10 Unique Fall Activities in the Phoenix Metro Area 2025
When fall finally arrives in the desert, it brings more than just cooler mornings and pumpkin spice lattes. The Phoenix metro area comes alive with family-friendly events, glowing art installations, spooky adventures, and cozy seasonal traditions. Whether you’re looking for something magical, thrilling, or just plain fun, these 10 unique fall events happening around the Valley in 2025 deserve a spot on your calendar.
1. Glowing Pumpkins at Rawhide
š
September 26 – November 2, 2025
š Rawhide Western Town, Chandler
Kick off the season with a magical walk through more than 5,000 illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins. This family-friendly attraction features themed displays, spooky music, seasonal treats, and photo ops everywhere you turn. It’s the perfect way to welcome fall as the nights start to cool.
2. Halloween Spook-Track-Ula
š
October 10 – 31, 2025
š McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale
A beloved Valley tradition, Spook-Track-Ula turns the Paradise & Pacific Railroad into a not-so-scary Halloween ride. Enjoy a nighttime journey through lights, decorations, and themed displays, plus family activities and seasonal snacks.
3. Spooky Bash Carnival at Desert Ridge Marketplace
š
October 17, 2025
š Desert Ridge Marketplace, Phoenix
This free family Halloween celebration is packed with carnival games, crafts, costume parades, candy stations, and live entertainment. It’s a great option for younger kids or anyone looking for a festive, low-stress event.
4. Spooky Safari at the Phoenix Zoo
š
October 22 – 24, 2025
š Phoenix Zoo, Papago Park
For three nights only, the zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland. Explore themed animal exhibits, collect candy at trick-or-treat stations, join a costume parade, and enjoy live entertainment surrounded by glowing lights and wildlife.
5. CityScape Movie in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas
š
October 24, 2025 – 7:00 PM
š Patriots Park at CityScape, Downtown Phoenix
Bring a blanket and settle in under the stars for a free screening of Tim Burton’s beloved classic. This one-night-only movie event is perfect for families or a cozy date night downtown, complete with food vendors and themed activities.
6. Halloween Monster Bash
š
October 25, 2025
š Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria
This free annual bash is all about family fun. Expect costume contests, bounce houses, live music, a trick-or-treat village, and plenty of candy stations. It’s a laid-back, high-energy way to celebrate Halloween weekend.
7. Witches Regatta
š
October 25, 2025
š Tempe Town Lake, Tempe
One of the most whimsical Halloween traditions in Arizona, the Witches Regatta sees dozens of paddleboarders dressed in their witchy best gliding across Tempe Town Lake at sunset. Grab a drink, find a spot along the water, and enjoy the spectacle.
8. Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
š
October 24 – 26, 2025
š Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale
More than 20 hot air balloons light up the desert night sky during this festive weekend. Kids can trick-or-treat at candy stations, enjoy tethered balloon rides, and explore the inflatable kids’ zone while adults enjoy live music and local food vendors.
9. Water Lantern Festival
š
November 7 – 9, 2025
š Kiwanis Lake, Tempe
End the season with one of the most beautiful fall traditions in the Valley. Design and decorate your own lantern, write a wish or memory on it, and set it afloat on the water as it glows against the night sky. It’s peaceful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
10. Canal Convergence: Water + Art + Light
š
November 7 – 16, 2025
š Scottsdale Waterfront, Scottsdale
Round out your fall bucket list with this free outdoor art event. Massive light installations, water displays, and interactive pieces line the canal, creating an immersive experience that’s part art show, part evening adventure.
Always check event websites a few days beforehand, dates, times, locations may shift.
Arrive early for the best parking, vantage spots, and to avoid crowds.
Bring layers, desert evenings can surprise you.
Carry a flashlight, cozy blanket, water, and snacks.
For the lantern festival and glowing events, aim to get there just before dusk for maximum effect.
The season may be short in the desert, but it’s filled with unique ways to celebrate. From glowing hot air balloons and lantern-lit lakes to free family movie nights and costumed paddleboard parades, fall in Phoenix is all about making memories outdoors.
Grab my 15 page 2025 Ultimate Fall Guide HERE!
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With over 25 years of experience in real estate, master planned community development, sales, marketing, and VIP customer care, Anne is known for her exceptional service and integrity. Her Arizona family roots trace back to the territorial days, providing her with a unique perspective on the local real estate market. With a "can-do" attitude and unwavering commitment to excellence, Anne goes above and beyond to protect her clients' interests and provide them with an outstanding experience.
