As we get closer to fall, I’m starting to get excited for all of the events that happen this time of year. 

I find myself daydreaming about walking around, sitting on patios, and spending time outside without my body telling me to get to some AC, stat.

At the end of May, I created a summer bucket list full of things to do that’d take my mind off the heat and keep me moving. It’s almost complete—the only two that I still have open are to camp somewhere cool and be on a boat. 

I don’t think I’ll make those happen by Sept. 22, the start of fall, but I’m still happy with all of the other things I crossed off. 

As I look at upcoming events and read articles about fall leaves, I’m mentally building another seasonal bucket list. Maybe I’ll share it with you if it makes it onto paper. 🙂

But for now, bringing my brain back to the present, here’s what’s going on this weekend around the state. 

What are you up to this weekend? Let me know at responses@coppercourier.com!

Two women and a dog at Four Peaks Oktoberfest. (Four Peaks Oktoberfest)

By Britteny Dee

Arizona may be a long way away from Germany (more than 5,000 miles, if you’re curious), but the Grand Canyon State sure knows how to celebrate Oktoberfest.

The German heritage festival is held from mid-September to early October in cities throughout the world. Oktoberfest events typically feature traditional German fare, such as bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, and schnitzel, as well as games, live music, and of course, plenty of German beer.

Here are 14 Oktoberfest events happening in Arizona:

Ales on Rails, Sept. 14-Oct. 31, Clarkdale

This seasonal train ride offered by Verde Canyon Railroad celebrates fall and Arizona’s best breweries. Before passengers set off on a scenic four-hour ride, craft beers from local breweries will be served on the railroad’s outdoor pavilion. 

Sahuarita Oktoberfest, Sept. 26

This event features classic German beer and fare, including brats and soft pretzels, alongside immersive art installations inspired by various regions of Deutschland. Other treats and German specialties include currywurst, Frankfurter, gingerbread cookies, and Oktoberfest-inspired drinks, such as a Black Forest Float, Oktober Fizz, and Apple Strudel Fizz.

A newsletter for Phoenix renters, written by someone who’s lived it—me! Rent Check PHX gives you news, resources, and real renter stories from across the Valley every other Wednesday.

US Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) conducted her second oversight visit of an Arizona ICE detention facility, meeting with her constituent dying without medical care.

This week, we answer a reader who asked if there are limits on how much a landlord can raise rent in Arizona.

The Arizona State Fair will run from Sept. 19 to Oct. 26 this year. Here’s what to know about admission, concerts, parking, and more.

🎨 Check out this local artist’s new mural at a Phoenix light rail station. 

🥗 Our correspondent Brey visited FEZ, an LGBTQ-owned restaurant, where she raved about the Caesar salad. 

🎸 Innings Festival in Tempe dropped an epic 2026 lineup. 

🎡 It’s almost state fair time! Here’s a guide to tickets, parking, concerts, and more. 

🌬️ Good to know: Phoenix renters have these rights when it comes to AC trouble.

🪳 There are seven species of kissing bugs in Arizona—and you shouldn’t squish them.

✈️ Airlines are adding these 10 new routes out of Phoenix Sky Harbor before 2025 wraps up.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Britteny Dee, Jessica Swarner, USA Today via Reuters Connect,

 and Nick Karmia. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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