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.
2026 Halloween Calendar Maricopa County
World of Illumination Tempe, AZ | Zombie Zoo Drive-Through Light Show 2026 – September 30 – November 1st (Tempe)
Trick or Treating Santa Rita Ranch – October 31st (Mesa)
MacDonald’s Pumpkin Patch – Thru October 31st (Scottsdale)
Vertuccio Farms Corn Maze – Thru October 31st (Mesa)
Fear Farm Haunted House – Thru Nov 14th (Tempe)
Phoenix Ghost Tours – Year-Round
Hot Air Balloon Festival Spooktacular– Oct 23rd – 25th (5pm-9pm – Scottsdale)
World of Illumination: Zombie Zoo (September 30 – November 1 – Tempe)
Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween adventure at World of Illumination: Zombie Zoo at Tempe Diablo Stadium! Running September 30 through November 1, 2026, this family-friendly
drive-through light show transforms the night into a wild Halloween party featuring dazzling light displays, spooky trees, jack-o’-lantern tunnels, creepy creatures, dancing zombies, and a Halloween soundtrack. Guests can enjoy the entire experience from the comfort of their own vehicle, making it a fun night out for families, friends, and Halloween lovers of all ages.
Best Corn Maze: Vertuccio Farms (Open thru October 31st – 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 14th – Tempe)
Get ready for a night of screams and adrenaline at Fear Farm, Arizona’s largest Halloween event! Located at the new Tempe location, Fear Farm features multiple terrifying haunted attractions, including the officially licensed Jason Universe: Survive the Night, immersive horror experiences, live zombie actors, GellyBall shooting, carnival rides, and 21+ secret bars. With select dates running from September 19 through November 14, 2026, Fear Farm is the perfect Halloween destination for anyone looking for an intense, immersive night of scares and entertainment.
Ghastly Ghost Tours (Year-Round Phoenix)
Explore the darker side of Arizona with Phoenix Ghosts, a spooky walking tour that takes you through some of Phoenix’s most haunted locations and chilling history. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour combines local legends, paranormal stories, and fascinating historical details as you visit eerie sites throughout downtown Phoenix. Whether you’re a longtime believer in the supernatural or simply looking for a unique way to experience the city after dark, Phoenix Ghosts offers an entertaining and mysterious night out.
Halloween Hot Air Balloon Festival (October 23rd -25th, Scottsdale)
The Halloween Hot Air Balloon Festival returns for its 14th year from October 23rd to the 25th! 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.
