Your weekend. More possibilities. — Part Two
A few fresh Phoenix Valley weekend highlights for October 16–18, 2026: books, local markets, fall food, live performance, art, baseball and family adventures.
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About this roundup
Books, local markets, garden trails and live performance offered more ways to explore the Phoenix Valley during October 16–18, 2026. This archived second selection included community celebrations, a charity run, a ballpark campout and roller skating alongside other weekend possibilities.
Different interests can lead to very different plans, whether you want time outdoors, something for the family or a new place to gather. These dates have passed. The organizer links retain the original highlights for reference; check current schedules, registration, admission and optional costs before planning another visit.
AI activity illustrations; not photographs of the featured events. Dates and organizer information belong to the original selection.
Featured organizer links
- Desert Foothills Book Festival
Scottsdale · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 10 a.m.–3 p.m.. The Holland Center, 34250 N 60th St, Scottsdale. Free entry; books, food and purchases extra.
- Chandler Contigo Finale Fiesta
Chandler · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 9 a.m.–noon. Downtown Library, 22 S Delaware St, Chandler. Free family cultural event with dance and hands-on activities.
- Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party
Queen Creek · Oct 16–18, 2026 · Fri noon–10 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–9 p.m.. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek. Ticket required; pumpkins, food and selected activities extra. Children 2 and under free.
- Eastmark Farmers Market
Mesa · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 8 a.m.–noon. Eastmark Great Park basketball courts, 5100 S Eastmark Pkwy, Mesa. Free market entry; purchases extra. Friendly leashed dogs welcome.
- Donor Dash Family Fun Run
Tempe · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat from 8 a.m.; check race-specific start times. Kiwanis Park, 101 W Baseline Rd, Tempe. Paid registration; 10K, 5K and 1K options support Transplant Community Alliance. Check availability and registration rules.
- Surprise G.A.I.N. Night
Surprise · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 5:30–8:30 p.m.. Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N Bullard Ave, Surprise. Free community safety event; food and beverages extra.
- Shoshana Bean
Tempe · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 7:30 p.m.. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. Ticketed performance; check remaining seats and checkout total.
- Glen Canyon Exposed Reception
Gilbert · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 6–8 p.m.. Gallery 4 at HD SOUTH, 10 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert. Opening reception for the photography and film exhibit. Check organizer admission and RSVP details; no free-admission claim made.
- Family Fright Night
Phoenix · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 4–9 p.m.. Washington Activity Center, 2240 W Citrus Way, Phoenix. Free park movie event and activities; food truck purchases extra.
- Arizona Fall League Tripleheader
Goodyear · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat games at 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S Ballpark Way, Goodyear. One ticket covers the three games; food and purchases extra.
- Grand Slam Campout
Peoria · Oct 17–18, 2026 · Sat 5 p.m.–Sun 7 a.m.. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N 83rd Ave, Peoria. Advance tickets; limited to 200 participants. Advertised $25 includes dinner, breakfast and activities. Bring a spike-free tent within the organizer size limits.
- Elias-Rodriguez House Open House
Tempe · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 11 a.m.–2 p.m.. Elias-Rodriguez House, Tempe; use organizer directions. Free self-guided historic house open house; no registration necessary.
- Arizona State Fair
Phoenix · Oct 16–18, 2026 · Fri/Sat noon–10 p.m.; Sun noon–9 p.m.. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix. Admission ticket required; rides, food, parking and concert packages may be separate. Check organizer offers and terms.
- Great Fall Kickoff Festival
Phoenix · Oct 16–18, 2026 · Daily 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; program times vary. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix. Garden admission applies. Some separately ticketed programs and food purchases cost extra. Check the current closing-time banner before visiting.
- Fall-o-Ween at Deer Valley Park
Phoenix · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 6–8 p.m.. Deer Valley Park, 2001 W Wahalla Ln, Phoenix. Free family event; food and beverage purchases extra.
- White Tank Discovery Station
Waddell · Oct 17, 2026 · Sat 10 a.m.–noon. White Tank Mountain Nature Center, 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell. Drop-in animal ambassador program; no registration needed. Confirm applicable fees with the park; no free-admission claim made.
- My Mama Joe: Film Screening
Phoenix · Oct 16, 2026 · Fri doors 5 p.m.; film 6:05 p.m.; event ends 8 p.m.. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix. Free documentary screening and resource fair; organizer requests registration. This is not free admission to the whole museum.
- Sunday Fun Day Skate
Glendale · Oct 18, 2026 · Sun 12:30–3 p.m.. Great Skate, 10054 N 43rd Ave, Glendale. Advertised admission $14 online or $16 at door; skate rental $6. Wrist guards required; see organizer for waiver and fees.