It's seems like the universe is telling us to watch a movie under the stars this weekend (don't forget your blanket!) Here are our picks for the best family events during the weekend of Oct. 12 through Oct. 14.
City Lights Movie Nights: “Coco”
CityScape Phoenix hosts its free City Lights Movie Nights series this fall! On Oct. 12, enjoy “Coco” in partnership with St. Mary’s Basilica to shed light on their Dia de Los Muertos Festival as it marches through CityScape. While some guests enjoying watching “Coco” on the big screen, there will also be a festive pop-up hosted by Chico Malo, low riders on display, live music and more. The movie starts at 7 p.m. on Central Ave. Guests are invited to bring their own chairs/blankets.
Penguin Awareness Week at OdySea Aquarium
In celebration of International African Penguin Awareness Day on Oct. 13, OdySea Aquarium will be celebrating through Oct. 13 with penguin-themed fun all week long. (Think a penguin parade, special educational and interactive talks about penguins, penguin painting sessions, specials at the gift shop and more.) There is also the opportunity to purchase and decorate a “penguin foot” for $1 in support of rescue organization, SANCCOB (South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). The penguin feet will be available for purchase at Ticket Windows, the Concierge Desk and Discovery Desk.
Image courtesy of Visit Phoenix.
Arizona State Fair
Corn dogs, cotton candy and carousels, oh my! The Arizona State Fair is back with crazy fair food, rides, games and exciting events at the Grandstand and Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The fair kicks off Oct. 5 and ends Oct. 28.
Saturday:
Princess Day at Unicorn Cupcake Boutique
Bring the whole family to Unicorn Cupcake Boutique in Scottsdale for a fun-filled Princess Day event on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to noon. Children will get to meet Moana, enjoy storytime, take photos and get a signed autograph. Boys and girls are welcome to dress up for this special event. No cost to attend.
Ninth Annual Taco Festival
Taco lovers will take over Salt River Fields at Talking Stick during the Ninth Annual Arizona Taco Festival Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 to enjoy live bands, lucha libre wrestling, eating contests, the popular chihuahua dog beauty pageant, the Saturday Tequila Expo, the Sunday Margarita Expo and, of course, tacos galore. More than 60 restaurants will dish out 100,000-plus $2 tacos while competing for $10,000 in a competition judged by the National Taco Association. Tickets are $12 online; $15 at the gate; $100 for VIP tickets; and kids 12 and under are free.
28th Annual Sedona Arts Festival
Held on the campus of Sedona Red Rock High School with a backdrop of the area’s breathtaking red rock vistas, the Sedona Arts Festival features a diverse lineup of 100-plus juried artists as well as live music, food and art fun for the kids on Oct. 3 and Oct. 14. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased for $10 online in advance or for $12 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.
“Second Saturday” at Uptown Plaza
Uptown Plaza hosts it "Second Saturday" event on Saturday, Oct. 13. The Hello Fall! event will feature Scoopwell's Dough Bar, dishing out straight-from-the-bowl cookie dough that is safe to eat, lawn games, pumpkin painting and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Movies in the Desert Series: “Monster’s Inc.”
The popular Movies in the Desert series continues on Saturday, Oct. 13, at OdySea in the Desert featuring an outdoor movie for families. Guests are invited to view “Monster’s Inc.” beginning under the stars at 6:30 p.m. with a 90-minute pre-movie entertainment show beginning at 5 p.m. with games, prize, a trick-or-treat station, crafts and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs/blankets while food and drinks will be available for purchase at the surrounding restaurants.
Sunday:
Fashion Week 4 Kids Open Casting Call
Boys and girls ages 5 to 14 can audition to walk in the fourth-annual Fashion Week 4 Kids which will return to the Valley on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Desert Ridge Marketplace. No experience is necessary to try out. The event kicks off the week of Oct. 29 with exclusive discounts and will culminate with a day of fashion shows and activities on Saturday, Nov. 3. For more information on casting calls and the fashion show schedule of events, please visit FW4Kids.com.
Fall Frenzy at Jake’s Unlimited
It’s your last chance to enjoy the Fall Frenzy package from Jake’s Unlimited in Mesa. Oct. 14 is the last day to enjoy three hours of unlimited rides, attractions and non-redemption video games, one game of bowling and shoe rental, one game of mini-bowling, one free play in the Midway, a $5 fun card and an all-you-can-eat buffet. For an additional $5, players can upgrade for all-day access to the buffet, arcade games, and rides. To redeem this deal online, the promo code is “FRENZY.”
Pumpkin Patches in the Valley
What’s October without a visit—or five—to a pumpkin patch? Here are our local favorites.
