Party time.
With Labor Day here it means that Phoenix valley residents can take solace in the idea that over the next month we’ll start to see temperatures routinely top out at less than 100 degrees. Sure, it may be 99 or 98 but there’s something magical to a Phoenician when the high is “only 98″ and doesn’t venture into the triple digits. I type this as I see this Friday’s high is 110. Spicy. September starts out very humid but as the month wanes on the dry air eventually returns and the high-90’s aren’t that bad in the shade or next to a pool. Or in a beer tent.
Unlike much of the country, Phoenix and its suburbs throw numerous festivals throughout the fall, winter and spring. We take the summer off because it’s too hot to party unless you’re tubing in a cold river or up north in the cool mountains. Although September is not nearly as full of festivals as October will be - here are some ideas of what to do during September:
Chandler, AZ
- Downtown Art Walk | Wednesday, September 3 | 5 - 9 PM | What started out less than a year ago as a simple art walk to encourage residents to spend evenings in Historic Downtown Chandler has grown into a very respectable event featuring artists and crafts and even street performances. Check out Historic Downtown Chandler’s website for more information. The Art Walk occurs on the first Wednesday of every month.
- GetOut Performing Arts Expo | Saturday, September 6 | 10 AM - 3 PM | Formerly at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, this FREE morning and afternoon features mini-performances from groups all over the Phoenix valley to give residents a “taste” of what’s to come this performance season. Afterward, there will be ‘pedal cabs’ whisking you away to Historic Downtown Chandler for lunch and shopping. Go here for more info.
- Starlight Concert Series | Every Tuesday :: September 9 - October 28 | 7 - 8:30 PM | Every Spring and Fall the City of Chandler has free concerts at Tumbleweed Park on the corner of McQueen and Germann Roads. For the lineup of what bands will be playing, go here.
- Meadowlark at the Chandler Center For The Arts | Friday, September 19 | 7:30 PM | Not really a festival but I thought I’d mention it because it’s part of the Chandler Center for the Arts‘ FREE summer concert series. For more information, go here.
Gilbert, Arizona
- 17th Annual So Long To Summer Fest | Saturday, September 27 | Phoenicians like the end of the brutal heat so much that we throw a party to commemorate it. Have you ever seen a “So Long To Winter Fest” in the Midwest or East Coast? I didn’t think so. This fair-like event is centered around families and kids but also includes a food and beverage area and a concert stage. For more information, surf on over here.
Tempe, Arizona
- ASU Football | Not officially a festival but definitely much fun! ASU fans and students know how to have a good time. The party usually starts in the fields and parking lots surrounding Sundevil Stadium and then pours into the bars and restaurants on Mill Avenue after the game. Arizona State has home games on:
- Saturday, September 6 | Stanford at ASU | 7 PM | Buy tickets
- Saturday, September 13 | UNLV at ASU | 7 PM | Buy tickets - YFest | Saturday, September 6 | 11 AM - 2 PM | YFest at Tempe Marketplace “celebrates and raises awareness of the power of youth to change the world.” What may be just as interesting are the youth performers - bands, dancers, singers, etc. - that will fill Tempe Marketplace, an outdoor mall at the corner of Loops 101 and 202. More information can be found here.
- Way Out West Oktoberfest | October 3, 4 and 5 | Okay, it’s not in September but you should pre-plan now. There’s a kid-friendly “festival within a festival” at Kinderfest while those who like to indulge in a beer or two can enjoy the many beer tents and concerts at Tempe Beach Park. Get more info here.
And if you just can’t take this last month of heat, check out the Arizona Republic’s “Fall Festival Guide” for informatin on festivals throughout Arizona, many in cooler locales like Flagstaff.
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