First Fridays brings fall ‘harvest’ to Goodyear Ballpark

Fall is taking over Goodyear Ballpark when First Fridays West Valley AZ returns Oct. 2 with its “Harvest Showdown,” turning the ballpark grounds into an evening of food, music, shopping and family-friendly fun.

The monthly night market runs from 5 to 10 p.m. at 15461 W. Festival Way, with free admission and $5 parking. The event, produced by Food Truck Next, is celebrating its second year in the West Valley.

October’s fall-themed edition will add a mix of activities to the market atmosphere. Visitors can catch a live basketball court under the lights featuring Kenny Dobbs, take part in gel-blaster battles and stop by a pumpkin-painting station. A “Best Dressed in the West” costume runway will invite children, adults and even pets to show off their fall looks, with winners crowned during the evening.

The market will also feature live music and a DJ, a petting zoo, and more than 100 local vendors and artisan makers. Food trucks will round out the evening, giving visitors plenty to snack on while wandering the market and taking in the entertainment.

First Fridays typically mixes food, local shopping, live entertainment and children’s activities, with organizers introducing a different theme each month.

The Harvest Showdown is scheduled for 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Goodyear Ballpark.

When you’re not planning your First Friday visits, here’s a look at West Valley farmers markets including new schedules starting in October:

Arrowhead Farmers Market

At its new Glendale location at Dream City Church, 21000 N. 75th Ave., the market formerly held at Arrowhead Mall is open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every Saturday through September but will change its Saturday hours to 9 a.m.-1 p.m. starting in October.

Waddell Farmers Market

Plan a visit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday at Canyon View High School, 6024 N. Perryville Road as the market makes its seasonal return in October after a summer hiatus.

Goodyear-Estrella Market

The Goodyear-Estrella market has you covered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Wednesday in the Estrella Clubhouse lot, 17665 W. Elliot Road, when the seasonal market returns Oct. 7.

Sun City Festival Farmers Market

Head to the Saguaro Recreation Center, 26275 W. Morrow Drive, in Buckeye, every other Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as the market makes its return outdoors Oct. 7 with the fall weather coming soon.

Desert West Market

Look for the Desert West Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, in Avondale, as the fall market makes its return in October.