Fun Scottsdale Events Halloween Weekend, 2023 means lots of fun things to do to celebrate Fall! With Fall festivals and Halloween events — here’s how to have some scary good fun! And Moonlight Cinema® is back with spooky classics under the stars!
Weekend Temps will be in the 70s and 80s — it’s finally Fall! Scroll for FREE! fun and low-cost things to do in Scottsdale.
- Scottsdale Railroad Park Halloween Spook-Track-Ula
- AZ Boardwalk — FREE Family Fun Halloween Bash!
- Scottsdale Fall Festival – FREE!
- Scottsdale Quarter Boo and Brew, Candy Crawl, and Concert – FREE!
- Scottsdale Fall Festivals at Churches
- Scottsdale Libraries Halloween Activities
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show – Pavilions at Talking Stick – FREE!
- Scottsdale Movie Date
- Art, Music, Theater, Festivals, Comedy
- Upcoming Scottsdale Events October 2023:
- Shopping Malls in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Outdoor Activities
- Churches and Temples in Scottsdale
Scottsdale Railroad Park Halloween Spook-Track-Ula
THURS OCT 6 – TUES OCT 31, 6-9:30 PM: Spook-Track-Ula | Tickets $15 Ages 3+ | Kids 2 and under — FREE! | MAP
‘Stop in for a spell as the Paradise & Pacific Railroad is transformed into a haunted park of fun for our Halloween Spook-Track-ula. The family-friendly event is perfect for kids of all ages. We’ll creep it real with the event’s feature, a spooky train ride created with younger children in mind… a bit spooky, but not too frightening.’
NOTE: You must purchase tickets in advance
AZ Boardwalk — FREE Family Fun Halloween Bash!
SAT OCT 28, 10AM – 2 PM: FREE Family Fun Halloween Bash | MAP
‘Win $1,000 CASH in the Family Fun costume contest at this FREE Halloween Bash! Then trick-or-treat for candy, enjoy bounce houses, slides, face painting, live entertainment, family-friendly performances, shopping, raffles, and more! Free Outdoor Event! No Admission or Activity Fees Required!’
Scottsdale Fall Festival – FREE!
52nd Annual Fall Festival – Chaparral Park
SAT OCT 28, 4 – 7 PM: Fall Festival | Map
The 52nd Annual Fall Festival event is here! Come to the park for an ‘unforgettable free family event. Enjoy games, booths, costume contest, trick or treating, food vendors, live entertainment, and much more! Mark your calendars, it’s going to be a spooktacular time!’
Scottsdale Quarter Boo and Brew, Candy Crawl, and Concert – FREE!
- Candy Crawl
- Patch O’ Pumpkins
- Beer Garden with Local Craft Brews
- Special Characters
- Crafts for Kids
- Face Painters and Balloon Twisters
- Dog Costume Contest
- Live DJ from 2-5 PM and Live Music from Rock Lobster, 5-7 PM
SAT OCT 28, 2-7 PM: Quarter Halloween Events | Mall Map | Google Map
Scottsdale Fall Festivals at Churches
Be sure to check out my post Scottsdale Churches and Temples, which put on many Fall Festivals for family fun and community!
Scottsdale Libraries Halloween Activities
Scottsdale’s Amazing Public Libraries offer fun Fall and Halloween activities for FREE! Here’s the Current Events Calendar.
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Celebrate National and Scottsdale’s Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit to our Best Western Museum. See the new Werner Segarra photo exhibition, Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo [until FEB ’24]!
And, learn about famous and infamous characters like Pancho Villa! See exquisite Mexican show saddlery!
Voted the Best Western Museum of the West by True West Magazine! You’ll easily see why when you go.
It’s a great and inexpensive way to spend a cool few hours indoors. Get wowed by extraordinary Art. And, learn about the Old West, Hispanic, and Native American life and culture.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show – Pavilions at Talking Stick – FREE!
SAT OCT 28, 4-8 PM: Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show | MAP
Scottsdale Movie Date
New Features and Classic Films
Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square
THU OCT 26 | FRI OCT 27 | SAT OCT 28 | SUN OCT 29 | MON OCT 30:
It’s the debut return of Moonlight Cinema® on the rooftop of Fashion Square! See classic movies under the stars with reclining beach chairs, wireless hi-fi headsets, and treats! Dress up as your favorite Halloween character — be afraid and have some good laughs at these throwbacks.
Featured Moonlight Cinema® Classics This Week
FRI OCT 27, 7:00 PM – Early Show
Carrie [<< trailer], the early Stephen King classic horror story come-to-life, starring Sissy Spacek and John Travolta, directed by Brian DePalma, about a high school prom gone very bad. 1976
Ratings: 7.4/10 IMDb | 93 % Rotten Tomatoes | Google Users Liked: 86% | R | 1 HR 38 MINS
FRI OCT 27, 9:45 PM – Late Show
Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn [<< trailer] stars Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi (director too), et al:
‘The second of three films in the Evil Dead series is part horror, part comedy, with Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) once again battling horrifying demons at a secluded cabin in the woods. After discovering an audiotape left by a college professor that contains voices reading from the Book of the Dead, Ash’s girlfriend Linda (Denise Bixler) becomes possessed by evil spirits that are awakened by the voices on the tape. Ash soon discovers there is no escaping the woods.’ [Google}
Ratings: 7.7 /10 IMDb | 88% Rotten Tomatoes | 4.9/5 Walmart | 91% Google Users | R | 1 HR 24 MIN
SAT OCT 28 – Early Show
The Addams Family [<< trailer]
‘When a man (Christopher Lloyd) claiming to be Fester, the missing brother of Gomez Addams (Raul Julia), arrives at the Addams’ home, the family is thrilled. However, Morticia (Anjelica Huston) begins to suspect the man is a fraud, since he cannot recall details of Fester’s life. With the help of lawyer Tully Alford (Dan Hedaya), Fester manages to get the Addams clan evicted from their home. Gomez realizes the two men are conspiring to swindle the Addams fortune and that he must challenge Fester.’ [Google] 1991
Ratings: 6.9 /10 IMDb | 67% Rotten Tomatoes | 83% Google Users | PG-13 | 1 HR 39 MINS
SAT OCT 28 – Late Show
An American Werewolf in London [<< trailer] The 1981 ‘Cult Masterpiece.’
‘David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne), two American college students, are backpacking through Britain when a large wolf attacks them. David survives with a bite, but Jack is brutally killed. As David heals in the hospital, he’s plagued by violent nightmares of his mutilated friend, who warns David that he is becoming a werewolf. When David discovers the horrible truth, he contemplates committing suicide before the next full moon causes him to transform from man to murderous beast.’ [Google]
Ratings: 7.5 /10 IMDb | 89% Rotten Tomatoes | 91% Google Users | R | 1 HR 37 MINS
Here are my in-theater pics this week :
She Came to Me [<< trailer] ‘She’ being Marisa Tomei in this indie romcom!
‘Composer Steven Lauddem [Peter Dinklage] is creatively blocked and unable to finish the score for his big comeback opera. At the behest of his wife, Patricia [Anne Hathaway], formerly his therapist, he sets out in search of inspiration and finds much more than he bargained for.’ [Google]
Ratings: IMDb 6.4/10 | 44% Rotten Tomatoes | 84% Google Users Liked | R | 1 HR 42 MINS
Killers of the Flower Moon [<< trailer] Based on the novel of the same name and directed by Martin Scorsese, the gritty, long western drama is dedicated to the late musician Robbie Robertson, and of course, stars Robert DeNiro in addition to Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Brendan Frazier.
‘In the 1920s, members of the Osage Native American tribe of Osage County, Oklahoma, are murdered after oil is found on their land, and the FBI decides to investigate..’ [Google]
Ratings: IMDb 8.2/10 | 92% Rotten Tomatoes | 81% Google Users Liked | R | 3 HRS 27 MINS
Here are other other films playing this week and everything you need to know about Harkins! See you at the movies!
Art, Music, Theater, Festivals, Comedy
Scottsdale ArtWalk — FREE!
THU OCT 26, 7:00 – 9 PM | Scottsdale ArtWalk in Old Town.
Live Music Daily, Weekly, Weekends — Downtown | Old Town
- JOJO Coffeehouse — Live music at Brunch, SAT/SUN 11 AM – 2 PM
- Belle’s Nashville Kitchen — Live music daily
- Rusty Spur Saloon — Since 1951. Live music every day
- Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row — Live music weekly
Parking Map and Tips in Old Town
Arrive early for good parking or hitch a ride share! Here are other fun, safe ways to avoid Old Town traffic snarls, tickets and DUIs: Riding Around Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town Parking Map
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
- Check here for this weekend’s events!
Ravenscroft Jazz in Scottsdale
An intimate setting in North Scottsdale for Jazz. Check out their Events Calendar!
Talking Stick Resort Events
Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment
Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM – FREE!
- FRI OCT 29: Gustavo Angeles Trio
- SAT OCT 30: Paul Wells Duo
Casino Arizona
Tribute Band Weekend faves:
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM
Tickets sell out fast — don’t miss your favorite shows!
Scottsdale Drag Shows
FRI / SAT ONGOING: 7 PM | Illusions the Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Old Town | MAP
FRI ONGOING, 7 PM: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Wasted Grain Old Town | MAP
SAT ONGOING, 1:30 PM | Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | Tickets | MAP
Upcoming Scottsdale Events October 2023:
Plan ahead so no more FOMO. Look for FREE! events and get your tickets! Don’t miss any of these peak Scottsdale experiences:
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Check here for upcoming events!
Scottsdale Quarter Fall Concert Series 2023 – FREE!
Live Music Saturdays 10/28 – 11/4!
Fall Concert Series Lineup:
- 10/28- Rock Lobster
- 11/04- Sandra Bassett
Talking Stick Resort Events
- THU OCT 26, 8 PM: Jake Owen | Tickets
- SUN NOV 19, 7:30 PM: John Fogerty | Tickets
Casino Arizona
Tribute Band Weekend faves:
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM
Tickets sell out fast — don’t miss your favorite shows!
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market – Back SAT OCT 7 – 8 AM – 1 PM!
SAT OCT 28, 8 AM – 1 PM: FREE! Admission | MAP
Shopping Malls in Scottsdale
You’re in a shopping paradise, whether you’re visiting or live here! We have 3 stellar outdoor malls, plus the Taj Mahal of Malls. Dress up or down. Comfy shoes to get your steps in. Meet for coffee, lunch or dinner. Go on a solo date. People watch. Window shop. Splurge on the perfect find or grab a bargain! Here are my blogs — ready, set, go have fun!
Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall Walking
Walk at the Taj Mahal of Scottsdale malls for a cool and luxurious early indoor walk! FREE! — unless you find an irresistible must-have when the mall opens for biz! Mall walking hours start at 8 AM daily!
Hitting the Libraries
Scottsdale’s Amazing Public Libraries are a great way to escape indoors, meet new friends, learn, get interactive and of course — read! All for FREE! Here’s the Current Events Calendar.
Discounted Resort Rates are still available — for a romantic weekend getaway at a posh desert oasis, or take the family for a wet and rambunctious staycation. My Resort post has tables to find what suits your vibe – fast!
With lots of outdoor and indoor events — and activities for every age and budget, let’s get out there. Get a bit of sun, soak up some shade and have fun!
Scottsdale Outdoor Activities
Scottsdale’s Trails, Parks, Dog Parks, Greenbelt and Golf Courses
At long last, cool mornings are back, putting a spring in all of our steps! But, with high temps still reaching 95°+/-, let’s stay smart in the heat, especially if you’re visiting. It’s can still be dangerous to you, your loved ones and pets.
Get out early to do your hiking, biking, walking and dog walking, running, golfing, tennis, pickle ball, etc. There are so many desert and flat trails in the city, including Accessible ones. See my posts and table links below.
The Fallish desert is surreal against a backdrop of blue skies, mountains, and the last of the monsoon clouds — amid Scottsdale’s famous architecture and public art. Our sunrises and sunsets make great viewing to bookend our stellar days!
It’s that great time of year when you can still hit the pools in the afternoon. You can enjoy a full day of outdoors, if that’s your thing! Just protect your precious skin.
Our famous golf courses also beckon! Here’s my deluxe golf post:
Golf: Table from N. to S. with all the good stuff!
Let’s watch the sunrise and enjoy these fresh, cool mornings!
FREE! and Low Cost Fun things to do in Scottsdale Outdoors
Free fun things and low cost things to do in Scottsdale include hitting the trails, parks, dog parks Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt! Or take a FREE! ride around town on the Scottsdale Trolley weekdays.
Take the dogs out to rough-house at the dog parks and make new friends! Did you know Scottsdale is the number 1 pet-friendly city?
Top Golf Scottsdale’s Bargain Special:
MON – FRI 10 AM – Noon | $15 per person | Hit unlimited balls!
How about golf, hiking, strolling or cycling to maximize your outdoor fun for FREE!?
Disc Golf is Free! Here you go — everything you need to know and tables of amenities for fast choices to suit everyone’s wants and needs to seize a little sunshine, shade and fresh air!
Here are posts and tables to ease your search for fun and FREE! and low-cost things to do in Scottsdale:
- Aquatic and Fitness Centers
- Hiking, Walking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding
- The Indian Bend Multi-use Trail, aka the Greenbelt
- Parks, Playgrounds, Fishing and Dog Parks
- Scottsdale Cycling and Self-Propelled Wheeling
- Tennis and Pickleball
Be Smart and Safe in the Desert
The desert is a land of extremes. Be smart. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, your hat and the right shoes. Check the weather and bring other appropriate gear.
Be mindful of your furry friends, plus tiny and older ones getting too tired and hot.
If hiking, stay on the trail and watch where you’re stepping, for rattlesnakes, cacti and rocks — no bites, pokes, sprains, falls or helicopter rescues need to spoil your fun. Don’t pester or feed wildlife. Pick up your dog’s poop. Don’t take anything out but your trash and dog poop.
Give yourself plenty of time to make it on and off the trail safely and see a stunning sunrise or sunset.
Churches and Temples in Scottsdale
There are many choices for worship, faith traditions, and community at Scottsdale Churches and Temples. And, if you seek fellowship or are struggling, Scottsdale has a strong 12-Step recovery community. Many recovery meetings are held in churches, temples and North Scottsdale Fellowship Club.
Daylight’s burning for real — let’s go kick up our heels and not miss a minute of fun Scottsdale Halloween Weekend events 2023 — and FREE! fun things to do in Scottsdale, October 26-31, 2023! Play safe.
April Halstead
Scottsdale Lifestyle Blogger
I’m a 5th generation native Arizona gal who loves showing and telling what makes Scottsdale an amazing place to visit and make home! I hope you enjoy our city through my lens, making your own discoveries and memories here!
