Temperatures are still close to 110, but there are signs fall is just around the corner. Most kids are back in school, and the Cardinals open their NFL preseason schedule Friday.
That means it’s also time to start getting your tickets to some of the fall’s biggest food and drink events, including:
Rockin’ Taco Street Fest
This annual event, launched in 2012 by El Palacio Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, has outgrown the restaurant’s parking lot and moves to downtown Chandler on Saturday, Sept. 17. Advance tickets are $8; kids get in free with paid adult. More info
Arizona Restaurant Week
It’s hard to believe this twice-a-year promotion already is in its ninth year. From Friday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Sept. 25, more than 200 participating restaurants will offer a three-course, prix-fixe menu for either $33 or $44 per person. More info
JBF Phoenix Taste America
The James Beard Foundation’s annual Taste America tour stops in the Valley from Friday, Sept. 23, through Sunday, Sept. 25. The highlight will be the $275-per-person Night of Culinary Stars dinner Saturday at The Camby in Phoenix. More info
Taste of Greece
The Valley’s longest-running Greek food festival returns to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Chandler from Friday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 2. Tickets are $3, but you can get a free ticket by liking the fest’s Facebook page. More info
SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest
The downtown Chandler brewpub hosts its ninth annual festival of German food and beer on Saturday, Oct. 1. Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers and Reel Big Fish head this year’s entertainment lineup. Advance tickets are $12. Food and drink is extra. More info
Arizona Taco Festival
Around 30,000 attendees will nosh on a variety of tacos – as well as salsa, guacamole, and other Mexican fare – Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. Early tickets are $12, parking is free, and tacos are $2 apiece. More info
Cooks & Corks
The Scottsdale League for the Arts’ annual outdoor fundraiser, featuring Arizona’s top chefs and a world-class collection of winemakers, returns to the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North on Friday, Nov. 11. The $125 tickets always sell out early. More info
Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-off
Get an up-close look at Old West history during this free, family-friendly culinary event Friday, Nov. 11, and Saturday, Nov. 12, at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. Enjoy a cowboy lunch Saturday ($15 tickets go on sale Nov. 12 and sell out fast). More info
AZCentral.com Food & Wine Experience
For its second year, this multi-event fest moves to Salt River Fields in Scottsdale from Friday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 6. The highlight is the 70-restaurant-plus Grand Tasting on Saturday and Sunday; tickets are $90 per day (or $140 for both days). More info
Phoenix Pizza Festival
The fest, which debuted last year, moves to the larger Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 19. Tickets are $10, parking is free, and slices will range from $2-$4. Last year’s event sold out early; expect the same this year. More info
Taste of Arizona
The Boy Scouts of America are organizing this fest – featuring up 60 local restaurants, a BBQ contest, and a Dutch oven cookoff – Saturday, Dec. 3, at Mesa Riverview Park. Early tickets are $7; kids get in free. More info
