Friday, October 19, 2012
Arizona State Fair
Whether it's thrilling rides, rockin' concerts, unusual foods or interactive family activities, the Arizona State Fair has something for nearly everyone. Attractions this year include the Sue Wee Flying Pig Races and the U.S. Armwrestling Championships. The Arizona State Fair Concert Series will include Adam Lambert, Weezer and John Fogerty, and entertainment will vary from a police K-9 competition to a monster-trucks and RV demolition derby -- all free with paid fair admission.
Details: Oct. 12-Nov. 4 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Arizona State Fairgrounds, 19th Avenue and McDowell Road, Phoenix. $10, $5 for age 55 and older and ages 5-13, free for younger than 5. 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.
12th Annual Taste of the Town
Enjoy food, drinks and music under the stars during the Muscular Dystrophy Association's 12th Annual Taste of the Town at the Scottsdale Quarter. The event will feature more than 20 vendors, fine wines and culinary dishes, along with a wine and jewelry raffle, a silent auction and live entertainment from Jed's a Millionaire. VIP tickets include admission to the after-party at El Santo Cantina.
Details: 7-10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19. Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $65 general admission; $85 VIP tickets. 480-496-4530, tasteofthetownaz.com
Saturday, October 20, 2012
The Kokopelli Krush
Get ready for some grape stompin' fun as the Valley's own winery and bistro hosts the 11th annual Kokopelli Krush. Teams of two will compete in grape-crushing heats throughout the weekend, leading to a championship "krush-off" on Sunday with prizes including trips to Las Vegas and a cruise. Between the foot-staining fun, you can sample wines and craft brews from around the state, and enjoy fine food and live music.
Details: 5 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-21. Kokopelli Winery & Bistro, 35 W. Boston St., Chandler. $15 admission- $20 team registration for the krush-off. 480-792-6927, kokopelliwinery.net.
Wild Western Festival and Dr. Buck's Ol' Time Country Fair
Organizers call this "the biggest and best family-fun Wild West event this side of ... anywhere," and from the looks of it, they're right. Have a lot of good old-fashioned fun with gunfights and stunt shows, cowboy fast-draw competitions, a chuck-wagon cookoff, blacksmiths, as well as plenty of live music, food, artisans and vendors. And make sure you bring the kids to the fair for the family wheelbarrow and three-legged sack races.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 19-21. Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale. $10, $9 for age 60 and older, $6 for military, $5 for ages 5-12, free for age 4 and younger. 623-521-3856 or 623-882-9428, wildwesternfestival.com.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Arizona Taco Festival
If you live in Arizona, a taste for tacos is practically required. Get your fill at this third annual celebration, where more than 50 taco teams whip up tens of thousands of tacos to eager taco fans. There also will be lucha libre wrestling, live surf music, a tequila expo, a mariachi contest and icy margaritas.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20-21. $12, free for age 12 and younger; weekend and VIP passes available. 480-270-5000 or 480-466-0579, saltriverfields.com or aztacofestival.com.
Carrie Underwood
No other American Idol has sold as many albums as this country singer, whose 2005 debut, "Some Hearts," has been certified seven-times-platinum. She's also topped the country singles charts 11 times, with "Jesus, Take the Wheel," "Before He Cheats," "Wasted," "So Small," "All-American Girl," "Last Name," "Just a Dream," "Cowboy Casanova," "Temporary Home," "Undo It" and this year's raucous "Good Girl."
Details: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21. Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. $38.10-$58.10. 800-745-3000, livenation.com.
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