Halloween Nightmares, Flamenco, and Operatic ‘Frankenstein’ Mean Fall Has Arrived in Phoenix
Your weekend guide to fun things to do in Phoenix this October is here.
Phoenicians make the most of their desert climes by knowing when to get outdoors and when it’s time to stay cool inside. Just peep the variety of options: museums, indie bookstores, restaurants, bars, music venues, local shops, and a strong sports landscape, too.
As for the actual landscape, the Valley of Sun has lots of beauty and wonderful hikes to help you appreciate it. And if you’re just visiting, there’s plenty of great hotels for your post-outdoorsy adventures. Further afield, travel to nearby wonderlands where dude ranches proliferate, or where you can gaze at the night sky unencumbered.
With all this in mind, our monthly events guide will help keep your calendar full with a variety of fun things to do in October 2023. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Phoenix, updated monthly.
Special Events in Phoenix
Creepy Candy Crawl
October 19, 5:30–7:30 pm
Desert Ridge Marketplace, Free
Ghosts, goblins and ghouls are welcome to venture around The District for an evening of spooky surprises. Children and families are invited trick or treat from store to store, dress to impress at the annual costume contest and snap a photo in the spooky pumpkin patch. Plus, enjoy live entertainment, dancing, games, giveaways and more.
Ghosts & Goodies
October 21, 4–6 pm
Westgate Entertainment District, Free
Kids can indulge in costume contests, fill up provided treat bags with candy and goodies from participating Westgate restaurants and retailers while also enjoying games, prizes, and entertainment. Adult trick-or-treaters will be given several discount cards from participating Westgate businesses.
October 28, 7 pm
Scottsdale, tickets start at $25
The Plaza Bar at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hosts its annual Halloween bash that promises to deliver this year with its Haunted Saloon theme. There will be a costume contest, DJ, dancing, and interactive experiences. GA is $25 but VIP tickets start at $110 with a semi-private fire pit, food, valet and more. Guests are free and Arizona residents get 30% off room rates to stay on property.
October 28, 1–5 pm
Downtown, $5 per flight
Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s annual Urban Ale Trail returns for its 10th year with a spooktacular theme! Each location will be serving three varieties of four-ounce beer samples for $5 each, plus a complimentary snack. There is no registration necessary, and the Trail can be done in any order. The official starting location of the event is & More and Carcara at Sheraton Downtown Phoenix. Participants are encouraged to arrive early for a chance to win an exclusive Urban Ale Trail prize.
Arts & Culture Events in Phoenix
October 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 27 & 28
Scottsdale, $38.50
Every weekend in October, you can soak up the fiery footwork, passionate guitar, and intense vocals of some of flamenco’s biggest stars. National and international performers will be at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts for nightly shows demonstrating both rehearsed and improvisational dances.
October 7 & 8
Downtown, $15
Taste of Japan heads to Phoenix for the first time, bringing the cultural experience and food extravaganza to the Heritage Square. Experience authentic Japanese food, drink, pop culture, anime, cosplay, entertainment, shopping and other fun activities at this family-friendly event open to anyone who wants to enjoy and learn about the culture of the island nation.
Oct 13–15
Downtown, $30 and up
Arizona Opera’s eagerly-awaited third world premiere, based on Mary Shelley’s iconic novel by the same name, comes to the stage to open the 2023/24 Season. With a riveting, cinematic score and libretto by Gregg Kallor and embracing Shelley’s original text, Frankenstein gives poignant voice to the Creature’s struggle and lays bare the horror of alienation and “otherness” with exquisite nuance.
Outdoor Activities in Phoenix
October 6–8, 13–15
Downtown, Free
Part art walk, part game, part urban adventure, Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s Lotería is a fun, free, and easy game for the whole family. Participants can pick up a tabla (a bingo-like playing card) from a DTPHX Ambassador or participating Downtown business. Each tabla will feature 16 Downtown businesses depicted Lotería style; once you find the card that corresponds with the business go inside and get your DTPHX sticker from an employee. There are prizes available and a kick-off event on the 6th.
October 7, 8:30 am
Salt River Fields, starting at $45
An annual event, the 5K & Kids Dash provides parents and children with an opportunity to benefit the community by raising money for the programs that need it most at Phoenix Children’s. Proceeds from the 5K & Kids Dash will contribute to Phoenix Children’s Hope Fund, which supports new and pressing needs at Phoenix Children’s, including new equipment, technology and more.
October 12, 4:30 pm
Mountain Shadows Resort, $65
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind paddleboard yoga class at Mountain Shadows on Thursday, October 12. Carlee Graves will take you on a journey through the water and an on-board meditation while her husband, Jay, plays soothing music. Prepare to feel exhilarated and inspired as you strengthen your mind, body, and soul. After class, a special cocktail awaits as you watch the sun floating across the horizon.
White Tank Mountains Conservancy Trail Cleanup
October 14, 10 am–noon
White Tank Mountains, Free
Use some Saturday morning time to give back to nature and help keep it clean! The WTMC is hosting a volunteer cleanup event to keep the area clean. Meet in front of the White Tank Mountain Regional Park nature center at 8:45 a.m. and make sure to bring gloves & trash bags (plus water & sunscreen).
Food & Drink Events in Phoenix
October 7
Litchfield Park, $50
The Wigwam’s annual celebration in conjunction with Litchfield Park will give guests a taste of Munich with a selection of German drafts and German inspired cuisine, live entertainment, and lawn games. Parents of little ones can have their children (ages 3 to 5) enjoy themed games and activities as well as pizza and a movie.
October 14, 21, 28
Downtown, Free
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is bringing back its popular collaboration with The Merchantile for Saturday morning shopping combined with a boozy brunch at Carcara. Shop for new Arizona-based goods with six local vendors that will rotate at each Pop-Up Shop either before or after enjoying Carcara’s brunch menu. Food items include signature Brunch Boards and a savory Pop Tart.
October 21, 1 pm
Rusconi’s, $55
Rusconi’s American Kitchen owner and chef Michael Rusconi and Certified Master Sommelier Katherine Janowiak will host an exploratory and educational Wine Bite culinary seminar. Taking place at the restaurant, the culinary event will guide guests through a “food and wine 101” course as they enjoy excellent dishes and wine.
October 21 & 22
Scottsdale, $15
The ninth biannual Taste of Italy event returns to Scottsdale Stadium. This rain-or-shine event will feature a variety of local Italian food vendors, live music, artists and entertainment. Kids under 12 attend for free.
October 29
Arcadia
Platform 18 will open their bar to the Allegory bar team for an evening of creative cocktail collaborations. This follows their successful Labor Day takeover with Pacific Cocktail Haven. Guests can expect an exclusive five-drink menu, decor, and more. Reservations are a must and it’s encouraged to book at soon as possible.