November 2026 Events Across the North Valley
NOVEMBER 2026 · NORTH VALLEY
What’s Happening in November
The heat’s gone and the patio chairs are back out! Here’s everything worth putting on the calendar this month, from Veterans Day to turkey trots to the first tree lightings.
November at a Glance
Times can change, so check the event page before you go.
What Each Event Is
10 AM–5 PM · Anthem Community Park · Map
Anthem’s big fall fair with crafts vendors, a food court, live music and a beer garden. Walking around is free, but carnival wristbands are $40.
10–11:15 AM · Anthem Veterans Memorial · Map
A moving ceremony at the Anthem Veterans Memorial, where the sun lines up through the pillars at exactly 11:11. Bring a lawn chair since seating’s limited.
Fridays 9 AM–1 PM · Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion · Map
Fresh produce, baked goods and local vendors every Friday morning. Easy to swing by any week.
10 AM · Gavilan Peak Pkwy & Memorial Dr · Map
The 22nd annual hometown parade honoring local veterans, with a picnic afterward. Bring a flag for the kids to wave!
10 AM–4 PM · Historic Downtown Glendale · Map
Glendale’s Old Towne and Catlin Court shops kick off the holidays for the 30th year. Great day to knock out some early gifts.
9 AM–2 PM · Anthem Community Park · Map
A laid-back Sunday market with vendors and food in the park. Perfect for a slow morning stroll.
Opens Nov 18 · JW Marriott Desert Ridge · Map
A walk-through of Elf scenes carved from 2 million pounds of ice, with two-story ice slides. It’s 9 degrees inside, so wear closed-toe shoes and prepay parking to save 20%.
Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour
Cave Creek10 AM–5 PM · Cave Creek, Carefree & N. Scottsdale · Map
A free, self-guided tour of working artist studios around Cave Creek and Carefree. Grab the map online and pick a few studios close together.
6–9 PM · The District at Desert Ridge · Map
Santa and Mrs. Claus light the tree at 7:15, then there are free Santa photos and crafts. Come in off Deer Valley Rd instead of Tatum.
8:30 AM · Anthem Community Center · Map
A Thanksgiving morning 10K and 5K, plus a free kids’ dash at 10. Bring a can of food for the raffle and get there early!
8:30 AM · Paloma Park · Map
A 5K and untimed 1-mile at Paloma Park for just $20. Part of it’s gravel, so skip the new white sneakers.
Lighting 5:45 PM · Murphy Park · Map
Murphy Park lights up with vendors, carolers and Santa for the kickoff Nov 27 and 28. The lights stay up nightly through Jan 1.
5–7 PM · Carefree Desert Gardens · Map
A sweet small-town tree lighting with carols, then free hot chocolate and a concert at the pavilion. Totally free.
Evening, time TBA · Scottsdale Waterfront · Map
Old Town lights a 36-foot tree with live music and food to kick off Scottsdazzle. Parking’s free in the garages, and the start time’s still TBA.
Curious what it’s like to live up here? Check out my Anthem breakdown or Living in Phoenix.
Sources: Anthem Community Council, Daisy Mountain Veterans, 4 Peaks Racing, Sonoran Arts League, Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, Experience Scottsdale, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Desert Ridge Marketplace, Historic Downtown Glendale, North Peoria Turkey Trot. Photo: Kaboompics / Pexels.