Renaissance Revelry and Culinary Delights: What’s On in Phoenix Today

A Grand Saturday in the Valley

Good morning, Phoenix! As your lead editor at phoenix.news, I am thrilled to bring you today’s 'What’s On' guide for Saturday, January 31, 2026. The weather is perfect for outdoor festivities, and the Valley is buzzing with everything from 16th-century time travel to modern culinary masterpieces. Whether you are looking for a family adventure or a sophisticated evening of music, today has it all.

The Return of the Renaissance

Today marks the highly anticipated opening day of the 38th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival. Located in Gold Canyon, just east of Apache Junction, this 50-acre village of Fairhaven comes to life starting at 10:00 AM. You can expect a full day of jousting knights, majestic falconry, and interactive street performances across 16 different stages. Don’t forget to explore the Artisan Marketplace, featuring over 200 craft shops selling everything from hand-forged armor to intricate glasswork.

Culinary and Family Highlights

• A Taste of AZ Food & Wine Festival: Head over to the Salt River Fields East Lawn this afternoon for a premier tasting event. Featuring Arizona’s finest local chefs, wineries, and breweries, this festival offers a diverse mix of gourmet samples, live music, and craft cocktails in a beautiful outdoor setting.
• Inaugural Touch-A-Truck at Phoenix Raceway: A brand-new community event perfect for families. From 10:00 AM, kids can get up close and personal with massive construction vehicles, emergency response trucks, and unique utility equipment while learning about the industries that keep our city moving.
• Arizona Science Center: Today is the final chance to catch the Dorrance DOME Double Feature: Orbital & The Psychedelic Mixtape. This immersive visual and auditory experience in the planetarium is a must-see for fans of digital art and music.

Evening Performance and Local Markets

For those looking for a cultural evening, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) hosts legendary guitarist Lee Ritenour at 8:00 PM. Earlier in the day, the museum also offers the MIMkids Mini Music Makers workshop for younger enthusiasts. Theater lovers can find "Million Dollar Quartet" at the Phoenix Theatre Company or catch "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical" at ASU Gammage.

If you prefer a quiet morning, our local farmers markets are in full swing. The Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market (5th St. & McKinley) and the Uptown Farmers Market (Central & Bethany Home Road) are both open from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, offering the best in seasonal Arizona produce, fresh-baked breads, and local crafts.