Events & Market

Halloween 2026 in the Phoenix Valley: Family Events Across the East and West Valley

By Susan Nevel, REALTOR · AZ & Associates

Glowing carved jack-o'-lanterns and warm string lights on a wooden table in front of a desert home, with saguaro silhouettes against a purple and orange dusk sky

Happy Wednesday, neighbors. Can you feel it? The mornings are cooler, the light is turning that soft golden color, and the Valley is about to get very festive. Halloween is one of my favorite seasons here in Phoenix, because there is so much to do for families in every corner of the metro. I have gathered a verified list of the best Halloween and fall events across the West Valley and East Valley, plus a quick look at where our market stands. I want to be your Realtor for Life, and that means helping you enjoy the community you call home, not just the house.

A Quick Market Check-In

The Phoenix market is settling into a balanced place as we head into October. Fresh data from the Federal Reserve for the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area shows about 17,700 active listings in August with a median 67 days on market, giving buyers more choices and more time than they have had in years. Months of supply has climbed through the summer, and sellers are getting comfortable offering concessions to get deals done. My honest read: this is a healthy window for buyers. Rates are still elevated, but you do not need perfect credit or a 20 percent down payment to make a move, and I can connect you with trusted local lenders who specialize in low-down-payment and low-credit options. If you have been waiting on the sidelines, this fall is a genuinely good time to start your search.

West Valley Halloween Events

Peoria is going all out this year. The city’s signature Halloween Monster Bash moves to a brand-new, bigger home on Saturday, October 24, from 5 to 9 p.m. at City Hall Campus and Centennial Plaza (8401 W. Monroe St.). It is free and family friendly, with trick-or-treating, costume contests, themed zones, and entertainment for all ages. Details are on the city’s site at peoriaaz.gov.

In Glendale, Ghosts and Goodies brings a family Halloween celebration to Westgate Entertainment District on Friday, October 23 from 5 to 10 p.m. Details at westgateaz.com.

In Surprise, the Special Olympics Arizona Fall Games take over the Oasis Swim Center and Mark Coronado Park on October 23 and 24, a wonderful way to cheer on athletes from across Arizona.

East Valley Halloween Events

Downtown Chandler hosts its annual Halloween Spooktacular on Friday, October 30 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park’s Stage Plaza. It is free, and families trick-or-treat through downtown with games, a catwalk costume parade, trunk-or-treat, crafts, and prizes. More details at chandleraz.gov.

In Mesa, the Downtown Mesa Association’s Haunting on Main brings free trick-or-treating to the streets in late October, a beloved tradition for families. For the thrill seekers, Fear Farm’s Haunted Fairgrounds in Tempe runs select nights through November 14, and the Zombie Zoo drive-through light show at Tempe Diablo Stadium continues through November 1.

If you want a daytime celebration on Halloween itself, the free Family Fun Halloween Bash returns to OdySea in the Desert in Scottsdale on Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with games and activities for kids at the Arizona Boardwalk.

More Ways to Enjoy the Season

Downtown Phoenix gets in on the fun with DTPHX Hallows’ Eve on Friday, October 30, and Phoenix Parks and Recreation events across the city round out the calendar. Event details can change, so it is always worth confirming dates on the official city or venue pages before you head out. For a full rundown of October happenings, azcentral has a helpful roundup of the best metro Phoenix events this month.

What This Means for You

Whether you are settled in the West Valley, exploring the East Valley, or just starting to think about where you want to put down roots, there is something for everyone this October. And if you have been thinking about buying, this balanced market is a wonderful time to start the conversation. One gentle reminder: if you are eyeing a new construction home, please contact me before you visit a builder on your own. I have resources that can help you get the best deal possible on a new build.

I am always available to answer your questions, from "Can I really buy with less than $1,500 out of pocket?" to "What happens if my credit score is not perfect?" Call or text me at (623) 640-8840 or reach out online. I want you to have a smooth process and experience from start to finish. That is what it means to be Your Realtor for Life. Have a wonderful week, enjoy the season, and talk to you soon!

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