By Brielle Ashford
In a desert city clad with palm trees and cacti, fall in the Valley of the Sun is quite a different experience from the classic scenes of changing leaves.
Grab some friends, something pumpkin-spice flavored, your cutest knits and check out some of Phoenix’s best October attractions – fit for a perfect Arizona autumn!
Festive
Rated the #1 haunted house in America by USA Today and FOX News – featured everywhere from MTV to the Travel Channel; it’s nationally recognized – there’s nowhere else like Phoenix’s infamous 13th floor to really get you in the Halloween spirit!
When: All Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Open some week days; see website for details.
Price: $23-$32 depending on the day.
Where: 2814 W. Bell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85053
Fear Farm, a sister scare of 13th Floor, is bound to get you in the spirit of the season! Dubbed as Phoenix’s “largest Halloween event,” Fear Farm is the place to be spooked this October. Visit the frightening farm for the five haunted houses, Phoenix’s largest corn maze and the brand new haunted hayride!
When: All Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Open some week days; see website for details.
Price: $23-$32 depending on the day.
Where: 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85037
For those that are into more of the treat than the trick, Schnepf Farms’ Pumpkin and Chili Party is the perfect place for your fall one-stop shop. Just one admissions ticket includes hayrides, ziplining, a rollercoaster, a pumpkin launch, marshmallow roasting, Friday and Saturday firework shows, mini golf and much more (if all of that wasn’t enough!) Don’t miss this classic seasonal tradition for all ages!
When: Every Thurs. – Sun. in October; Thurs. & Sun: 10am – 9pm.; Fri. – Sat. 9am – 10pm
Price: $18.00 plus tax at the gate or $15.00 at any FRY’S food stores.
Where: 24810 South Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, Arizona, 85142
Known as “the ‘Nutcracker’ of Halloween,” the production, A Vampire Tale – in its eerie 13th season – is a great activity that is less traditional, but equally spooktacular with classic Halloween flair. Described to be a “dark and sexy drama” by the website, including “quirky and comedic episodes, and visually stunning dance and aerial feats,” one could consider this a must see for an out of the box seasonal experience!
When: October 27th, 29th, 31st & November 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Performances at 8 pm, except for the 10/31 show at 7:30pm.
Price: varies by day; starting at $33. Student discount available; see website for details.
Cultural
A classic event to celebrate all things Greek! Come to the Phoenix Greek Festival’s 56th annual celebration for dancing, food and fun all weekend long! Bring friends and family to take in all you can from the colorful greek cultural; festivities.
When: Oct. 7-9
Price: $3
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
1973 E. Maryland Ave Phoenix, AZ
Known all over the world for a celebration of German culture, Oktoberfest is best known to attract beer-lovers and cultural fanatics alike. However, even if you aren’t headed to pile up on beer mugs, the Tempe Oktoberfest is open to all ages. Aside from those classic Oktober spirits, there are special German foods and even carnival rides plus live entertainment.
When: Oct 7-9
Price: $7
Where: at Tempe Town Lake
Said to be Arizona’s “Greatest Street Fair,” Arizona Pride puts on this event to celebrate LGBTQ diversity drawing in a crowd of over 25,000 every year. With nearly 150 exhibitors present and two stages for live entertainment, this is an event all Phoenicians may not want to miss!
When: Oct 15-16, 10am – 6pm
Price: free!
Where: Heritage Square Park
As one of the most fun ways to celebrate Arizona’s own culture, the State Fair comes to the city in the month of October! Fun-filled weeks filled with rides, fair food and carnival games are hard to beat.
When: Oct. 7-30, open Wed – Sun.
Price: may vary; see website for details.
Where: 1826 W. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Have a spooooky, safe and happy season!
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