Autumn is in full swing, and we’re excited about everything coming up in and around the city. From Halloween events to fall festivals, local films to live performances, there’s a ton to do in Tucson. Here are 13 amazing things to do in Tucson in October 2023.
1. 97th Annual Graham County Fair
Date and Time: October 5-8, 2023
Location: Safford, Arizona along the east side of US Highway 191
Cost: Free to attend
What’s going on: Remember the past while looking to the future at the 87th annual Graham County Fair. Enjoy fun, food, and culture at this family-friendly event.
2. Glowing Pumpkins: A Jack-O-Lantern Adventure
Date and Time: September 21-31st from 6:30-10:00 p.m.
Location: Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte
Cost: $12.00
What’s going on: Experience this one-of-a-kind walkthrough and explore over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins! You’ll see everything from classic Halloween scenes to movie and pop culture icons. This event is open daily throughout the month.
3. ZOOcson: 30th Anniversary Celebration
Date and Time: Friday, October 6 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court
Cost: $175.00/adult
What’s going on: Join the must-attend social event of the fall. This year’s gala celebrates the 30th anniversary and all proceeds go to the Reid Park Zoo. The night will consist of delicious food and drinks, exclusive auction items, and amazing entertainment.
4. Loft Film Fest
Date and Time: October 11-19
Location: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Boulevard
Cost: $200.00 for a film fest badge
What’s going on: For the thirteenth year, the Loft Film Fest is bringing the best in independent, foreign, and classic films to Tucson audiences. You’ll be inspired, entertained, and enlightened through a variety of amazing cinema options.
5. Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto
Date and Time: October 12-15th
Location: Tucson Arena, 260 S Church Avenue
Cost: Tickets start at $22.00
What’s going on: You won’t want to miss this magical show on ice featuring characters and songs from two modern Disney classics: Frozen and Encanto.
6. Film Fest Tucson
Date and Time: October 12-14th
Location: Multiple venues
Cost: Passes start at $25.00
What’s going on: Film Fest Tucson is a place for filmmakers and audiences to meet and discover important stories. You’ll see some of the best films from upcoming and local filmmakers and leave feeling inspired and uplifted.
7. Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert
Date and Time: October 14-15th
Location: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 2175 North 6th Avenue
Cost: Tickets start at $15.00
What’s going on: Relive the magic of one of the greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones. See the movie on the big screen accompanied by a full symphony orchestra playing the epic score.
8. Boo at the Zoo
Date and Time: October 20-22 and 27-29
Location: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court
Cost: $14.00
What’s going on: Show off your costume, play some ghoulish games, and enjoy Halloween treats at this family-friendly event. Tickets are sold for timed entries and must be purchased in advance.
9. Ruben & Clay: Twenty Years, One Night
Date and Time: October 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Tickets start at $20.00
What’s going on: See Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard together live in concert. Both rose to fame on season two of American Idol, which aired twenty years ago. Since then, both have had impressive music careers and continue to make music that delights audiences of all ages.
10. Oro Valley Fall Artisan Market
Date and Time: October 21-22
Location: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 North Oracle Road
Cost: Free entrance
What’s going on: Back for the third year in a row is the Oro Valley Fall Artisan Market, featuring over 100 vendors and artists. You can find food vendors, live art, pumpkin painting, family photo areas, and so much more.
11. VailFest
Date and Time: October 21
Location: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S Houghton Road
Cost: Free entrance
What’s going on: Come out to the fairgrounds for a fun day of music, shopping, and food. It’s a great family-friendly event and a way to spend a day!
12. The Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food
Date and Time: October 22 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: 167 South Avenida del Convento
Cost: $55.00
What’s going on: Come hungry! This event includes a tasting from each vendor’s offering and two drink tickets. It’s a culinary sampling of the best Mexican restaurants and food trucks in Tucson—you won’t forget it!
13. Cyclovia Tucson
Date and Time: Sunday October 29 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m..
Location: Downtown Tucson
Cost: Free
What’s going on: Back for the 20th year is Cyclovia Tucson, where you can walk, bike, roll, connect, and play in the car-free streets of Tucson. It’s a great community event you don’t want to miss out on!
What are you adding to your calendar this October? Get out there and have some fun this month!
We also regularly host fun events for our community at The Post—contact us today to learn more and get set up with a tour!