Spooky Season in Arizona: What to Do This Halloween
September 18, 2026
September 18, 2026
Halloween in Arizona is so much more than just October 31. By the time October rolls around, the Valley is packed with haunted attractions, pumpkin displays, costume parties, family events and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the cooler evenings.
Whether you want something genuinely scary, something the kids will love, or an excuse to dress up and head out with friends, there’s a little bit of everything happening this year.
Here are some of the Halloween events I’m adding to the calendar for 2026:
September 19 – November 1, select nights
2710 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix
If you actually want to be scared, start here. 13th Floor returns with live actors, dark tunnels, fog, tight spaces and immersive storylines designed to keep you guessing about what’s waiting around the next corner.
This is definitely one for older teens and adults who like their Halloween plans on the scarier side.
September 19 – November 14
1475 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe
Fear Farm is going big for 2026 with multiple haunted attractions, including Jason Universe: Survive the Night, Beyond the Veil, Mr. Tasty’s Funhouse and The Siren’s Wake.
There’s also a limited VIP experience this year where small groups can take part in deciding how Jason strikes his next victim. Definitely not your average fall festival.
September 25 – November 1, select nights
1901 N. Alma School Rd., Mesa
Scarizona has been creating scares in Mesa for more than two decades, and its cast, sets, makeup and effects are rebuilt each season.
Expect an intense and immersive experience designed more for older teens and adults than little ones.
October 1 – 31
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, Arizona Mills
Here’s one for the younger kids. Brick-or-Treat brings Halloween-themed building challenges, creative workshops featuring glow-in-the-dark creations and The Great Monster Chase 4D movie to LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
It gives families all the Halloween fun without the major scares.
October 1 – 31
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The Paradise & Pacific Railroad gets a Halloween makeover with train rides, carousel rides and a storybook train for younger visitors.
Older kids and adults can try the haunted train walkthrough from October 25–31, complete with jump scares and eerie lighting. Halloween night also includes trick-or-treating around the park.
October 1 – November 1, select Thursday–Sunday nights
5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler
Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins light up the Riverwalk after dark, creating glowing sculptures and displays along the walking path.
Music and special effects are incorporated throughout the experience, making this a fun option if you want something festive and photo-worthy without the haunted-house scares.
October 23
5233 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
Tempe’s Family Boo Bash starts with a costume contest and parade at 6:30 p.m., followed by an outdoor screening of Toy Story 5 at 7:30 p.m.
There will also be train rides, face painting, dancing, food concessions and carnival games. Bring a blanket and make a whole evening out of it.
October 23 – 25
Salt River Fields
This might be one of the most unique Halloween events on the list. More than 20 hot air balloons will glow over Salt River Fields, with each balloon doubling as a trick-or-treat station.
The festival is expected to hand out more than 4,000 pounds of candy, and there will also be tethered balloon rides, weather permitting, costume contests, a free Kids Zone with 30+ inflatables and a Spook Trail.
October 23 – 31
Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center is giving Halloween a STEM twist with demonstrations, hands-on activities and special experiences exploring some of the science hiding behind spooky-season traditions.
Costumes are encouraged, making this another great option for families looking for Halloween fun without the scares.
October 24
Halloween definitely isn’t just for kids.
Old Town Scottsdale will fill with costumes for a Halloween bar crawl spanning more than four participating bars, with drink specials, waived covers, DJs and after-party access included with tickets.
October 24
Arizona Boardwalk
For something much more kid-friendly, this free morning carnival includes character meet-and-greets, face painting and trick-or-treating around the Boardwalk.
There’s also a toddler soft-play area, live DJ, food and shopping, making it an easy Halloween weekend outing for families with younger children.
October 28 – 31
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo gets a spooky makeover with trick-or-treat stations, face painting, costume parades and Halloween activities throughout the grounds.
The costume parade runs every hour, giving families plenty of opportunities to join in while exploring the zoo after dark.
October 29
Arizona Center
Downtown Phoenix is getting into the Halloween spirit with an open-air celebration at Arizona Center.
Expect costumes, a lively courtyard atmosphere and plenty of festive energy right in the middle of Downtown Phoenix. It would be an easy event to pair with dinner or drinks nearby.
October 30
Arizona Boardwalk
Trade your normal run for a nighttime 5K filled with monsters, mummies and Halloween costumes.
The course winds around Arizona Boardwalk, costumes are encouraged, and finishers receive an event shirt and medal along with food after the race. There’s also a virtual option if you can’t attend in person.
October 30 – 31
16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
For a completely different kind of Halloween weekend, Boo Arizona turns spooky season into a two-stage nightlife event.
The mansion-style venue features a Grand Hall along with a candlelit corridor hosting house and techno sets that continue well past midnight.
October 31
Arizona Boardwalk
Finish Halloween with a free family celebration featuring trick-or-treating, bounce houses, slides, face painting, music and a costume contest with $1,000 in cash prizes.
Families can also register for raffle prizes including local attraction tickets and gift cards.
This is one of my favorite things about fall in Arizona. Once the weather starts cooling down, there are so many reasons to get outside again, and October is packed with things to do.
You can spend one night screaming your way through a haunted house and the next walking through thousands of glowing pumpkins, watching hot air balloons light up the Scottsdale sky, or taking the kids trick-or-treating.
Save this list for your October plans, and have a very spooky Arizona Halloween! 👻
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