City News Free Fall Festivities at Desert Ridge Marketplace

North Phoenix shopping and entertainment center set to host exciting events all season.

Photos courtesy of Desert Ridge Marketplace

DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE, THE POPULAR NORTH PHOENIX SHOPPING DESTINATION, ANNOUNCES A DYNAMIC LINEUP OF FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS FOR ALL TO ENJOY THIS FALL. Each year, Desert Ridge Marketplace hosts hundreds of onsite activities that include family-friendly events, holiday festivities, live music, fitness classes, and more for guests of all ages.

THIS YEAR’S FALL SCHEDULE FEATURES:

Yappy Hour

When: Thursday, Sept. 21, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: The District Stage

What: Grab your furry friend and head outside for the ultimate pup-friendly happy hour featuring games, treats, photo ops, Sip & Stroll, and more. Desert Ridge will host B-A-R-K-O Bingo and a tricks contest at The District Stage as well as puppy polaroid photos to remember the doggone good day. Plus, enjoy the Cuddle Bunch Zone from Arizona Humane Society where puppies will be available for adoption.

Pumpkin Patch season at the fifth annual Pumpkin Patch. Pick the best pumpkin in the patch (while supplies last), snap an Insta-worthy shot in front of the spooky-themed backdrop and enjoy giveaways and more.

Paul’s Car Wash

I Recycle Phoenix

When: Saturday, Oct. 21, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Desert Ridge Marketplace

What: Join Keep Phoenix Beautiful, the city of Phoenix and Desert Ridge Marketplace for the semi-annual I Recycle Phoenix Festival. Keep Phoenix Beautiful will be accepting a variety of items to be recycled or donated to local nonprofit organizations. Items to recycle, repurpose and donate range from electronics, old magazines, gently used adult bicycles, sporting equipment, office supplies, lightly used household items, toys, and document shredding.

Runway for Rescues

When: Monday, Oct. 16 to Friday, Oct. 20, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Kohl’s, on the east side of the center

What: For an entire week, Paul Horton, KPHO CBS 5’s chief meteorologist, will roll up his sleeves and wash hundreds of cars in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. Car washes are available for donation. The event will also feature live entertainment and appearances throughout the week.

Creepy Candy Crawl

When: Thursday, Oct. 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Where: The District

When: Friday, Nov. 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Where: The District Stage

What: Desert Ridge Marketplace teams up with Rolling Rack Boutique to host Runway for Rescues, another experience for our four-legged friends. This pup fashion show allows furry friends to trot down the runway in the latest doggie fashion while their humans enjoy the show with an outdoor pop-up bar. Additionally, all donations will benefit Friends for Life Animal Rescue.

Fashion Week 4 Kids

When: Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: The District Stage

What: The eighth annual Fashion Week 4 Kids returns to the Valley. Guests can enjoy a full week of retail events and offerings, culminating with a full day of fashion shows from your favorite brands at The District Stage. Enjoy live children’s entertainment, giveaways, and more.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 18 to Sunday, Oct. 29 (hours vary)

Where: Inside The District, near AMC Theatres

What: Catch the first glimpse of fall and the spooky

What: This Halloween season, kick off the festivities with ghosts, goblins and ghouls, who're welcome to venture around The District for an evening of spooky surprises. Children and families are invited to trick or treat from store to store, dress to impress at the annual costume contest, and snap a photo in the spooky pumpkin patch. Plus, enjoy live entertainment, dancing, games, giveaways, and more.

In addition to the events listed above, Desert Ridge Marketplace will also be showing select football matchups on the big screen at The District Stage. Guests can cheer on their favorite teams and Sip & Stroll throughout The District. Desert Ridge Marketplace is located at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., in Phoenix. For more information, visit shopdesertridge. com