Things to Do in Phoenix in November 2026
By Daniel Barash, REAL Broker AZ, LLC | Updated November 1, 2026
Short answer: Phoenix has a full November. First Fridays fills Roosevelt Row on November 6, the free Certified Local Fall Festival brings 250-plus local vendors to Hance Park on November 7, and the Veterans Day Parade runs up 3rd Street on November 11. The Herberger Theater's free Festival of the Arts is November 14, Desert Ridge lights its tree November 23 and ZooLights opens November 25.
Five of the six are free. Here's what's on, with dates, places and costs pulled from each event's official page.
Phoenix events at a glance, November 2026
This table lists six events inside the City of Phoenix between November 6 and November 25, 2026. Only ZooLights is ticketed. Check each link before you go, since times can change.
| Date | Event | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Nov. 6, 6 to 10 p.m. | First Fridays Art Walk | Roosevelt Row and downtown arts districts | Free to walk |
| Sat., Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Certified Local Fall Festival | Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd St. | Free |
| Wed., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. | Phoenix Veterans Day Parade | 3rd St., McDowell Rd. to Indian School Rd. | Free to watch |
| Sat., Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 17th Annual Festival of the Arts | Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St. | Free |
| Mon., Nov. 23, 6 to 9 p.m., lighting 7:15 p.m. | Desert Ridge Holiday Tree Lighting | Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. | Free (optional VIP hour extra) |
| Opens Wed., Nov. 25, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. | ZooLights | Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy. | $35 general, $30 members |
Sources: Artlink, Visit Phoenix, Local First Arizona, Honoring America's Veterans, Herberger Theater Center, Desert Ridge Marketplace and Phoenix Zoo event pages, accessed October 26, 2026. Details as of October 26, 2026, subject to change.
First Fridays on Roosevelt Row
First Fridays is Phoenix's monthly art walk through Roosevelt Row and the other downtown and Central Phoenix arts districts. November's is Friday, November 6, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. per Visit Phoenix. It's free to walk, though individual galleries and venues may charge.
Roosevelt Row runs along Roosevelt Street east of Central Avenue, a short walk from the Roosevelt/Central light rail stop, which is the easiest way in on a busy Friday.
Certified Local Fall Festival at Hance Park
Local First Arizona's Certified Local Fall Festival is Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd St. The official flyer promises 250-plus local vendors, food, craft beer, live music and games. Admission is free.
Official Certified Local Fall Festival flyer. Image: Local First Arizona.
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade on a new route
The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, in its 30th year, steps off Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. This year it runs north on 3rd Street from McDowell Road to Indian School Road, not on Central Avenue, so older listings with the Central route are out of date. Organizer Honoring America's Veterans says it draws more than 45,000 spectators.
Official 2026 parade route map on 3rd Street. Image: Honoring America's Veterans.
If you live near 3rd Street in Midtown Phoenix, plan for street closures along the route that morning.
Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts
The Herberger Theater Center's 17th Annual Festival of the Arts is Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 222 E. Monroe St. in downtown Phoenix. Admission is free, per the Herberger Theater's event page.
The Herberger bills it as a community showcase, held at The Pavilion at Herberger Theater Center in the heart of downtown.
Holiday lights: Desert Ridge and ZooLights
Two holiday light events open late in the month. Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix lights its tree on Monday, November 23, 2026, at 7:15 p.m., with festivities from 6 to 9 p.m. ZooLights opens at the Phoenix Zoo on Wednesday, November 25 and runs through January 15, 2027, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Desert Ridge Marketplace's promotional art for its 2026 "Cheerville" tree lighting. Image: Desert Ridge Marketplace.
The Desert Ridge lighting is free, with an optional paid VIP hour. ZooLights tickets are $35 for general admission and $30 for members, and the zoo notes that dates and hours are subject to change.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Phoenix this weekend?
On the weekend of November 6 and 7, Phoenix has First Fridays on Roosevelt Row Friday night and the free Certified Local Fall Festival at Hance Park on Saturday.
Where is the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade in 2026?
On 3rd Street, from McDowell Road north to Indian School Road, starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
When does ZooLights open in 2026?
ZooLights opens Wednesday, November 25, 2026, and runs through January 15, 2027, per the Phoenix Zoo.
Are Phoenix's November events free?
First Fridays, the Fall Festival, the Veterans Day Parade, the Festival of the Arts and the Desert Ridge tree lighting are free. ZooLights is ticketed.
Thinking about living in Phoenix?
If you're weighing downtown Phoenix, north Phoenix near Desert Ridge or the East Valley, call or text me at 480.906.3831. More reading: why real estate is a long-term investment for Phoenix homebuyers, what October 2026 mortgage rates mean for a monthly payment, and November events in Tempe and Chandler.
Event details as of October 26, 2026, subject to change. Confirm times and tickets with each organizer.
Sources
- Artlink First Fridays
- Local First Arizona Fall Festival
- Honoring America's Veterans, 2026 parade
- Herberger Theater, Festival of the Arts
- Desert Ridge tree lighting
- Phoenix Zoo, ZooLights
About the author: Daniel Barash has spent 10 years in Phoenix-area real estate and works with buyers and sellers across Tempe, Chandler and the East Valley with REAL Broker AZ, LLC.
Daniel Barash | REAL Broker AZ, LLC | 480.906.3831
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