25 Arizona events to check out this weekend (Oct. 17-19)

(Olya Komarova/Shutterstock)

By Jessica Swarner

October 17, 2025

This events list was first published in The Copper Courier’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.

I’m headed to the East Coast for a week before my sister’s wedding, and I’m excited to step into fall somewhere other than the desert.

Things are looking good here, though. After some record rain, we in central and southern Arizona have emerged from hot temps into some deliciously cool weather, while the northern part of the state is getting a little crispier.

That goes hand in hand with a huge events list for this weekend, so let’s get into it:

Central Arizona

Billy Moore Days Carnival & Event in Avondale, through Sunday
Arizona State Fair in Phoenix, through Oct. 26
UwU Con in Mesa, Friday-Sunday
PoeFest in Phoenix, Friday-Oct. 25
Desert Foothills Book Festival in Scottsdale, Saturday
Oktoberfest at The Park in Gilbert, Saturday
Scottsdale Fall Festival, Saturday
Amethyst Dance Festival in Casa Grande, Saturday
Copper Country Music Fest in Casa Grande, Saturday
Taco Fest in Phoenix, Saturday-Sunday
Phoenix Pride Festival, Saturday-Sunday

Southern Arizona

Tucson Terrorfest, through Sunday
Helldorado Days in Tombstone, Friday-Sunday
Tucson Meet Yourself, Friday-Sunday
Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb, Saturday
Boots In the Park in Tucson, Saturday
Boo Bash in Tucson, Saturday
Fall Festival in Marana, Saturday
Tucson Classics Car Show, Saturday
Willcox Wine Country Festival, Saturday-Sunday
Tucson Coin Club Coin Show, Sunday

Northern Arizona

Sedona Rock, Gem & Jewelry Show, Saturday-Sunday
Fall Fest at Slide Rock in Sedona, Sunday

Western / Southwestern Arizona

Yuma County Fall Fest, Friday-Sunday

Eastern Arizona

Apache Jii Festival in Globe, Saturday

MORE: A half day in Payson: Where to hike and eat

Author

Jessica Swarner

Jessica Swarner is The Copper Courier’s newsletter editor. She is an Arizona State University alumna and previously worked at KTAR News 92.3 FM in Phoenix.

Have a story tip? Reach Jessica at [email protected]. For local reporting in Arizona that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for The Copper Courier's daily newsletter. For Phoenix housing news, renter-friendly design inspo, and real talk about renting, sign up for Rent Check PHX.

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