Avondale events, November 2026 to February 2027

Avondale's cool season fills up quickly. Between a weekly market at the community college, a student play, two tree plantings, a month of holiday lights and a nature festival by the rivers, the next four months give residents plenty of reasons to get out of the house. Here is what's on from mid-November through the end of February, with dates as each organizer lists them. Plans can shift, so check the organizer's page before you go.

Every Saturday: Desert West Market at EMCC

Estrella Mountain Community College, on North Dysart Road in Avondale, hosts the Desert West Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The college says more than 150 local vendors take part, along with food trucks, live music and activities for families. The market's schedule runs straight through the season, from November 14 to February 27, with one break: there is no market on December 26. If you're shopping for the holidays, the December 5, 12 and 19 markets land at a handy time.

November: a comedy on campus and trees for Alamar Park

EMCC theater students are staging Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest in the college's Performing Arts Center. Evening shows are November 13, 14, 20 and 21, with matinees on November 14 and 21. The college lists admission as free, with first-come, first-served seating, so arriving early pays off.

On the south side of the city, the City of Avondale is asking volunteers to help plant shade trees at Alamar Park on Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to noon each day. Pre-registration is required. It's a chance to put down roots, literally, in a park that already has an amphitheater, a fishing lake and a fitness court.

December: WinterFest and a month of lights

WinterFest, the city's free holiday kickoff, takes over the Avondale Civic Center on Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. The city's page lists selfies with Santa (bring your own camera), a train ride under falling snow, holiday crafts, inflatables and performances by local dance groups, plus the annual tree lighting and the first showing of the holiday light show.

After that night, the Avondazzle Holiday Light Display stays up from December 6 through January 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. A light show plays on the City Christmas Tree in front of City Hall every 30 minutes, from 5:30 to the final 9:30 show. The city suggests bringing a blanket or chair, your own treats and good company. One request from the organizers: please don't climb on the art or displays.

Runners get their own way to see the lights. The Avondazzle Dash on Saturday, December 19, sends 10K and 5K runners off at 8 a.m. and the 1K Winter Waddle at 9 a.m., all looping through the display at the Civic Center. Winter costumes are encouraged and strollers are welcome, but pets stay home. Registration is required.

For the youngest Avondale residents

The Sam Garcia Library on Western Avenue keeps a steady weekly rhythm through the holidays. Family Storytime meets on Thursday mornings, Wigglers to Walkers offers two identical sessions for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups on Wednesday mornings, and Youth Wednesdays (ages 5 to 12) and Teen Weekly (ages 13 to 17) fill the afternoons. Adults have Needle & Thread on Monday mornings and a monthly craft on Saturday afternoons, including December 12, January 9 and February 13. The libraries close for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so check the city calendar during holiday weeks.

At the Avondale Resource Center on East Riley Drive, Jungle Jill brings live animals up close for children up to age 5 on December 7. Registration is required through the city, and its calendar lists any later visits.

February 27: Tres Rios Nature Festival

The season closes outdoors. The Tres Rios Nature Festival returns on Saturday, February 27, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tres Rios Base and Meridian Wildlife Area, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive. The city describes guided bird tours, eco-crafts and discoveries about Southwest wildlife; the 2027 entertainment and presentation schedules are still to come. Parking is on uneven ground and several activities are on unpaved areas, so wear sturdy shoes. Arizona Game and Fish describes the wildlife area as riparian and wetland habitat on the north bank of the Gila River where the Salt River joins it.

Fuel for the day

Early risers headed to the Avondazzle Dash or the Saturday market can stop at New Penny Cafe on North 114th Avenue, which bakes its own cinnamon rolls and cookies and sells goods from local makers. Near the Sam Garcia Library, Coldwater Coffeehouse & Bakery on East Western Avenue is a member-owned café that makes its own sourdough. Either one makes a good start to a morning out in Avondale.