Click here to head back to the giant list of October events.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
First Thursday at Tucson Museum of Art
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every first Thursday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission, gallery activities, live music and a cash bar. This month's event will also feature Bolivian street food from Sumaj.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
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!
Safe Shift Store 3-Day Sale
The Safe Shift estate store, which helps raise funds for firefighters and first responders through the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, opens its doors for three days each month. Past items for sale have included furniture, home decor, kitchen items, books and more.
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 5-7
Where: Safe Shift, 2801 E. Grant Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Odyssey Live Storytelling
Attend this live storytelling event to hear stories surrounding the theme of "yikes."
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5
Where: The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St.
Cost: $15
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.
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.
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.
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.
SAHBA Home Show
The three-day SAHBA Home Show is back! More than 200 home and garden exhibitors will be on hand.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8.
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $8
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Film Fridays
Catch a poolside movie every Friday this month at Hotel McCoy! This Friday, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is playing.
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.
Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert with Rainy Daze. Food trucks will be onsite.
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit the event page for more information.
Female Friday Self-Defense
These Female Friday self-defense classes were on pause, but now they're back through December. These classes are for women, taught by a woman.
When: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6
Where: Combat Krav Maga, 3273 N. Freeway
Cost: Pay what you can
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.
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.
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.
Free Screening of "The Addams Family"
Enjoy a free outdoor screening of "The Addams Family" this Saturday, thanks to the Palo Verde Park Neighborhood Association and The Loft Cinema. Enjoy a costume contest and family-friendly activities before the movie starts.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Palo Verde Park, 425 S. Mann Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie at the Ranch
Catch an outdoor screening of "Homeward Bound" at Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley. Bring your own chairs and blankets!
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest at The Hut
The charitable organization Active 20-30 Club is hosting an Oktoberfest party at The Hut whose proceeds will benefit the Autism Society of Southern Arizona. Activities at the event will include a stein-holding competition, a pie-eating contest and prizes for best dressed and most spirited, along with standards like live music, food vendors and beer.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: The Hut, 305 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest at Trail Dust Town
Six breweries will be pouring drinks at Trail Dust Town's Oktoberfest on Oct. 7. German food, including brats and pretzels, will be on the menu. While admission is free, tickets are on sale for beer tastings, food and amusement rides.
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for beer tastings, food and amusement rides.
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.
Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon
Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon is opening its doors for free this Saturday. Beyond roaming the grounds, you'll be able to shop for your Halloween costume and create your own mask.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Evening of Play 2023
Children's Museum Tucson is hosting its annual fundraiser, Evening of Play. Explore the museum in an adults-only setting, plus enjoy entertainment and unlimited food and drinks from participating local restaurants.
When: 6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: $175
Visit the event page for more information.
First Saturday Art Walk
The Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center is hosting its First Saturday Art Walk this weekend, set to feature the work from six participating galleries.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
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.
Barrio Bargains
Shop from local vendors when Strikes and Gutters Vintage brings Barrio Bargains to two locations this month. Expect to find jewelry, baked goods, fiber arts and more.
When: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Proper Shops; 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 at Screwbean Brewing.
Where: Proper Shops, 300 E. Congress St.; Screwbean Brewing, 103 N. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Beyond the Chords
Jameela Hill is SAACA’s current artist in residence. Among the events and activities that Hill is hosting is a songwriting and recording workshop for kids ages 7-17.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $40
Visit the event page for more information.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s-themed dance party. Dress in your best '80s-themed outfit!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Drag Queen Bingo
Roxi Starr is hosting Drag Queen Bingo at least twice in October!
When: 7-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin, on Oct. 7; Bawker Bawker Cider, 400 N. Fourth Ave., on Oct. 22.
Cost: Free to play, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information on the Button Brew House bingo. Visit the event page for more information on the Bawker Bawker bingo.
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.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy art-making, gallery activities and performances. You'll also find food from Ate Kei and Phatboiis BBQ, plus vendors like Drutopia and Lower Arizona Jewelry.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Fruit Cocktail Lounge
Head downtown for an LGBTQ+ cocktail party and social at The Century Room at Hotel Congress! Enjoy cocktails, small plates and entertainment.
When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8
Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 45 vendors selling antique and vintage items at the Mercado Flea.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May.
Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Book Swap with the Pima County Public Library
Swap books with other literacy-loving community members during this event on Sunday.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8
Where: The Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring books to swap
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.
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.
