Gilbert, get ready to trot—because Trot-Tober Fest 2025 is saddling up to be bigger, louder, and more unforgettable than ever before! This annual tradition isn’t just a pub crawl. It’s a ride with purpose, a celebration of community, and a chance to give back to the heroes who’ve always had our backs. Whether you’re a rider, walker, biker, or just someone who loves a good drink and a good cause, this event is calling your name.
Event Details at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – approximately 5:00 PM (though the good vibes will last long after!)
- Where: Gilbert, Arizona
- Cost: $30 per person, which includes one FREE drink at every stop of the crawl
What to Expect
From the very first step, pedal, or trot, you’ll know this isn’t just another Saturday outing. Horses clip-clop down the streets, live music spills out of the pubs, and laughter fills the air as friends—old and new—gather to celebrate, connect, and support a cause that matters deeply to our community. Everywhere you look, there are smiling faces, heartfelt conversations, and a sense of camaraderie that only comes from people uniting for something bigger than themselves.
This is Trot-Tober Fest: part charity ride, part pub crawl, and entirely unforgettable.
Stop-by-Stop Adventure
Kickoff at Valley Taproom
The day begins with excitement buzzing in the air. We’re joined by Lou Carlucci, retired Chandler Fire Captain, who knows firsthand the sacrifices first responders make. As you sip your first cold drink and mingle with the crowd, you’ll feel the energy building. Lou’s presence sets the tone: this event is fun, but it’s also meaningful.
Next Stop: Copper Still Moonshine Grill
The ride rolls on as we head to Copper Still Moonshine Grill. Here, Lee Davis, a retired firefighter, brings stories, laughter, and a warm spirit to the crowd. The music is louder, the drinks are flowing, and the connections deepen. By this point, the crawl feels less like an event and more like a big family reunion—one where everyone is welcome.
Finale: Tap Dragon Craft Beer & Wine Bar
The day finishes strong at Tap Dragon, where the atmosphere is electric. Glasses clink, friends gather close, and the energy of the afternoon culminates in a silent auction hosted by Briggs Ashman and Chad Freeman. Bidding wars break out, laughs echo, and every dollar raised goes toward helping the very people who keep our communities safe.
Why We Ride
While the drinks, the horses, and the music make Trot-Tober Fest exciting, the heart of the event is the cause. This annual tradition supports PISTLE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to first responders. Every ticket purchased, every drink shared, every bid placed at the auction directly fuels this mission. Together, we are giving back to those who give everything.
PISTLE’s Mission: To provide confidential peer support and resources to those who face unimaginable stress and trauma in the line of duty. For law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, critical incidents don’t just end when the sirens fade—they linger in the heart and mind. PISTLE is there to listen, support, and provide hope when it’s needed most.
PISTLE Helps First Responder
Service dog recipient, first Responder Larry Carito! Larry chose Ricky as his new partner! PISTLE recently donated one of Blue Line Doodles of Arizona’s puppies to Larry, and Dog Training Elite has partnered with us and BLD of Az to donate their service dog training to the team. This is the first program of its type in AZ for first responders, and we are proud to be the trailblazers once again. Blue Line Doodles of Arizona and Dog Training Elite have committed to continuing this program for years to come as well as growing the program to include first responders in other states.
The Festival Atmosphere
Imagine the sound of hooves on pavement mixed with the strum of guitars and the cheer of voices rising together. Horses trot alongside bikes and walkers, creating a parade-like feel through Gilbert’s heart. Each stop isn’t just a chance to drink—it’s a chance to celebrate. Local musicians set the rhythm of the day, and the crowd keeps the beat alive with clapping, singing, and dancing in the streets.
Everywhere you go, you’ll see people wearing their Trot-Tober Fest badges proudly, knowing that each laugh shared is also a gift given back.
Choose Your Ride
The beauty of Trot-Tober Fest is that it’s for everyone. No matter how you join, you’ll be part of the same big-hearted journey.
- Want to walk with friends? Lace up your sneakers.
- Prefer to ride your bike and roll from stop to stop? Go for it.
- Feeling festive? Trot alongside the horses and make an entrance like no other.
Be Part of the Legacy
Trot-Tober Fest isn’t just another event on the calendar—it’s a movement. It’s where Gilbert comes together to honor courage, celebrate life, and support first responders in their moments of need. It’s where strangers become friends, where fun meets purpose, and where every glass raised helps heal unseen wounds.
This November, don’t just hear the stories. Don’t just watch from the sidelines. Be part of the ride. Be part of the crawl. Be part of the cause. Trot-Tober Fest 2025 is waiting for you.
Last Updated on 10/06/2025 by Olivia Clements
About the Author:
CLN Community Sponsor
