The Best of Tucson: 13 Things To Do in October

Chelle Peterson
halloween pumpkin jack-o-lantern

Fall has arrived in Tucson! And that means we’ve got a perfect combination of cooler weather and amazing events to enjoy.

So, if you’re ready to get out, enjoy the season, and have a great time, here’s a list of 13 can’t-miss activities happening in Tucson and Oro Valley in October. 

1. Picture Rocks Food Festival 

picture rocks food fest

Date and Time: Friday, October 15 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Location: Picture Rocks Food Fest, 6780 N. Sandario Road

Cost: Free to attend but bring money for snacks

What’s going on: Take a sunset stroll with family and furry friends at this laid-back evening market. You’ll also get to enjoy live music and delicious bites from a variety of incredible food trucks. 

2. Oktoberfest at Mt. Lemmon

Oktoberfest at Mt. Lemmon

Date and Time: Every weekend until October 10

Location: Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 East Ski Run Road, Mount Lemmon

Cost: Free

What’s going on: Just an hour outside of downtown, Mt. Lemmon’s fabulous and fun Oktoberfest 2021 celebration is back! The event will feature live music by the Musikmeisters band, dancing, games for the kids, and great fun for the entire family.

3. Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience 

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience 

Date and Time: Tuesday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S Church Ave

Cost: Tickets starting at $35

What’s going on: If you love Led Zeppelin, then you won’t want to miss Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience. Created by Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin drummer Jon Bonham, the Led Zeppelin Experience is a band that mimics the 70s blues rock band almost exactly. 

4. Corn Maze and Fall Pumpkin Celebration at Apple Annie’s

Corn Maze and Fall Pumpkin Celebration at Apple Annie's

Date and Time: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Location: Apple Annie’s You-Pick Orchard, 2081 W. Hardy Road, Willcox

Cost: Corn maze is $8 for ages 12 and up (see website for other details and pricing) 

What’s going on: Visit Apple Annie’s and grab some pumpkins and sunflowers, hop on hayrides, or visit the corn maze!

5. West Coast Music Festival

West Coast Music Festival

Date and Time: Saturday, October 23, from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. 

Location: Rillito Park Race Track, 4502 N 1st Ave

Cost: Tickets start at $51

What’s going on: If you’re a hip-hop lover, you might want to check out West Coast Music Festival featuring rappers like The Game, Xzibit, Too Short, and More. 

6. Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Festival

Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Festival

Date and Time: Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Location: 14950 N. Trico Road

Cost: $15 to $17 per person with pumpkins priced at 50 cents per pound (kids under 2 get in for free)

What’s going on: Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Festival has a new location this year. Check out new outdoor activities and festive fall bites. Kids can experience train rides, a jumping pillow, a super swing, a petting zoo, mini tractors, a super slide, a pumpkin and apple cannon, a zip line, and pony rides. Don’t miss the corn maze as you stomp through the 50-acre pumpkin patch for that perfect pumpkin.

7. Reforma Salsa Saturday Nights

Reforma Salsa Saturday Nights

Date and Time: Saturday, September 2, from 10:00 a.m until noon

Location: St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, but bring money for bites and drinks

What’s going on: Visit St. Philip’s Plaza for midnight salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and bachata. Then take a break and grab a drink at the new outdoor bar under the stars.

8. Patagonia Fall Festival

Patagonia Fall Festival

Date and Time: Saturday, October 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.and Sunday, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: 325 McKeown Ave., Patagonia

Cost: Free to attend 

What’s going on: Visit a colorful festival with small businesses, wineries, and regional experiences from Patagonia, Sonoita, and Elgin. This event will feature 100 artisans, food vendors, exhibitors, live music, entertainment, and picnic fun.

9. Haunted Hayrides at Steam Pump Ranch

Haunted Hayrides at Steam Pump Ranch

Date and Time: Saturdays, October 9, 16, and 23 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road

Cost: $5 per ticket (purchase in advance) 

What’s going on: Ready for a haunted journey? Watch and listen to local history and stories as the dead come to life right before your eyes on this spooky ride.

10. Disney on Ice

Disney on Ice

Date and Time: Thursday, October 14 to Sunday, October 17 at varying times

Location: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

Cost: $20 to $90

What’s going on: This fall, Disney on Ice is coming to Tucson. Don’t miss this chance to see your favorite members of the Disney Family including Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as appearances by the characters from Moana, Coco, Aladdin, and more.

11. Movie in the Park: The Addams Family

Movie in the Park: The Addams Family

Date and Time: Friday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Anamax Park, 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas

Cost: Free

What’s going on: Ready to get in the Halloween spirit with the family? Then you need to stop by Sahuarita Parks and Recreations’ screening of the classic Halloween movie The Addams Family on an outdoor screen. 

12. Boo at Reid Park Zoo

Boo at Reid Park Zoo

Date and Time: Friday, October 21 to Sunday, October 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.

Cost: $11 (free for kids under 2) 

What’s going on: Boo at the Zoo will feature the pirates, superheroes, princesses, and wizards inspired by your favorite movies and books. Check out a fire-breathing dragon, Pirate’s Cove, Western Skeletown, Outer Limits zone, Harry Potterville, Bug Town, trick-or-treating, a hay maze, a pumpkin patch, games, and more.

13. Halloween in the Wild

Halloween in the Wild

Date and Time: Saturday, October 23, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Location: International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road

Cost: $5 to $10 (free for kids under 3) 

What’s going on: Join International Wildlife Museum for creepy crafts, ghoulish games, and treats! There will also be a haunted house for brave little monsters and trick-or-treating. Remember to wear your costume and bring your sack for candy.


We also host a ton of great social and professional events at The Post Workspaces each month. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in learning more about, or if you’d like to book a tour of our space, get in touch with us today. Our team is available to speak with you.