Phoenix is the most populous city in the Southwest and is full of things to see and do. Amid barren landscapes of bleak and beautiful deserts, you can trek, hike and wander, while the city itself offers culture, food, museums and more. The bright and light Valley of the Sun also holds many events and festivals throughout the year.
Tempe Town Lake Oktoberfest is a boozy, beery and Bavarian slice of German hijinks featured alongside the unusual addition of Southwestern food, drink and entertainment. If you’ve ever struggled to find an event that combines Bavaria with the Southwest, then struggle no further. You’ll find polka, strudel, bratwurst, lederhosen, German beers, raucous singing, live music, games, competitions and more. And there’s plenty on offer to entertain kids, which handily makes it a family affair! Guten tag!
Another family offering is the CFA Cat Show, full to the brim with furry felines. Since 1993, the event has been delivering whiskered fun for cat fiends and fans. The festival features competitions, exhibitions, vendors and breeders. Competition categories include Best Kitten, Best Cat and more, and the items on sale include clothing, jewellery, foods, toys and cat furniture. The show features over 300 cats of more than 40 breeds and offers comers the chance to adopt a furry friend of their very own! It’s pretty, it’s purring and it’s a perfect day out.
If you’re seeking something rather more traditional, you can find it at the Arizona State Fair, which attracts more than one million eager attendees each year. It’s a good ol’ state fair, featuring rodeos, livestock, racing, carnival rides, sideshows, competitions, fair foods and plenty more. Special attractions include cooking shows, light shows, dinosaur trail adventures, art stages, pig racing, petting zoos, boxing, magic demonstrations and live performances. Performers here have included the likes of The Flaming Lips, Slayer and Garbage. It’s a massive event which takes place over three weeks, and there’s something for everyone.
The Arizona Livestock Show offers similar vibes, but with a firmer focus on ranches, rodeos, cooking, livestock, agriculture and farming. You’ll find cook-offs, canteens, cows, rides, horses, interaction and loads more entertainment. It’s another slice of traditional life and it’s great for all the family.
Throughout the city, there are plenty more festivals and events dedicated to food, drink, music, arts, culture, crafts and more. The Valley of The Sun is filled with fun!