Click here to head back to the giant list of October events.
On Wednesday, Oct. 25, 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.
Sonoran Cinema at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Sonoran Cinema for an indoor screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Get cotton candy and popcorn from the concession stands!
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $4
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Humanities Festival
Hosted by the University of Arizona, the 14th annual Humanities Festival highlights the theme of "style" with talks, fashion and film. Tim Gunn will be there on Oct. 11!
When: Select dates through Oct. 24.
Where: Various locations on the University of Arizona campus.
Cost: Most events are free.
Visit the event page for more information.
Sign up for Arizona’s largest volunteer event
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s Days of Caring Event brings together thousands of volunteers, just like you, to roll up their sleeves and improve our community. Choose from over 100 inspiring projects, a perfect event for families, teens, businesses and individuals. This year’s event is happening on Oct. 20-21 so sign up soon to get the project you want!
Soul Food Wednesday
Visit Blax Friday's Soul Food Wednesday to support local Black-owned businesses and food vendors.
When: 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25
Where: Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
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 and there will be talks and activities surrounding the publication of the 2023 Sonoran Desert School Gardener's Almanac.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Your vote will help decide Tucson's cocktail of the year
Get ready for the ultimate cocktail showdown on Oct. 5, where five top mixologists battle it out for Tucson Cocktail of the Year! This event is a must-attend for all cocktail enthusiasts in the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the USA. Get tickets here!
Fall Ikebana Festival
Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson describes Ikebana as a "meditative art of Japanese floral arranging." At this festival, you'll find colorful floral arrangements showcased throughout the grounds of the gardens.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 26-Nov. 5
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $18 for adults, $5 for kids under age 15
Visit the event page for more information.
Nightfall
Nightfall at Old Tucson is back for another year. The website says there are five new "terrifying haunted mazes," plus four new scare zones, stunt shows, a seance and family-friendly attractions.
When: Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 29
Where: Old Tucson, 201 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $35-$40
Visit the event page for more information.
Come for the baseball, stay for the fiesta
This Oct. 5-8, the 12th annual Mexican Baseball Fiesta makes its return to Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium during the Liga Arco Mexicana del Pacifico's version of Spring Training. Watch teams Obregon, Navojoa, Hermosillo, Mexicali and the Arizona Wildcats during the four-day fiesta. Come Sunday, Oct. 8, Sonoran band La Brissa will take the stage. Get your tickets now!
Glowing Pumpkins
Walk through a trail of intricate carvings on thousands of pumpkin replicas at this Halloween event. You'll see carvings of animals, movie and TV characters, and Tucson icons. The experience was outside of Tucson Mall last year, but it's at Tohono Chul this year!
When: 6:30-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through Oct. 29. Also open Oct. 30-31.
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Depending on the day, $15-$25 per person.
Visit the event page for more information.
The Slaughterhouse
Tucson's haunted attraction The Slaughterhouse has opened for the season with its infested boiler room, creepy clowns and a graveyard. There's also a zombie-shooting experience and "hellevators," among other activities.
When: Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 29. Also open Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 3.
Where: The Slaughterhouse, 1102 W. Grant Road
Cost: $29 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Fall Pumpkin Celebration at Apple Annie's
It's officially fall, y'all! Take a road trip to Apple Annie's in Willcox for a hayride to the pumpkin patch. Walk through a sunflower field, make your way through the 12½-acre corn maze and pick some veggies to take home.
When: The corn maze is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Oct. 31. You can pick pumpkins 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily — but the hayrides to the patch are only open weekends.
Where: 6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox
Cost: Corn maze is $10 for ages 12 and up, $8 for ages 3-11. Hayrides are $5 for ages 3 and up. Pumpkins range in price.
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. select Thursdays and Sundays; 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Also open Oct. 30-31.
Where: 11820 W. Marana Road
Cost: Starting at $28 for general admission, starting at $38 for fast passes.
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 carnival rides and a jumping pillow.
When: Oct. 7-29; 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 $3 at the gate. Some activities cost extra.
Visit the event page for more information.
Los Trompos
You might remember the red swing sets on the University of Arizona campus two years ago, and the glowing seesaws last year. Arizona Arts Live recently debuted a new installation — sit inside large colorful spinning tops, woven by Mexican artisans.
When: Now through Nov. 5.
Where: Student Success District, near the Main Library, on the University of Arizona campus
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson
Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Gardening Hour
Learn about gardening and bring home clippings all while connecting with The Garden Kitchen team.
When: 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays
Where: The Garden Kitchen, 2205 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Imagine stepping into a painting by Vincent van Gogh. The colors swirl around you and the images of landscapes and self-portraits by the 19th century Post-Impressionist artist suck you into a 360-degree virtual world. That’s what you will experience at “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” in Oro Valley.
When: Thursdays-Mondays
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $25-$35
Visit the event page for more information.
Chiles, Chocolate and Day of the Dead
Tohono Chul is hosting two days of food vendors, artisans and entertainers this October, along with ofrendas and Día de los Muertos face painting for kids. Vendors will be selling handmade chocolate, salsas and salts.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 27-28
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $20 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Howl at the Museum
Tucson Museum of Art's Halloween-themed event returns! Enjoy an evening of music, interactive performances and a cocktail competition.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: $50. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
A Happy Hive Halloween Party
The Happy Hive Market is back: Halloween edition! Shop from 20 local vendors, get bites from food truck 420 Taco and see if you can take the top honors during a costume contest. Kids will get treat bags, too.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
The Villains Ball
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a horror villain costume party for Halloween, featuring live music!
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $8. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
GLOW!
Head to Triangle L Art Ranch in Oracle for the illuminated art experience “GLOW!” Wander through 10 acres of trails filled with glowing artwork and performances.
When: 7-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 27-28
Where: Triangle L Ranch, 2805 N. Triangle L Ranch Road in Oracle
Cost: $65 per carload
Visit the event page for more information.
Spooktacular in Sahuarita
This all-ages Spooktacular event in Sahuarita features trunk-or-treating, food trucks, a kids' zone and a DJ.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Sahuarita Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way, Sahuarita
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Not Too Frightful Fridays
Trail Dust Town is playing it safe this Halloween — no scares or haunts, just fun! On three Fridays this month, you can go trick-or-treating near the amusement rides, watch a pirate-themed stunt show and enjoy fall-themed drinks and snacks.
When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 13-27
Where: Train Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $8 wristbands for unlimited rides.
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 comedic skeleton scenes, games, alien alley and candy stations.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 20-29
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $14. Timed tickets are required, purchase in advance.
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: 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. on various Fridays and Saturdays in October.
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $12.50 for general admission, $25 to participate. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.
When: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Oct. 8; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Oct. 27.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Chinese Chorizo Festival
This month-long fest celebrates the lost historic food symbol of Chinese chorizo. Activities include a fundraiser at MOCA and a Queer AF American Horror Story dance party. Throughout the month, participating food vendors will also serve dishes using Chinese chorizo.
When: See the full list of dates here.
Where: Various locations across Tucson and Phoenix.
Cost: Varies based on event and menu item.
Visit the event page for more information.
Haunted Ruins Presents Legler's Legacy
Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and they're celebrating with a play that honors founder George Phar Legler and the legacy he left behind.
When: Fridays-Saturdays in October, plus Monday, Oct. 30. Shows start at 6 p.m. and run every 20 minutes. The last show is at 8 p.m.
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 7 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Film Fridays
Catch a poolside movie every Friday this month at Hotel McCoy!
When: 8-11 p.m. Fridays
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost: Free to attend and open to the public. Swimming is for hotel guests only, but day passes for the pool are available for $20.
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Corner with BICAS
Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.
When: 4-6 p.m. Fridays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! October events include trivia, movie nights, bingo, sound bath meditation and yoga.
When: Various dates in October.
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Prices vary based on event.
Visit the event page for more information.
Walk with Amal
Little Amal is a 12-foot puppet of a Syrian refugee girl, who has traveled to 15 countries with a "message of hope and solidarity." She’s now made her way to the United States, stopping in Tucson at the end of the month with several events at locations including Tumamoc Hill, Galeria Mitotera, Children’s Museum Tucson and the University of Arizona Mall.
When: Four events in Tucson on Saturday, Oct. 28. The first event begins at 6 a.m. The last event begins at 1 p.m.
Where: Various locations.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
HallOVeen Spooktacular
Oro Valley is celebrating Halloween with an evening of vendors, music, jumping castles, crafts, food trucks and trunk-or-treating.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Heathen Harvest Festival & Market
Local shops The Heathenry and Monsoon Mystics are hosting a market ahead of Halloween, set to feature 40 vendors, food trucks and activities for all ages including a costume contest.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: The Heathenry and Monsoon Mystics, 657 W. St Marys Road
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 that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist, returns. The upcoming game show is "The Family Fuss."
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
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.
Alfie Museum Trick-or-treat
Go trick-or-treating at the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum! Wear your costume — the most creative will win a museum membership.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, 115 N. Church Ave.
Cost: $5 for adults, free for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
Poetry Workshop with Jodie Hollander
Poet Jodie Hollander is hosting two poetry workshops in Saguaro National Park West this month. The Saturday workshop will focus on narrative poetry and the Sunday workshop will focus on humans in relation to nature.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 28-29
Where: Saguaro National Park West
Cost: Free to attend. Space is limited. RSVP by emailing jordan_chadwick-camp@nps.gov with the subject line "Poetry in the Parks."
Visit the event page for more information.
Tarot Con
Head to Bookmans' east location for an evening of tarot readings, aura photography, witchy artists and more.
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Bookmans East, 6230 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Halloween Bash at Monterey Court
ROH Band takes the stage at this Halloween bash hosted by Monterey Court. Prizes will be given out for the best costumes!
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile
Cost: $12
Visit the event page for more information.
Hallowine
Take a mini road trip to Sonoita during Halloweekend. AZ Hops and Vines will be hosting karaoke and a costume contest, in addition to a wine and candy pairing. But the grand finale: pumpkin chunkin, aka the sport of hurling a pumpkin.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: AZ Hops and Vines, 3450 AZ-82, Sonoita
Cost: Wine and candy pairing is $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Head to Flandrau for a slew of laser shows this October: a show paired with the music of Journey; two showings of a Pink Floyd show; a "Stranger Things"-inspired show; and one of the center's newest shows Laser Daft Punk.
When: Various dates.
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $18.95, admission to science exhibits is included.
Visit the event page for more information.
Workshops at Creative Kind
Creative Kind is hosting four artsy events this October: sketching for mindfulness, a "Hocus Pocus"-themed art night, journal making and a spooky cake-decorating workshop with Chez Peachy.
When: Various dates in October.
Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Workshops range from $15-$75.
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, depending on weather.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays in 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.
Tucson Ghost Tour
Spooky season is here! Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town.
When: Various dates in October.
Where: Downtown Tucson, a more detailed location will be emailed after purchasing tickets.
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers. 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
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.
Cyclovia
Enjoy a day of car-free streets, where you can walk, bike or skate your way through Tucson neighborhoods. It's essentially a big block party where you'll find activity hubs and food vendors along the route.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: From the downtown area to Fort Lowell and Stone area. See the route here.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s vs. '00s Halloween Party
Head to this dance party on Halloweekend, where a DJ will be spinning music from the '90s and '00s. There will also be a '90s- and '00s-themed costume contest, plus throwback video games, drink specials, Halloween candy and photo ops.
When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: The Royal Room, 450 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Spooktacular Science
Science-themed activities abound! Check out Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium for kid-friendly Halloween activities, including crafts, slime, demonstrations and planetarium shows.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Museum admission is $12 for adults, $8 for kids ages 3-16. Planetarium shows are $12 for adults, $8 for kids ages 3-16.
Visit the event page for more information.
Coalition Creature Feature Market
The Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition is hosting a creepy vendor market ahead of Halloween. The vendor list is TBA.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: The Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Howl-oween
It's a Halloween party for dogs! Bring your four-legged friends to St. Philip's Plaza for a pup parade, a costume contest and giveaways.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Trick-or-treat the Avenue
Head to North Fourth Avenue for a family-friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating down the historic street. There will be a costume contest at 1 p.m., plus merchant specials all day.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: North Fourth Avenue. Costume contest is at Haggerty Plaza, 316 N. Fourth Ave., at 1 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Spooky Wheels Outdoor Roller Disco
DJ Herm will be rocking beats at this outdoor roller disco and dance party.
When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10. Bring your own skates!
Visit the event page for more information.
Spooky Rave
The folks behind the TikTok-famous Shrek Rave are bringing a Spooky Rave to Tucson on Halloween. The event is described as a "super fun horror movie visual music experience."
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31
Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $15-$25. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Mr. Heads Official Halloween Party
Celebrate Halloween dressed as your favorite TV or movie villain, all while enjoying DJ music at Mr. Heads.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31
Where: Mr. Heads, 513 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Halloween Party at 1912
1912 Brewing Co. is hosting a Halloween party with special beer releases, candy, costumes and food from Daniela's Cooking.
When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31
Where: 1912 Brewing Co., 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Drag Shows at The Hut
Plantney, Hause of Brix and The Hut are hosting a number of drag shows this month. Tickets include a drink voucher and merch.
When: Various dates in October.
Where: The Hut, 305 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $10 for individuals or $32 for a table. These events are for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
