Phoenix has become one of the buzziest destinations in the U.S., drawing travelers for business, leisure, and often, for a mix of both. The city hums with a booming food scene, a thriving arts community, and desert landscapes that feel worlds away yet sit just minutes from downtown. And autumn is one of the best times to see it all: when the heat breaks, patios fill, and the city’s events calendar kicks into high gear.

Below, find 15 can’t-miss ideas for what to do in Phoenix this fall, whether you’re squeezing in a little sightseeing between meetings or planning a longer getaway.

Looking for a place to stay while exploring? In late October, Placemakr is debuting a pop-up extended stay hotel in Phoenix at ANOVA Central Station.  At Placemakr Downtown Phoenix, you can find the comforts of home paired with the perks of boutique-hotel living, right in the heart of downtown. It’s a flexible setup for seeing the Valley of the Sun your way.

1. Celebrate Día de Muertos at the Desert Botanical Garden
On Halloween, the Desert Botanical Garden transforms for the start of its Día de Muertos celebration, unveiling a community altar created by Oaxacan artisans. This year’s altar highlights the monarch butterfly, echoing the Majestic Mariposas Exhibit (running through Nov. 16) where over 1,000 Southwestern butterflies take flight.

From sound meditations to November’s week-long Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Celebration, there’s always something to look forward to. And even without special events, the Garden’s vast collection of 4,800+ plant species makes it one of our top picks for where to go in Phoenix this fall (or whenever you visit!).

2. Discover Phoenix’s Cultural Side in Its Museums
Phoenix is home to cultural institutions that rival those in larger cities. The Musical Instrument Museum offers interactive global soundscapes, the Heard Museum highlights Native American art and history, and the Phoenix Art Museum’s contemporary installations showcase the city’s creative energy.  The latter two museums are also partners for Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phx Fest, an October festival celebrating Indigenous art, music, and food.

3. Catch a Rodeo
In Phoenix, temperatures easing up can only mean one thing: comfier conditions for rodeos. Arizona is the state with the World’s Oldest Rodeo, and Phoenix is home to its share of cowboy culture. In November, you’ll get the chance to see bucking broncos and country music stars combined at the Hondo Rodeo Fest, with rodeo competitors vying for a $1 million payout and performances from Jason Aldean, Cody Johnson, and more.

4. Go Festival-Hopping
The fall is prime festival season in Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale and Tempe, each less than 30 minutes from downtown. Taste test at Phoenix Pizza Fest, join in the energy of Phoenix Pride, watch floating lights set sail at the Water Lantern Festival, or catch some live Americana music at Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Festivals like these make it easy to choose what to do around Phoenix on a free night or weekend, with food and entertainment build-in.

5. Explore the Roosevelt Row Arts District
No visit to downtown Phoenix is complete without a walk down Roosevelt Row. Known for its larger-than-life murals and indie galleries, it’s also home to some of the city’s trendiest eateries. Sip a craft cocktail at Bitter & Twisted, share a pie at the legendary Pizzeria Bianco, or walk a couple blocks off the main thoroughfare to Sottise or The Farish House for bistro-style dining in historic homes.   This district feels like Phoenix’s creative heartbeat, and in the fall, cooler evenings keep outdoor patios buzzing well into the night.

6. Take in Sunset from South Mountain Park
Drive up South Mountain Park (among the largest municipal parks in the U.S.) for panoramic views of Phoenix and the desert. Watching the sun drop behind the Sierra Estrella Mountains as city lights flicker on below makes for a quintessential autumn evening. Afterwards, head to The Farm at South Mountain for a farm-to-table meal under twinkling lights.

7. Book a Twilight Tour at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
This rescue center offers twilight and full-moon tours, where you can watch the Sonoran Desert come alive with sightings of all kinds of native wildlife. Here, everything from black bears, wolves, and mountain lions to javelina and desert tortoises roam. Under an autumn moon, it’s a unique way to experience Arizona’s natural side after dark.

8. Hike Papago Park’s Hole-in-the-Rock
For easily accessible desert hiking, head to Papago Park, known for its red sandstone Hole-in-the-Rock formation. A short climb leads to natural windows in the rock that frame Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix skyline, especially striking at sunrise or sunset. And in the fall, cooler desert air makes wandering the park’s trails a relaxed way to spend the day. Add it to your list of what to do in Phoenix, Arizona, if you’re looking for outdoor adventure.

9. Browse the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning, dozens of vendors set up shop at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market. You’ll find everything from locally grown chilies and citrus to handmade crafts and artisanal bread. More than a market, it’s a community gathering spot complete with live music and food trucks, as well as a favorite among locals deciding where to go in Phoenix on weekends.

10. Watch Hot Air Balloons Take Flight
Few sights are as striking as a hot air balloon rising against the desert sky. Arizona is known for its ballooning culture, and the fall is a great time to partake. Sunrise rides are popular, and later sunrises in the fall and winter make it possible to see Arizona’s landscapes wake up without a 5 a.m. call time. In Phoenix in October? The Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival features tethered rides and glowing displays after dark.

11. Catch a Game
The fall is prime time for sports fans in Phoenix. The Arizona Cardinals pack State Farm Stadium on Sundays, bringing all the energy of NFL season to town. And starting October 14, the Phoenix Suns return to the court at Footprint Center, giving visitors a chance to see NBA action up close in the heart of downtown.

12. Taste Authentic Sonoran Mexican Cuisine
If food tops your list of what to do in Phoenix, start here. The city is especially known for Sonoran-style Mexican food, where meats are typically grilled over mesquite and tortillas are oversized and chewy. Don’t miss the carne asada at Tacos Chiwas or green chile burros at Carolina’s. On a nice fall evening, opt for patio dining with a margarita in hand.

13. Paddle Tempe Town Lake
Just minutes from downtown Phoenix, Tempe Town Lake is a hub for paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. The desert-meets-city backdrop, with bridges arching overhead and skyline views all around, makes for a unique urban adventure. Rentals are easy to find along the shore, and calm autumn mornings offer perfect paddling conditions.

14. Vintage Shop in the Melrose District
The Melrose District along 7th Avenue is known for its retro aesthetic, with a mile of antique shops, mid-century furniture stores, funky cafés, and a vintage market. It’s also a hub of LGBTQ+ nightlife, making it just as fun for an afternoon of thrifting as it is for an evening of cocktails and dancing.

15. Try Fry Bread at the Fry Bread House
Phoenix is home to the James Beard Award–winning Fry Bread House, serving up Native American fry bread since 1992. Whether you try it sweet with honey or savory with beans and chile, it’s a dish deeply tied to the region’s Indigenous culture and central to its culinary story.

Where to Stay: Placemakr Comes to Downtown Phoenix

Where to Stay: Placemakr Comes to Downtown Phoenix

Beginning October 30th, 2025, Placemakr makes its Arizona debut with an extended stay Phoenix pop-up at ANOVA Central Station. Whether you're looking for weekly hotels in Phoenix or a longer-term home base, this location puts you steps from the Phoenix Convention Center, Footprint Center, and Chase Field. Perfect for business trips, weekend getaways, or something in between.

Combining the comfort of Phoenix furnished apartments with the flexibility of a hotel, the pop-up features 120 units ranging from studios to one and two bedroom apartments. Each one is fully furnished, flexibly booked, and part of an amenity-rich community. Enjoy a resort-style pool, rooftop deck, fitness center and yoga studio, coworking space, and complimentary coffee bar, all with the privacy and space of your own apartment.

Inside, you'll find everything you need to make Phoenix feel like home, no matter how long you're here. Smart lighting, stainless-steel kitchen appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers handle everyday convenience, while modern furnishings and designer bathrooms complete the space. Outside your door, you'll appreciate the perks of a professionally managed property: controlled-access parking with EV charging, property-wide Wi-Fi, secure entry with intercom, and a community events calendar.

Whether you're booking extended stay hotels for a Phoenix work assignment, living the digital nomad life, or spending a long weekend in the desert sun, Placemakr adapts to how you stay. Flexible, comfortable, and designed for both work and play. It's the smarter way to experience downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix is a city where business and leisure naturally overlap. Now your stay can, too.

Book your stay at Placemakr Phoenix today.