Halloween, harvest moons and haystacks. Do you love October just as much as we do? Spend the weekend of Oct. 11 to Oct. 13 enjoying Arizona’s festivities of fall, ranging from pumpkin patches to pop up art exhibits.
Friday
Pumpkin and Chili Party at Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms’ Pumpkin and Chili Party has finally returned! Not only did the Valley favorite add tea cups and a brand-new Hyper-Loop ride, but also “oversized lifelike unique art.” Honestly, what doesn’t the farm have? Offered every Friday, with the purchase of a general admission ticket grandparents can bring one grandchild (13 years or younger) for only $10. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is welcoming residents with an even larger abundance of fall festivities.
Candytopia at the Scottsdale Quarter
Satisfy your end-of-the-week sweet tooth at “The World’s Sweetest Pop up!” Candytopia is an interactive art exhibit composed entirely of sugar-filled treats. Spend Friday channeling your inner Willy Wonka with marshmallow tsunamis and human-sized lollipops. All ages are welcome. Tickets range from $20 to $28, and the exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reserve your golden ticket online.
Otsukimi Moonviewing Fest at The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
Join the Japanese Friendship Garden in celebrating this year’s harvest moon. After a delicious meal, take advantage of a unique opportunity to unwind in the tea garden. Additionally, guests can expect to enjoy live performances, music and art pertaining to the Japanese culture. The event will take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Children 3 and younger are free; children 3 to 12 are $7; and adults are $30. Learn more at japanesefriendshipgarden.org.
Saturday
Superhero Month at the Museum at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix
In honor of Superhero Month, the Arizona Autobots and Phoenix Police Department will be at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With the purchase of a $14.95 general admission ticket, visitors can meet and take photos with the heroes! To learn more about Superhero Month at the museum visit ChildrensMuseumOfPhoenix.org.
Ranger Ride-Along Tour at South Mountain Environmental Education Center
Arizona’s autumn effortlessly charms most. From 8:30 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to noon, accompany a South Mountain park ranger on a ride through the desert. Do not miss out on the chance to bask in the cooler weather while learning more about South Mountain’s environmental history. Tickets are $8. Reserve your spot 48 hours prior to the ride along, online.
Peoria Film Festival at Huntington University
From 10 to 11:30 a.m., learn more about one of America’s favorite pastimes. Huntington University in Peoria is inviting the entire family to a closer look at how our favorite movies are created. University faculty and students will host filmmaking stations teaching animation and design. Guests will also receive an opportunity to create their own scene. The event is free to attend but you will want to arrive early. There will be 65 free tickets available to the fest’s noon screening of “Lego Batman.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at Phoenix Theatre Company
Spend your Saturday night enjoying a five-time Tony Award® winning production. Join 15-year-old math genius, Christopher Boone, as he embarks on a journey to solve a murder he was falsely accused of. Filled with exciting plot twists and innovative theatre, you do not want to miss this event. The play will show at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased online.
Sunday
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert at The Phoenix Symphony
Star Wars and Symphony Hall: Don’t underestimate the force! Let’s be honest, John William’s score is just as iconic as the storyline it accompanies. The Empire Strikes Back will be screened above Symphony Hall’s orchestra as they play the infamous score live. Guests are invited to dress as their favorite Star Wars character. The concert will take place at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Seats range from $30 to $98 and can be reserved at tickets.phoenixsymphony.org.
Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch at Phoenix Premium Outlets
“Magic is really very simple”—all you have to do is head to Chandler’s Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., participate in games, rides, face painting and pumpkin picking. The event is free to attend and, as always, costumes are encouraged!
Extreme BMX Stunt Show at OdySea in the Desert
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., cheer on your favorite X-games athletes as they perform bike, skateboard and scooter stunts. This free to attend event will take place at OdySea in the Desert’s courtyard. In addition to a BMX show, there will be time for photos, autographs, a meet-and-greet, prizes and more. For more information visit odyseainthedesert.com.
