Need to get out of the house? There are plenty of fun activities to do in the Phoenix area during the month of September. Check them out (and thanks, as always, to About.com for the listings):
9/11 Memorial Events
What: Observances around Phoenix to honor the victims and heroes of the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001.
When: In 2009: Various dates in September
Where: Phoenix
Arab American Festival
What: More than 40 singers, musicians and dancers from all over the Arab World. Activities include kids rides, fashion show, Hookah Lounge and an Arabic Food Court.
When: In 2009: September 26 - 27
Where: Murphy Park and Glendale Amphitheater
Arizona Cardinals Football
What: The Arizona Cardinals play professional football at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
When: In 2009: Various dates in September
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium
Arizona Deaf Festival
What: Free. Deaf-related exhibits, performances by Deaf groups and individuals, educational seminars on hearing loss, a Kids Corner. Arizona Deaf Festival will be an opportunity for the Deaf to celebrate and for the hearing to learn about the Deaf world. Encanto Park, Phoenix.
When: In 2009: September 19
Where: Encanto Park, Phoenix.
Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball
What: The Arizona Diamondbacks play professional Baseball at Chase Field.
When: In 2009: Various dates in September
Where: Chase Field.
Arizona Fall Frenzy
What: Three days of hot recording artists and musical acts with rides, water fun, arts and crafts booths, a gaming center, food vendors and more.
When: In 2009: September 18 - 20
Where: Tempe Beach Park
Arizona Home and Building Expo
What: Home building, home improvements, interior design and home building products and services. Over 700 booths.
When: In 2009: September 12, 13
Where: Phoenix Convention Center
Arizona Restaurant Week
What: Close to 100 fine dining establishments in the Greater Phoenix area offer a prix-fixe three course meal for $29.
When: In 2009: September 19 - 26
Where: Greater Phoenix area
Art of Recovery Expo
What: One-day event offering education, resources and entertainment. Exhibitors include counselors, agencies, treatment facilities, out patient clinics, marriage and family therapists and specialists in areas such as eating disorders, gambling addiction, and financial recovery/credit restoration, tax issues, educational opportunities, legal advice and more. Free
When: In 2009: September 19
Where: Phoenix Convention Center
Avondale's Entertainment Series
What: Free concerts and shows will be held at Avondale Civic Center Amphitheater. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Pack a picnic dinner (no glass containers or alcohol), or purchase a meal from a vendor.
When: In 2009: September ?
Where: Avondale Civic Center Amphitheater
AVP Tour Pro Beach Volleyball
What: Glendale, Arizona is one of the stops on the national pro beach volleyball tour.
When: In 2009: September 24 - 26
Where: Glendale
Ballet Under the Stars
What: Free performances at various parks in the Greater Phoenix area.
When: In 2009: September 24 - 27
Where: Greater Phoenix area
Car/Motorcycle Show and Expo
What: All proceeds benefit the Centennial High School Band Program
When: In 2009: September 19
Where: Peoria Sports Complex
Chandler Center for the Arts' Summer Concert Series
What: Family-friendly, free to the pubic concerts that will are held in the 350-seat Bogle Theatre. Tickets are not required and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Foyer doors will open one hour prior to show-time.
When: In 2009: September 11
Where: Bogle Theatre
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
What: The shows offer hundreds of tables of interest to both the once a year hunter and the avid collector.
When: In 2009: September 12 -13
Where: Arizona State Fairgrounds
Downtown Chandler Art Walk
What: Visit more than 40 artisans set up along the streets in front of the unique shops and cafes of Historic Downtown Chandler. Free.
When: In 2009: First Wednesday of the month
Where: Historic Downtown Chandler
El Zaribah Shrine Circus
What: Performances at WestWorld in Scottsdale.
When: In 2009: September 18, 19, 20
Where: WestWorld in Scottsdale
Fiesta Septiembre
What: Mariachi groups, folklorico dancers, salsa and margarita contests, outdoor mercado, food and beverage cantina, historic photo exhibits
When: In 2009: September 5
Where: Wickenburg.
First Friday
What: Visit more than 80 downtown Phoenix art galleries, studios and art spaces. Free
When: In 2009: First Friday in September
Where: Phoenix
Fun to be Fit Festival
What: Antertainment festival with fun, interactive sports and recreation activities, a diverse expo, presenters, workshops, celebrities and health assessments for every member of the family
When: In 2009: September 19, 20
Where: Phoenix Convention Center
Get Out Performing Arts Expo
What: The Expo features performing arts organizations from around the entire Valley. Free.
When: In 2009: September 12
Where: Mesa Arts Center
Grand Avenue Festival
What: Historic building tours, fashion shows, music performances featuring local talent, and a variety of other activities in downtown Phoenix.
When: In 2009: September 26
Where: Phoenix
Hell City Tattoo Festival
What: A Phoenix tattoo convention held in central Phoenix. Get tattooed, enter tattoo competitions, attend educational seminars, visit the Heck City kids area and more.
When: In 2009: September 4 - 6
Where: Central Phoenix
Hispanic Heritage Month Festivals and Events
What: Music, dance, literature, art, and more at events across the Valley celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 though October 15.
When: In 2009: Various dates in September
Where: Across the Valley
Kidsfaire
What: A trade show and family entertainment event. Indoors and air conditioned. Performances, characters, entertainment pavilions, vendors.
When: In 2009: September 19, 20
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium
Make It Happen Music Festival
What: All ages event where local bands perform. All proceeds going to the Music Therapy program at Cardon Children's Medical Center
When: In 2009: September 12
Where: Mesa Amphitheatre
Maricopa County Home and Garden Show
What: Hundreds of exhibitors. Seminars, demonstrations, and displays at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.
When: In 2009: September 25 - 27
Where: Arizona State Fairgrounds.
Mesa Day of Play
What: Open gym, youth activities, rock wall, Family Movie Night. Free.
When: In 2009: September 25
Where: Jefferson Recreation Center
Monarch Butterfly Exhibit
What: Marshall Butterfly Pavilion at the Desert Botanical Garden.
When: In 2009: September 26 - November 15
Where: Desert Botanical Garden
Movies at the Museum
What: Independent and classic cinema and documentaries relating to art, artists, and works on view in the Museum, usually followed by discussion. Free with paid museum admission. First come, first seated.
When: In 2009: Various dates in September
Where: Phoenix Art Museum
Movies in the Ballpark
What: Park concessions will be open. No alcohol, glass containers or chairs may be brought into the event. Factory sealed, pre-packaged single serving snack items permitted. One factory sealed plastic water bottle not more than 1 liter in size per person. Free
When: In 2009: September 4
Where: Goodyear Ballpark
Music on Mill
What: A showcase of local musicians performing on the streets. Musicians and performers, covering various musical genres, will activate public space and give visitors a positive, unique experience. Musicians at Music on Mill can be identified by branded donation paint cans that will be placed at each of their locations. The public is encouraged to donate towards performances so musicians return week after week.
When: In 2009: Every Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m
Where: Mill Avenue District, Tempe
Phoenix Cooks!
What: Attend Phoenix Cooks! classes, culinary demonstrations, sample Chef creations and spirits, marketplace. The ultimate foodie event is the Phoenix Cooks! Dine-Around.
When: In 2009: September 5
Where: Phoenix
Phoenix Mercury WNBA Basketball
What: The women of the Phoenix Mercury play professional basketball at the US Airways Center.
When: In 2009: Various dates in September
Where: US Airways Center
Scottsdale ArtWalk
What: Every Thursday evening the Scottsdale Art District invites you to spend a casual evening walking downtown and enjoying fine art. Free.
When: In 2009: Every Thursday evening
Where: Scottsdale Art District
Smithsonian Museum Day
What: See which Arizona museums offer free admission on this annual recognisiton of affiliates of the Smithsonian Institution.
When: In 2009: September 26
Where: Several Museums around the valley
So Long To Summer Fest
In 2009: September 12
What: Live bands, a midway with interactive inflatable slides and rides, face painting, climbing walls, attractions for children, teens and adults, a food and beverage court, and sponsor giveaways and booths.
When: In 2009: September 12
Where: Freestone Park Ball Field Complex, Gilbert
Sun Devil Football
What: Arizona State University's football team competes for PAC-10 glory at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, AZ.
When: In 2009: Various dates in September
Where: Sun Devil Stadium
Teddy Bear Day
What: Make-and-take arts and crafts, "beary" special treats and bear-related shopping in Historic Downtown Glendale.
When: In 2009: September 5
Where: Historic Downtown Glendale.
Tempe Play Day
What: Children and adults participate in structured and unstructured games, races and events, including: kayaking on Kiwanis Lake, kickball, jump roping, tennis drills and skills, inflatable games, chalk art, the annual NFL Punt, Pass & Kick youth skills competition, baseball and softball skills challenges and more.
When: In 2009: September 19
Where: Kiwanis Park
Tukee Fest Rockin' in the Park
What: Bring your blanket, chairs, family and neighbors for food, music and rides.
When: In 2009: September 26
Where: Ahwatukee.
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