SEPTEMBER 

5, 6: Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Convention, Tucson Convention Center. Shopping, classes, live demos and hourly door prizes. 602-292-7500, papergatherings.com.  

5-7: Route 66 Days, downtown Flagstaff. Classic-car show, arts-and-crafts vendors, music and an ice-cream social. 928-856-2826, flagstaffroute66 days.com.  

5-21: 25th Annual Grand Canyon Music Festival, Shrine of the Ages Auditorium, Grand Canyon. Series of concerts, with visual art surrounding the stage. 928-638-9215, grandcanyon musicfest.org.  

6: YFest 2008, Tempe Marketplace. High-school students from across the nation gather to celebrate young people's ability to change the world. 480-966-9338, yfest2008.org.  

6: Fiesta de Septiembre, downtown Wickenburg. Mariachi bands, folklorico dances, salsa contest and traditional food. 800-942-5242, wickenburgchamber.com.  

6: Roughstock Explosion, Prescott Rodeo Grounds. Bareback riding, saddle-bronc riding and barrel racing. 928-713-0839, worldsoldestrodeo.com.  

6-Nov. 2: Arizona Shakespeare Festival, statewide locations. The Bard's As You Like It. 

12, 13: Oktoberfest, Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista. Beer, live entertainment and food. 520-458-7922, visitsierravista.com.  

12-14: Raw Spirit Festival, Poco Diablo Resort, Sedona. Raw vegan foods, seminars, world music and a sacred-exercise area. 928-776-1497, rawspiritfest.com.  

12-14: Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, Pine Mountain Amphitheater, Flagstaff. Concerts, workshops and kids activities. 928-525-1695.  

13: 10th annual Chandler Mariachi Festival, Chandler Center for the Arts. World-renowned mariachi groups, including Mariachi Divas and Mariachi Los Arrieros, perform. 480-782-2683.  

13: National Day of the Cowboy, City Park, Bisbee. Western music, cowboy poetry, vendors, cowboy artists and chuckwagon chow. 520-432-3554 or 866-2BISBEE, discoverbisbee.com.  

13: Fiesta del Tlaquepaque, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Sedona. Mosaico flamenco, piñatas, mariachi bands and authentic food. 928-282-4838, tlaq.com.  

13, 14: 30th annual World Arts Festival, Prescott Valley Civic Center. Ethnic food, dance, music and activities. 928-772-8857, pvchamber.org.  

13, 14: Flagstaff Extreme Fun Extravaganza, Wheeler Park. Bed races, marching bands and NASCAR-simulator races. 928-606-5601, marineleague charities.org.  

19-21: Fiestas Patrias, Festival Fields, Avondale. Mexican-inspired cuisine, art and entertainment. southwesthispanic.org. avondale.org.  

20: Nighttime Marketplace and Cultural Bazaar, Avondale Civic Center. Food, wine tastings, art exhibition and crafts from around the world. 623-333-2400, avondale.org.  

20: Bisbee Blues Fest, Brewery Gulch, Bisbee. Bands, vendors, beer gardens, food and festivities. 520-432-3554 or 866-2BISBEE, bisbeebluesfest.com.  

20: Go Vote 2008 Concert and Festival, Rialto Theater, Tucson. Calexico, Mariachi Luz de Luna and Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World perform to engage young voters in the democratic process. 520-740-1000, giffordsfor congress.com.  

18-21: Gila County Fair, Gila County Fairgrounds, Globe. Carnival, livestock auction, games and crafts. 928-425-9549, globemiamichamber.com.  

20, 21: Cider Sip'n Celebration and County Craft Fair, Annie's Apple Orchard, Willcox. Pick your own apples, an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and free samples. 520-384-2084, appleannies.com.  

23-28: Sedona Jazz on the Rocks, various locations. Internationally renowned jazz festival. 928-282-1985, sedonajazz.com.  

25-28: Cochise County Fair: Cochise County Fair Association, Douglas. Carnival rides, collegiate rodeo, 4-H demonstrations, livestock auction, live entertainment and exhibits. 520-364-3819, cochisefair.org.  

25-28: Tucson Greek Festival, St. Demetrios Orthodox Church. Homemade Greek food, dancing and imports. 520-888-0505, stdemetriostucson.org.  

26-Oct. 5: Flagstaff Festival of Science, various locations. Archaeological digs, guided hikes, speakers and hands-on exhibits. scifest@earthlink.net, scifest.org.  

26-28: Maricopa County Home and Landscape Show, Arizona Exposition and State Fair Park, Phoenix. Landscaping displays, remodeling seminars, interior-design vendor and gardening. 602-485-1691, ext. 101, maricopacountyhomeshows.com.  

27: Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration, Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. Family activities, entertainment and vendors. 480-312-7772, scottsdaleaz.gov.  

27: 22nd annual Great Tucson Beer Festival, Hi Corbett Field. More than 50 breweries, live entertainment, silent auction and appetizers. 520-296-2400, azbeer.com.  

27: So Long to Summerfest, Freestone Park Softball Complex, Gilbert. Live bands, fireworks, face painting and inflatable slides. 480-503-6200, ci.gilbert.az.us/ parks.  

27, 28: Eighth Annual Butterfly Festival and Plant Sale, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson. Butterfly walks, lecture, a puppet show, presentations and craft projects. 520-883-2702, desertmuseum.org.  

27, 28: Harvesting of the Vine Festival, Village of Elgin Winery. Celebrates the wine-grape harvest with music and tastings. 520-455-9309, elginwines.com.  

27, 28: 33rd annual Fall Artisans Festival, Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex, Pinetop. Arts and crafts, quilt and antique shows, and a parade. 928-367-4290, pinetoplakeside chamber.com.  

OCTOBER 

1-5: 35th annual National Indian Days, Manataba Park, Parker. Powwow, parade, native foods and baby pageant. 928-669-7037, critonline.com.  

2-5: Tucson Oktoberfest, Hi Corbett Field. Arts-and-crafts booths, a play area for kids and a performance by the Hofbrauhaus Band. 520-327-9467, tucsonoktoberfest.org.  

2-5: 57th annual Rex Allen Days, Keiller Park, Willcox. Rodeo, country music, car show and softball tournament. 520-384-2272, rexallendays.org, rexallenmuseum.org.  

2-Nov. 2: Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party, Queen Creek. Pig races, spooky train rides, pumpkin patch and carousel rides. 480-987-3100, pumpkinandchiliparty.com.  

3, 4: Octoberfest Car Show, Kearny. Car and gem show, farmers market and parade. 520-363-7607, copperbasinaz.com.  

3-5: Way Out West Oktoberfest, Tempe Town Lake. German food, beer, entertainment, kids activities, carnival games and inflatables. 480-491-3378, wowoktoberfest.com.  

3-7: Scottsdale International Film Festival, Harkins Camelview 5 and Harkins Fashion Square 7 theaters. International and domestic films. 602-410-1074, scottsdalefilm festival.com.  

4: Arizona Irish Festival, Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix. Irish merchandise, cultural food, silent auction, raffle and entertainment. 602-308-4601, azirishfestival.org.  

4: Traditional Indian Feast and Fundraiser Festival, San Xavier Plaza, south of Tucson. Silent auction and dinner with native foods. 520-295-1350, usaindianinfo.org.  

4: Old West Oktoberfest, Cortez Street, downtown Prescott. Beer gardens, bratwurst and music. 928-443-5220, prescott.org.  

4, 5: Folk Music Festival, Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott. Workshops, dancing and fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica and mandolin music. 928-445-3122, sharlot.org/events.  

4, 5: Rainbows Festival, Heritage Square Park, Phoenix. Gay and lesbian celebration, exhibits, food and entertainment. 602-770-8241, rainbowsfestival.com.  

8-12: ¡Viva el Arte!, Herberger Theater Center, Phoenix. Musical and theatrical performances, exhibits and artists market. 602-254-7399, herbergertheater.org.  

10, 11: Arizona Dance Festival, Tempe Center for the Arts. Dance groups from across the state perform. 480-350-2822, conderdance.com. desertdancetheatre.org.  

10, 11: Route 66 Heritage Days, Best Western, Williams. Wine, food, fine-art show and Route 66 history. 928-635-1418, williamschamber.com.  

10-12: Greater Phoenix Greek Festival, James A. Speros Community Center, Phoenix. 602-264-7863, holytrinityphx.org.  

10-12: Festival in the Desert, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Phoenix. Music and art fest featuring Patti LaBelle, Pat Benatar and Smokey Robinson. 602-267-1600, jwfestivalinthe desert.com.  

10-12: 20th annual Patagonia Fall Festival, Town Park. 150 arts-and-crafts booths, music festival and silent auction. 520-394-0060, 888-794-0060, patagoniaaz.com.  

10-12: St. Patrick's Fall Festival, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Bisbee. Prizes, silent auction, arts and crafts, and kids games. 520-432-5753, 866-2BISBEE, discoverbisbee.com.  

10-12: Tucson Film and Music Festival, Rialto Theater. Work by independent filmmakers and musicians from around the world. 520-622-8848, tucsonfilmand musicfestival.com.  

10-Nov. 12: Arizona State Fair, Arizona Exposition and State Fair Park, Phoenix. Carnival rides, livestock show, games, animals and live entertainment. 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.  

11: Vintage Bisbee Wine Festival, City Park. Wine tastings, food and music. 520-432-3554, 866-2BISBEE, bisbeerotaryclub.org.  

11: Fiesta Glendale, downtown. Dance troupes, traditional food and music. 623-930-2299, glendaleaz.com.  

11: Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest, Margaret T. Hance Park. Beer garden, Bavarian bands, German food, dancing and contests. 602-534-2406, phoenixoktoberfest.com.  

11: 14th annual Fly-In and Classic-Car Show, Wickenburg Municipal Airport. Static air show, aerobatic exhibit and pancake breakfast. 928-684-6579, outwickenburgway.com.  

11: Tour de Fat, Tempe Town Lake. Bicycling, beer, music and costumes. 480-350-8625, tempe.gov/lake.  

11, 12: Fiber Arts Festival, downtown Bisbee. Workshops and works by artists, made from wood, paper, flax and other materials. 520-642-3603, discoverbisbee.com.  

11, 12: Railfair, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale. Railroad displays, demonstrations and concessions. 480-312-2312, therailroadpark.com.  

12: Fall Festival in the Park, Courthouse Plaza, Prescott. Holiday arts-and-crafts vendors. 928-445-2000, prescott.org.  

17-19: Fall Plant Festival, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix. Large variety of arid-adapted plants for sale. 480-941-1225, dbg.org.  

18: World Water Festival, Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. Water-related hands-on activities, presentations, magic tricks, recycling games and hiking. 602-262-6863, phoenix.gov/ riosalado.  

18: Old West Days and Chili Cookoff Festival, downtown Mesa. Chili cookoff, gold panning, roping, cowboy poets and gunfights. 480-835-0757, 480-898-3878, downtownmesa.com.  

18: Harvest Festival, Rosson House at Heritage Square, Phoenix. Artisans and vendors display and sell their products. 602-262-5071, rossonhousemuseum.org.  

18: 18th annual Bisbee 1000, Bisbee. Marathon, alternative-modalities fair, arts and crafts and a beer and wine garden. 520-266-0401, bisbee1000.org.  

18: Third annual Florence Multicultural Festival, Jaques Square. Food and arts and crafts. 520-868-4496, florencemainstreet.com.  

18: 25th annual Apache Jii Day, Broad Street, downtown Globe. Native American celebration, crafts, tribal entertainment and food. 928-425-4495, globemiamichamber.com.  

18, 19: Via Colori Street Painting Festival, downtown Scottsdale. Large-scale chalk masterpieces on the pavement, live entertainment and food and drink. 480-577-0357, viacolori.com.  

19: Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation Blues Festival, Reid Park, Tucson. 520-349-0899, azblues.org.  

19-26: Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona Arts Center. Art sale, and 30 plein air painters present works. 888-954-4442, 928-282-3809, sedonapleinair festival.com.  

20, 21: Fifth annual Coyote Melon Festival, Mojave Drums Retreat Property, Meadview. Chili cookoff, melon launching, nugget-shooting derby and live music. 928-727-3786, coyotemelon festival.com.  

23-25: Mesa Storytelling Festival, Mesa Arts Center. "Best of the West" on Oct. 23, "Teller's Treasures Concert" on Oct. 24 and "Humor-us" on Oct. 25. Food, vendor booths, live music and stories. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.  

23-26: International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival, Harkins Valley Art Theater, Tempe. Scream and costume contests, film premieres, features and shorts. 602-955-6444, horrorscifi.com.  

24-26: Billy Moore Heritage Days, Festival Fields, Avondale. Carnival rides, entertainment, parade and softball tournament. 623-333-2400, avondale.org.  

24-26: Taste of Greece, St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, Peoria. Greek cuisine and pastries, live entertainment, folk dancing, imports, games and activities. 623-486-8665, peoriagreekfest.com.  

24-26: Anthem Autumnfest, Anthem Community Park Amphitheatre. Dance performances from Brazilian to hip-hop. 623-516-2268, acnv.org.  

24-26: Tucson Bluegrass Festival, Desert Diamond Casino, Tohono O'odham Reservation. Performances, workshops and contests. 520-294-7777, desertbluegrass.org.  

24-26: The Great Pumpkin Festival, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix. Pumpkin patch, hayrides and kids activities. 480-941-1225, dbg.org.  

24-26: Fine Art and Craft Festival, Frontier Town, Cave Creek. Southwestern decorative and handcrafted art. 602-789-7222, dixiegreenpromotions.com.  

25: Gilbert Family Halloween Carnival, Freestone Park Softball Complex. Pumpkin decorating, live entertainment and a craft zone. 480-503-6200, ci.gilbert.az.us.  

25: Ninth annual Fiesta de las Calabazas, Oracle Park, Tucson. Pumpkin corral, fine art, local authors and artists, and music. 520-896-2425, calabazas.org.  

25: Harvest Festival and Craft Fair: Eternal Life Lutheran Church, Mesa. Pancake breakfast and lunch, crafts, music and kids activities. 480-329-3890, eternallifelutheran.com.  

25, 26: Mesa Powwow, Pioneer Park. An intertribal Native American gathering and dance competition. 602-799-0260, cityofmesa.org/parksrec.  

27-31: Halloween in Bisbee, downtown. Haunted theater, scary-movie screening and spooky street scenes. 520-432-3554, discoverbisbee.com.  

31: 21st annual Safe & Fun Trick-or-Treating, Main Street, Sedona. Trick-or-treating at local merchants. 928-204-2390, sedonamainstreet.com.  

31: Trunk or Treat Festival, Desert Mountain Park, Queen Creek. Trick-or-treating out of car trunks, a bone garden, phantom fun house and canine costume contest. 480-358-3700, queencreek.org.  

31-Nov. 2: Fine Art and Wine Festival, Carefree Town Center Amphitheater. Wine and more than 160 artists. 480-837-5637, thunderbirdartists.com.  

31-Nov. 2: 22nd annual Tucson Celtic Festival, Rialto Raceway Park. Beer garden, Celtic dance and food, athletic competitions and music. tucsonceltic festival.org.  

31-Nov. 2: Sixth annual Western Music Festival, Schieffelin Hall, Tombstone. Western music. 520-457-2295, tombstonewestern musicfestival.org.  

31-Nov. 2: Wild West Days, Frontier Town, Cave Creek. Wild West shows, music performances and a pageant. 480-437-1110, cavecreekchamber.org.  

31-Nov. 2: 19th annual Festival of Color, Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista. Hot-air-balloon-school flights and evening balloon glow. 520-456-6279, visitsierravista.com. 

NOVEMBER 

1: 13th annual Greek Festival, English Village, Lake Havasu City. Food, barbecue, Greek band and dance troupes. 928-764-1388, golakehavasu.com.  

1-2: 38th annual Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts, downtown. Music, artists, wine tasting, and book and antique sale. 623-393-7820, litchfield-park.org.  

5-9: Fall Festival Arabian Horse Show, WestWorld of Scottsdale. Open to Arabian and half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian horses. Participate in classes or watch the two shows. 480-515-1500, scottsdaleshow.com.  

5-9: Tucson Fall Festival Horse Show, Pima County Fairgrounds. 763-477-6023, swfair.com.  

6-9: 19th annual Arizona Classic Jazz Festival, San Marcos Resort, Chandler. U.S. and European bands perform. 480-620-3941, azclassicjazz.org.  

7-9: Sixth annual Desert Shrimp Festival, Community Center Park, Gila Bend. Shrimp-eating contest, bobbing for shrimp and sand-castle-building contest. 928-683-2255, gilabendaz.org.  

7-9: 22nd annual London Bridge Seaplane Classic, Lake Havasu State Park. Float-fly planes and radio-controlled models. 928-855-1197, golakehavasu.com.  

8: Live Music Festival, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior. Performances in the arboretum's gardens and collections. 520-689-2723. ag.arizona.edu/bta.  

8: St. Martin's New Release Festival, Sonoita Vineyards Winery, Elgin. Live music, wine tastings and food. 520-455-5893, sonoitavineyards.com.  

14, 15: Holiday Shoppe, Arizona Community Church, Tempe. Home decor, holiday decorations, jewelry, scrapbooks, fine art, stained glass, toys and clothing for sale. 480-491-2210. www.azcc.org.  

14-16: 29th annual Bluegrass Festival, downtown Wickenburg. Guitar, mandolin and banjo music. 928-684-5479, wickenburg chamber.com.  

14-16: Fountain Festival of Arts & Crafts, downtown Fountain Hills. 480 artists, artisans and gourmet-food vendors. fountainhillschamber.com.  

14-16: Art and Soul Festival, Community Presbyterian Church, Lake Havasu City. Artists showcase their works. 928-680-3476, golakehavasu.com.  

15: Phoenix Faerie Festival, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Goodyear. Unique crafts, performance theater and storytelling. westerngatesfaerie realms.com.  

15-Jan. 1: 20th annual Red Rock Fantasy of Lights, Los Abrigados Resort, Sedona. Sixty themed displays, holiday music and light shows. 928-282-1777, redrock fantasy.com.  

19-23: Gilbert Days, various locations. Rodeo events, parade and carnival rides. 480-380-8399, gilbertdays.com.  

21-23: 18th annual Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival, Cibola High School, Yuma. More than 50 hot-air balloons, fireworks, entertainment and food. 928-343-1715, caballeros.org.  

21-23: 13th annual Peoria Stadium Fall Arts and Crafts Festival. More than 100 exhibits, art booths, home decor and jewelry. magicbirdfestivals.com.  

22: Smooth Jazz Holiday Art and Music Festival, Mesa Arts Center. Gifts made by local artisans, food, beverages and live music. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.  

22: 62nd annual Christmas Parade, downtown Winslow. Parade, art, crafts and food. 928-289-2434, winslowarizona.org.  

22, 23: ArtFest of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza. Contemporary artists and craftspeople, live music, international foods and an interactive family area. 480-968-5353, 888artfest.com.  

24-30: Festival of Trees, The Mall at Sierra Vista. Decoration of trees and wreaths, which are auctioned at the end of the event. 520-417-4990, visitsierravista.com.  

28: Festival of Lights, downtown Bisbee. Santa, parade, dancers and street-lighting ceremony. 520-432-6016, discoverbisbee.com.  

28, 29: Glendale Glitters, downtown. Entertainment, arts and crafts, music, carriage rides and sparkling lights. 623-930-2299, glendaleaz.com.  

29: Old Bisbee Holiday Bazaar, downtown. Artwork and crafts by local artists. 520-432-3554 or 866-2BISBEE, discoverbisbee.com.  

29: APS Fantasy of Lights, Mill Avenue, Tempe. Tree lighting, fireworks and live entertainment. 480-894-8158, downtowntempe.com. 

29: 12th annual Festival of Lights Kickoff Party, Desert Foothills Park, Phoenix. 480-460-6169, folaz.org.  

29, 30: Fall Foliage Finale Festival, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior. Arts and crafts, live music and nature trails. 520-689-2811, pr.state.az.us.  

29-Jan. 1: 11th Annual Festival of Lights, London Bridge, Lake Havasu City. More than 1 million lights displayed. 928-453-3444, golakehavasu.com.  

30: Knock Out Parkinson's Jazz and Blues Festival, Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Musical performances and silent auction. 480-595-6890, parkinsonaz.org.  

DECEMBER 

5, 6: Gingerbread Nights, downtown Glendale. Make-and-take gingerbread houses, inflatable rides and rock-climbing wall. 623-930-4500, glendaleaz.com.  

5, 6: 20th annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Wickenburg Performing Arts Center. Western-themed music, poetry and stories. 800-942-5242.  

6: Chandler Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Lighting, downtown. Marching bands, dance troupes and tree-lighting ceremony. 480-782-2735, chandleraz.gov.  

6, 7: Festival of the Wise, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Music and art from the Baby Boomer era, lifestyle seminars, product showcases, a Beatles tribute band, a Pearl Harbor and veterans tribute, food and wine. 310-306-2123. festivalofthe wise.com.  

12: 13th annual Christmas Parade, Wickenburg. Lighted floats and stagecoaches. 800-942-5242, wickenburgchamber.com.  

12-13: Jingle Bell Rockin' Nights, downtown Glendale. Holiday arts and crafts, horse-drawn-carriage rides and pictures with Santa. 623-930-4500, glendaleaz.com.  

12-Jan. 3: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights, Scottsdale. Thousands of lights, tree-lighting ceremony and Santa visits. 480-312-2312, therailroad park.com.  

13: APS Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, Tempe Town Lake. Parade of decorated boats and a fireworks display. 480-921-2300, tempe.gov.  

19, 20: Spirit of Giving, downtown Glendale. Canned-food collections, horse-drawn-carriage rides and shopping. 623-930-4500, glendaleaz.com.  

31: Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party, Mill Avenue District and Tempe Beach Park. Beer gardens, motocross-racer appearances and more than 40 bands. 480-967-2001, insightbowl.org.  

Play Ball! Big League Dreams Ballpark is Open! 

After much hand-wringing, a deeper-than-anticipated hit to the wallet and other assorted hoopla surrounding it, the Big League Dreams sports complex in Gilbert finally open. It's a 60-acre complex east of Recker and Elliot roads. 

The eight-field complex, featuring scaled-down replicas of iconic ballparks such as Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field, includes concessions, batting cages and an indoor soccer pavilion. Gilbert built the $40 million dollar complex on town land through a public-private partnership.