Fall in Cave Creek means cooler evenings, patio weather, and one of the town’s favorite traditions: the Taste of Cave Creek. Every October, Stagecoach Village turns into a buzzing mix of food, live music, and small-town charm. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re just getting to know the area, this event captures everything locals love about life in Cave Creek: community, connection, and seriously good food.

When & Where

Dates: Wednesday & Thursday, October 22–23, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM each night
Location: Stagecoach Village, 7100 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ

Stagecoach Village sits right in the center of town and turns into a twinkling outdoor venue during this event. Picture rustic walkways lined with tasting tents, the scent of barbecue and tacos in the air, and live music echoing through the desert hills. It’s one of those evenings where the weather, setting, and energy just feel right.

What to Expect

The Taste of Cave Creek is part food festival, part community block party. More than 25 local restaurants come together to serve up small plates, giving guests the chance to taste their way through Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale all in one night.

You can expect everything from classic Arizona comfort food to upscale dining favorites. Local staples like Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, The Horny Toad, and Big Earl’s Greasy Eats usually make an appearance, along with fine-dining favorites like Tonto Bar & Grill and a few newer spots showing off what they can do. There’s always a mix of flavors including smoky BBQ, handmade pasta, tacos, desserts, and even local wines and craft beers.

The event also includes a craft beer garden, live entertainment, and plenty of places to sit, sip, and chat. This year’s live music lineup features 3rd & Long and The Rhinestone Hippies, two bands that always get the crowd moving. The combination of food, music, and the desert night air makes for a pretty perfect evening.

And while there’s plenty for adults to enjoy, the event is family-friendly. Kids 12 and under get in free, and you’ll see lots of families enjoying the lights, sounds, and tastes of Cave Creek.

Tickets & How It Works

Admission is $15 per person, and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Inside the festival, most vendors now accept cards or cash directly (no separate ticket system), and tastings typically run between $5 and $7 each.

If you want to give back while you enjoy the night, bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and you’ll receive $2 off admission. The donations support local children’s charities, a small but meaningful tradition that keeps the community spirit strong.

Drink tickets for beer and wine are available inside the event, and ATMs are on-site, though bringing some cash will make transactions quicker.

Getting There & Parking

Cave Creek’s events always draw a crowd, and parking near Stagecoach Village can fill up fast. The easiest way to get there is to park at one of the designated shuttle lots around town, such as Cave Creek Town Hall, the Desert Foothills Library, or Kiwanis Marketplace, and take the free event shuttle. Shuttles start running before gates open and continue throughout the evening, dropping guests right at the entrance.

If you prefer to drive up, arrive early. There’s limited accessible parking on-site, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can drop off near the entrance.

Stagecoach Village itself is paved and walkable, with plenty of lighting and easy access for strollers and wheelchairs.

Local Restaurants & Highlights

One of the best parts of the Taste of Cave Creek is how it highlights the local restaurant scene. It’s your chance to sample dishes from places you’ve heard about but haven’t tried yet, or to revisit your favorites in bite-sized form.

Each booth usually serves one or two signature items, which means you can make a full meal out of grazing. Think pulled pork sliders from Harold’s, crispy fried chicken from The Horny Toad, or craft burgers from Big Earl’s. Some spots even get creative with event-only dishes. There are also plenty of sweets, coffee vendors, and dessert stands to round out the night.

Beyond the food, you’ll find local artisans and small businesses with booths sprinkled throughout Stagecoach Village. From handmade jewelry to local art and boutique goods, it’s a fun way to shop small while you wander.

Why Locals Love It

Ask anyone in town and they’ll tell you the Taste of Cave Creek is more than just another food event. It’s one of those annual traditions that brings everyone together. Locals chat with restaurant owners they know by name, visitors get a glimpse of the town’s personality, and the whole event feels like one big celebration of what makes Cave Creek special.

It’s casual, welcoming, and just plain fun. You’ll see neighbors dancing near the stage, families sharing dessert, and groups of friends comparing their favorite bites. The event has grown over the years, but it still keeps that small-town energy Cave Creek is known for.

Insider Tips

• Arrive early to catch the sunset and shorter lines.
• Take the shuttle to skip the parking hassle.
• Bring cash for small purchases or tips.
• Donate a toy for discounted entry and a good cause.
• Leave pets at home, as only service animals are allowed.

A Final Note

Events like the Taste of Cave Creek are what make this community such a joy to live in. Between the local pride, incredible food, and people who make it all happen, it’s the kind of evening that reminds you why so many of us love calling this place home.

If you’re exploring a move to the area or want to learn more about life here, I’m always happy to share what makes Cave Creek special, from its neighborhoods and local flavor to the lifestyle that makes it feel like home.