13 Things to do in Scottsdale in October
HÓZHÓ Concierge ·
1. Experience the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Perfect Hiking Weather
October brings ideal hiking weather, with daytime temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F (high 20s°C). The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers some of the best desert hiking trails in the region, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Must-Visit Trails:
- Gateway Loop Trail (Moderate)
- Tom’s Thumb Trail (Challenging)
- Lost Dog Wash Trail (Easy)
2. Visit the Arizona Taco Festival
Love tacos? Then you won’t want to miss the Arizona Taco Festival, an annual event featuring over 50 taco vendors, tequila tastings, live music, and a Lucha Libre wrestling arena.
Don’t Miss:
- Taco eating competitions
- Margarita mixology demonstrations
- Chihuahua beauty pageant
3. Explore Old Town Scottsdale’s Fall ArtWalk
Every Thursday, the Old Town Scottsdale ArtWalk welcomes visitors to explore local art galleries, live performances, and seasonal exhibits. October’s Fall ArtWalk is one of the best times to visit, as cooler temps bring a more vibrant, festive atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Meet local artists
- Enjoy street performances
- Discover handcrafted Southwest art
4. Go Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards & Tasting Rooms
Arizona’s wine country is a hidden gem, and Scottsdale is home to several boutique tasting rooms where you can sample award-winning local wines.
Top Tasting Rooms in Scottsdale:
5. Take a Haunted Tour for Some Spooky Fun
October is spooky season, and Scottsdale has plenty of haunted tours and ghost walks to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Best Haunted Tours:
- Scottsdale Ghost Tour – Explore the city’s most haunted spots.
- Jerome Ghost Tours – A day trip to Arizona’s most haunted town.
- Arizona Paranormal Investigations – Get hands-on with ghost-hunting equipment.
6. Experience the Spooktacular Balloon Festival
The Spooktacular Balloon Festival is a must-see event, featuring hot air balloons, trick-or-treating, live music, and fireworks. It’s one of Scottsdale’s most unique Halloween events, perfect for families and photography lovers alike.
Event Highlights:
- Hot air balloon glow
- Costume contests
- Pumpkin patch
7. Visit MacDonald’s Ranch for a Classic Pumpkin Patch Experience
No October is complete without a pumpkin patch visit! MacDonald’s Ranch offers hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a pumpkin patch where you can pick the perfect pumpkin for carving.
Best for:
- Families with kids
- Fall photo ops
- Horseback riding through the desert
8. Participate in the Scottsdale Zombie Crawl
Get ready for a Halloween bar crawl like no other! The Scottsdale Zombie Crawl invites partygoers to dress up, visit multiple themed bars, and enjoy drink specials all night long.
Why You’ll Love It:
- DJ dance parties
- Costume contests
- Exclusive drink deals
9. Experience the Arizona Fall League Baseball Games
October is baseball season, and Scottsdale is home to the Arizona Fall League, where top MLB prospects compete before making it to the big leagues.
Must-Know Info:
- Games are played at Salt River Fields
- See future MLB stars in action
- Affordable tickets & family-friendly atmosphere
10. Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Scottsdale
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant cultural celebration in Scottsdale, featuring altars, live performances, food vendors, and traditional music.
Highlights Include:
- Sugar skull face painting
- Folklorico dancing
- Traditional Mexican cuisine
11. Visit the Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair is one of the largest annual events in the state, featuring carnival rides, concerts, rodeo events, and classic fair food.
Can’t-Miss Attractions:
- Deep-fried everything (Oreos, Twinkies, and even butter!)
- Giant Ferris wheel with city views
- Live music & entertainment
12. Experience the Desert Botanical Garden’s “Strange Garden”
This Halloween-themed botanical event offers a family-friendly atmosphere filled with spooky décor, pumpkin carving, and costumed characters.
Why Visit?
- Explore lit-up desert trails at night
- Learn about creepy desert plants
- Take festive fall photos
13. Experience the 54th Annual Fall Festival
A Scottsdale tradition, the Annual Fall Festival brings the community together with pumpkin decorating, live entertainment, and seasonal food vendors.
Festival Features:
- Hayrides through the park
- Arts & crafts stations
- Costume contests for kids
