Scottsdale's event calendar fills up quickly once the summer heat breaks. From October through November, the city hosts a free outdoor light-art festival, Arizona Fall League baseball, a hot air balloon festival, championship polo at WestWorld, and an Indigenous culinary evening at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West.
This guide sorts each event by month, with confirmed 2026 dates, venues, and ticket details, so you can build a trip around the ones that interest you. When you're ready to book, Scottsdale vacation rentals from The CT Brothers give you room to spread out and recharge between outings.
Why Visit Scottsdale in the Fall
Summer heat in the Valley lingers into September, then eases off fast. Scottsdale's average highs drop from about 98°F in September to 87°F in October and 75°F in November, according to NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for Scottsdale Airport. November lows average around 51°F. That shift opens up patio dining, desert hikes, and evening festivals that would be tough to enjoy in July. For a month-by-month look at trip timing, see our guide to the best time to visit Scottsdale.
Cooler temperatures also bring golfers back to the fairways. If you want to pair an event weekend with a few rounds, start with our guide to planning a golf trip to Scottsdale. Festivals, golf, and patio dining all come back into play in the fall, ahead of the winter and spring crowds.
Scottsdale Events in October 2026
Arizona Fall League and the AZ Baseball Legacy & Experience Exhibit (October 3 – November 14)
The Arizona Fall League runs October 3 through November 14, 2026, and gives fans a close look at top prospects from MLB organizations. The Scottsdale Scorpions play their home games at Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town, and the league's Fall Stars Game takes place Sunday, November 8, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. The season wraps with the championship game on November 14 at Peoria Sports Complex.
Regular-game tickets cost $14 for adults and $12 for seniors 60 and older and teens 11 to 17, and children 10 and under get in free with an adult. Select special event games cost more, at $25 for adults. Games typically start at 1:30 or 6:30 p.m., and stadium box offices accept cashless payment only.
During the Fall League season, Scottsdale Stadium also hosts the AZ Baseball Legacy & Experience Exhibit, open during Fall League games and on select dates. The exhibit highlights notable figures and moments from baseball history, including how military service shaped stars who trained in Arizona. With six weeks of games, the Fall League works well as an anchor for a longer stay. If you want to stay close to the ballpark, our roundup of Airbnbs near Scottsdale Stadium is a good place to start.
Scottsdale Fall Festival (October 17)
The Scottsdale Fall Festival returns to Scottsdale Civic Center on Saturday, October 17, starting at 5 p.m. Admission is free. The evening features a live band and DJ, local food trucks, a cocktail garden, trick-or-treating, carnival games, and hands-on arts and crafts.
This is an easy pick for families with young children who want an early-evening Halloween outing. Civic Center sits in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, so you can pair the festival with dinner nearby.
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival (October 23–25)
Salt River Fields hosts the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival October 23–25. More than 20 hot air balloons from around the country stay anchored to the ground, light up from within after dark, and double as trick-or-treat stations. The event also includes local dance performances, DJs, and food vendors.
Tethered balloon rides lift about 50 feet and last around 10 minutes. Rides cost $30 for adults and $20 for children and are sold in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early if a ride is on your list.
Scottsdale Events in November 2026
Canal Convergence: Western Nature (November 6–15)
Canal Convergence marks its 15th year in 2026, timed with Scottsdale's 75th anniversary. The 10-night festival runs November 6–15 along the Scottsdale Waterfront and the Arizona Canal between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard, with additional programming at Solstice Park. The Western Nature theme draws on Arizona and Southwest influences through large-scale, light-based art installations.
Admission is free, which makes Canal Convergence an easy addition to any fall itinerary. Expect nightly fire performances, live music and dance, family workshops, food vendors, and a beer-and-wine garden. Hours run 6–10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 6–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, so you can stroll the canal after dinner on any night of the festival.
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships (November 7)
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships take over WestWorld of Scottsdale on November 7. The event bills itself as America's most-attended polo event, and the lineup goes well beyond the matches. Guests can watch polo teams compete for the Molina Cup, catch fashion shows with Phoenix Fashion Week, browse exotic car displays, and visit the WestWorld Art & Wine Experience featuring juried artists and Arizona wineries.
The schedule starts with a rugby match at 10:30 a.m. and includes a 5:30 p.m. sunset concert. In between, the England Select Polo Team plays the featured match, and the afternoon brings the new Cowboy & Cowgirl Couture fashion show and an Army vs. Navy military matchup. Seating options range from fieldside tailgating to VIP and luxury tents. General admission starts at $50 in advance, and children 12 and under get in free with general admission. Polo weekend lines up with the Arizona Fall League's Fall Stars Game and the opening weekend of Canal Convergence, so one long weekend can cover three of the season's bigger events.
Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience (November 21)
The Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience takes place Saturday, November 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's former winter home and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This year's program, "Architecture of Indigenous Flavor and Fashion," brings together Indigenous chefs, foodways keepers, and Native fashion designers.
Guests move between curated tasting stations that blend traditional and contemporary Native cuisine, watch live cooking demonstrations, and take in a Native fashion showcase. The event falls during Native American Heritage Month and the weekend before Thanksgiving, so it fits well into an early holiday trip.
Where to Stay During Scottsdale's Fall Events
With events spread across Old Town, the Scottsdale Waterfront, Salt River Fields, WestWorld, and Taliesin West, a vacation rental gives you a flexible home base for the whole trip. You get more room than a standard hotel, a kitchen for easy breakfasts before a full day out, and shared space to unwind between events. The CT Brothers manages vacation rentals throughout the Scottsdale area and offers 24/7 guest support during your stay.
Between events, keep our list of the best restaurants in Scottsdale handy for reservations. For a slower afternoon, browse our picks for indoor activities in Scottsdale. If you want to see more of the state, our Arizona trip itinerary can help you map out the rest of your route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top events in Scottsdale this fall 2026?
Top events in Scottsdale, Arizona this fall 2026 include the Arizona Fall League (October 3 – November 14), the Scottsdale Fall Festival (October 17), the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival (October 23–25), Canal Convergence (November 6–15), the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships (November 7), and the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience at Taliesin West (November 21).
What is the weather like in Scottsdale in the fall?
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for Scottsdale Airport, average highs sit around 87°F in October and 75°F in November. September stays hot, with an average high near 98°F, while November nights can dip to around 51°F. Pack a light layer for nighttime events like Canal Convergence.
Which Scottsdale fall events are free?
The Scottsdale Fall Festival and Canal Convergence both offer free admission. The Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, Arizona Fall League games, and the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience require tickets.
Are there family-friendly events in Scottsdale this fall?
Yes. The Scottsdale Fall Festival offers trick-or-treating and carnival games, the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival turns balloons into trick-or-treat stops, and Canal Convergence includes family workshops. Arizona Fall League games at Scottsdale Stadium are also a relaxed outing for young baseball fans.
Where should I stay for Scottsdale fall events?
It depends on which events are on your list. Old Town puts you near Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale Civic Center, and the Scottsdale Waterfront, home to the Fall League, the Fall Festival, and Canal Convergence. WestWorld and Taliesin West sit farther north, so polo and the Indigenous Culinary Experience call for a drive from central Scottsdale. The CT Brothers manages Scottsdale rentals in and around Old Town, with homes and condos in a range of sizes, many with pools or hot tubs.
Book Your Scottsdale Fall Trip with The CT Brothers
With seven weeks of events between early October and the weekend before Thanksgiving, the easiest way to plan a Scottsdale fall trip is to start with the events your group wants to see. Then book a home base close to them. Call us at (623) 263-7091 or browse our Scottsdale vacation rentals to check availability for your dates.
Not sure which property suits your group? Book a call, and we'll walk you through your options so you can focus on planning the fun stuff.
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