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 on 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 2025 Halloween Events in Phoenix and Maricopa County. Please join us on our quest for the best Halloween Happenings in the 602. Enjoy old favorites and try new scares for this end of October; if you dare.
Editor’s Note
Please check back annually, as we update this Halloween calendar regularly.
2025 Halloween Calendar Maricopa County
Spooktacular– October 4th (Peoria)
Trick or Treating Santa Rita Ranch – October 31st (Mesa)
MacDonald’s Pumpkin Patch – Thru October 31st (Scottsdale)
Vertuccio Farms Corn Maze – Thru November 2nd (Mesa)
Fear Farm Haunted House – Thru Nov 2nd
Phoenix Ghost Tours – Year-Round
Hot Air Balloon Festival Spooktacular– Oct 25th – 27th (Scottsdale)
Commoners Beware of the Witches: Spooktacular (October 4th – Peoria)
While Maricopa County spans 9200 square miles, one event worth the drive is Spooktacular in Peoria on October 4th. This 10th annual event is a must-attend, offering a family-friendly atmosphere complete with creative costume contests, game booths, face painting, prizes, and food trucks. All of this is enhanced by glow-in-the-dark decorations and a free Halloween movie. This year’s feature is Hocus Pocus, a delightful film for all ages.
Best Corn Maze: Vertuccio Farms (Open thru November 2nd – Mesa)
Vertuccio Farms, located in Mesa, just east of Phoenix, is consistently recognized as the premier corn maze in the greater Phoenix area, offering an immersive experience that delights visitors of all ages. Guests can navigate a sprawling labyrinth of towering corn stalks, with the air filled with the laughter of children and adults alike. Vertuccio’s Fall Festival and Corn Maze is a family-friendly event, perfect for young children, featuring a petting zoo, carnival games, mini-golf, a ropes course, and a pig race ride, among other attractions.
Premier Pumpkin Patch: MacDonald’s Ranch (Oct 5 – 31st – Scottsdale)
MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch, nestled amidst cacti and desert scenery, offers a variety of family-friendly events. Enjoy a hay-bale maze, petting zoo, pedal cars, panning for gold, and numerous games. With endless photo opportunities and a range of activities to fill an entire day, it’s an affordable outing for the whole family, priced at $15 per person, with several discount offers available. They are open every day but Tuesday from 9 to 5. This year, please use the main entrance, identifiable by the iconic horse above the sign, due to ongoing road construction.
Best Community for Trick or Treating Candy: Santa Rita Ranch Neighborhood (Mesa County, Oct 31st)
Santa Rita Ranch in Mesa is the undisputed champion of Halloween decorations in Maricopa County. On October 31st, as dusk settles, the neighborhood transforms into a magical wonderland. The streets burst to life with homes decked out in spooky lights and eerie decor, each adding its own unique touch to the festive spirit. From cobweb-draped porches to colossal, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, the spectacle is truly something to behold. Don’t just take my word for it—experience the magic yourself! Trick-or-treating here is more than a tradition; it’s an unforgettable experience that brings the community together in celebration—take a sneak peek at the fun with this Santa Rita Ranch TikTok video.
Arizona’s Largest Halloween Event: Fear Farm (Open Now Through November 2nd – Glendale)
For over 25 years, Fear Farm in Glendale has been a top destination for thrill-seekers looking for a spooky and fun experience. This haunted house attraction is renowned for its unsettling surprises, which are guaranteed to elicit gasps and screams. Fear Farm features some of the spookiest attractions in Maricopa County, including Dead Hour, Clown Alley, Nautical Nightmare, and Carnage. Visitors can expect ghostly figures lurking in the shadows and disorienting strobe lights. Tickets are available for purchase every night in October except the 13th, for good reasons.
Ghastly Ghost Tours (Year-Round Phoenix)
For a grown-up Halloween experience, explore the haunted tours offered throughout the metro area by Phoenix Ghosts. They offer four distinct tours, each providing a chilling encounter with the West’s eerie past, catering to various levels of fear. Starting at $25, these tours are perfect when the kids are asleep. Choose from the “Wings of Fire & Whispers of the Desert Ghost Tour,” “The Phoenix Ultimate Dead of Night Ghost Tour,” “The Dead of Night Ghost Hunt with Equipment Tour,” or even a festive “Phoenix Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour.” There’s a spine-tingling adventure for everyone.
Halloween Hot Air Balloon Festival (Oct 25-27, Scottsdale)
The Halloween Hot Air Balloon Festival returns for its 12th year from October 25th to the 27th! Bring the whole family for a weekend of high-flying fun. Kids can enjoy a unique trick-or-treat experience from the balloons, participate in costume contests, and explore a variety of free activities. Whether you choose to take a balloon ride or simply enjoy the spectacle, we look forward to seeing you there!.
Conclusion
We hope this article helps you and your family plan an unforgettable Halloween this year. If you are looking for senior care in Phoenix, Arizona, please contact Immanuel Campus of Care. Our team of caregivers provides activities of daily living and senior care services to older adults. We offer assisted living, memory care, independent living, skilled nursing, counseling, and mental health services.
