Consider your September social calendar officially underway. From festivals and live entertainment to family-friendly fun and local favorites, the Valley has plenty happening throughout the month. Here are 10 events to put on your radar.
The Montauk’s Annual White Party
Say goodbye to summer at The Montauk in Old Town Scottsdale during its annual White Party on Sept. 6. Guests can dress in all-white attire and enjoy a Hamptons-inspired atmosphere with brunch from 9am to 3pm, cocktails, local DJs and all-day specials for those wearing white. Reservations are recommended.
More information: themontaukaz.com.
Fulton Homes’ The West’s Most Western Rodeo
Saddle up for three days of rodeo action at Fulton Homes’ The West’s Most Western Rodeo, Sept. 11-13, at the WestWorld of Scottsdale Equidome Arena. The PRCA-sanctioned event will feature performances at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 2pm Sunday. Gates open two hours before each show.
More information: rodeoscottsdale.com.
Fresh Start’s Sip & Soirée
Join Fresh Start Women’s Foundation for its annual Sip & Soirée on Sept. 12 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess from 11am to 2:30pm. Presented by Phoenix Lending Group and hosted by Fresh Start’s Auxiliary Board, the luncheon fundraiser will feature a Sip & Shop with local vendors, activity stations, entertainment, lunch and a prize raffle. Proceeds support Fresh Start’s mission of helping women in the community thrive and achieve self-sufficiency.
More information: freshstartwomen.org.
Fire & Fairways Charity Golf Tournament
Golfers can tee up for a good cause at Kasai’s fourth annual Fire & Fairways Charity Golf Tournament on Sept. 21 at The Westin Kierland Golf Club in Scottsdale. The event includes 18 holes of golf, a Kasai lunch buffet, complimentary beverages, raffles and prizes. Proceeds benefit Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, which provide free music, arts and vocational programs for Arizona teens.
More information: app.eventcaddy.com/events/kasai-fire-fairways-4th-annual-charity-golf-tournament.
Yappy Hour
Grab your pup and head to Desert Ridge Marketplace for Yappy Hour on Sept. 25, from 6 to 8pm at The District Stage. The free, dog-friendly event will feature acoustic live music, pup caricatures, a photo booth, dog-themed treats, giveaways, complimentary pup cups and cooling and hydration stations.
Guests can also learn about dog training and meet dogs available for adoption. The event benefits Maricopa County Animal Care & Control.
More information: shopdesertridge.com.
Rockin’ For Hope: A Night with Yachtzilla
Grab your crew for a retro-inspired night of yacht rock at Rockin’ for Hope: A Night with Yachtzilla on Sept. 25. Starting at 7pm at The Duce in downtown Phoenix, the event will feature live performances from Yachtzilla and special guests Flashpants, along with music from DJ Randy. Guests can also enjoy dancing, specialty cocktails and interactive experiences throughout the evening.
Proceeds benefit Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, one of the largest pediatric cancer programs in the Southwest. The center provides care, innovative treatments and support services for children and families facing cancer and blood disorders. Tickets start at $50 for Early Bird general admission, with VIP Experience tickets available for $150.
More information: rockinforhopepch.com.
FoodieLand Food Festival
Bring your appetite to FoodieLand Food Festival, coming to Phoenix Raceway in Avondale Sept. 25-27. The three-day festival will feature more than 200 vendors serving up global flavors, along with artisan shops, games and live music. Friday’s event runs from 3 to 10pm, while Saturday and Sunday run 1 to 10pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
More information: foodielandnm.com/city/avondale.
Salt River Arts Festival
Explore the artistic traditions of the Akimel O’odham and Xalchidom Piipaash at the Salt River Arts Festival on Sept. 26 at RoadHouse Cinemas. The festival will showcase Native art ranging from intricate basket designs to handcrafted and painted pottery, along with art vendors, live performances and more.
The free event will also offer a hands-on activity, with the first 150 guests receiving the opportunity to paint a ceramic cactus with Color Me Mine. The festival celebrates art’s enduring role in the Salt River community and the ways these traditions continue to inspire contemporary artists.
More information: discoversaltriver.com/salt-river-arts-festival.
Mid-Autumn Festival with 9 Dragons Kung Fu
Celebrate Chinese culture and the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, on Sept. 26 from 6 to 8pm at The District Stage at Desert Ridge Marketplace. The free, family-friendly event will highlight the holiday’s connection to the fall harvest through lion dance, Kung Fu and Tai Chi performances, free crafts and art displays.
More information: shopdesertridge.com.
Behind the Flames
Join Scottsdale Firefighter Charities for its 27th annual Behind the Flames dinner on Sept. 27 at Mastro’s City Hall in Scottsdale. The event begins with a sponsor reception at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6pm and an evening recognizing firefighters and community members for their service. The event will include the presentation of the Scottsdale Firefighter of the Year and C.A.R.E. Awards, along with stories from firefighters and honorees. Proceeds from the event support Scottsdale firefighters, their families and local community initiatives.
To reserve a seat or learn more about supporting the event, contact Brian Shedlock at brianshedlock@gmail.com.
More information: facebook.com/Scottsdalefirefightersassociation