Fall is primetime for festivals in Phoenix, so as the memories of triple-digit temperatures fade away, locals look to get out and celebrate this beautiful time in the Valley.
One of the best ways to revel in the season is at Local First Arizona’s Certified Local Fall Festival. In its ninth year, the festival continues the tradition of connecting the community with the local businesses that make Arizona special.
According to Erica Pedersen of Local First Arizona (LFA), the largest alliance of independent businesses in the country, “the Certified Local Fall Festival celebrates everything local to Arizona, and brings the community together in a unique environment that draws attention to the importance of the Buy Local movement in Arizona.”
The Certified Local festivities take place this Saturday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Phoenix on Portland Parkway, located at 10 W. Portland St. This is the second year the festival has taken place in its downtown location, which is conveniently adjacent to the Roosevelt and Central light rail station.
You’ll find food, drinks, entertainment and shopping from much-loved local businesses like Postino Wine Cafe, Short Leash Hot Dogs, Zia Records and Bunky Boutique. Plus, you’ll likely find a few new favorites along the way from among the over 100 participating businesses.
This family-friendly event will have plenty to keep the kiddos happy, including a bounce house, arts and crafts and face painting. And well-behaved pooches are invited, too!
The festival is free to attend and food and drink tickets are $1 each. To sweeten the deal a bit more, the first 500 attendees at the festival will receive a gift bag filled with goodies donated by LFA businesses.
New to this year’s event is an online silent auction. All items were donated by LFA members and include things like staycation packages from around Arizona, spa and beauty packages, local art and sports memorabilia. Bidding is currently underway and wraps up on Saturday at 3pm. Check out items and register to bid online.
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community for this annual event,” says Kimber Lanning, Director of Local First Arizona. “When we first started nine years ago, it was just 25 vendors and several hundred attendees, and now it’s grown into an integral community event. This shows that each year, more and more people are making the connection between our communities’ well being and the strength of our local businesses.”
If you go
Event: Certified Local Fall Festival
When: Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
