The Valley is your place to delight in everything autumn. So grab your pumpkin spice lattes because this weekend, Oct. 25 to Oct. 27, the pre-Halloween spirit is in full force. Join in on the ominous adventures and candy-coated celebrations this holiday season.
Friday
Halloween Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Salt River Fields at Talking Stick has a special Halloween celebration in store this Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26. Admire over 20 hot air balloons as they illuminate the Arizona skies during the Halloween Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival. The event will also include live music and a costume contest to ring in the Halloween spirit. The festival starts at 5 p.m., and ticket prices start at $10.
Desert Botanical Garden’s Strange Garden
Boo! The Desert Botanical Garden presents their Strange Garden event. Take a stroll through the preposterous plants set up by ghostly botanists. Guests will also be able to check out creepy carved pumpkins, a Monster Mash dance party, and other eerie activities. Celebrate Halloween early this Friday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets start at $12.95.
Howl-O-Ween at The Phoenix Zoo
From spine-chilling scenes to a sweeter selection of activities, The Phoenix Zoo wants to trick-or-treat with you at Howl-O-Ween. A spooktacular dance party, farmhouse maze, and Pirates of the “Scare”ibbean are just a few of the many forms of entertainment. Tickets start at $12.95, and the event runs from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday
Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts
It’s that time of year again to come out and enjoy the 10th annual Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts. From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Herberger Theater Center will be presenting numerous live dance and musical performances, as well as art, craft beer, and much more. This free event will benefit the Herberger Theater’s Youth Outreach program.
Coyotes Drive-Through Event
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, join Howler and his Coyote crew at Tempe Marketplace for the first ever Arizona Coyotes Magnet Drive-Through. Show your team spirit as you drive through the designated street in Tempe Marketplace. This free event includes prizes, a BOGO ticket deal for the 2019-2020 season, a chance to win a VIP Coyotes experience, and more. Come out and score big with your Arizona Coyotes.
Scottsdale’s 50th Annual Fall Festival
Celebrate the season and all of its glory at Eldorado Park this weekend for the 50th Annual Scottsdale Fall Festival. From 5 to 9 p.m., the park will host an event filled with fall festivities, food and drinks. There will also be a one-of-a-kind fireworks show, a haunted forest, and inflatable arena. The festival is free for the public to enjoy.
Sunday
Grape Arizona Wine Event
Grab a glass and get ready to sip during the Grape Arizona Wine Event at Heritage Square this Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. This charitable food fest is serving up some delicious offerings. From wine to barbecue, you’ll love the vast array of food and drinks. You must be 21 or older to attend the event and tickets start at $25.
Happy Howlin’ Pet Promenade & Family Festival
From 1 to 5 p.m., The Hidden Place presents the Happy Howlin’ Pet Promenade & Family Festival. Bring your furry friends and dress them up too, a costume contest will give prizes to three of the best dressed pets. Spooky snacks and music will be accessible for your enjoyment. You’ll also get a photo with your pet and ticket to the raffle along with your $5 admission.
Dia de los Muertos Phoenix Festival
For the eighth consecutive year, come out and celebrate culture at the Dia de los Muertos Phoenix Festival, located at Steele Indian School Park from 1 to 7 p.m. The event is free and provides fun for the whole family as masked entertainers put on a show to commemorate their ancestors. There will also be tasty food and drink options to sample.
Ghostly Stories Festival
Spooky season is upon us at the Arizona Humanities in Phoenix. From 4 to 7 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 27, sit back and shiver while listening to some chilling ghost stories. The free Ghostly Stories Festival will also include arts and crafts, a free book giveaway, and much more. Join in on the haunting entertainment with family and friends.
