The Japan Times - Phoenix Weekend Guide: Pizza Festivals, Whiskey Tasting, and Friendsgiving Picnics

Phoenix’s dining and drinking scene offers a wide spectrum of experiences this weekend, ranging from large-scale public festivals to intimate community gatherings. Residents can choose from major food events in parks, specialized tasting festivals, and collaborative dinners featuring regional chefs.

The Phoenix Pizza Festival returns to Margaret T. Hance Park for two days, bringing together some of Arizona’s most recognized pizza makers. Participating vendors include Pizzicletta, Otra Pizzeria, and Freak Brothers Pizza, who will serve slices alongside a spritz bar and a dedicated area for children. The event also features a live music stage. General admission tickets cost $20 and must be purchased online in advance; children aged five and younger are admitted free. Food and beverages from individual vendors are sold separately.

In Mesa, the Copper State Whiskey Fest takes place at 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway on Saturday. The festival highlights oaked and aged spirits, featuring a lineup that includes local producer Whiskey Del Bac alongside U.S. distillers Bardstown Bourbon Co., Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve. International labels such as Buchanan’s, Bushmills, and The Dalmore are also present. In addition to whiskey, the event serves craft beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages. Attendees can expect live music and local food trucks. Tickets start at $60, with designated driver tickets available for $30. Proceeds from the event benefit Beer Babes Family, an organization supporting women in the beer community.

For those seeking a more communal dining experience, the Arizona Baking Club is hosting a Friendsgiving potluck picnic on Sunday at Encanto Park. The event begins at 3 p.m. and requires attendees to bring a dish to share. Organizers suggest contributing a Thanksgiving classic, a family favorite, a seasonal dessert, or a new recipe. The club will email confirmed attendees the exact meeting location within the park. Tickets are $10 and available via Eventbrite.

The culinary calendar extends beyond the immediate weekend with several notable events scheduled for early November and December. On November 2, the third annual Indian Frybread & Arts Festival takes place at the Rawhide Event Center in Chandler. The event celebrates Native American food and culture, featuring food from more than a dozen vendors, including Fluffin Fry Bread and Hello Frybread. Attendees can expect chili, snacks, desserts, and other bites alongside art, music, and dance performances. Tickets are $25, while children aged 12 and younger enter free with a paying adult.

Also on November 2, Queen Creek Olive Mill hosts its November Sangria Social at 125062 S. Meridian Road. The event features four fall-inspired sangria flavors: a white sangria with apples, honey, and sage; a rosé riff with grapefruit, raspberry, and thyme; the Main Event sangria based on tempranillo with pecans, almonds, apple cider, and rosemary; and a Syrah sangria with figs, dark chocolate, orange, and vanilla. The mill will also serve food and live music. No advance tickets are required to attend.

Looking ahead to December 6, the AZ Brunch Fest returns to Scottsdale Stadium for its second year. The festival celebrates brunch culture with participation from popular local establishments including Hash Kitchen, Andres Candough, The Canal Club, Press Coffee, and SanTan Brewery + Distillery. Tickets start at $55 and are available online.

Other notable events in the region include Bread Fest on Sunday at Don Guerra’s Barrio Bagel & Slice in Gilbert. Hosted by Hayden Flour Mills, the second edition of this festival offers baking tips, local vendor shopping, and tastings from producers such as Barrio Bread and Sonoran Pasta Co. Home and cottage bakers can enter breads and treats into a contest judged by professionals. Tickets are $12 for adults, free for children under 12, and $40 for those entering the baking contest.

On Monday, The Farish House in downtown Phoenix will host an Autumn Harvest wine dinner. The four-course paired dinner features housemade gnocchi with buttern squash-miso puree, a porchetta mosaic, buttermilk-brined Cornish game hen with risotto, and a spiced poached pear pastry. Each course is paired with French wine. Reservations can be made on Tock for $110 per person.

On Tuesday, Beginner’s Luck in Scottsdale hosts Sessions Vol. 2: Latha x Beginner’s Luck. Chefs Bernie Kantak and Digby Stridiron will create a meal featuring Afro-Caribbean food and cocktails. The menu includes plantain gnocchi, pumpkin and okra callaloo stew with rice grits and shrimp, and tamarind barbacoa roti. The evening also features artwork by Lucien Downes and a live DJ. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Additional weekend options include the Tipsy Cactus 10th Anniversary celebration in Mesa from Friday to Sunday at 2722 S. Alma School Road, #1. The taproom collaborates with Goldwater Brewing Co., Slow Body Beer Co., Everywhere Beer, Beachwood Brewing, and Radian Beer Co. on five exclusive beers. Food trucks include La Hamburguesa and Alita on Friday, Zappala’s on Saturday, and Chef Gabe Catering on Sunday.

On Friday, ADERO Scottsdale Resort hosts a Murder Mystery Dinner Experience at 13225 N. Eagle Ridge Drive in Fountain Hills. Hosted with The Murder Mystery Co., the immersive event allows guests to play detective while enjoying welcome drinks, small bites, and a buffet featuring sirloin, chicken à la king, and mahi-mahi. Prizes are awarded for best attire and sleuthing skills. Tickets are $165 via Eventbrite.

On Saturday, Eric’s Family Barbecue in Avondale hosts Fall Off the Bone at 12345 W. Indian School Road. The free customer appreciation event features open-fire barbecue, demonstrations on preparing a whole hog and trimming brisket, and brews from Saddle Mountain Brewing Co. and 8-Bit Aleworks. The event includes a rib competition, local vendors, and live music, starting at 11 a.m.

Also on Saturday, Bar Lento in the Palabra building hosts Session 022: Corridos Ketamina at 909 N. First St. The evening features music from Corridos Ketamina and Needleservice, with food from downtown restaurants including Bacanora, Bad Jimmy’s, and Smoothie Vortex. Drinks are served from Bar Lento. The event starts at 8 p.m., with tickets costing $10.

K.Nakajima--JT