October in Phoenix is notorious for an influx of seasonal residents. Snowbirds fly south to escape the snowy north, blissfully ready to enjoy sunny days, Tommy Bahama shirts, and endless golf. However, snowbirds should think twice about coming to The Valley of the Sun in the fall. In fact, full-time Phoenix residents should reconsider sticking around altogether. You see, there is something eerie that they don’t report in the evening news…
When the sun dips below the Maricopa horizon and night falls, monsters emerge from the shadows of every ghostly cactus, awaiting to turn demonic imagination into reality. Ghosts drift silently through foggy graveyards, werewolves prowl under the heavy moonlight, and vampires lurk mischievously, thirsty for the taste of human blood.
Halloween in Phoenix is a unique celebration that blends traditional spooky elements with the distinctive charm of the desert landscape. Whether you’re seeking thrills or simply looking to take the little ones out trick or treating, we have compiled the top Halloween Events in Phoenix and Maricopa County. Remember to check back every year, as we keep this calendar updated.
2024 Halloween Calendar Maricopa County
Spooktacular – October 5th (Peoria)
Puppy Halloween Costume Contest – October 26th (Glendale)
The Haunted Pedlar Tour – Thru October 30th (Phoenix)
Trick or Treating Santa Rita Ranch – October 31st (Mesa)
Vertuccio Farms Corn Maze – Thru October 31st (Mesa)
MacDonald’s Pumpkin Patch – Thru October 31st (Scottsdale)
Fear Farm Haunted House – Thru Nov 2nd
Best Halloween Party: Spooktacular (October 5th – Peoria)
From haunted houses, corn mazes, and trick or treating, Halloween parties are undoubtedly the most exhilarating holiday event in October. Maricopa County is 9200 square miles, but if one event is with the drive, it’s Spooktacular in Peoria on October 5th. Imagine a family-friendly atmosphere filled with creative costume contests, game booths, face painting, prizes, and food trucks. Top it off with glow-in-the-dark decorations and a free Halloween movie; this 9th annual event is a can’t-miss!
Top Corn Maze: Vertuccio Farms (Open thru October 31st – Mesa)
Hands down, the top corn maze year after year in greater Phoenix is Vertuccio Farms. Located in Mesa, just east of Phoenix, Vertuccio offers a unique, immersive experience that captivates people of all ages. Picture this: you step onto a sprawling farm surrounded by towering corn stalks that create a natural labyrinth. As you navigate the twists and turns, laughter echoes around you—whether it’s children running ahead with excitement or adults reminiscing about their childhood adventures. Vertuccio’s Fall Festival is family-friendly, so bring the little ones, as it also includes a petting zoo, carnival games, mini golf, ropes course, pig race ride, and more.
Top Pumpkin Patch: MacDonald’s Ranch (October 4th – 31st – Scottsdale)
Picture towering cacti standing sentinel over fields of bright orange pumpkins, an unforgettable backdrop for family photos and cherished memories. MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch in Scottsdale offers a delightful desert twist on this beloved autumn tradition. Furthermore, this idyllic setting provides additional fun for the kiddos with activities like a pony ride, petting zoo, pedal car and track, lawn games, and more. Admission is $15 for people of all ages, and additional activities may cost upwards of $5; however, the cost is well worth it for an unforgettable pumpkin patch experience.
Best Neighborhood For Trick or Treating: Santa Rita Ranch (October 31st – Mesa)
Trick-or-treating is more than just a Halloween tradition; it’s a magical experience that brings communities together in celebration. Throughout Maricopa County, countless neighborhoods flaunt Halloween decorations “to a T,” but none surpass Santa Rita Ranch in Mesa. On October 31st, the atmosphere transforms into a magical wonderland as the sun sets and the streets come alive with decorated houses adorned in spooky lights and ghoulish decor. Each home adds a unique flair to the holiday spirit, from cobweb-covered porches to giant glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Sounds too good to be true? Don’t take my word for it. Check out this Santa Rita Ranch Tikock video.
Best Haunted House: Fear Farm (Thru November 2nd – Glendale)
Haunted houses are the ultimate blend of fright and fun, drawing thrill-seekers into a world where adrenaline meets excitement. For over 25 years, Fear Farm in Glendale has enveloped a world of unsettling surprises, eliciting uncontrollable gasps and screams. From ghostly figures lurking in the shadows to sudden strobe lights disorienting your senses, Fear Farm boasts the spookiest attractions in Maricopa County, including Dead Hour, Clown Alley, Nautical Nightmare, and Carnage. Tickets are available every night of the week in October and can be purchased here.
