Bao and Dumpling Festival
NOVEMBER 6
The Arizona Bao Fest will showcase steamed buns, gua bao, sweet buns from bakeries and creative interpretations. Patrons can try dumplings from a variety of cultures, from takoyaki to pot stickers. Most bao or dumplings will be listed at less than $5, while a slew of other vendors will serve boba and other Asian dishes.
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, noon to 4:30 p.m. (early admission 10:30 a.m.), facebook.com/azboadumpling, $4-$15
Italian Pizza & Wine Festival
NOVEMBER 6
Italian Association of Arizona will host its inaugural Italian Pizza & Wine Festival, delivering authentic pizzas with imported Italian wines and beer, as well as nonstop entertainment for the whole family. Pizza makers include Fabio on Fire, Trattoria D’Amico, Bored Baker Pizza Maker, L’Impasto and Re Di Roma. Gluten-free pizza options will be available, along with additional handcrafted Italian sandwiches and other authentic Italian cuisine.
Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, noon to 9 p.m., italianassociation.org, $10-$15
Veterans Day at Belle’s Nashville Kitchen
NOVEMBER 11
Belle’s Nashville Kitchen will give back to the men and women who served by offering a 25% discount off their bill. The restaurant will also donate 10% of the day’s proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity that provides support to veterans wounded in combat and their families. Standout new menu items include its bourbon barbecue sliders ($10), Belle’s BLT salad ($14) and its homemade strawberry vodka infusion — Nashville Charm ($12).
Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, 7212 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, bellesnashvillekitchen.com
Arizona Barrels, Bottles and Brews
NOVEMBER 13
Arizona Barrels, Bottles and Brews will highlight the state’s biggest and best craft breweries, distillers and vintners. Patrons can sample Arizona-made products. Some of the over 25 local breweries, distilleries and wineries include Grand Canyon Brewing, Uncle Bear’s Brewery & Grill, 8-bit Aleworks, Canión Tequila, Copper Still Distillery, Cider Corps, Superstition Meadery and Arizona Ranch Water.
Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 2 to 5 p.m., saltriverfields.com, $19-$65
Phoenix Pizza Festival
NOVEMBER 13 AND NOVEMBER 14
Pizza lovers unite as the annual Phoenix Pizza Festival brings around 20 pizzamakers to sell their half- and full-sized pies. The event will also feature live bands, lawn games, desserts, local vendors, a kids zone, along with a bar with wine, beer, cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages. Most vendors accept cash only, and ATMs will be on-site.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, phoenix.pizza, $12
Slider Throwdown
NOVEMBER 14
The annual “battle of the burger” returns to support Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Local food trucks and vendors will battle for the title of Best Slider and People’s Choice with their creations made with beef, chicken or veggies. Participating food trucks are Chicken and Waffles for the People, Aioli Burger, 2 Fat Guys Grilled Cheese, Kingpin BBQ, Randizzle’s and El Taco Santo. Tickets include samples of all sliders, lemonade from Cutie’s Lemonade and More Truck, and dessert from Kicks Frozen Yogurt.
High Street, 5415 E. High Street, Phoenix, noon to 3 p.m., affcf.org/sliderthrowdown, $40
Luckys Tiki Takeover
NOVEMBER 16
The semi-annual Tiki Takeover returns to Luckys Indoor Outdoor featuring tropical libations incorporating locally owned NARAN Mezcal. Hobbyist mixologist and tiki enthusiast Tiki Dan will concoct tiki-inspired drinks. OH Allen the DJ will spin retro beats, and Chef Amanda from Luckys will serve tacos with a tiki twist. Guests are encouraged to don their best tiki attire and get ready to celebrate the funky island lifestyle.
Luckys Indoor Outdoor, 817 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 6 to 10 p.m., luckysphx.com/events
Uncorked Wine Festival
NOVEMBER 20
Uncorked Wine Festival returns for oenophiles to sip and savor over 100 wines and champagnes from across the globe. Uncorked Wine Festival also includes gourmet local food trucks, interactive exhibits and a custom photo booth. General admission and VIP tickets include tastings and a logo tasting tumbler. VIP ticket holders have an extra hour of tastings with shorter lines and exclusive pours from select wineries. A selection of wineries includes Fit Vine Wine, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Joel Gott Wines and Chronic Cellars. Food trucks include Back in Thyme, Pizza Arno, Rockin Rollz AZ, Wok This Way and Crazy Stuffed Breads.
Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 7 to 10 p.m., uncorkedwinefestival.com, $55-$70
Holiday Wine & Dine
DECEMBER 2
Holiday season is in full swing with the Holiday Wine and Dine Christmas event at Shops at Gainey Village. This free event showcases live music from the Volcano Steel Drum Duo, the Sahnas Brothers guitar duo, electric violinist Natasha, and Miguel de Maria on Spanish guitar. Complimentary wine tastings will be available at select restaurants for the 21-and-older crowd. All other patrons can snack on the baked goods, coffee and hot chocolate by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Take a ride on one of the festive carriage rides or visit the Cotton Candy Lady passing out festive treats.
The Shops Gainey Village, 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 5 to 8 p.m., theshopsgaineyvillage.com, free
Holiday Winemaker Dinner Under the Stars
DECEMBER 2
LDV Winery and Merkin Vineyards will come together for a winemaker’s dinner under the stars at the Scottsdale Waterfront Plaza adjacent to the LDV tasting room. A wine reception and passed appetizers will welcome guests before they are seated for the three-course dinner. Saxophonist Rochelle Romeo provides the entertainment. Chef Steve Zimmerman will introduce each dish and winery.
LDV Winery Tasting Room, 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Suite B110, Scottsdale, 6 to 9 p.m., bit.ly/HolidayWinemakerDinner, $155
