Get out of the heat by getting into an autumn mindset! It may not feel like it yet, but it’s now Fall in the Valley and it has a lot to offer from picking pumpkins to celebrating the arts. Join the community and explore seasonal events throughout the Phoenix Metro area in these coming months.
Phoenix Farms - Enjoy the nostalgic feeling of fall by visiting a few of the best farms in Phoenix for pumpkin picking, fall decorations, and festive photo backdrops. Head over to Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek for the “Pumpkin & Chili Party” running every weekend throughout October. Schnepf also has a rollercoaster, carnival rides and fireworks to provide entertainment for the whole family. Other great farm options in the East Valley include Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert, and MacDonald’s Ranch in Scottsdale. Both farms offer an expansive pumpkin patch so you can be sure the whole family will have their pick of the best pumpkin to carve. Many of Shea Homes® East Valley communities are just a short drive to these farms, so you can get your pumpkin home and in the carving station right away.
Corn Maze – While a corn maze may feel more like home to many of the midwestern snowbirds that find their way to Arizona in the fall, they’re still a unique fall activity for everyone. One of the best places to test your sense of direction is the 6-acre corn maze at Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale. You can also enjoy their many other attractions including a petting zoo, bounce house, and train ride, all included with admission. Vertuccio Farms in Mesa is also an option for some fall fun! Open through October, you can reserve tickets ahead of time to partake in their 5-acre corn maze, shop seasonal flowers and produce, or play a game of pumpkin bowling.
Farmer’s Markets - Kick-off the weekend with a morning at your local Farmer’s Markets, all of which will offer locally sourced shopping you can enjoy in the cooler temperatures. Markets throughout the valley sell farm-fresh produce, savory treats, and handcrafted goods. What better way to celebrate small businesses, explore hundreds of unique options, and spend time outdoors! For some of the most popular farmers markets in Metro Phoenix, check out our blog here.
Arizona State Fair – After a year off in 2020, the Arizona State Fair is back and better than ever. Welcome back the Arizona State Fair by enjoying carnival rides, animal attractions, live music, and more. After missing out last year, take advantage of this year’s event and join the community in festivities beginning October 1st through the 30th. The fairgrounds are located in Central Phoenix, just north of downtown, admission is $12 for adults and $10 for youth and seniors.
Local Hiking – One of the many great features about Shea Homes’ communities is their proximity to some of the best mountain preserves in the Phoenix area. Be it the Estrella Mountain Regional Park near Acclaim at Alamar or Prelude at Storyrock adjacent to McDowell Mountain Regional Park, some of Phoenix’s best hikes are just minutes from Shea communities. With cooler weather on the horizon, these hikes will become the perfect start to a fall morning.
Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light Installation - Celebrate the arts by visiting the Water + Art + Light installation along the Scottsdale Waterfront and Arizona Canal. Returning this year with the theme “Art and Technology” large-scale public artworks created by artists from around the world and locally will illuminate the Scottsdale Waterfront each evening from November 5th till the 14th. The combination of cutting-edge technologies with public art has made possible some of the most exciting and innovative artworks to appear at Canal Convergence. Through this year’s theme, Scottsdale Public Art intends to expand the public’s understanding of technology’s role in artmaking and explore its impact on society.
With the wide variety of events available in Phoenix and the surrounding area, you are sure to find one that puts you in the fall mood. Explore some of these events and see what the local community has to offer.
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