October 19–25, 2026
Your weekly guide to affordable events, new experiences, and meaningful connections around the Valley.
Find your people. Explore your city. Romanticize your life.
Happy Sunday, ladies! 🤍
October is in full swing, and the Valley is finally giving us the kind of weather that makes us want to spend every possible moment outside.
This week, we're embracing everything we love about fall in Arizona: sunset yoga, spooky creative nights, farmers markets, moonlit hikes, local art, and opportunities to make meaningful connections.
Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a little personal growth, an excuse to get out of the house, or simply a reason to romanticize an ordinary Tuesday, there's something on this week's calendar for you.
And here's your weekly reminder: You don't have to wait for someone to join you to start enjoying your life.
Here are some of our favorite free and affordable experiences happening around Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, and the surrounding Valley this week!
ROCKS | Wellness, Nature & Personal Growth
For the girls who love getting grounded, exploring their spirituality, and spending a little more time reconnecting with themselves.
Monday, October 19 | The Way of a Spiritual Gangster
7:00 PM | Changing Hands Bookstore, Phoenix | FREE
Start your week with a little inspiration.
Join Spiritual Gangster co-founder Ian Lopatin for a conversation about spirituality, adventure, personal growth, and what it means to build a meaningful life.
An especially good event for anyone interested in mindfulness, entrepreneurship, or living more intentionally.
RSVP: Yes
Wednesday, October 21 | Autumn Sound Bath & Energy Relaxation
6:00–7:00 PM | The Holland Center, Scottsdale | $25
Need a midweek reset?
Spend an evening surrounded by the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls, Reiki, and guided relaxation.
This beginner-friendly experience is designed to help you slow down, release stress, and reconnect with yourself.
Bring a yoga mat or towel, and consider bringing a cozy blanket and pillow.
Thursday, October 22 | Ethnobotany Hike
4:30–6:30 PM | McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Fountain Hills | $10 vehicle entry
Get outside and discover the desert from an entirely new perspective.
This guided 2.2-mile hike explores the traditional uses of desert plants while giving you an opportunity to learn about the natural world around you.
Registration required by October 20. Space is limited.
Thursday, October 22 | Glow Up @SMoCA: Sound Bath
7:00 PM | Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art | $25
Art meets mindfulness.
Experience a relaxing sound bath surrounded by contemporary art inside the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
It's a beautiful opportunity to experience something a little different while taking an evening just for yourself.
Bring a yoga mat and anything else that helps you get comfortable.
Saturday, October 24 | Full Moon Hike at Usery Mountain
5:30–7:30 PM | Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa | $10 vehicle entry
There's something magical about spending an evening in the desert.
Join Ranger Nikki for a guided evening hike and experience the Sonoran Desert as the sun goes down.
An outdoor adventure that's perfect for anyone looking to trade a typical Saturday night for something a little more memorable.
Registration required. Limited to 30 participants.
Sunday, October 25 | Free Tarot & Tools Practice Session
3:30–4:30 PM | Fantasia Crystals, Phoenix | FREE
Curious about tarot, oracle cards, or divination?
Bring your favorite tools and spend the afternoon practicing readings, learning from others, and connecting with people who share your interests.
Beginners and experienced readers are welcome.
Donations are appreciated but not required.
RSVP required. Limited to 14 participants.
TALKS | Creativity, Culture & Connection
For the curious girls, the lifelong learners, and anyone who loves a good conversation.
Tuesday, October 20 | Ghost Poetry Writing Prompt Night
6:30–7:30 PM | Changing Hands Bookstore, Phoenix | FREE
A little spooky, a little creative, and the perfect excuse to get out of the house on a Tuesday.
Join local writers for a relaxed evening of creative writing featuring a surprise seven-minute prompt and an opportunity to share your work.
You don't need to be an experienced writer to participate.
Come for the creativity, stay for the community.
Wednesday, October 21 | Craft Night: Spooky Garland
6:00–7:30 PM | THINKspot at Dobson Ranch Library, Mesa | FREE
It's officially spooky craft season!
Spend your Wednesday evening making Halloween-themed garland at this relaxed community craft night.
Perfect for getting creative, trying something new, and adding a little handmade Halloween charm to your home.
Ages 14+. Check the library listing for registration details and availability.
Thursday, October 22 | Indigenous Identities Speaker Series
6:00–7:30 PM | S'edav Va'aki Museum, Phoenix | FREE
Spend an evening learning about Indigenous identities, history, and perspectives through the museum's speaker series featuring Jeremy Arviso.
A meaningful opportunity to expand your understanding of the communities and cultures connected to the Valley.
Saturday, October 24 | Women of the McDowells: Doctors, Lawyers, and Spies
8:00–10:00 AM | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, Scottsdale | FREE
History, fascinating women, and a beautiful morning in the McDowell Mountains?
Yes, please.
Join the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy for an easy educational walk exploring the stories of remarkable women connected to Scottsdale and the McDowell Mountains.
An excellent opportunity to get your steps in while learning something new.
RSVP required.
Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25 | Día de los Muertos Festival
Mesa Arts Center, Mesa | FREE
Celebrate art, culture, and community at Mesa's Día de los Muertos Festival.
Enjoy performances, beautiful artwork, and cultural traditions honoring loved ones and celebrating life.
Saturday: 12:00–10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00–5:00 PM
A wonderful weekend outing to experience one of the Valley's cultural celebrations.
WALKS | Movement, Fresh Air & New Friendships
For the girls who know a good walk can turn an entire day around.
Wednesday, October 21 | Sunset Yoga
5:30 PM | The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Scottsdale | FREE
Unwind under the desert sky with a complimentary sunset yoga session.
This all-levels experience offers an opportunity to move your body, enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather, and spend an evening doing something good for yourself.
Bring your yoga mat and a friend, or come solo!
RSVP required.
Saturday, October 24 | Desert Walk & Talk
8:00–9:30 AM | La La Land, Kierland Commons, Scottsdale | FREE
Looking to meet new people without the pressure of a formal networking event?
Start your Saturday with coffee and conversation before heading out for an easy, approximately two-mile community walk.
Meet for coffee at 8:00 AM, with the walk beginning around 8:15 AM.
Come solo, get your steps in, and maybe leave with a new friend.
Sunday, October 25 | Late Riser Sunday Walk
10:00 AM | Papago Park – Double Butte Loop, Phoenix | FREE
Hosted by Rocks, Talks & Walks!
Not an early-morning person? Neither is everyone else.
Join us for a relaxed Sunday morning walk along Papago Park's approximately 2.3-mile Double Butte Loop.
This easy-rated trail is the perfect setting to get outside, enjoy the desert scenery, and meet other women around the Valley.
No pressure, no expectations. Just fresh air, movement, and good conversation.
Coming alone? That's exactly what we're here for.
RSVP required.
& MORE | Markets, Hobbies & Little Adventures
Because sometimes the best experiences are the ones you never would have thought to try.
Tuesday, October 20 | AAG Life Drawing
9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Arizona Artists Guild, Phoenix | $15 nonmembers / $10 members
Spend your Tuesday morning getting creative at a relaxed figure-drawing session with a live model.
Whether you're an experienced artist or simply looking to practice, this open studio offers three hours to focus on your creativity.
Bring your own drawing supplies.
Thursday, October 22 | Scottsdale ArtWalk
7:00 PM | Old Town Scottsdale Arts District | FREE
One of our favorite ways to spend a Thursday evening!
Wander through Old Town Scottsdale's art galleries, discover local and international artists, and enjoy an evening surrounded by creativity.
Take yourself on a solo date, meet a friend, or simply explore at your own pace.
Friday, October 23 | Vintage Market Days of Arizona
Arizona Athletic Grounds, Mesa | $20 Friday admission
Vintage lovers, this one's for you.
Browse antiques, jewelry, handmade goods, original art, home décor, and unique vintage finds at this three-day shopping experience.
It's a perfect opportunity to find something one of a kind and support creative small businesses.
Friday admission includes weekend re-entry.
Saturday, October 24 | Farmers Market Morning
Two Valley favorites | FREE admission
There's just something about a Saturday morning farmers market.
Grab your favorite coffee, wander the stalls, pick up some fresh flowers, and enjoy a slower start to your weekend.
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Old Town Scottsdale – City Hall Surface Lot
Market details
Gilbert Farmers Market – The Foodie Market
8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Market details
Please note that pets are not allowed on the college campus at the Gilbert market.
Saturday, October 24 | 3D Printing 101
11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Civic Center Library, Scottsdale | FREE
Try something completely different this weekend.
Learn the basics of 3D printing in a small-group introductory session.
A fun way to explore a new skill, especially if you've been wanting to get a little more creative or technologically curious.
Ages 12+. Space is limited to 10 participants, with tickets available 30 minutes before the session.
Saturday, October 24 | Mesa Shade Tree Workshop
9:00 AM and 11:00 AM sessions | Pioneer Park, Mesa | FREE
Learn how to select, plant, and care for shade trees that thrive in the Arizona desert.
A practical and environmentally friendly way to spend part of your Saturday.
Eligible Mesa residents can receive two free shade trees.
RSVP required.
Saturday, October 24 | Midtown Neighborhood Cleanup
9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Midtown Phoenix | FREE
Want to meet new people while doing something meaningful?
Spend part of your Saturday connecting with neighbors and helping beautify Midtown Phoenix.
Supplies are provided, and the meeting location is shared after registration.
Sometimes building community is as simple as showing up and lending a hand.
This Week's Little Reminder
You don't have to fill every moment of your calendar to live a beautiful life.
Sometimes romanticizing your life means taking yourself to a bookstore on a Tuesday evening.
Sometimes it's trying a new hobby, watching the sunset from your yoga mat, or spending an hour walking with people you've never met before.
And sometimes it's simply giving yourself permission to do something because it sounds fun.
The goal isn't to be busy. The goal is to be present for the life you're creating.
So pick an event. Put it on your calendar. Show up for yourself.
You never know which ordinary afternoon might turn into one of your favorite memories.
Find Your People. Explore Your City. Romanticize Your Life.
At Rocks, Talks & Walks, we believe that creating a life you love starts with getting out and experiencing it.
We're building a community of women who want to explore more, learn more, move more, and make meaningful connections along the way.
If you're looking for free and affordable events, solo-date inspiration, wellness experiences, new hobbies, and little adventures around the Valley, you're in the right place.
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Visit rockstalksandwalks.com to subscribe, browse our calendar, and explore more ways to romanticize your life.
Event details, pricing, registration requirements, and availability may change. Please check the linked organizer pages before attending.
With love,
Rocks, Talks & Walks 🤍
Find your people. Explore your city. Romanticize your life.
