Photo courtesy of the Balloon Spooktacular official website.

As we prepare to bid adieu to the charm and magic of October, we must first salute the final weekend of the month in style—as only it deserves. With dozens of Halloween-centric events, festivals and yes, even the beloved Balloon Spooktacular slated to sweep the Valley this weekend (Oct. 26 through Oct. 28), you’ll have every opportunity to bask in the final moments of the spooky season.

 

Friday:

 

Photo courtesy of the Visit Phoenix official website. 

Chocolate & Art Show

Two worlds collide at the Chocolate & Art Show, as event attendees can view artwork from some of the Valley’s best up-and-coming artists, while indulging in free chocolate samples. The show is also expected to feature body painting and live music. Prepare for an inspiring evening as you get a glimpse of Arizona’s ever-growing, creative scene. Admission tickets start at $15. For more information on this unique event, click here.

 

Photo courtesy of the Phoenix Zoo official website.

Howl-o-Ween at the Phoenix Zoo

Monster Bash Dance Parties, Crazy Crawler Animal Encounters, Jack-O-Lantern Trails, Camel Rides, Extinct Animal Graveyards and Zombie Raves are just a few of the terrifyingly-fun activities that families can enjoy together. Be sure to research whether the excursions are “scary” or “merry,” so that you can enjoy the best and most, age-appropriate activities. Admission tickets start at $9.95; children 2 and under are free. For more information on this event, click here.

 

 

Photo courtesy of the Balloon Spooktacular official website.

Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular

The mysterious, the majestic and even the magical: you’ll find all of it at the annual Balloon Spooktacular celebration at Salt River Fields. This family-friendly event is expected to feature a firework show, live music, a pumpkin patch and a free kids zone. And at the center of this entertaining event, attendees will get to admire more than 20 majestic and towering hot air balloons, as they participate in the world’s longest continuous glow at over three hours. The best part is that hot air ballooning isn’t even exclusive to just the professionals. Tethered balloon rides and balloon candy stations can also be found around the Salt River Fields, which will allow visitors to join in on the magic as well. Admission tickets start at $10. For more information on this event, click here.

 

 

Photo courtesy of the Visit Phoenix official website.

Strange Garden at Desert Botanical Garden

A creepy and enchanting, family-friendly experience has found its new home at the Desert Botanical Garden. This fall, the garden will feature a peculiar new event that encompasses the weird and wondrous nature of desert wildlife. Along the way, attendees will encounter unusual creatures and critters, unexplainable sights and dazzling tales of our state’s strangest plants. Admission to the event is free with a paid garden admission; $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for youth. For more information on this event, click here.

 

Saturday:

 

 

Photo courtesy of the Visit Phoenix official website.

Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts

The ninth annual Festival of the Arts is slated to make its return this weekend. The event celebrates the thriving art community in Phoenix, and will feature 25 arts organizations, live music, food, craft beer and wine tasting, and vendor booths, among dozens of other fun activities. Admission to this family-friendly event is free, and the celebration will run from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, click here.

 

  

Photo courtesy of the Visit Phoenix official website.

Scottsdale Fall Festival

Haunted forests, candy game booths and costume contests—oh my! This year’s Scottsdale Fall Festival will be held at Eldorado Park and is expected to spook, surprise and delight all attendees with dozens of family-friendly activities and a dazzling firework show to conclude the night. Admission is free. For more information on this seasonal event, click here.

 

 

Photo courtesy of the Talking Stick Resort official website.

Wicked Ball at Talking Stick Resort

The wildly fun Wicked Ball will take over Talking Stick Resort this weekend—literally. The three-room bash is expected to feature everything from a carnival room to an outdoor ultra-lounge. EDM superstars, Adventure Club, will entertain guests with electric performances and heart-pounding music sets. Attendees are encouraged to “get their spook on,” and come decked out in their most creative costume. If your costume is crazy enough, you might even have the chance to take home a share of $10,000 cash. Now, that’s something to celebrate. Admission tickets start at $50. For more information on this event, click here.

 

Photo courtesy of the Visit Phoenix official website.

All Things Comedy Festival Presents: Stand Up Live – All Star

It’s all kicks and giggles at the All Things Comedy Festival – Stand Up Live “All Star” event at the Orpheum Theatre this weekend. This comedy-inspired event will be hosted by KUPD’s John Holmberg and is expected to feature the acts of comedic legends like Ari Shaffir and Theo Von, to name a few. For more information on this lively event, click here.

 

Sunday:

 

 

Photo courtesy of the Mesa Arts Center official website.

Dia De Los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center

Celebrate soulful spirits at this magnificent festival. Enjoy a colorful craft market and delight in lively performances from some of the Valley’s most prominent local artists and musicians. Admission and parking is free, and the celebration will take place on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. For more information on this event, click here.

 

Photo courtesy of the Visit Phoenix official website.

Victorian Secrets: The Unmentionable Tour at Rosson House

This risqué and revealing tour of the Rosson House will provide insights into the unusual, squeamish and downright spooky history of the historic sight. Along the way, you’ll get a glimpse of some of the most hidden corners and untouched aspects of the well-preserved home. At “The Unmentionable Tour,” you’ll not only learn about the site’s history, but you’ll also get spooked along the way. What better way to pre-game for Halloween? Admission tickets are $25 per person. For more information on this event, click here.