Oct. 14,10 a.m.-midnight; Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe.

Tickets and information: $20.00 Friday and Saturday, free for under 21 and on Sunday. fourpeaksoktoberfest.com.

Fall Fest

Held by Queer Center and Nu Towne, this is their first LGBTQ+ themed annual fall fest. The event will include pumpkin spice baked goods, carved pumpkin contests, and pie-eating contests. Other activities include a kissing booth, fall photo opportunities, free hugs from Free Mom Hugs Arizona, dunk tanks, raffles and a silent auction.

When: Oct. 14, 8 p.m.-midnight.

Where: Nu Towne Saloon at 5002 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix.

Tickets and information: Admission is free. There is a $10 entry fee for baking and pie eating contests, $5 for carved pumpkin contest. Reserve your spot here: eventbrite.com/e/fall-fest-tickets-701006207437.

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Salt and Lime Fiesta

Salt and Lime Fiesta is a tasty festival of tacos, over 30 tequilas, music, games, lucha libre and margarita samples.

When: Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.

Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Tickets and information: $15 for general admission with access to lucha libre, mechanical bull, game zone, food and non-food vendors and fiesta bars. $85 VIP tickets entitles the holders to all GA activities plus VIP lounge, two tacos, two drinks and access to agave and margarita experiences. saltlimefiesta.com.

Wickenburg Oktoberfest

Presented by Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, the festival celebrates Oktoberfest with beer from Arizona breweries like Grand Canyon Brewing, Throne Brewing, LazyG Brewhouse along with savory food trucks. There will also be live music and classic car show.

When: Oct. 14, 3-7:30 p.m.

Where: Stone Park at 164 E. Apache St., Wickenburg.

Tickets and information: $40 for general admission and 15 tasting tickets. $60 for VIP early admission, VIP parking, 15 tasting tickets and a commemorative item. $20 for designated drivers. eventbrite.com/e/wickenburg-oktoberfest-2023-tickets-677558625087.

Arizona Craft Beer Festival

Arizona Craft Beer Festival celebrates the best Arizona brewers and showcases their beers.

When: Oct. 21, noon - 5 p.m.  

Where: Heritage at Sportsman's Park at 9600 W. Sportsmans Park South, Glendale.

Tickets and information: Early bird prices are $50 for general admission, which entitles the ticket holders to a 1 p.m. entry, 15 drink tickets and a commemorative cup. $70 for VIP grants entry at noon, 20 drink tickets, commemorative cup and access to shaded area with parking. $15 for designated drivers. tickets.phoenixmag.com/events/arizona-craft-beer-awards-festival-10-21-2023.

Taste of Italy

Taste of Italy is a two-day culinary festival for those who love Italian food.

When: Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 22, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Where: Scottsdale Stadium at 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale.

Tickets and information: $15 for general admission. Free for children 12 and under. italianassociation.ticketspice.com/scottsdale-taste-of-italy-international-food-fair.

Harvest Moon Feast

This annual fundraiser for C-CAP (careers in culinary arts program) brings together thirty of the best chefs in the Southwest, including Mark Tarbell, Justin Pioche, Jelani Port and Joey Maggiore, who pair up with high school teams to create delicious bites. Ticket holders taste the creations and vote on the best bite. The funds from the evening support mentorship and job training for the students.

When: Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.

Where: The Phoenician at 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale.

Tickets and information: $145 per person for general admission with entry at 7 p.m. and $195 for VIP with entry at 6 p.m. donate.ccapinc.org/event/c-cap-harvest-moon-feast/e505076/register/new/select-tickets.

North Phoenix Asian Food Festival — Night Market

This night market celebrates the diversity of Asian cuisine and features eight food vendors including Happy Buns, Bonzai Boyz, Miniburi Thai along with a number of retailers like Sonya Market, Chibiawesome and 5 Cats Custom Crafts.

When: Oct. 28, 5-9 p.m.

Where: 822 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix.

Tickets and information: Free to attend. The organizers require an RSVP to ensure food availability. tickettailor.com/events/nightmarket.

Kierland Fine Wine and Art

Now in its second year, this event showcases Arizona artists and fine wines from the likes of Birds and Barrel, Carlson Creek and Copper Horse.

When: Oct. 28 and 29, 11a.m.-5p.m.

Where: Kierland Commons at 15210 N. Scottsdale Road, #305, Scottsdale.

Tickets and information: $20.00 for beer tasting, $35 for Saturday wine tasting and $30 for Sunday wine tasting. Prices increase at the gate. eventbrite.com/e/kierland-fine-art-wine-festival-tickets-689593933017?aff=Kierland.

More fall festivals:The best fall festivals in metro Phoenix, from hot air balloons to Dia de los Muertos

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly Twitter.

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