In other areas of the country, fall means leaves changing colors, sweaters, and crisp evenings. While we can expect warmer temperatures into the end of October, the days of 110 degrees and higher are over–at least until next May. That means Phoenicians will emerge from their air-conditioned homes, much like a bear coming out of hibernation in the spring, to enjoy the many fall activities in the more tolerable temperatures. There is no shortage of fun things to do in Arizona in the fall; we have compiled a list of the top ten fall activities around our great state.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
You don’t have to travel all the way to Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest. You can get in on the fun of Oktoberfest right here in Arizona! Don your lederhosen or a dirndl and head up to Wheeler Park in Flagstaff, Saturday, October 5th. The annual event includes beer, brats, traditional polka music, and fun contests including the Vienna Beef Wiener Man Race and Beer Stein lifting. This family-friendly event even has a “root beer garden” for “das kinder” (the kids).
Celebrate America’s Pastime with the AFL
Missing baseball already? Just because baseball season is over, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a game. Take in a game with the Arizona Fall League, an off-season league owned by the MLB, during the fall in Arizona. You’ll enjoy the smaller crowds, cheap tickets, and a good game. Games are played over six weeks beginning at the end of September and sometimes into November. Tickets are just $9.00 per game and are played Monday through Saturday, with the Championship Game on October 26th.
Have Some Fun on the Farm
The Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival held September 30 through November 3rd, in Mesa, includes a 5-acre corn maze, miniature golf, giant jump area, giant tube roll, mini zip line, slides, barrel train ride, animal petting zoo, pumpkin bowling, and more. Pick out your own prize pumpkin, join the fun in a pumpkin painting craft, or come for the food! Treats including kettle corn, hot dogs, pizza, barbecue sandwiches, and more are available to enjoy.
Have Some Good Old-fashioned Fun at the Arizona State Fair
Thrilling rides, tasty eats, and exciting entertainment are just a few of the fun things in store at the annual Arizona State Fair. Take in a concert at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum with artists such as Billy Currington, Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo, Lee Brice, Trace Adkins, Lil Pump, and MC Hammer’s House Party featuring MC Hammer, C & C Music Factory, and more! From old favorites like the Figure Eight racing, prize animals, and local competitions to the new exhibits such as the Retro Arcade and Gaming World there’s fun to be had by all!
Celebrate El Dia De Los Muertos
Dia De Los Muertos in Phoenix at Steele Indian School Park is a fun, free, cultural event for all. The event includes music, dancing, food, and theater entertainment to honor the dearly departed from noon until 6:00 PM Sunday, October 23rd. The event will also include mask-making crafts, a community altar, sugar skull decorating, face painting, artist booths featuring local Latino artists, and La Procession, a march to honor those who have passed on with songs by candlelight.
Take a Hike to See Fall Colors
Take in the beauty of nature and view fall colors in Arizona with a hike on Baldwin Trail in gorgeous Sedona. Beginning at Red Rock Crossing, the three-mile round trip hike is fairly easy and takes you right by Oak Creek, plus you’ll get a stunning view of Cathedral Rock.
Get Spooked at Nightfall
If you’re looking for a good scare, Nightfall at Old Tucson Studios is packed full of frightful fun September 27th through October 31st. You’ll enjoy comedy, music, drama, live shows, haunts, fun attractions, and food so good it’s scary. Activities range from family-friendly such as face painting, carousel rides, and a Zombie Zipline to “Horribly Horrific” rides such as the Haunted Wagon Ride and the Twisted Train ride.
Find the Perfect Pumpkin
Take a ride on the Pumpkin Patch Train from the Williams Depot straight to the pumpkin patch. The train will stop for 30-45 minutes while you choose the best pumpkin. A free walk-through haunted train car is available for the brave as well as a maze and arts and crafts at the Williams Depot until 5:00 PM. Eats and treats are also available for purchase at The Café at the Train Depot.
Get a Spooktacular View
Visit the Spooktacular Balloon Festival at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on October 25th & 26th for a fun and safe trick-or-treating event for the whole family! 20 Hot Air Balloons will be on display and will be passing out tons of candy for trick-or-treaters amid live music, food and drinks, and a haunted spooky trail. Tethered balloon rides will be available for the whole family along with costume contests, a kid zone featuring bounce houses, slides, and an obstacle course, as well as nightly fireworks, show at 9:00 PM.
Take a Pumpkin for a Walk
October 25th & 26th take a walk in the nice crisp, fall air at the annual Pumpkin Walk at The Arboretum at Flagstaff. The garden paths will be lined with creatively carved illuminated pumpkins created by locals. Refreshments such as hot cocoa and cider and food will be offered as well as activities including hayrides, bobbing for apples, and spooky storytelling by a campfire. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume.
With so many options of fall things to do in Arizona, you’ll have a tough time deciding which one to do first! Wherever you plan to enjoy the fun that fall brings, be sure your car is ready to handle a drive. From Mesa to Phoenix, Glendale to Gilbert, or Phoenix to Flagstaff, you’ll need to make sure your car can make the trip. Sun Devil Auto can help you get there by providing the maintenance and services your car needs to go the distance. Find a location today to prepare your car for this favored season.
