Visit Sedona This Fall

With pleasantly warm days, cool nights, and a vibrant tapestry of fall foliage, autumn is one of the best times of year to visit Sedona and the greater Verde Valley. As locals and visitors alike head outdoors to enjoy the idyllic weather and stunning scenery, the city offers a full calendar of festivals and events to suit nearly any interest.

If you’re planning a trip to Sedona this fall, here are some popular events to consider adding to your itinerary:

Arts & Culture

From the visual arts to the performing arts and beyond, Sedona’s lively arts and culture scene includes several events this fall. Now in its 22nd season, the Red Rocks Music Festival will present a series of concerts between September and November, from a 70th birthday celebration of composer Daniel Asia (Sept. 10) to the season finale concert (Nov. 11) featuring legendary violinist Shlomo Mintz and pianist Vitaly Serebriakov.

Music lovers will also want to add Chamber Music Sedona’s 41st season to their calendars. The season will open on November 5 with “Rachmaninoff: A Two-Piano Celebration,” a concert performed by world-renowned pianists Roman Rabinovich and Orion Weiss in celebration of the 150th birthday of Sergei Rachmaninoff, one of the most beloved romantic composers of all time. The season, which concludes on April 28, 2024, will include a total of five concerts and two salons.

While Sedona’s First Friday in the Galleries art walk is a popular monthly event throughout the year, the fall season will also feature two major art festivals: the Sedona Arts Festival, and the Sedona Plein Air Festival. Held over the weekend of October 7-8 on the grounds of Sedona Red Rock High School, the 31st Annual Sedona Arts Festival will showcase a diverse lineup of over 100 juried artists, as well as live music, food and libations, and raffle prizes. Presented by the Sedona Arts Center, the 18th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival invites attendees to observe master artists as they paint in outdoor settings as part of this week-long (Oct. 20-28) celebration of extraordinary landscapes, acclaimed artists, and unique workshops.

Food & Beverages

As an emerging destination for fine dining and viticulture, Sedona offers a diverse selection of restaurants year-round, as well as over 20 wineries and tasting rooms as part of the Verde Valley wine region. The fall season will kick off with the Sedona Winefest over the weekend of September 23-24, offering attendees a chance to sample numerous local wines of different varietals while enjoying live music, food trucks, and artisan vendors.

Another fun option for foodies is Red Rocks Oktoberfest, held Saturday, October 14 from 3-8 p.m. at Posse Grounds Park. Co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks and the City of Sedona, the festival will feature local craft breweries, food trucks, live music, and other traditional Oktoberfest entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the many youth-oriented projects and programs that Red Rocks Rotary supports.

Other fun events

Ranked as one of the best pet-friendly hotels in the country, it’s no secret that we love pets at El Portal. For other pet lovers in Sedona, the Sedona WagFest & Fair will provide a fun day out for dogs and their humans! Held on Saturday, September 16 at Posse Grounds Park Pavilion, this free, family-friendly event will feature booths showcasing the area’s best dog-related products and service providers, interactive presentations, and a raffle.

As Halloween approaches, our neighbors at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village will present their annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration. From October 28 through November 1, the enchanting plaza will celebrate Mexican culture and heritage with large-scale installations and vignettes designed to commemorate lost loved ones. Highlights of the four-day festivities will include musical entertainment, dance performances, and sugar skull decorating.

Whether you’re seeking an activity-packed schedule or you just want to enjoy some rest and relaxation against the breathtaking backdrop of the red rocks, fall is a majestic time to visit Sedona. Through our personalized concierge services at El Portal, we can help you create an itinerary for your visit tailored to your schedule and interests. Call us today at 800-313-0017 to make a reservation!