Click here to head back to the giant list of October events.
On Wednesday, Oct. 12, we'll publish a list with even more events. Keep your eyes peeled for that or sign up for our Weekend Planner email newsletter to get the list sent straight to your inbox. Also look out for our lists of Halloween-specific things to do, publishing soon!
Loft Film Fest
Loft Film Fest is back for its 12th year. The event screens independent, foreign and classic films while "celebrating the work of established and emerging directors, writers, producers and actors."
When: Oct. 12-20
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Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: General admission to individual movies is $12. Film badges, which grant you entry to every film, are $200.
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest at Casa Video and Film Bar
One of the last Oktoberfest celebrations in Tucson is being held at Casa Video! Watch "Nosferatu The Vampyre" and "Run Lola Run," plus eat authentic German food from food truck Haus of Brats.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 12. The food truck arrives at 6 p.m., the movie starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Casa Video and Film Bar, 2905 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Glowing Pumpkins
Walk through a trail of intricate carvings on foam pumpkin replicas at this Halloween event from the folks behind The Slaughterhouse. You'll see carvings of animals, movie and TV characters, and Tucson icons like "A" Mountain. Unlike The Slaughterhouse, this experience isn't scary!
When: Open dusk until 10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through Oct. 31 (plus two Mondays).
Where: Parking area north of Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road.
Cost: Depending on the day, $20-$25 for general admission, $75-$91 for a family of four (with $10 gift shop credit). On Wednesdays and Thursdays, a family four pack is $49 (without the gift shop credit). On Wednesdays, you can bring in an Eegee's receipt from that week and get $3 off your ticket (use code eegees3 when buying your ticket online).
Visit the event page for more information.
Nightfall
It's official! Nightfall at Old Tucson is back. Organizers say the scary attraction has a new format, including a "fully immersive experience that combines terrifying mazes with classic stunt shows and a town full of characters that you can interact with throughout the night."
When: 5:30-11:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 6-30
Where: Old Tucson, 201 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $35-$45 for ages 12 and up, $30-$40 for kids 5-11. Advanced, timed-entry tickets are required.
Visit the event page for more information.
The Slaughterhouse
Ready to be scared? Head to The Slaughterhouse, a giant haunted house held in a former meatpacking plant.
When: Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 30, plus open on Halloween and for "blackout night" on Nov. 4.
Where: The Slaughterhouse, 1102 W. Grant Road
Cost: $25-$40
Visit the event page for more information.
Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival
Pick your perfect pumpkin, explore the corn maze, and enjoy a number of kid-friendly activities such as a zipline, carnival rides and a jumping pillow.
When: Now through Oct. 30. 3-8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road
Cost: Online prices are $18 on weekdays, $20 on weekends. It's recommended to buy tickets online, as there are only a limited number of tickets available at the gate. Prices increase by $1 at the gate. Some activities cost extra.
Visit the event page for more information.
Terror in the Corn
This haunted attraction is back for another year of scares. Your ticket gets you access to three scary attractions connected by a cornfield. The event is presented by Buckelew Farm, known for its now-closed pumpkin patch.
When: 6-10 p.m. Thursdays in October, in addition to Oct. 30-31; 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
Cost: $28-$36 for general admission, $38-$46 for fast passes.
Visit the event page for more information.
The Hotel Congress Séance Experience
The Hotel Congress Séance Experience is a live recreation of a Victorian Era-theatrical séance "exactly as performed in 1800s" in the hotel's only third-floor room to survive its 1934 fire (be prepared to go up a few flights of stairs).
When: Several dates in October.
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $14.94
Visit the event page for more information.
Film Fest Tucson
Film Fest Tucson calls itself a "destination film festival," explaining that it's a space for filmmakers and audiences to meet and experience the stories told through film. Screenings include narrative and documentary films, both short and feature length.
When: Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 13-15
Where: Several locations, indoor and outdoor, at AC Hotel, Children's Museum Tucson, Scottish Rite and Main Gate Square
Cost: $10 per screening. $35 for a festival pass, which includes all screenings.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Chinese Chorizo Festival
This festival is the first of its kind in Tucson, celebrating Chinese chorizo, "an obscured historic food symbol of Chinese and Mexican immigrant solidarity in Tucson during the 1880-1960s." Over three weekends, more than a dozen local restaurants will prepare dishes with Chinese chorizo (plus a vegan version).
When: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 14-16, Oct. 21-23, Oct. 28-30
Where: Participating restaurants across Tucson.
Cost: Prices vary.
Visit the event page for more information.
Guided look at the night sky
Volunteer astronomers at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium will guide guests through points in the night sky with a 16-inch telescope at the observatory.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 14-15. Dates are subject to change due to staffing and weather.
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Brewin at the Chul
Tohono Chul is hosting its first-ever fall series at its Garden Bistro! There will be music, spirits, brews and a rotating menu.
When: 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 17
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte
Cost: Pricing varies based on menu items ordered. The gardens will be closed during these events.
Visit the event page for more information.
Ghostbusters in the Haunted Ruins
Go on an interactive adventure through Valley of the Moon, where "there's something strange in our fairy woods."
When: Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 7-30. Shows begin every 20 minutes from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: $10 for adults. Kids 7 and under get in for free.
Visit the event page for more information.
Salt and Lime Fiesta
This two-day event boasts tacos, tequila, margaritas and music. On the lineup: Tyler Rich and Shwayze. Also expect a car show, lucha libre and a mechanical taco (think mechanical bull, but shaped like a taco).
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 15-16
Where: Rillito Race Track, 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost: General admission is $25 on Saturday, $15 on Sunday. Other prices and ticket options are available.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Organic Gardeners Fall Plant Fair
This one's for you, plant lovers. Head to this plant fair to find locally-grown plants and seeds from vegetables and herbs to flowers and native plants. There will be garden supplies and fertilizers for sale, too, plus you can get advice on gardening and composting while you're there.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: 3809 E. Second St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Membrillo Fest
Make a visit to Tucson's Mission Garden for Membrillo Fest, which also celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. There will be a demonstration on how to make cajeta de membrillo, a chat with local muralist Ignacio Garcia about his art, talks about mesquite, a book signing with Gary Paul Nabhan and a story time with children's author Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford. You'll also be able to purchase quince empanadas, mesquite flour and quince jam. Plus, this fest is running at the same time as Mission Garden's monthly Traditional O'odham Agriculture event!
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend with a $5 suggested donation
Visit the event page for more information.
Marana Fall Festival
Celebrate the fall season in Marana! This festival will feature carnival rides, games, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, an artisan market, and mutton busting with kid-friendly rodeo activities and competitions.
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Marana Heritage Farm, 12375 N. Heritage Park Dr.
Cost: Carnival is $1 per ticket. Each ride requires one ticket.
Visit the event page for more information.
Arizona Art Fest
Hotel McCoy is celebrating its fourth birthday with an art festival, complete with poolside music, live art and a maker market.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Tree Fest 2022
This upcoming festival is a celebration of all things trees, in addition to the city's Tucson Million Trees initiative, hosted by Mayor Regina Romero, the City of Tucson and Tucson Clean and Beautiful. There will be exhibitors, demonstrators, vendors and entertainment.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Barnum Hill area at Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and vendors
Visit the event page for more information.
Aqua Pumpkin Patch
It's a pumpkin patch — poolside! Kids 17 and under can plunge into what's being described as an aqua pumpkin patch, then paint and decorate the pumpkin they pick. Kiddos in diapers must wear tight-fitting waterproof pants over a swim diaper.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, 3455 E. Zoo Court
Cost: Free to attend, limited spots available. Call 520-791-5643 to register.
Visit the event page for more information.
Ganbatte Tucson
Head to this anime-themed outdoor Halloween event that's set to feature a trunk-or-treat, a scavenger hunt, raffles, and anime and K-pop vendors. The first 200 attendees in cosplay will get a free sticker!
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Bookmans, 3733 W. Ina Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Author talk with Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Pima County Public Library's LGBTQ+ Services Committee is closing its 2022 author talk series with a discussion with poet, children's book author and novelist Benjamin Alire Sáenz. There will be an interview, Q&A session and a book signing.
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Tucson High Magnet School's Tech Mall, 400 N. Second Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn how to harvest, prepare and eat native beans, seeds and berries. You'll see a live cooking demo and get to taste free samples. There will also be story time and activities for kids and teens.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Kitten yoga
Take this beginner's yoga class surrounded by kittens! Proceeds go to Southern Arizona Cat Rescue. Bring your own blanket, mat or towel!
When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Barefoot Studio, 7053 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Fall Pumpkin Celebration at Apple Annie's
Fall is HERE and Willcox's Apple Annie's is celebrating. Take a hayride to pick a pumpkin, walk through a sunflower field, make your way through the 12½-acre corn maze, and munch on barbecue food and kettle corn.
When: Fall Pumpkin Celebration is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30. The corn maze is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Oct. 31. If weekdays are more your thing, you can pick pumpkins 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily — but the hayrides to the patch, barbecue food and kettle corn are only open weekends.
Where: 6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox
Cost: Corn maze is $9 for ages 12 and up, $7 for ages 3-11. Hayrides are $5 for ages 3 and up. Pumpkins range in price
Visit the event page for more information.
Sabino Canyon Crawler night tour
Take the shuttle through Sabino Canyon — at night! The night tours run every Saturday through October, depending on weather.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays through October
Where: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Cost: $15 per adult, $8 per child ages 3 to 12
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie nights with cats
Picture this. You're watching a "Harry Potter" movie, munching on some popcorn and candy ... and cuddling with CATS. That's a reality at El Jefe Cat Lounge's movie nights happening this month! You and a guest will have a couch to yourselves, plus popcorn and two drinks. Candy, ice cream and additional drinks will be available for purchase.
When: Several nights during October.
Where: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $40. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Upcoming tours include tours of Mission Garden, Armory Park and Barrio Viejo; the Turquoise Trail tour, where you'll see historic buildings and learn a slice of Tucson history; the Public Art and Murals tour; and a Presidio District Gastronomy Tour.
When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $25 for nonmembers, $20 for members for walking tours. Gastronomy tour is $120 for nonmembers, $100 for members. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from hundreds of local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Plant Sale
The Desert Museum's upcoming sale will have around 300 types of plants. The museum will be highlighting five categories of plants — butterfly gardening, hummingbird gardening, tortoise forage, desert aromatics and heritage foods — to help make your garden even more beautiful.
When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Member-only day is Oct. 15!
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: Free to attend. This plant sale is held in the museum's parking lot. Museum admission is not included.
Visit the event page for more information.
Chicano Mercado
Las Mujeres Verdes, a group of four women looking to uplift small businesses, are putting together Chicano Mercado on Oct. 16. The group is collaborating with Groupe Car Club for a lowrider show, plus there will be more than 45 local vendors to shop from.
When: 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Where: Flowers & Bullets Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Drag Wars
Watch as drag entertainers from Arizona compete for cash and prizes, similar to "RuPaul's Drag Race." This is the finale of Drag Wars!
When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Where: Bumsteds, 1003 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $12, tickets available online
Visit the event page for more information.
Chicano Vibez
Head to this event for a day of music, food, a car show and shopping. There will be a mini skateboard ramp, arcade games and live art by graffiti artists.
When: 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Dogtoberfest
Oktoberfest is fun, but what about Dogtoberfest? This event, hosted by The Tucson Dog Magazine and Big Dog Charitable Foundation, features vaccination and micro-chipping, adoptable dogs, live music, vendor booths, raffles, costume contests, a kids' zone with glitter tattoos and crafts, plus activities for pups like paw prints and bobbing for hot dogs.
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Where: Three Canyon Beer and Wine Garden, 4999 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors, food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
TKMA Song Circle Social Gathering
Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, aka the folks who put on the annual Tucson Folk Festival, are putting together a bimonthly Song Circle Social. Bring your instrument, share some songs and mingle with fellow musicians.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Where: Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
