22 Ways to Make this Your Most Fun October Yet in Phoenix
Yes, Halloween is nigh, but so are a ton of other fun things this October. We’ve picked the best happenings – yes, that includes Halloween events – you need to check out for your best October yet.
Tuesday, October 1
Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience
Relive the magic of the groundbreaking HBO series with this live presentation of the show’s score by Ramin Djawadi. (Comerica Theatre // 8 p.m. // $39.50)
Wednesday, October 2
National Mean Girls Day Trivia
It’s Mean Girls Day! Grab your pink outfits and your squad of Plastics and celebrate in style with the ultimate test of your movie knowledge. She doesn’t even go here! (CB Live Phoenix // 7-9 p.m. // FREE)
Thursday, October 3
Shura
UK indie-pop songstress Shura brings her emotional – but still danceable – tunes to town this week. 2019 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner Quinn Christopherson opens. (Valley Bar // 7:30 p.m. // $25)
Saturday, October 5
Haunted Phoenix
Arizona’s unofficial hip historian Marshall Shore and director of Arizona’s MVD Ghostchasers and authors of books about haunted Arizona, lead you on a tour of the spooky and the creepy throughout town. (The Clarendon Hotel // 3-5 p.m. // $30)
Jonas Brothers
Get bit by the lovebug (again) as this trio of heartthrobs takes their now grown-up “Happiness Begins” stadium tour on the road in support of their new album. (Talking Stick Resort Arena // 7:30 p.m. // $58+)
Sunday, October 6
Pedal Haus Brewery’s Oktoberfest
Time to break out the lederhosen, because traditional Oktoberfest attire is encouraged for this celebration. Compete in a stein holding contest and sausage eating competition and indulge in new seasonal additions to the menu. (Pedal Haus Brewery // 6-10 p.m. // FREE)
Donut Fest
As if sampling donuts isn’t sweet enough, you can also enjoy local beer and coffee at this tasty event. You’ll also receive a goody bag, be able to take photos at a photo booth, and hear music from a live DJ. (Helio Basin Brewing Company // 1-5 p.m. // $20+)
Monday, October 7
Candlelit Slow-Flow Yoga + Meditation
Begin your week on a relaxing note with this gentle flow in a small class setting. You’re welcome to bring your own yoga gear, but mats, blocks, and bolsters will also be provided. (Abundant Space // 6:30-7:30 p.m. // $15)
Tuesday, October 8
Faye Webster
Blending elements of folk, country, and pop, Faye Webster is a young artist who has already accomplished a lot – and experimented musically – in her short career. Fans of multiple genres and creative songwriting are sure to enjoy her live show. (Valley Bar // 7:30 p.m. // $12)
Wednesday, October 9
Four Peaks Bavarian Beer Dinner
Indulge in four courses of authentic Bavarian plates, expertly paired with traditional German and Belgian brews designed to complement the flavors of your food. (Four Peaks Brewing Company // 6-9 p.m. // $65
Thursday, October 10
Taste of the Biltmore
This fun block party serves as the unofficial kickoff to charity and events season in Arizona, so come get in the giving spirit while enjoying great food. (National Bank of Arizona // 6-9 p.m. // $75)
Friday, October 11
Otsukimi – Moonviewing Festival 2019
Stroll through the usually closed to the public tea garden, look at calligraphy art installations, hear drum and flute music and more during this celebration of the Harvest Moon or Otsukimi. (Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix // 6:30-10 p.m. // $30)
Saturday, October 12
HALLOWEENCON
Spooky season lovers rejoice – Arizona’s first-ever HALLOWEENCON is here! Grab your costume and come meet horror stars, walk through haunted houses and escape rooms, and shop festive costumes and decor. (Mesa Convention Center // 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. // $19.99+)
Sunday, October 13
Tig Notaro
Known for her dry yet endearing and inspirational comedic style, Tig Notaro has used her voice and jokes to make the nation fall in love with throughout her successful career. This show is sure to chase away your Sunday scaries with plenty of laughs. (The Van Buren // 8 p.m. // $35+)
Tuesday, October 15
You deserve better. Ditch the apps and get face-to-face with fellow daters for mingling, happy hour specials, and 4-minute dates! (Helio Basin Brewing CO // 7 p.m. // $15)
Wednesday, October 16
Trivia at Provision Coffee
Grab a team and all your nerdy knowledge and spend your night competing for the title, which comes with Provision gift cards for first, second and third place winners! (Provision Coffee // 7-9 p.m. // FREE)
Friday, October 18
Phil Collins
The storied singer, songwriter, and drummer is making the rounds throughout the US on his cheekily titled “Not Dead Yet” tour. (Talking Stick Resort Arena // 8 p.m. // $158+)
Saturday, October 19
Cultural Crawl
Bar crawls are cool, but if you’re a true patron of the arts, this one is not to be missed. Survey street art as you walk through the city, drink in hand, of course, enjoying the city’s creativity. (First venue TBA // 2-10 p.m. // $10+)
Sunday, October 20
Balance Yoga Festival
Come join a community of local yoga lovers for this festival of health, wellness, and balance. Your general admission ticket includes 12 workshops, 4 masterclasses, lectures, food trucks, wellness vendors and a t-shirt, plus the opportunity to relax and engage with like-minded people. (El Dorado Park // 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. // $15+)
Monday, October 21
Danny Brown
This smart and talented Detroit rapper has been on a lengthy hiatus and reemerged recently with the announcement of a new album and tour. Celebrate his new music and return to the well-deserved spotlight by catching him live. (Crescent Ballroom // 7 p.m. // $28)
Friday, October 25
PHOENIX – Desert Botanical Garden’s Strange Garden
See some spooky plants and carved pumpkins, dance the monster mash, enjoy live performances and more at this festive outdoor celebration of nature and Halloween. (Desert Botanical Garden // 5:30-9 p.m. // $12.95)
Saturday, October 26
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
Celebrate Latin American art, food and culture during this day consisting of live music and entertainment, local vendors, a community altar and more. (Mesa Arts Center // 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. // FREE)
Monday, October 28
Hocus Pocus Trivia at Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen
Grab your cape and broom and get ready to represent your coven at this special edition trivia night dedicated to this classic Halloween flick. (Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen // 6:30-8:30 p.m. // FREE)
Tuesday, October 29
Hozier
Let this virally famous Irish crooner take you to church. In addition to playing songs off the album that made him a star, he’s touring in support of his new album Wasteland, Baby! so you’re sure to hear some new hits as well. (Comerica Theatre // 8 p.m. // $49+)
Wednesday, October 30
Blind Wine Tasting: Test Your Palate On Different Wines
Whether your wine knowledge rivals that of a sommelier or you’re a discount booze only type of person, this evening of wine and conversation will test your knowledge of the drink and get you talking about what sets different varietals apart. (Valley Bar – Library // 7 p.m. // $15)
Thursday, October 31
Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
Enjoy this Tim Burton classic with a live score as the movie is screened to enhance your viewing experience. (Phoenix Symphony Hall // 7:30 p.m. // $66+)
Which of these super cool events and activities are you looking forward to hitting up this October? Share your fun with us all month long by tagging #FrayLife #PhxFray in your social posts!
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