Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
The Town of Fountain Hills is excited to share the official 2025 Fall Event Guide, highlighting a variety of events Arizonans and out-of-state visitors can enjoy over the next several months.
The guide is available for those interested at the Town of Fountain Hills, 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains, the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, 16837 E Palisades Blvd., hotels, resorts and surrounding businesses.
“As the weather begins to cool down, we’re looking forward to hosting a variety of events that will allow people to enjoy one of the most beautiful times of year in Arizona,” said Economic Development Director Amanda Jacobs. “This year’s schedule is full of a diverse mix of happenings, meaning there’s truly something for everyone to experience.”
The Town of Fountain Hills’ 2025 Fall event lineup includes:
5th Annual Fountain Hills Peach Market
Aug. 23 through Sept. 27
Discover the essence of Utah’s finest peaches and seasonal fruits right here in FountainHills. Immerse yourself in a culinary extravaganza with over 25 food vendors and trucks, complemented by live music that will keep you grooving! This special event spans six Saturdays in town and welcomes everyone with free admission.
Mark your calendars for September 20 when the market hosts a unique “Children’s Entrepreneur Market,” showcasing young entrepreneurs selling their goods. Bring your reusable bags and do not miss the chance to savor hand-delivered peaches from Utah!
Fun Fact- If you googled “How to use Peaches” you would find over 50 ways and hundreds of recipes to use them in sweet & savory dishes. They are the ideal summer fruit from eating them whole to grilling and using them for the most delicious Pies and Cobblers!
Fountain Hills Theater
For over 35 years, FountainHills Theater has been committed to delivering exceptional theatrical and educational experiences. Explore upcoming performances below:
Cabaret
Sept. 5 – Sept 21
Rated PG-16
In celebration of the musical’s upcoming 60th anniversary, FountainHills Theater is delighted to announce the opening of the classic Kander and Ebb musical Cabaret. In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret.
Six the Musical – Teen Edition(A Youth Theater Musical)
Oct. 3 – 19
Rated PG, Two Acts – Run Time: 1.5 hrs.
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Celebration of 21st-century girl power!
The Front Page (A Mainstage Play)
Oct.31 – Nov. 16
Rated G, Two Acts – Run Time: 2 hrs.
The Front Page is an irresistible comedy set in a 1920’s newsroom. Hildy wants to go on his honeymoon, but there is a jailbreak and into Hildy’s hands falls the escapee. He phones his scoop to his editor. Their job is to prevent the other reporters and the sheriff from finding their story.
A Christmas Carol the Musical (A Mainstage Musical)
Dec. 5 – 21
Rated G, Two Acts – Run Time: 2 hrs.
The award-winning A Christmas Carol: The Musical, returns as powerful and uplifting as it ever was. A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. Don’t miss your chance to share the return of this holiday favorite with your whole family.
Please visit fhtaz.org for additional information, showtimes and tickets.
Ballet Under the Stars
Sept. 18
Step into an enchanting evening under the Sonoran skies with Ballet Arizona’s “Ballet Under the Stars.” This unique event invites you to immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening showcasing a charming blend of classical ballet and contemporary masterpieces, all presented free of charge. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the outdoors, you will experience the magic of dance in a setting that enhances the beauty and artistry of each performance. Join us for an evening where the elegance of ballet meets the splendor of nature, promising an experience that will transport and inspire.
Happy Hour Wine Walk on the Avenue
October through April (excluding December)
Celebrate life and savor global flavors! Join The Avenue Merchants Association and the FountainHills Chamber of Commerce on the first Friday every month for an unforgettable wine walk where every sip transforms into a celebration of joy and camaraderie. Stroll through businesses along the Avenue and discover a curated selection of exquisite wines, from bold reds to refreshing whites, all while embracing the “all is well” spirit.
With limited spots available, this extraordinary event is not to be missed! Your ticket includes delightful wine pairings, delectable food pairings, and a commemorative wine glass. Upon check-in, you will receive a menu with details on all the delicious tastings and locations.
Embark on a vinous adventure down the Avenue of the Fountains- reserve your spot today! Please visit fhchamber.com for additional information.
International Observe the Moon Night
Oct. 4
See the Moon’s craters and ancient lava flows up close through powerful telescopes at Observe the Moon Night, hosted by Night Sky Tourist! Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Ted Blank for fascinating lunar insights, plus hands-on demonstrations perfect for curious kids and adults. You will be part of a global celebration as sky watchers worldwide turn their eyes moonward on the same night. This NASA-sponsored event is free and open to everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair to relax and enjoy the lunar talk!
River of Time Museum & Exploration Center Fall Opening, New Exhibit, and New Lecture Series
Opening: Oct. 1 | Lecture Series dates TBD
As summer break ends, a new season begins at your hometown museum! We will reopen with our newest exhibit celebrating Fountain Hills’ own Desert Botanical Garden and exploring our native plants, animals, and geology through the lens of the garden. Join us on the first for fun & games, refreshments, and to learn more along the way! We will also be kicking off a new lecture series with guest speakers specializing in topics about our beautiful Sonoran Desert plants, animals, and water issues. Dates, topics, and speakers are in the works and will be announced on our website in September. Starting in September, please see our website at https://www.riveroftime.center/tours/ for additional information.
Milestone Sculpture Art Tour
Oct. 8 through April 25
At a staggering 150 pieces, FountainHills is home to one of the largest art collections in Arizona. Set against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, the Four Peaks, and a towering fountain, come experience these sculptures in an informative and engaging docent-led tour. Learn about the artists, the production techniques, and the story behind some of the most interesting pieces in the collection.
Our 60 – 90-minute tour begins with a meet and greet in the lobby of the River of Time and includes a short film about the lower Verde River Valley, a brief tour through the Museum, the guided tour of the sculptures in Centennial Park, and a return to the museum to visit the gift shop.
Night Sky Tourist
Join Night Sky Tourist for guided experiences that connect you with the seasonal rhythms of nature and the night sky. Ancient cultures recognized these same patterns to mark time and celebrate the changing seasons, and now you can witness them against the dramatic backdrop of Four Peaks and the Sonoran Desert. These events blend hiking, astronomy, and the rich heritage of desert sky watching.
Fall Equinox Sunrise Hike
Sept. 22, 6 a.m.
Full Harvest Moon Walk: Desert Twilight Experience
Oct. 6, 6 p.m.
November Cross-Quarter Day Event
Nov. 7, 6 p.m.
OptOutside Black Friday Sunrise Hike
Nov. 28, 7 a.m.
Winter Solstice Sunrise Hike
Dec. 21, 7:30 a.m.
Please visit nightskytourist.com for tickets and additional information.
Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills
The Sonoran Conservancy of FountainHills is a volunteer-led nonprofit that works to protect and promote some of our community’s favorite outdoor spaces — the FountainHills McDowell Mountain Preserve, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Lake Overlook Trail.
SCFH is supported by donations from people like you who care about keeping these natural areas beautiful and accessible.
Check out the schedule below for upcoming events!
*Explore the Sonoran Desert’s nocturnal world through guided experiences that blend natural history with stargazing. Night Sky Tourist collaborates with the Sonoran Conservancy of FountainHills to offer three unique fall programs under our exceptional dark skies. These free events combine desert ecology insights with night sky connections, but space is limited, and registration is required.
*Denotes partnership with Night Sky Tourist
*Dessert in the Desert: Summer Triangle & the Milky Way
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Oct. 20, 7 – 8 p.m.
What’s in my Pack & Saving a Life with an AED
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Oct. 28, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Dessert in the Desert Series: Lessons from the Past – How Indigenous people survived and thrived in the Sonoran Desert
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Oct. 29, 4 – 5 p.m.
Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge Kick-Off – Lake Overlook Trail
Fountain Park – Kiwanis Ramada
Nov. 1, 8 – 11 a.m.
*Twilight & Moonlight Hike
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Nov. 5, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Partners & Parasites – Plant & Animal Interactions
Fountain Hills Botanical Garden
Nov. 6, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Exploring Among Saguaros
Fountain Hills Botanical Garden
November 8, 9 – 10 a.m.
Ridgeline Loop
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Nov. 10, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Bring Your Kids to Hike Day
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Nov. 11, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Andrew-Kinsey to the Hitching Post
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Nov. 14, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sonoran Trail – Short & Full Loop
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Nov. 19, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Birds – Sighting and Identification
Fountain Hills Botanical Garden
Nov. 20, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
North Leg & Western Trails
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Nov. 24, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Walk off Turkey – Golden Eagle to Adero Canyon Trailhead, Full Loop or One Way
Golden Eagle Trailhead
Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Little Saddle Mountain
Library to Carpool
Dec. 4, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Rock On
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Dec. 5, 9 – 11 a.m.
Mesquite Hollow Loop Hike
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Dec. 9, 8 AM – 11:30 a.m.
*Moonless Stargazing Hike
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrating the Holidays with Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Cookies!
Outside FountainHills Community Center Entrance
Dec. 10, 4 – 6 p.m.
Exploring Among Saguaros
Fountain Hills Botanical Garden
Dec. 13, 9 – 10 a.m.
Dixie Mine Trail
Golden Eagle Trailhead
Dec. 15, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Early Morning Hike – Ridgeline Trail
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Dec. 17, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Late Afternoon Hike – Lower Sonoran Trail
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Dec. 22, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Please visit //scfh.org/events for details and to sign up.
Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden 50th Anniversary Celebration
Oct. 25
Join guest speakers from the Town of FountainHills, the FountainHills Sonoran Conservancy, and the FountainHills Desert Botanical Garden, as we celebrate our beautiful garden and its rich history. Enjoy a celebratory cupcake, then walk the trails where you will meet friendly volunteers stationed along the paths, ready to share insights about the garden, its history, and the unique desert habitat. Local naturalists will also be on hand to answer your questions and highlight the wonders of this Sonoran Desert habitat and what makes it so special!
Do not miss this special milestone event! For more information about the event and other fall FH Conservancy & FH DBG guided hikes and events visit scfh.org or fhdbg.org.
Spooky Blast
Oct. 25
Prepare for the ultimate Halloween thrill at FountainHills Spooky Blast! Explore the Halloween Spectacular at Four Peaks Park with over 20 booths packed with activities and candy delights. Conquer inflatable slides, be amazed by a Mad Science show for kids, navigate tricky obstacle courses, and venture through a twisting corn maze with surprises around every corner.
Don’t forget your costume for the ultimate costume contest! Show off your creativity for a chance to win fantastic prizes. But that’s not where the fun stops… there will be a live DJ with spooky tunes and thrilling beats, ensuring a night of non-stop fun and excitement for all ages!
Experience the most spooktacular Halloween celebration in town! Mark your calendars, gather your best costume, and prepare to create lasting memories at FountainHills Spooky Blast!
River of Time Museum & Exploration Center/Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Cultural Tours
November through April
Explore the Yavapai Nation with the River of Time Museum & Exploration Center! Experience the rich culture and history of the Fort McDowell Yavapai people on our immersive tour of the Fort McDowell Yavapai reservation. We kick off our 7th season on Nov. 6th with something new. Enjoy the tour in the comfort of an air-conditioned touring bus and a new focus on our Sonoran Desert environment from a cultural perspective. The tour features a look at the importance of the Verde River as a water source for current tribal farms and as a central source of much that has supported the tribe throughout time. Other environmental topics, landscapes, and stops are also planned, including a visit to the FMYN Cultural Center. End your excursion with a delightful lunch at the WeKoPa Resort Casino’s Ahnala restaurant. Last year’s tours sold out quickly so please start checking our website at www.riveroftime.center in September for more specific details, dates and tickets. We hope you’ll join us!
Farmers Market & Art on the Avenue
November through April
Step into an extraordinary blend of shopping delights and culinary delights at the vibrant junction of the FountainHills Farmer’s Market and Art Market. This one-of-a-kind event seamlessly integrates local artistic mastery with a diverse array of culinary offerings, promising an unforgettable experience. Discover over 100 exceptional art vendors showcasing their talents, alongside a wide selection of food vendors presenting a tantalizing range of flavors and dishes. Whether you’re browsing for unique artworks, sampling gourmet treats, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, prepare for a sensory journey that celebrates creativity and community.
Fall Fountain Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts
Nov. 14 through 16
The Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts presented by the FountainHills Chamber of Commerce stands as a premier arts and crafts event in the southwestern United States. Featuring hundreds of booths showcasing original fine artworks across all price ranges, the festival continues to grow and evolve each year. Artists display their talents in diverse mediums including sculpture, painting, clothing, jewelry, and crafts, ensuring there is something for every taste.
Enjoy the perfect blend of dining and shopping with a wide array of festival food and local dining options available. Whether you prefer to dine indoors or relax in shaded seating areas outdoors, you’ll find ample choices to suit your preferences. Live music further enhances the vibrant atmosphere of this already lively event, making it a memorable experience for all attendees.
Please visit www.fhartfairs.com for additional information.
Holiday Mart
Nov. 18 through Dec. 20
Get ready for an unforgettable shopping experience at Holiday Mart, the beloved annual fundraiser, back bigger and better than ever thanks to the generosity of the FountainHills community! Throughout the year, our dedicated Holiday Mart elves (a passionate team of volunteers) spring into action, collecting and curating a dazzling array of high-end holiday decorations. Donations are cleaned and repaired to twinkle like they are new. Explore and discover vintage and specialty items alike. Holiday Mart starts in our shared lobby with the library, then our interior lobby, hallway, and out into our patio. This year will have some extra special, large Santas of every kind for sale that you will not want to miss, along with much, much more! We will also have a special section of fall, Halloween, and other non-Christmas decorative items. There will be something for everyone. Thank you for supporting your local museum!
Starting in September, please visit www.riveroftime.center/calendar for more detailed information.
35th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run and Fitness Walk
Nov. 27
Get ready to kickstart your Thanksgiving morning with a burst of energy and festive fun at the highly anticipated 35th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run & Fitness Walk, hosted by FountainHills Community Services. This beloved valley-wide event will take you on a voyage around the world-famous iconic fountain, nestled in the picturesque Fountain Park.
Whether you are a seasoned runner or prefer a leisurely walk, we have something for everyone to enjoy! Lace up your sneakers and choose between the exhilarating 5K timed run or the refreshing fitness walk.
As a participant, your registration includes a traditional long-sleeved T-shirt, serving as a cherished memento of this memorable event. Show off your Turkey Trot pride and let the world know you conquered the challenge with style. All participants will have their hard work rewarded with a premium finisher medal!
Join us as we celebrate community, wellness, and gratitude at the 35th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run & Fitness Walk. It’s not just an event—it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and sets the tone for a day of gratitude and joy.
Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off your Thanksgiving in the most invigorating and festive way possible. Visit our website or contact FountainHills Community Services to learn more about registration and be part of this exhilarating experience. Let’s trot together and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
Pre-Registration is required. No on-site registration allowed.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Nov. 27
Come together with your community for a grand Thanksgiving tradition—the largest Thanksgiving Day Parade west of the Mississippi proudly presented by the FountainHills Chamber of Commerce. For the past 40 years, FountainHills has hosted this beloved annual event, becoming a cherished local tradition that draws spectators from across the state. It’s the perfect way to kick off Thanksgiving Day with festive flair and community spirit.
This hometown favorite parade features a colorful procession of floats, local businesses, service organizations, classic car clubs, troops, school groups, and vibrant dance routines that promise to captivate and entertain. It’s a celebration of gratitude and togetherness, providing an opportunity for families and friends to gather and reflect on all for which they are thankful.
Join us as we come together to celebrate Thanksgiving and create lasting memories with loved ones. Let the spirit of the parade fill your hearts with joy and gratitude as we revel in the warmth of the community and the festive atmosphere of this special day.
Please visit fhchamber.com for additional information.
Breakfast with Santa
Nov. 29
Start your morning off right with a delightful breakfast buffet, perfect for you and your family to enjoy before diving into a variety of festive activities. These include cookie decorating, engaging crafts, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself.
Please be aware that we cannot accommodate drop-ins on the day of the event, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. Our breakfast buffet features a delectable selection of morning treats. This event is tailored for children from preschool through 3rd grade, promising a magical event that will enchant young hearts.
Presented in collaboration with the Town of FountainHills and Noon Kiwanis, this event embodies the holiday spirit of joy and celebration, uniting the community. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to ensure you don’t miss the festive fun!
Sensitive Santa
Nov. 29
We warmly welcome families with autistic and special needs children/loved ones to a special Holiday gathering at the Community Center. This event provides a calm and welcoming environment for everyone to visit Santa Claus.
Join us for this free drop-in event from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, where you can capture cherished moments with Santa through photos. Enjoy a light snack together and engage in relaxing activities such as coloring stations and crafting, ensuring a joyful experience for all attendees.
Come and create lasting memories in a supportive setting designed to celebrate the Holiday spirit with your loved ones.
Stroll in the Glow
Dec. 6
Come and join us as we celebrate the holiday season with a delightful stroll along the glowing Avenue of the Fountains! This festive event has something special for everyone, from live music and entertainment to exciting inflatables and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Engage your creativity at our cookie decorating stations and explore unique gifts at our pop-up shopping stalls, all set amidst the magical glow of holiday lights lining the Avenue.
For more information and to register please visit: fhchamber.com/stroll-in-the-glow/.
The 2025 Fall Event Guide is available online or at the Town of Fountain Hills, Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce or surrounding businesses. For more information and to find individual event pages, visit experiencefountainhills.org.
