Events
Search our guide to what's happening around Arizona. (Want your event listed? Send an email to Noah Austin at [email protected] Be sure to include the dates of the event, public contact information (phone and/or website) and a brief description.)
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Central
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Marigold Mural Project : Sedona
October 30 to November 3
Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village (336 State Route 179) hosts this Día de los Muertos event, in which everyone is encouraged to paint tributes and remembrances on a 26-foot-long mural, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; paints and brushes are provided.
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Halloween Spooktacular : Chandler
October 26
480-782-2735 chandleraz.gov/spooktacular
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park (3 S. Arizona Avenue) hosts a family night of free, frightful fun from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Activities include ghoulish games, a haunted house, trunk-or-treat, arts and crafts, and a costume contest.
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The Outbreak at Schnepf Farms : Queen Creek
October 4 to October 28
Every Thursday through Sunday, experience Arizona's best interactive zombie experience. Recruits will be issued a paintball gun and 150 rounds of paintball ammo to exterminate zombies. Tickets are $22 online or $28 at the gate. Hours vary by day.
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2018 Larsen Art Auction : Scottsdale
October 27
480-941-0900 larsengallery.com
Larsen Gallery (3705 N. Bishop Lane) hosts this 10 a.m. auction of art form private and corporate collections. Open to the public; attendees must register to bid.
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Cave Creek Corner Mercado : Cave Creek
October 26 to May 5
480-488-2014 magicbirdfestivals.com
On select weekends, the northeast corner of Cave Creek Road and Schoolhouse Road hosts free, family-friendly festivals sponsored by Retablo of Cave Creek. Enjoy artisans, exhibitors, food and more.
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The Desert Skull: Their Spirit Remains : Fountain Hills
October 25 to November 5
www.fountainhillsartistsgallery.com
The Fountain Hills Artists' Gallery hosts its second annual themed art exhibit, featuring interpretations of the desert skull. Opening reception October 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
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"Fun Home" at Phoenix Theatre : Phoenix
October 10 to December 2
Phoenix Theatre (100 E. McDowell Road) hosts this five-time Tony Award-winning musical about love, dysfunction and everything in between. Tickets are $29 and up.
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Silent Sundays Presents "Phantom of the Opera" : Phoenix
October 28
Travel back in time with your family for this 2:30 p.m. showing of the classic silent film, with live accompaniment provided by world-famous organist Brett Valliant.
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134th Annual Arizona State Fair at Arizona State Fairgrounds : Phoenix
October 5 to October 28
602-252-6771 www.azstatefair.com
Indulge all your senses at Arizona's original playground Wednesday through Sunday. Enjoy everything from crazy fair food, rides and games, to an exciting event in the Grandstand and a live concert at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
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Enchanted Pumpkin Garden : Carefree
October 19 to October 28
Carefree Desert Gardens features world-renowned artist Ray Villafane in this one-of-a-kind event featuring live carvings, photo ops with a "Giant Sized" pumpkin, refreshments and music.
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Otsukimi - 19th Annual Japanese Moonviewing Festival : Phoenix
October 26 to October 27
www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix presents a traditional Japanese celebration of the full moon in a garden lit by candles and luminaries. Listen to talented musicians, and enjoy traditional food and traditional Japanese tea demonstrations.
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9th Annual Halloween Balloon Spooktacular : Scottsdale
October 26 to October 27
480-270-5000 saltriverfields.com/
Salt River Fields features more than 20 colorful hot air balloons to light up the sky, candy for trick-or-treaters, tethered balloon rides, live music, food, drinks and a kid-friendly haunted house fit for all, plus fireworks.
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35th Annual Roy Track Memorial Mesa Pow Wow at Riverview Park : Mesa
October 26 to October 28
602-799-0260 www.visitmesa.com/
Everyone is welcome! Enjoy fry bread and meet new and Native people, and enjoy a pow wow and, on Friday night, a contemporary concert.
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Ofrenda – Desert Botanical Garden : Phoenix
October 26 to October 28
Ofrenda, or “offering,” is part of the traditional Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos. Learn how people honor those who have passed away, and view original Ofrenda installations by Arizona artists created specifically for this exhibition.
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The Howling Night Run – Cesar Chavez Park : Laveen
October 27
602-402-3332 www.HowlingNightRun.com
Join us this year at the Howling Night Run's new location and get ready for a fright night and run, walk in the dark at this year’s Haunted Island! Come in costume or come as you are!
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2nd Annual Vintage Wings & Wheels Car Show : Mesa
October 27
Stop by the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum at Falcon Field with Southwest Street Rods for cool cars and powerful World War II airplanes. View more than 200 cool rods 1972 and older, and enjoy food from food trucks.
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Haunted History : Sedona
October 27
Sedona Heritage Museum presents ghost stories of the great Southwest, the Verde Valley and Sedona presented by playwright, actor and author Michael Peach. Enjoy Peach's cowboy poetry, humorous stories and historical narrative.
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Butterfly Walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum : Superior
October 27
602-827-3000 arboretum.ag.arizona.edu
Take a walking tour to see, photograph and learn about colorful species ranging from Empress Leilia to Queen, Spring Azure and more. These leisurely, slow-paced guided tours proceed along wheelchair-accessible paths.
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6th Annual West Valley Island Cultural Festival : Surprise
October 27
Windmill Suites Hotel hosts a multicultural event celebrating music and dances, including Polynesian, salsa, belly dance and more. Take part in contests, giveaways and entertainment by talented musicians, teachers and dancers.
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12th Annual El Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Mesa Arts Center : Mesa
October 27 to October 28
480-644-6500 www.mesaartscenter.com/diadelosmuertos
Spirits connect at this free festival offering live entertainment, children’s activities, face painting, a variety of food options, studio demonstrations and a Mercado Marketplace featuring traditional and contemporary merchandise.
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10th Annual Day of the Dead : Prescott
October 28
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the Smoki Museum with tamales, margaritas, cerveza, mariachis and ballet folklorico. Free.
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Halloween in the Hills at Avenue of the Fountains : Fountain Hills
October 31
480-837-8168 www.halloweeninthehills.com
Businesses remain open for trick-or-treating, and merchants will be handing out candy, popcorn and treats. Included in the festivities are games, bounce houses and free carnival games, and four-legged canine "kids" are welcome.
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PoeFest : Phoenix/Scottsdale
October 5 to October 31
The Hotel San Carlos, Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, and Rosson House Museum host this monthlong celebration of Edgar Allan Poe, which includes live performances, seances and more. See website for complete schedule.
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"By Popular Demand" at Vision Gallery : Chandler
October 4 to November 2
Vision Gallery (10 E. Chicago Street) hosts this exhibition of new work by Anthony Banayat, including larger-than-life paintings and sculptures directly connected to American pop culture. Hours vary by day; admission is always free.
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6th Street Market : Tempe
October 14 to April 14
www.downtowntempe.com/6thstreetmarket
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday, 6th Street Park (near Tempe City Hall) hosts local artisans and makers, live music, food and community.
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Halloween Stroll : Tempe
October 28
www.downtowntempe.com/halloweenstroll
Bring your little ghosts, goblins, superheroes and princesses to downtown Tempe for a Halloween stroll starting at 2 p.m. The event includes a costume contest at 4:30 p.m. at Hayden Station. All ages are welcome to participate.
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Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival and Corn Maze : Mesa
October 1 to November 4
Vertuccio Farms (4011 S. Power Road) hosts a 7-acre corn maze, games, kids activities, an animal area and more. Hours vary by day; see website for complete schedule. Admission is $10 per person (ages 2 and younger are free).
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9th Annual Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts : Phoenix
October 27
www.herbergertheater.org/herberger-theater-festival-of-the-arts/
The Herberger celebrates the arts with performances by more than 25 organizations, live music and performances on two outdoor stages, children’s activities, food, pet adoptions, craft beer and wine tasting, vendors and more from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Comerica Bank Shred Day Phoenix : Phoenix
October 27
214-462-6681 www.comerica.com/shreddayphoenix
The front of Comerica Theatre hosts this event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., where you can rid yourself of all sensitive and unwanted documents to help reduce the risk of identity theft. Free.
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Palace Saloon Halloween Event : Prescott
October 31
The historic Prescott saloon hosts a unique and scary opportunity to explore the "haunted" saloon, including the "scary" basement. Check-in is at 6 or 7:30 p.m. and includes Cowboy Cauldron Chili and investigation. Price is $60; reservation required.
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Midwestern University Fall Open House : Glendale
October 27
Midwestern University's Glendale campus (19555 N. 59th Avenue) hosts a free public open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tour the university's facilities and accommodations, and get information about admissions and degree programs.
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Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts : Phoenix
October 27
From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Herberger Theater Center (222 E. Monroe Street) hosts performances, visual art, live music, children's activities, food, pet adoptions, craft beer and wine tasting, and more. Proceeds benefit youth outreach programs.
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A Most Unusual Halloween : Phoenix
October 27
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-most-unusual-rooftop-halloween-tickets-50985870110
From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., LUSTRE Rooftop Bar at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix hosts live circus performances, a guest DJ, a selfie station, festive large-format cocktails and a special small-bites menu. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
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C2 Tactical's 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament : Phoenix
October 26
www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-c2-tactical-charity-golf-tournament-tickets-45872171901
The Raven Golf Course (3636 E. Baseline Road) hosts this tournament from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. to benefit Junior Achievement of Arizona. Registration is $100 for individuals and $400 for foursomes.
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MCC Red Mountain 2018 Chef Competition : Mesa
October 23
Chefs from Valley restaurants engage in a cooking competition involving skill, speed and ingenuity, using a food box supplied by United Food Bank, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saguaro Building (7110 E. McKellips Road). Open to the public.
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ACLU of Arizona Art Exhibition : Tempe
October 30 to December 16
480-965-6912 inthistogetheraz.org
"In This Together: Daring to create a more perfect Arizona" is the theme of this exhibition of 40 Arizona artists at ASU Gammage (1200 S. Forest Avenue). It reflects on six decades of protecting the constitutional rights of all people.
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Empty Bowls at Mesa Community College : Mesa
October 24
From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., for a $10 donation, take home a one-of-a-kind bowl and help to feed the hungry at MCC's Red Mountain Campus (7110 E. McKellips Road), and dine on bread, soup and water in observance of World Hunger Day.
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Free Halloween Concert : Sedona
October 27
The Sedona United Methodist Church hosts a free Halloween concert at 4 p.m., featuring truly terrifying music performed by Sandrine Erdely-Sayo, founder of the Piano on the Rocks International Festival. Afterward, enjoy spiced cider and doughnuts.
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Western
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2nd Annual Hangar 24 Lake Havasu AirFest : Lake Havasu City
October 27
928-846-4447 www.hangar24brewery.com
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport hosts an epic aerobatic air show and beer festival.
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12th Annual Fall Festival : Kingman
October 27
928-753-6106 www.gokingman.com/
Centennial Park hosts traditional Halloween activities, a youth costume contest, carnival game booths, a pie-eating contest, a cupcake walk and candy in the hay.
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2nd Annual Hangar 24 Lake Havasu AirFest at Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport : Lake Havasu City
October 27
928-846-4447 www.hangar24brewery.com
Hangar 24 Brewery & Grill brings its epic aerobatic show and beer festival to celebrate its second anniversary from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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14th Annual BlueWater Resort & Casino 336 Enduro : Parker
October 27
928-669-6511 www.bluewaterfun.com
BlueWater Resort hosts a speedboat race, 56 mile laps guaranteed to test the mettle and willpower of the racers and their equipment, and modeled after the original 1964 Parker Enduro.
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16th Annual Route 66 Cruizers Halloween Bash : Kingman
October 31
928-897-3219 www.gokingman.com/event-route-66-cruizers-halloween-2018
Give kids a fun and safe environment to trick-or-treat. All children must be accompanied by an adult to have a “ghostly” good time from 5 to 8 p.m. Free.
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Rio de Cerveza Brew Fest : Yuma
October 27
From 5 to 9 p.m., Desert Sun Stadium hosts this celebration of craft beers from around the region, along with live music, food vendors, lawn games and more. Tickets are $40-75.
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Motorcycle Show N Shine : Yuma
October 26 to October 27
Desert Sun Stadium hosts all makes and models of motorcycles, plus live music, food, vendors, demonstrations and kids activities, from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
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Southern
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SV Symphony Fall Concert : Sierra Vista
October 27
520-417-6960 www.sierravistasymphony.org
The Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra presents its 24th season and conductor Tora Tagawa for the fall concert, "Teacher and Apprentice," at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Buena Performing Arts Center (5225 E. Buena School Boulevard).
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Fall Pumpkin Celebration : Willcox
October 6 to October 28
520-384-2084 www.appleannies.com
Enjoy old-fashioned family fun every weekend in October. Pick your own pumpkins, fall vegetables and apples; test yourself in the corn maze with two levels of difficulty; or enjoy a variety of delicious food offerings throughout the day.
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Spooky Kids Halloween & Wag-O-Ween : Tucson
October 28
www.fourthavenue.org/spooky-kids-halloween-wag-o-ween/
Fourth Avenue hosts an amazing Halloween costume contest for both our two-legged and four-legged children! Candy and dog treats given throughout the Avenue, with a costume contest at the Sand and Sky parking lot.
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TaliasVan & The Bright & Morning Star Band : Tucson
October 26
520-398-2542 theseaofglass.org
The Sea of Glass Center for the Arts (330 E. Seventh Street) hosts this 7 p.m. concert by a 12-piece ensemble from around the world, performing the interdimensional, timeless music of visionary maestro TaliasVan. $25-30; ages 16 and up.
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Haunted Ruins — The Magic of Dawn : Tucson
October 5 to October 28
Valley of the Moon Tucson (2544 E. Allen Street) hosts this annual Halloween show, which is 40 minutes long and starts every 20 minutes from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Tickets are $5-10.
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Kate Breakey: Trees : Tucson
October 1 to January 13
Tucson Botanical Gardens (2150 N. Alvernon Way) hosts this exhibition of mixed-media photographs by Australian artist Kate Breakey. Regular hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.
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Eastern
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9th Annual Main Street Spooktacular Festival : Show Low
October 27
928-532-4124 www.showlowchamber.com/
Cooley Street presents trunk-or-treating, hay rides, pony rides, a haunted house, pumpkin bowling, Halloween-themed games and activities, costume contests, a car bash, food vendors, entertainment, "scaryoke" and live radio remotes.
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Northern
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9th Annual Pumpkin Walk & Fall Fest at The Arboretum at Flagstaff : Flagstaff
October 27
Bring your flashlight for a walk through the gardens following a path illuminated by creatively carved pumpkins. Enjoy hot cider, a fire pit and nocturnal animal displays. Join the fun and come in costume.
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Run for Your Life Haunted Trail Run at Fort Tuthill County Park : Flagstaff
October 27
877-527-5291 azrunforyourlife.com
Meander your way through the haunted trail. This year, experience new scares, thrills and adventure. You might even spot the Mogollon Monster, or it might find you!
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Flagstaff Nissan Subaru's 2nd Annual Trunk-or-Treat Event : Flagstaff
October 31
928-856-2464 www.flagstaffnissansubaru.com/
From 4 to 7 p.m., enjoy trick-or-treating, giveaways and fun for the whole family. Free and open to the public.
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