Thursday, October 22 • 4 PM - 5 PM
Curious by Nature
📍Georgia T. Lord Library 1900 N. Civic Square
Got a little explorer at home? Let their curiosity run wild! Children ages 6–12 and their caregivers can discover the wonders of the natural world through hands-on STEAM activities. From asking questions to solving problems and making observations, young minds will have fun investigating the world around them. Drop in to participate! Space is limited, and seating is available at tables and chairs.
Thursday, October 22 • 7 PM - 8 PM • $5 Donation
Hustle & Stride: Fight Club
📍 Palm Valley Community Center 14145 Palm Valley Boulevard
Get moving and try something new with a boxing fundamentals class! Learn the basics with Dane, a professional Golden Gloves boxer from Florida who has been teaching groups of all skill levels since 2010. Whether you're stepping into the ring for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, come ready to move, learn, and have fun! A suggested donation of $5 or more supports the instructor.
Friday, October 23 • 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Fitness Hike
📍Estrella Mountain Regional Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave.
MEETING LOCATION: Gila Trailhead
Get your steps in while exploring the beauty of the Sonoran Desert! Join Ranger Nikki for an energizing hike of just over 3 miles along Baseline, Gila, and Rainbow Valley trails. The focus is on fitness, but there will be plenty of opportunities to pause and spot native plants, birds, and maybe even a lizard or two along the way. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. The terrain is mostly uneven with rocks underfoot, though Gila Trail has level, barrier-free surfaces.
Friday, October 23 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Pollinator Garden Walk
📍 Estrella Mountain Regional Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave.
MEETING LOCATION: Area 1 and 2 Ramadas, garden entrance
Take a closer look at the tiny creatures that help our desert thrive! Join Ranger Nikki for a leisurely ½-mile walk through the park’s garden, an oasis filled with native plants that provide food and shelter for local pollinators. Learn about desert plants like ocotillo, desert willow, and milkweed, and keep an eye out for Monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other fascinating visitors. The walk follows flat, packed-gravel paths and cement sidewalks. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. Please leave pets at home to avoid disturbing the pollinators.
Friday, October 23 • 12 PM - 1:30 PM • Registration Required
Master Gardener Presents: Attracting Bees, Butterflies & Birds to Your Desert Yard
📍Georgia T. Lord Library 1900 N. Civic Square
Want to see more butterflies, birds, and other wildlife in your backyard? This month’s Master Gardener talk is all about creating a welcoming space for local wildlife during the fall migration season. Join Master Gardener Terri Kelly to learn how native plants, nesting habitats, and safe water features can help turn your yard into a little desert sanctuary. The monthly series covers seasonal gardening topics, from vegetable gardens and landscape watering to desert-adapted plants. Master Gardeners share science-based tips and practical advice to help you care for your garden and landscape.
Saturday, October 24 • 8 AM
BOO BASH! & 5km DASH
📍Millennium High School 14802 W Wigwam Blvd
Get into the Halloween spirit while supporting local students! The Boo Bash! & 5K Dash brings families, schools, local businesses, and neighbors together for a fun, family-friendly event celebrating community, fitness, and education. Whether you prefer running the 5K, walking with the family, volunteering, or cheering on participants, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Every step helps support students across the Litchfield Elementary School District and contributes to a brighter future for the next generation.
For all details, including race route, schedule, and registration information, click HERE.
Saturday, October 24 • 5 PM - 9 PM • Free Admission & Parking
Fall Festival
📍Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S Ballpark Way
Get ready for a frightfully fun night inspired by the classic monsters of the silver screen! Bring the family for trick-or-treating on the field, eerie entertainment, and plenty of monster-sized Halloween fun. Come dressed to impress in your best costume for a chance to take home a trophy in categories including Best Overall, Best Youth, Best Adult, Best Group/Family, Best Creature, and Most Creative Costume.
Monday, October 26 • 1 PM & 4 PM
Adult Fiction Book Club
📍 Georgia T. Lord Library 1900 N. Civic Square
Join fellow book lovers on the fourth Monday of each month for a lively discussion and a chance to share perspectives on a featured book. This month, the group will discuss James by Percival Everett.
Want to join next month’s conversation? Books are available to check out at the Georgia T. Lord Library’s first-floor front desk after the current book club meeting, while supplies last.
Monday, October 26 & Wednesday, October 28 • 6 PM - 9 PM • $5
Fright Night at Millennium High School
📍Millennium High School Auditorium
Millennium High School Theatre Company invites you to its annual Fright Night, featuring a spooky adventure inspired by IT! Expect creepy surprises, eerie scenes, and plenty of Halloween excitement as you make your way through the experience. Gather your bravest friends and family for a frightfully fun night!
Tuesday, October 27 • 6 PM - 7:15 PM • Registration Required
Gratitude and Music: powerful tools for our personal growth and development
📍 Georgia T. Lord Library 1900 N. Civic Square
Discover how gratitude and music can help bring more joy and appreciation into everyday life. In this presentation, Robert Johansson shares practical exercises and examples of how to use these simple tools to shift your thinking, enhance your daily experiences, and create more of what you want in life.
Wednesday, October 28 • 6 PM - 7 PM
Northern Arizona University Admissions Q&A
📍Georgia T. Lord Library 1900 N. Civic Square
Thinking about college or continuing your education? Visit the library to meet with an admissions representative from Northern Arizona University (NAU). Learn about the university’s programs and services, then get your questions answered during a Q&A session. Teens, families, and adults of all ages are welcome.
There are so many great events happening across the West Valley this weekend that they deserve their own section! From Halloween festivals and trunk-or-treats to fall celebrations and family-friendly fun, there’s plenty happening before spooky season reaches its peak next weekend. Grab your calendar, pick your favorites, and see what’s happening in Goodyear and across the West Valley!
Ghosts & Goodies — Glendale
Friday, October 23 • 5 PM - 10 PM • Free Admission
📍Westgate, 6770 N Sunrise Blvd Glendale, 85305
Costumes, candy, and spooky fun await at Westgate! Dress up as your favorite ghoul, wizard, pirate, or pixie and enjoy a festive day filled with costume contests, games, prizes, and entertainment. Kids can collect treats from participating restaurants and retailers, while adults can score special discount cards from Westgate businesses. Admission is FREE, and free treat bags are available while supplies last.
Saguaros & Scarecrows Fall Festival — Goodyear (Estrella)
Friday, October 23 • 6 PM - 9 PM
📍Starpointe Residents Club Estrella 17665 W Elliot Rd Goodyear, AZ 85338
Grab your costumes and trick-or-treat bags for a festive evening at Estrella’s Saguaros & Scarecrows Fall Festival! Enjoy trunk-or-treating, candy and prizes, inflatables, games, music by DJ Eric, a performance by the Estrella Dance Crew, and food trucks. Then, settle in under the stars for an outdoor showing of The NeverEnding Story at 7 p.m.!
Ticket information: Tickets are required for children ages 5–12, while children ages 0–4 and guests ages 13 and older can attend without a ticket.
Trunks & Treats with TLE! — Goodyear
Friday, October 23 • 6 PM - 7:30 PM • Free Admission
📍 The Learning Experience Goodyear 16450 W. Yuma Rd Goodyear AZ 85338
Enjoy an evening of trick-or-treating, face painting, tasty bites from food trucks, festive decorations, and plenty of Halloween fun for the whole family!
Trunk or Treat — Goodyear
Friday, October 23 • 7 PM • Free Admission
📍Primrose Palm Valley Preschool 14260 W. Indian School Road, Goodyear AZ 85395
Join the Primrose School for a family-friendly evening of Halloween fun! Meet teachers and local families, tour the school, and enjoy food and fun activities while celebrating the season together.
PumpkinPalooza — Goodyear
Saturday, October 24 • 5 PM - 7 PM • Free Admission
📍The Church at Estrella 17777 W. Westar Dr, Goodyear
Explore a pumpkin patch featuring more than 600 pumpkins, with one free pumpkin per family while supplies last. Kids can enjoy free train rides, unlimited games, bounce houses, a toddler play area, and plenty of candy. Food trucks will also be available for purchase, so bring the family and enjoy an evening of fall festivities!
86th Annual Halloween Carnival — Buckeye
Saturday, October 24 • 5PM - 9 PM • Free Admission
📍Downtown Buckeye 6th St Plaza & Monroe Ave
A Buckeye tradition for more than 80 years, this classic Halloween carnival brings old-fashioned fun for the whole family! Enjoy carnival-style games, food vendors, and activities hosted by local nonprofit organizations. It’s a community favorite with something for everyone to enjoy!
Halloween Monster Bash — Peoria
Saturday, October 24 • 5 PM - 9 PM • Free Admission
📍City Hall Campus & Centennial Plaza, 8401 W. Monroe Street Peoria, AZ 85345
Get ready for a night of Halloween fun at Peoria’s annual Monster Bash! Head to City Hall Campus & Centennial Plaza for trick-or-treating, costume contests, kids’ games and activities, live entertainment, food vendors, and community booths. There will also be a sensory-friendly space for guests who need a quieter place to take a break.
Halloween Mercadito — Surprise
Saturday, October 24 • 5 PM - 9 PM
📍 Rancho Marrufo 8539 N 143rd Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355
Celebrate Halloween with a local twist at this festive mercadito! Enjoy trick-or-treating at vendor booths, live music, kids’ activities, and costume contests for both kids and adults, with prizes up for grabs.
Admission: Free with an RSVP ticket in advance, or $5 at the door.
BOOZE & BREWS — Surprise
Saturday, October 24 • 4 PM - 10 PM • Free Admission
📍Mark Coronado Park 15960 N Bullard Ave. Surprise, AZ 85374
Booze & Brews brings together spooky cocktails, local vendors, food trucks, and live DJ music for a festive evening under the stars. Browse the shopping village, grab a bite, and snap some photos at immersive Halloween-themed photo spots throughout the park. Feeling festive? Dress to impress and enter the adult costume contest! Whether you're gathering friends for a night out, shopping local, or dancing the night away, this event has plenty to enjoy.
Friday Night Lights
October 23, 2026
Find your team and purchase tickets here or at the door.
Millennium vs Canyon View
7 PM 📍Canyon View High School
Desert Edge vs Raymond S. Kellis
7 PM 📍Desert Edge High School
Estrella Foothills vs Lake Havasu
7 PM 📍Lake Havasu High School
Trivium Prep vs Antelope Union
Thursday Night Game @ 7 PM 📍Antelope Union High School
Want to see every game?
👉 View the full Goodyear high schools sports schedule here.
🏈LAST WEEK’S SCORES
Millennium 58, Raymond S. Kellis 0
Desert Edge 56, Tolleson 0
Estrella Foothills 29, Deer Valley 28
Trivium Prep 18, Desert Star 0
🍴EAT THIS WEEK
Colados Coffee & Crepes
📍15479 W McDowell Rd Ste 109
(623) 248-6187
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or a little something sweet, this spot has you covered. My recommendations? Go for the Morning Crepe if you're craving something savory, or the traditional Nutella Crepe if you have a sweet tooth. And don't leave without trying the Toasted Chai! It's the perfect drink to pair with your crepe. If you haven't visited yet, add this one to your local foodie list!
⭐ LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Petz Place
📍890 N Estrella Pkwy #100
(623) 344-0500
Petz Place is a locally owned Goodyear pet store that has been serving the community for years! Find everything from frozen and raw diets to quality kibble, treats, toys, and specialty foods for dogs and cats. They also offer grooming services, a convenient drive-through pickup option, and access to a low-cost veterinary clinic right inside the store. Whether you have a picky eater or just want to spoil your furry friend, it is worth checking out!
Fall Fiesta for El Mirage's 75th Anniversary — El Mirage
Thursday, October 22 - Saturday, October 24 • Times Vary • Free Event
📍Bill Gentry Park 14010 N El Mirage Rd, El Mirage, AZ 85335
El Mirage is celebrating 75 years with THREE days of festivities! Expect food trucks, community vendors, a pumpkin patch, costume contests, Lucha Libre, games, inflatables, a parade, drone shows, and so much more. With so much happening, the city has even created a handy PDF schedule to help you keep track of all the fun and plan your visit!
Billy Moore Days — Avondale
Thursday, October 22 - Sunday October 25 • 6 PM - 10 PM
📍Festival Fields Park 101 E Lower Buckeye Rd, Avondale, AZ 85323
Make a day of celebrating Avondale’s roots at this lively community festival. Enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, tasty bites from local food vendors, and cultural showcases celebrating the city’s heritage. With activities and exhibits for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Four days of carnival fun are coming to Avondale! Enjoy carnival rides throughout the festival, then head to Western Avenue on Saturday at 9 a.m. for the Historic Parade. Stick around afterward for a full day of festival entertainment and activities.
Free Farm Day — Buckeye
Saturday, October 24 • 8 AM - 12 PM
📍Lil’ Red Barn Ranch 29920 W. Pierce St Buckeye, AZ 85396
Looking for a little farm fun? Head to Lil’ Red Barn Ranch in Buckeye to meet the animals, feed the hungry mini horses, pigs, and cows, and hold a baby bunny! Kids can also enjoy a free windsock craft while supplies last. Bring apples, carrots, or lettuce to feed the animals, or purchase a $1 feed bag. Local vendors and treats will also be available!
Ivory House Block Party — Avondale
Saturday, October 24 • 6 PM - 10 PM
📍Ivory House/Avondale Sports Complex 755 N 114th Ave Avondale, AZ 85323
Shop local at this indoor/outdoor market at the Avondale Sports Center! Browse goods from around 30 local vendors, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, sweets, custom art, and more. When you need a break, grab a bite from one of the two food trucks and enjoy the venue’s indoor/outdoor lounge, complete with space to eat, drink, dance, and hang out with friends or family.
Election season is here (Part 3!)
This week marks the final installment of my election coverage to help you prepare before heading to the polls! I’m covering U.S. House of Representatives races, Arizona Legislature races, and judicial appointments. I hope these guides have helped you feel more informed and confident as you prepare to make your voice heard.
Be sure to revisit my previous newsletters for coverage of statewide office candidates and ballot propositions so you have all the information in one place before Election Day.
The 2026 Arizona Voter Information Pamphlet includes official explanations of statewide ballot propositions, arguments for and against each measure, and information about judicial retention elections. Voters can use the pamphlet to understand what each proposition would change, review different perspectives, and learn which judges are up for a retention vote before completing their ballot.
For the 2026 Judicial Performance Reports click HERE. The website provides judges’ performance evaluations, including public feedback and findings on their legal ability, fairness, communication, courtroom conduct, and efficiency, to help you decide whether to vote Yes or No on retaining each judge.
The Maricopa County “What’s on My Ballot?” website lets you check your ballot information, including the races, candidates, and judges you will see, so you can review your options before heading to the polls.
Saturday, October 31, 2026 — Trunk or Treat Car Show @ the Goodyear Ballpark: Enjoy classic cars, hot rods, live music, food trucks, cornhole, and a community trunk-or-treat from 6–7 p.m. or while candy lasts!
Friday, November 06, 2026 — First Friday: Enjoy over 30 food trucks, 100+ local artisan vendors, live music, and activities at this free family-friendly event.
November 2-7, 2026 — Veterans Day Week
I will give more information when we get closer to the events, but I want to make you aware now so you can plan ahead! 💛
And that’s a wrap on 006 of What’s Up Goodyear! 🎉
Thank you for making it to the end! I know this edition was PACKED with events but that is what makes living in Goodyear so special. Our city has so much to offer, and our neighboring West Valley communities host amazing events of their own, all just a short drive away! I hope you found something fun to add to your calendar.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this week’s newsletter and for supporting this growing local community. Whether you’re exploring a local event, supporting a small business, or enjoying some Halloween fun with family and friends, I hope you find time to get out, enjoy the season, and make some great memories!
I’ll be back next Wednesday with another roundup of local events, community updates, and things worth knowing around Goodyear. Halloween is just around the corner, and this year it falls on a Saturday, so there’s plenty of time to plan something spooky and fun. 🎃 Until then, stay curious, shop local when you can, and enjoy everything our community has to offer!
Have a wonderful week and weekend, Goodyear!
Now get out there and enjoy your city!
- What’s Up Goodyear 💛
P.S. Know about an upcoming event, a new local business, community news, or something else I should include? Hit reply and send it my way! I’m always looking for more things to share with our Goodyear community. 💛
