Click here to head back to the giant list of October events.
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, 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
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.
Women, Wine and Winning Wednesday
Women-owned small businesses will be at this networking event, presented by Elle Boutique, that features wine and cocktails, appetizers, giveaways and a DJ.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19
Where: The L Offices North, 1860 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Terrorfest Horror-Con and Film Festival
The annual Terrorfest Film Festival and Horror-Con is mostly what it sounds like: a horror-themed film festival and convention. You'll see new and old horror films, plus spooky short movies. The convention portion has been described as your typical convention experience, like Tucson Comic-Con — but horror.
When: Terrorfest is Oct. 20-23; Horror-Con is Oct. 22-23.
Where: Terrorfest is at The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St. Horror-Con is at 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: $8 per screening for Terrorfest. $5 admission for Horror-Con.
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
Third Thursday at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission — and free beer from Barrio Brewing Co. KXCI will be DJing!
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event site for more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this monthly concert series. This month, enjoy music from Good Trouble, a '60s, '70s and '80s class rock cover band. There will also be a Halloween Treat Trail for kids, so come in costume! Plus, food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chair or blanket!
When: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Startup Drinks
Startup Drinks, hosted by Startup Tucson, is a casual way for entrepreneurs to meet and network with other entrepreneurs. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween edition of the event.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
Where: Maynards, 400 N. Toole Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
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.
Where: 9312 W. Rillito Village Trail
Cost: $28-$36 for general admission, $38-$46 for fast passes.
Visit the event page for more information.
Boo at the Zoo
Meet with princesses, pirates and superheroes at Reid Park Zoo's kid-friendly Halloween event. There will be an illusionist show, games, trick-or-treat stations and more.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 21-23; Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 29-30.
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $13. Timed tickets are required.
Visit the event page for more information.
United Way Days of Caring
Join this giant two-day community volunteer event hosted by United Way. Projects include clean-ups, painting, buffelgrass pulls, outreach and more.
When: Oct. 21-22
Where: Various locations.
Cost: Free to volunteer, sign up online
Visit the event page for more information.
City of Gastronomy Cocktail Challenge
The Tucson City of Gastronomy organization is putting together a cocktail challenge where six local mixologists will compete for your vote. You'll get to try six sample cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and have the chance to vote for your favorite drink of the night.
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21
Where: The Monica, 40 E. Congress St.
Cost: $70
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fall Plant Sale at Tohono Chul
It's almost time for Tohono Chul's annual fall plant sale! Find landscape-ready plants, plus some plants that are said to be harder to find.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 22-23. Tohono Chul members get a preview on Oct. 19!
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Sixth Avenue Block Painting Party
Living Streets Alliance, the organization behind the popular Cyclovia event, is hosting a block painting party! Artist Yu Yu Shiratori will be painting a mural, plus there will be DJs, food trucks and kid-friendly activities. Dress to get messy if you plan to help paint!
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: South Sixth Avenue between 12th and 13th streets
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
Find fine art, ranging from metalwork to fashion, at this festival taking over La Encantada Shopping Center. There will be live art demonstrations and music presented by the Southern Arizona Artists Guild.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Old Pueblo Market
Shop from local artists at the Old Pueblo Market this month. You'll find wall decor, dried flower bouquets, jewelry, ceramics and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: The Annabelle Studio, 630 E. Ninth St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Retro Game Show Night, an evening of off-the-cuff comedy featuring some of Tucson’s most talented drag queens and LGBTQ+ personalities, returns this month. The upcoming game show is "The $9.95 Pyramid."
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $17.51. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Boo Bash
Tucson Parks and Recreation is throwing the upcoming Boo Bash, a family-friendly Halloween party where you'll find carnival games, trunk-or-treating, a costume parade and more.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: Lincoln Park soccer fields, 4325 S. Pantano Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Halloween at International Wildlife Museum
Go trick-or-treating at the International Wildlife Museum! While you're there, you can also enjoy crafts, games and a haunted house. Those 9 years old and up can try out pumpkin archery.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-12. Pumpkin archery is $3 per person.
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.
"Cheers to Tucson" pool party
Local nonprofit Tucson Food Project is raising money with a pool party! Tickets include four hours at the pool, plus music, a Sonoran hot dog and a drink from Hotel McCoy's bar. There will also be giveaways and prizes. Pool capacity is limited and passes are first-come, first-served!
When: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Pueblo High Mariachi Brunch
This upcoming brunch at HighWire helps raise money for Pueblo High School's mariachi. Tickets include a brunch buffet, two margaritas (tickets for kids don't include the margaritas) and a performance by Mariachi Aztlán de Pueblo High School.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: HighWire, 14 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: $35 for kids, $45 for adults
Visit the event page for more information.
Good Things Tucson at Hotel McCoy
Good Things Tucson closed their brick-and-mortar shop and maker space earlier this year, but they're back for a pop-up workshop at Hotel McCoy where you'll learn to make an adorable macrame ghost hanging. Tickets also include a mimosa and a tamale!
When: Noon on Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost: $35 through Venmo, reserve your spot in advance.
Visit the event page for more information.
Creative Conversations at Creative Kind
Creative Conversations at Creative Kind include guided conversations and crafts for adults. The next topic features The Ninth House with a Zodiac chat about Libras and Scorpios, all while embroidering a mini zip bag. P.S.: There's also a separate craft workshop at Creative Kind this month centered around bundle-dyeing!
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr. in La Encantada
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Stacks Book Club
Stacks Book Club, an online shop that also does in-person pop-ups, is hosting a book discussion at Dillinger Brewing Company. The book of discussion is TJ Klune's "The House in the Cerulean Sea."
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: Dillinger Brewing Company, 402 E. Ninth St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for brews
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Hike on Mount Lemmon
Local artist Stephanie Daniels, of Brushes and Boots, is leading a Mount Lemmon art hike with company Kula Cloth. Bring your art supplies of choice and hike the Bear Wallow Trail, stopping to draw surrounding scenery. Daniels will provide some artistic guidance.
When: 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: Sunset Trailhead parking lot, see driving directions on the event page
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
