Things to Do in the East Valley in November 2026

November is when the East Valley finally gets to be outside again. Mornings are cool, patios fill back up, and the calendar goes from parades to turkey trots to the first holiday lights in about three weeks. Here's where I'd start.

Want every event, time and address in one place? Grab the free November guide.

Canal Convergence at the Scottsdale Waterfront

Ten nights of light art along the canal in Old Town. Walk it after dinner with a coffee in hand. It's free and it's one of the prettiest things the Valley does all year.
Nov 6 to 15 · Fri and Sat 6 to 10pm, Sun to Thu 6 to 9pm · Scottsdale · Scottsdale Arts

East Valley Veterans Parade

Downtown Mesa lines Center Street every Veterans Day to say thank you. Bring the kids, bring a flag, and get there a little early for a good spot.
Wednesday, Nov 11 · 11am to 1pm · Downtown Mesa · evvp.org

Gilbert Days

The parade rolls down Gilbert Road through the Heritage District in the morning, and the festival takes over Gilbert Regional Park that evening. A full Saturday of hometown Gilbert.
Saturday, Nov 21 · parade 8:30 to 11am, festival 4 to 9pm · Gilbert · Town of Gilbert

Turkey trots on Thanksgiving morning

Earn the pie. The Gilbert Turkey Trot starts at SanTan Village with a 1-mile at 8:30 and a 5K at 9, and Mesa's 5K and 10K runs through Red Mountain Park.
Thursday, Nov 26 · Gilbert · gilbertturkeytrot.com · Mesa · Race Roster

The first holiday lights

ZooLights opens at the Phoenix Zoo on Nov 25, and Merry Main Street lights the tree in downtown Mesa on Friday, Nov 27, with live music after. Scottsdazzle kicks off in Old Town the next day.
ZooLights: Nov 25 to Jan 15, 5:30 to 10:30pm · Phoenix Zoo · Merry Main Street: from Nov 27 · merrymainst.com

That's just the start. Weekend markets, Dan + Shay and Mannheim Steamroller, new spots to eat in downtown Gilbert and a page of November hikes are all in the free November guide, with times, addresses and links.

Planning a move in the East Valley? Whether you're buying or selling, I'd love to hear what you have in mind. Reach out anytime and let's chat about your goals.

Dana Massey · Compass · dana@danamassey.com · 480-818-7554