As temperatures dip and the desert shifts into its autumn colors, Scottsdale opens the door to pumpkin patches, festivals, and all kinds of fall fun. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventures or seasonal events just a short drive away, there’s plenty on the calendar to kick off spooky season in style. Let’s dive into the top things to do this fall and see which events are calling your name.
Fall for Arizona
Peak: Mid-October through November
Looking to get outside Scottsdale for a splash of autumn color? Arizona’s fall foliage is worth the trip, and here’s where you can witness it yourself:
- Highway 89A (Sedona to Flagstaff) – Drive through red-rock canyons kissed by golden leaves, with plenty of scenic pull-offs for quick photos or a stretch.
- Oak Creek Canyon – West Fork Trail – Easy trail with maples and oaks lighting up the canyon walls, perfect for a brisk hike or snapping some shots.
- Aspen Nature Loop (Flagstaff) – Short, mostly flat trail where aspens shimmer in sunlight—a peaceful escape for walkers and shutterbugs alike.
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum – A mix of desert and deciduous trees creates a kaleidoscope of fall shades in one scenic spot.
Which fall spot is calling your name this season? Lace up your hiking shoes, grab your camera, and let the mix of golden leaves and desert landscapes guide your next autumn adventure
Ales on Rails
September 13 – October 31, 2026
If you’re up for a little adventure outside Scottsdale, Verde Canyon Railroad, around 2 hours away, celebrates fall with craft beers and scenic views. Sip local ales as the train winds through autumn-colored canyons, pairing a scratch-made lunch with beers from Arizona’s finest breweries. Onboard and at the depot, you’ll find everything from light pilsners to bold stouts, plus new sunset rides for golden-hour photo ops. It’s a scenic way to take in the season’s colors while enjoying some of Arizona’s best brews.
Desert Fall Festival
September 25 – November 1, 2026
The Desert Fall Festival stretches across 13 acres and blends desert charm with full-throttle fall fun. Located in Surprise, around 50 minutes from Scottsdale, it offers everything from climbing into real industrial excavators and zipping over the festival to blasting apples with the Apple Cannon, all included in admission. Nightly scavenger hunts and light displays keep the energy high, while mini donuts paired with apple cider are dangerously addictive. Adults can add a cinnamon whiskey twist for a seasonal kick, and if you’re planning to stop by on Halloween night, expect extra spooky surprises and festive treats for all ages.
Arizona State Fair
October 1 – November 1, 2026
The Arizona State Fair returns under the theme “A State of Wonder.” Running Thursdays through Sundays throughout October, the fair brings classic carnival rides, fair food, livestock shows, farm tours, rodeo events, competitive exhibits, and live concerts at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Just a short drive from Scottsdale, it’s a longtime Arizona tradition with something happening throughout the season.
Spook-Track-Ula
October 1 – 31, 2026
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park gets a spooky makeover all October long with Spook-Track-Ula. Running nightly from 6 to 9:30 p.m., this family-friendly Halloween event features a haunted train ride aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, spooky decorations, and glowing light displays. It’s a festive way to add some Halloween fun to a fall evening in Scottsdale.
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
October 9 – 11, 2026
Raise a stein at the 53rd Annual Four Peaks Oktoberfest, a Bavarian-style celebration at Tempe Beach Park along Tempe Town Lake. Just a short drive from Scottsdale, the festival brings German-inspired food and beer, live rock and polka bands, carnival rides, and plenty of fall fun. Watch the famous Wiener Dog Races, cheer on runners during the Runnin’ for the Brats event, or spend the weekend exploring one of the Valley’s favorite autumn traditions.
Fall Fest Merchantile Market
October 10 – 11, 2026
Fall shopping gets a seasonal twist at Fall Fest Merchantile Market, taking over WestWorld of Scottsdale for a full weekend of fall fun. Browse more than 100 handpicked Arizona vendors featuring handmade goods, art, jewelry, home décor, clothing, and boutique finds, then stick around for live music, food and drinks, kids’ activities, and costume contests. The fully indoor, air-conditioned market runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it an easy way to spend a fall weekend in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Fall Festival
October 17, 2026
Scottsdale’s annual Fall Festival returns to the Scottsdale Civic Center, with an expanded event space and an extra hour of festivities. Running from 5 to 9 p.m., the free, family-friendly celebration features a live band and DJ, local food trucks, a cocktail garden, trick-or-treating, carnival games, arts and crafts, and community booths. Bring the whole family in costume and make an evening of this Scottsdale fall tradition.
Spooktacular Air Balloon Festival
October 23 – 25, 2026
Candy, costumes, and hot air balloons collide at the Spooktacular Air Balloon Festival. Each balloon doubles as a trick-or-treat stop, with over 4,000 pounds of candy ready for collection. Dress up for costume contests on Friday and Saturday nights, or take to the skies with Rainbow Ryders for a balloon ride above the festivities. The festival is just a 16-minute drive from Scottsdale, and for the smoothest experience, plan for parking or hop on the shuttle to dive straight into the fun.
Spooky Safari at the Phoenix Zoo
October 28 – 30, 2026
The Phoenix Zoo gets a Halloween makeover during Spooky Safari, a family-friendly evening filled with trick-or-treating, costume parades, face painting, and festive activities. Just a short drive from Scottsdale, guests can explore the zoo after dark while enjoying themed entertainment and animal encounters. With hourly costume parades and plenty of Halloween fun for all ages, it’s a great way to celebrate the season with the whole crew.
Canal Convergence
November 6 – 15, 2026
Scottsdale Waterfront hosts Canal Convergence, a free 10-night celebration of art, culture, and the landscapes of the American West. This year’s “Western Nature” theme brings large-scale public art installations to the Arizona Canal, along with live music and dance performances, creative workshops, educational activities, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. It’s a unique way to explore Scottsdale’s waterfront while taking in art and performances throughout the fall season.
Arizona Fall Festival
November 7, 2026
The Arizona Fall Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park wraps up the season in style with more than 200 local vendors, a bustling food court, and a kids’ zone that creates a full day of action for the whole crew. Bring your pup, taste local craft beers, or grab handmade goods to round out your autumn shopping list. Held in downtown Phoenix, just a 20-minute drive from Scottsdale, the festival showcases Arizona at its best, with open arms, local flavor, and something for everyone.
Fall Adventure Starts Here
Can’t choose just one event? Turn it into a fall getaway with a GoodNight Stay. Book by October 28, 2026, and save 15% on select Arizona homes with code AZSTAY15 for stays from September 1–October 31, 2026. From festivals and fall flavors to cooler desert days, there’s no better time to plan your escape.
