What is there to do for Halloween in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale's Halloween scene centers on Old Town, where bars and clubs throw costume parties the weekend before Halloween. Around the Valley you will also find big haunted houses, pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the East Valley farm country, family-friendly zoo and garden events, and ghost tours in historic mining towns. October weather is also ideal for an evening desert tour.

Where are the best pumpkin patches near Phoenix and Scottsdale?

The biggest are on the farms of the East Valley and far West Valley, where October weekends bring pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and fall festivals. Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek is one of the best known. Check each farm's website for 2026 dates, hours, and ticket prices before you go.

What is the weather like in Scottsdale at Halloween?

Late October is one of the best times of year in Scottsdale. Daytime highs typically land in the 80s, and evenings cool into the 60s, so you can wear a costume outside without melting. Bring a light layer for after dark in the desert.

Are there Halloween events for kids in Phoenix?

Yes. The Phoenix Zoo's Boo! at the Zoo is a long-running family favorite, and many malls, resorts, and neighborhoods host trick-or-treat events. Pumpkin patches and corn mazes are great for all ages. Always check the event's current-year dates and age recommendations.

Can you go on an ATV tour around Halloween?

Absolutely. October is peak riding season near Scottsdale, and an evening ride at golden hour is a great way to kick off Halloween weekend. If you want to wear part of a costume, keep it snug, skip anything loose or long, and wear closed-toe shoes. Book early, because October weekends fill up fast.

Halloween in Scottsdale & Phoenix 2026: Things to Do

Name: Desert Dog Offroad Adventures
Address: 17212 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ, 85268, US
Telephone: (480) 837-3966
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

Halloween in the desert hits different. The heat finally breaks, the evenings get crisp, and the Valley fills up with haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and costume parties. Whether you’re here with kids, with your crew, or with a bachelorette group that planned the trip around costumes, here are the best ways to do Halloween in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Heads-up: event dates, hours, and prices change every year. Confirm 2026 details on each event’s official site before you plan around it.

Scare Yourself: Haunted Houses

The Phoenix area has a serious haunted house scene, with big professional haunts running most weekends in October and nearly every night the final week. 13th Floor Haunted House in Phoenix is one of the best known, with multiple attractions under one roof. Expect long lines on Friday and Saturday nights, so go on a weeknight or buy a timed ticket if you can.

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

The East Valley’s farm country goes all-in on October. Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek is the headliner, with pumpkin patches, rides, and food on fall weekends. Other farms across the Valley run corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos. Go early in the day for the best pumpkins and the coolest temperatures.

Family-Friendly Halloween

Boo! at the Zoo. The Phoenix Zoo’s long-running Halloween event is a kid favorite, with costumes encouraged.
Resort and mall trick-or-treating. Many Scottsdale resorts and shopping centers host daytime trick-or-treat events. Great if you’re traveling and don’t know the neighborhoods.
Pumpkin carving on the patio. It’s finally cool enough to be outside all evening.

Traveling with kids beyond Halloween? Our guide to things to do in Scottsdale with kids has the full list.

Old Town Scottsdale Costume Parties

For grown-ups, Halloween weekend in Old Town Scottsdale is the main event. Bars and clubs throw costume parties and contests, and the whole entertainment district turns into one big costume crawl. If Halloween falls midweek, the biggest parties usually land the weekend before. Book dinner reservations early, and read our Old Town Scottsdale nightlife guide for where to start.

Planning a Halloween-themed bachelorette? You’re in good company. Our Scottsdale bachelorette party guide has ideas for building a weekend around it.

Ghost Towns and Ghost Tours

Arizona’s mining history comes with plenty of ghost stories:

Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction sits at the foot of the Superstition Mountains and makes an easy half-day trip. Pair it with our Superstition Mountains and Apache Trail guide.
Jerome, the old copper town clinging to a mountainside, is famous for its haunted hotels and ghost tours. It’s a great add-on to a Sedona day trip.

The Arizona State Fair

October in Phoenix means the Arizona State Fair: rides, fried everything, and concerts. It’s a fun non-spooky night out if part of your group isn’t into scares. Details are on our Arizona State Fair page.

A Desert Ride at Dusk

Want to start Halloween weekend with some real adrenaline? October is peak season in the Sonoran Desert, and there’s nothing quite like driving your own sand buggy through the saguaros as the sky goes orange and the shadows stretch out.

Our sunset U-Drive tour is built for exactly that, with a guide leading the way and free photos of your group. A few costume tips if you want to ride in character:

Keep it snug. Nothing loose, long, or trailing that could snag.
Closed-toe shoes are required. Save the heels and sandals for Old Town.
Skip masks. You’ll wear a helmet, and you need clear vision.
Bandanas count. You’ll want one for the dust anyway.

October weekends book up fast, so reserve early. Take a Scottsdale ATV tour during the day, or keep your group together on a VIP private tour. For more October ideas, see fall in Scottsdale: the best things to do, and check our events calendar for what’s on this month.

Questions? Call us at (480) 837-3966. Happy haunting.