She Said: Fall for the best Phoenix-area food and drink festivals this fall

The crisp, autumn weather might still be weeks away — but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the arrival of one of the best seasons in Arizona: fall.

When the good weather is on the horizon, the outdoor festivals start filling the calendar.

Of course, being foodies, we get super excited about the eating- and drinking-specific ones, so we have compiled a list of the best fall food festivals.

Throw on a sweater (OK, maybe not yet) and get ready to eat and drink your way through the season with us!

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Rockin’ Taco Street Festival: Sept. 15

Returning for the seventh year to downtown Chandler, this family-friendly event features Lucha wrestling, low riders, live music, margaritas, beer, eating competitions and an abundance of creative tacos from 20 local restaurants and food purveyors. More information can be found here.

SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest: Sept. 29

Grab your Lederhosen and head to Chandler for a day full of beer, bratwurst, pretzels and fun. Sip SanTan’s Oktoberfest lager as you enjoy the polka music, brat eating contest, stein holding competition and wiener dog races. More information can be found here.

Downtown Phoenix Oktoberfest: Oct. 6

Guten Tag! Downtown Phoenix’s Oktoberfest brings a bit of Germany to the heart of the city. This brand new event will be held at CityScape, where there will be beer, beer steins, brats and pretzels, along with games and entertainment. More information can be found here.

Arizona Taco Festival: Oct. 13-14

¡Viva la Revolución! The ninth-annual Arizona Taco Festival returns to Salt River Fields, featuring more tacos and tequila than any festival in the world, plus $10,000 in cold, hard, cash prizes. Get your hot sauce ready for this two-day taco-riffic event. More information can be found here.

Gelato Festival America: Oct. 20-21

Gelato’s biggest international celebration is back in America — and it’s stopping in Scottsdale. Gelato Festival America will spread awareness of real Italian artisan gelato with a contest in which gelato artisans and chefs will compete with their original gelato flavors. More information can be found here.

Dish It Out Arizona: Oct. 21

Walk around and sample high-end food and cocktails from more than 40 Arizona restaurants as you enjoy music and entertainment at High Street in North Phoenix. This 21-and-up event and benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. More information can be found here.

AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews: Nov. 3

Come be a loyal local! More than 25 local craft breweries, wineries and distilleries will be showcased at this brand-new foodie event. Get your fill of tastes and samples from your favorite Arizona producers as you stroll through Salt River Fields. More information can be found here.

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