Fall is a great time to spend in and around Lake Pleasant and Scorpion Bay in the West Valley. From live music at Scorpion Bay Grill, to kayaking, Halloween events and Jazz Festivals, there are a variety of affordable and distinct activities for residents and visitors to try as the weather starts to cool down in Arizona.
Sept. 18th Intro to Kayaking
Classroom and hands-on session. Registration REQUIRED.
This is a Maricopa County Parks event.
When: Thursday, September 18, from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.,
Location: Lake Pleasant Discovery Center
39345 N. Overlook Rd.
Peoria, AZ 85383
Sept. 27th Sunset Cruise at Scorpion Bay
Enjoy a relaxing cruise around Lake Pleasant with music and magnificent sunsets.
When: 6-7:15 Sept. 27th
Location: Scorpion Bay Marina
10970 Peninsula Blvd,
Morristown, AZ 85342
Book Here
Sept 27th String Theory Duo, Live Music at Scorpion Bay Grill Friday’s in the Fall
Live music and great vibes for a cocktail on the patio of the Valley’s only floating restaurant.
- Sept. 27th: String Duo: A fun mix of the biggest hits from classic and yacht rock to country
- Oct, 4th Liars Who Lie: All the songs you want to hear, from classic rock to country, Top 40 to 90s, and everything in between.
- Oct. 11: Audio Freak: Classic rock covers from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond that will make you want to get up and dance.
When: 2pm - 6pm Friday’s in the Fall
Location: Scorpion Bay Grill
10970 Peninsula Blvd,
Morristown, AZ 85342
Sept. 27th National Lands Day Hike
Hike and learn about public lands and cool volunteer opportunities. Registration required.
Wild Burro is an easy rated trail. This hike will walk it twice, once in either direction for a total of 4 miles. There are restrooms at either end. Discuss the history of parks and public lands in the US and Arizona, volunteer opportunities, identify invasive plants, keep our parks clean and our trails in good shape.
When: 9am - 11am
Location: Wild Burro Day Use area. *Maricopa County Parks Event.
Oct. 18th Halloween Party at Scorpion Bay Grill
Costume contests, chef and drinks specials, a DJ taking requests - fun for the whole family!
When: 5 - 9pm
Location: Scorpion Bay Grill
10970 Peninsula Blvd,
Morristown, AZ 85342
Butterfly Monitoring
In collaboration with the Central Arizona Butterfly Association (CAZBA), Maricopa County Park and Recreation monitors butterflies at several of the parks every spring and fall. They rely on volunteers to collect vital butterfly population data. This data is shared with regional experts to make informed management decisions. This work is crucial to efforts to sustain and improve the county's butterfly and insect populations. They host a butterfly monitoring workshop on Tuesday, the same week as the monitoring events, which occur twice a year. They always seek volunteers to help and become citizen scientists for these monitoring events. Your role as a volunteer is crucial in the efforts to understand and protect native butterfly populations.
When: Sept. 20 is the next monitoring program. Butterfly workshops and monitoring events typically occur on Tuesday and Saturday of the third full week of March and September, respectively.
Location: Estrella Mountain Park, Hassayampa River Preserve, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Usery Mountain Park, White Tank Regional Park
Every Monday: Lake Pleasant Clean-Up Crew
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday this fall, please join the crew as they pick up litter along the shoreline. Up to 100 volunteers needed. Volunteers should be heat-tolerant and mindful of their walking and hiking ability.
When: Every Monday, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Location: Lake Pleasant Regional Park
41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd.
Morristown, AZ 85342
(602) 506-2930 ext. 2
Arizona Jazz Fest
The music lineup is the biggest yet for the Arizona Jazz Fest, including Charlie Wilson, Dru Hill, Anthony Hamilton and more.
Tickets: https://tickets.azjazzfest.com/event?e=8kd
When: Nov. 7-9,
Location: West Valley Event Complex,
10020 N. Ball Park Blvd.
Glendale
Pumpkin Patches
Various farms in the area, such as the Tolmachoff Farms, offer pumpkin picking, hayrides, and fall-themed activities throughout October.
When: Varies
Where: Varies
Dia de los Muertos Celebrations
Events occur in early November, celebrating the Day of the Dead with cultural activities, altars, and community gatherings. Originating in Mexico, Día de los Muertos, or day of the Day, honors family, friends and loved ones who have died. Despite its focus, the holiday is one of joy, featuring staples such as sweet bread, or pan de muertos, calaveras or sugar skulls, and altars adorned in beautiful marigolds to remember those we loved.
When: Early November
Where: Varies
More fun events include Sunset and Full Moon Hikes, Scorpion Hunts and more.
Check Scorpion Bay’s events page https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/events-calendar/
Or the Maricopa County Parks website for updates: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/?F_m=8&ParkId=15
Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to hot tub boats, private charters or slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/
Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/