31 Things to Do in Arizona During October 2024

October is one of the most beautiful months to explore Arizona. With temperatures (hopefully), dropping soon and festivals in full swing, there are countless things to do throughout the state. As a local, I've rounded up 31 activities that you won't want to miss this month. Let’s dive into what Arizona has to offer in October!

1. Enjoy Tacos & Tunes in Yuma

Don’t miss Tacos & Tunes that will be held on Main Street from 9 am to 10 pm on Saturday, October 5th.

2. Explore Fall Colors at Oak Creek Canyon

Head to Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon to catch the stunning transformation of leaves. The colors range from golden yellows to rich reds, creating a magical experience in the canyon.

3. Harvest Your Own Pumpkins at Mortimer Farms

Pumpkin season is here, and Mortimer Farms in Dewey is the perfect place to harvest pumpkins, navigate a corn maze, and enjoy fun farm activities.

4. Enjoy the Arizona Taco Festival

Phoenix hosts this celebration of tacos with over 50 vendors, tequila tastings, and live music. It's a must-attend for food lovers who want to sample some of the best tacos in the state. Mark your calendars for this event that will be held October 18th-19th.

5. Stargazing in Flagstaff

Flagstaff is an official International Dark Sky City, making it a fantastic destination for stargazing. Visit Lowell Observatory for a guided star tour and enjoy the crisp October skies.

6. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix

With cooler temperatures, October is ideal for a hot air balloon ride. Watch the sunrise while floating over the Sonoran Desert with companies like Rainbow Ryders.

7. Explore Haunted Jerome

October is perfect for ghost-hunting adventures. Visit Jerome, known as one of Arizona's most haunted towns, and take a ghost tour through historic buildings and eerie streets.

8. Attend the Balloon Spooktacular in Scottsdale

If you enjoy hot air balloons and Halloween, the Balloon Spooktacular at Salt River Fields combines the two for a festive family-friendly event with glowing balloons, trick-or-treating, and more.

9. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Coronado Trail

The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 191) offers spectacular views of changing leaves in eastern Arizona. The winding roads and fall colors make for a beautiful day trip.

10. Visit Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams

October is a great time to visit Bearizona in Williams. Enjoy the cooler weather while driving through and spotting black bears, wolves, and bison up close.

11. Go Wine Tasting in Sonoita-Elgin

Arizona's wine country, Sonoita-Elgin, offers beautiful views and delicious wines. Spend a day visiting local vineyards and wineries, and enjoy tastings in the mild fall weather.

12. Spot Fall Colors in Arizona

Take a drive in Northern Arizona throughout the fall to see the leaves changing colors.

13. Go for a Bike Ride along the Colorado River

Get your bike tuned and ready for a bike ride exploring the West Wetlands along the Colorado River.

14. Hike the Boynton Canyon Trail in Sedona

Fall weather makes Sedona even more inviting. Boynton Canyon Trail is a moderate hike with gorgeous views of red rock formations, vibrant foliage, and an air of serenity.

15. Attend Oktoberfest Celebrations in Tempe

Tempe Beach Park hosts one of Arizona's best Oktoberfests, complete with German beer, bratwurst, live music, and fun activities for all ages.

16. Explore Bisbee’s Historic Ghost Tour

Bisbee’s mining history gives it a hauntingly intriguing past. Join a guided ghost tour through its narrow streets to learn about the spooky tales of this quirky town.

17. Get Spooked at the 13th Floor Haunted House in Phoenix

If you love Halloween scares, the 13th Floor Haunted House is a must-visit. It’s one of Arizona’s most popular haunted attractions with intense, immersive experiences.

18. Take a Day Trip to Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon, near Tucson, is ideal for an October day trip. Enjoy cooler temperatures, picturesque views, and a ride on the SkyCenter Observatory’s SkyNights program for some fall stargazing.

19. Visit Apple Annie's Orchard in Willcox

Celebrate the fall harvest at Apple Annie's Orchard by picking apples, navigating the corn maze, and enjoying homemade cider. It’s a wholesome way to welcome autumn.

20. Kayak the Verde River

The Verde River is calmer in the fall, offering a peaceful kayaking experience. Enjoy scenic views of wildlife, cottonwoods, and fall colors while floating down the river.

21. Support Hunter’s Army

From now through October 3rd enjoy a hamburger from one of the selected Yuma restaurants. Each time you order the selected burger a donation is made to Hunter’s Army. Learn more about the event and the organization.

22. Savor Farm-to-Table Dinners at The Farm at South Mountain

The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix offers lovely outdoor dining experiences. Enjoy a fresh, farm-to-table meal among the pecan trees in the cool October evenings.

23. Experience Fall Colors on the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Ride

Take the scenic gondola ride up Arizona Snowbowl, just outside Flagstaff, for breathtaking views of the aspen groves as they turn golden.

24. Visit the Prescott Pumpkin Patch

Prescott's pumpkin patch offers family-friendly activities like hayrides, games, and, of course, plenty of pumpkins for the picking.

25. Take the Verde Canyon Railroad Fall Colors Tour

The Verde Canyon Railroad offers fall foliage tours that let you experience the season’s colors from the comfort of a train car, with incredible views of the Verde River and surrounding canyons.

26. Attend the Tucson Meet Yourself Festival

This cultural festival celebrates the many ethnicities that call Tucson home. Enjoy diverse food, music, dance, and art during this three-day event.

27. Hike the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon

The West Fork Trail is famous for its stunning fall scenery, making it one of Arizona's most scenic hikes. Enjoy crisp weather as you follow the path through the canyon's brilliant foliage.

28. Take a Ghost Walk in Tombstone

October is the perfect time to explore Tombstone’s haunted history. Take a ghost walk to learn about the famous gunfights and ghostly residents of this old Western town.

29. Spend a Day at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix

The Desert Botanical Garden is particularly beautiful in October, with blooming wildflowers and cooler weather making for an enjoyable stroll through the gardens.

30. Attend the Cornish Pasty Eating Contest in Mesa

Mesa hosts an exciting Cornish pasty eating contest to celebrate its British roots. It’s quirky, fun, and a great way to spend an October afternoon with plenty of hearty food.

31. Celebrate Halloween

Get dressed up and enjoy a fun evening with friends and family!