Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

I know, I know, Spring Training is months away...but turns out, Salt River has a lot going on besides baseball!  Check out these hot events coming to the Valley's one-of-a-kind venue...

It’s our home-town team’s Spring Training hub—Scottsdale’s Salt River Fields, the 140 acre venue off the 101 at Indian Bend.  But this stadium isn’t only open for America’s favorite pastime; it actually has a year-round season offering quite a calendar of awesome events.

Yep, it was a mere couple months ago when country star Blake Shelton rocked the sold-out crowd for a 4^th of July celebration, but that was just the beginning for what’s to come at the Valley venue.  According to the stadium’s Aaron Studebaker, Salt River is set to see a lot of A-list musicians perform on the field, something Phoenix-area guys and gals should be excited about.

In fact, Salt River is now heading into their fall season of events, and we got a sneak peak of what’s in store.  Their action-packed schedule starts this weekend (October 8^th-9^th) for the Everything Kids Fest, a family friendly celebration packed with activities and entertainment.  But if you prefer a more adult-friendly gathering, mark your calendar for October 22^nd—that’s the Muller-Kuhrs Octoberfest presented by Fry’s.

You read right…Miller and Coors is going to their German spelling for this Salt River booze rendezvous.  An array of bands will fill three stages as you taste-test a bunch of beer.  There will also be cooking demos, bocce ball, and tasty brats—so get ready to fill your tummy with some brew and good eats.

On October 28^th and 29^th, you’ll want to head to Salt River for some Halloween-related fun.  It’s the venue’s Spooktacular featuring more than 30 hot air balloons, live music, and fun finger food for trick-or-treaters.  The more mature crowd can dare to be scared venturing through the haunted house. 

November 5^th is the Arizona Urbanathlon presented by Mountainside Fitness.  Get ready to work up a sweat—this three-mile running course offers 10 challenging obstacles for all Valley exercise connoisseurs.  You’ll jump and climb through an assortment of barriers testing your strength, speed, and finesse.

Finally, enjoy Thanksgiving weekend over some vino…lots and lots of vino.  Salt River Fields is hosting the Talking Stick Art & Wine festival on November 25^th-27^th , featuring more than 40 local and nationwide breweries.  Well-known artists will flaunt their pieces, showcasing tons of drawings, paintings, jewelry, and photography.  It’s a perfectly relaxing way to enjoy a holiday weekend.

And here’s the best part…besides all these organized events, Salt River is available to YOU for pretty much anything you desire.  Just think—you can get hitched at Salt River!  Oh the things money can buy…

Yep, the venue features 405,000 square feet of grass, making it a unique choice for big or small events.  You can also utilize the many banquet areas accommodating 25-400 people.  The Coors Light Cold Zone and Miller Lite Taste Zone is a picture perfect place to socialize with quests, offering outstanding views of the field, mountains, and Arizona sunset.  You can also opt for the Pepsi Patio located above the press box.  It holds about 400 people.

How’s that for a home run?

For more information, visit www.saltriverfields.com.

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