As autumn graces the Sonoran Desert, Tucson comes alive with a vibrant array of events that capture the city’s unique spirit.
October is a month of cultural celebrations, outdoor adventures, and community gatherings.
Whether you’re a solopreneur seeking inspiration, a team looking for bonding experiences, or you’re simply eager to have fun in your social time, we’ve rounded up the must-attend events happening in Tucson in October 2024.
1. Nightfall at Old Tucson
Date and Time: Open Thursdays through Sundays in October, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Location: Old Tucson, 201 S Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $29 on Thursdays, $44 on other days
What’s going on: Old Tucson transforms into Nightfall, a haunted town where terrifying mazes, scare zones, and horror performances await. This unique event includes live musical shows, magic acts, and thrilling stunt performances. For those who want to immerse themselves in Halloween vibes with a Western twist, Nightfall offers the perfect spooky experience.
2. Terror in the Corn
Date and Time: Open weekends in October, plus Halloween night, 6:00 p.m. to Midnight (closes at 10:00 p.m. on select dates)
Location: 13591 W Avra Valley Rd, Marana, AZ
Cost: Ticket prices vary, starting at $30
What’s going on: Venture into Tucson’s scariest haunted attraction, Terror in the Corn, celebrating 25 years of terrifying Southern Arizona. This immersive experience takes you through a haunted corn maze, featuring new attractions like Bloodmoon Ranch and Lost Souls Circus. It’s a scream-worthy night filled with horrifying scenes, live characters, and plenty of scares. Ideal for thrill-seekers looking for a true Halloween fright.
3. Three Dog Night Concert
Date and Time: October 4, 2024, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Fox Tucson Theatre, Downtown Tucson
Cost: $39.50 – $99.50
What’s going on: What’s going on: Legendary rock band Three Dog Night is back on tour, performing their greatest hits that defined the late ’60s and early ’70s. Songs like “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me Not to Come” still resonate with audiences today. The band is known for putting on electrifying live shows, making this a must-attend event for fans of classic rock.
4. Tucson Meet Yourself Festival
Date and Time: October 4 to 6 from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily
Location: Downtown Tucson, El Presidio Park, and surrounding areas
Cost: Free entry (Food and crafts available for purchase)
What’s going on: Immerse yourself in Tucson’s rich cultural tapestry at the annual Tucson Meet Yourself Festival, affectionately known as “Tucson Eat Yourself.” This three-day folklife festival celebrates the diverse ethnic communities of Southern Arizona through traditional music, dance performances, folk arts, and an incredible variety of international foods prepared by local community groups. Experience the mosaic of cultures that make Tucson unique, enjoy global flavors, support local artisans, and engage with the community—all in a lively, festive atmosphere perfect for networking and relaxation.
5. Evening of Play at Children’s Museum Tucson
Date and Time: October 5, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Children’s Museum Tucson
Cost: $175 per person (or six tickets for $750)
What’s going on: The Evening of Play is a whimsical fundraising event where adults get to experience the magic of the Children’s Museum after hours. The museum transforms into an elegant playground with games, live entertainment, and gourmet food. Proceeds support educational programs for children, making it a night of fun for a good cause.
6. Mount Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest
Date and Time: Saturdays and Sundays until October 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 Ski Run Rd, Mount Lemmon
Cost: Free entry (Food and drinks available for purchase)
What’s going on: Escape to the cool pines of Mount Lemmon for a traditional Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy live German music, authentic bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and a selection of German beers, all while taking in the stunning mountain vistas. It’s the perfect weekend retreat to unwind and enjoy festive activities with colleagues or friends, offering a refreshing change of pace and a chance to bond outside the typical work environment.
7. Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo
Date and Time: October 16, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $45 for AZTC members, $55 for non-members
What’s going on: Join over 400 business and tech leaders at this annual event, showcasing the latest in Southern Arizona’s tech industries. Featuring keynote speakers, innovation presentations, awards, and an exhibition of cutting-edge tech from local companies, this expo is ideal for those interested in networking and learning about new advancements in fields like transportation, aerospace, robotics, and IT.
8. TEDxUofA Desert Genius
Date and Time: October 18, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Centennial Hall, University of Arizona
Cost: Prices to be confirmed
What’s going on: This TEDx event brings together thought leaders from various fields to present ideas around the theme “Desert Genius,” focusing on how innovation can stem from the unique environment of the Southwest. Speakers will share ideas that aim to inspire action and spark intellectual conversations, making it an enriching experience for attendees.
9. Tucson Classics Car Show
Date and Time: October 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Gregory School, 3231 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $5 per ticket (Children under 18 free with a paying adult)
What’s going on: Marvel at over 400 classic cars at the Tucson Classics Car Show. Enjoy food vendors and entertainment, and participate in raffles. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Tucson, the event supports local charities. It’s a fun outing for car enthusiasts and families alike, offering a chance to connect with the community and contribute to charitable causes.
10. Anime Wonder Fest 2024
Date and Time: October 19, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; October 20, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $30+
What’s going on: Dive into the vibrant world of anime and Japanese pop culture at Anime Wonder Fest. This two-day event will feature artist vendors, anime and video game voice actors, cosplay competitions, Japanese and Asian food, Itasha car displays, and more. It’s the perfect event for anime fans, cosplayers, and anyone who enjoys immersing themselves in the colorful world of Japanese culture.
11. Tucson Terrorfest Horror Film Festival
Date and Time: October 24 to 27, 2024 (Check schedule for screening times)
Location: The Screening Room, 127 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ
Cost: Ticket prices vary per screening
What’s going on: Get into the Halloween spirit at the Tucson Terrorfest, Arizona’s premier horror film festival showcasing the best in horror cinema from around the world. Enjoy screenings of indie horror films, attend Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and mingle with fellow horror enthusiasts. It’s a must-visit for fans of the genre looking to experience something thrilling and unique.
12. Water Lantern Festival
Date and Time: October 26, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Gene C Reid Park, 900 S Randolph Way, Tucson
Cost: $55.99
What’s going on: The Water Lantern Festival is a serene and symbolic event where attendees can design and release floating lanterns into the water. Each lantern represents hope, love, and remembrance, making it a peaceful and reflective experience. The evening includes food trucks, live music, and the magical sight of hundreds of lanterns lighting up the water
13. Tucson Zombie Crawl
Date and Time: October 26, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Location: Starts at Playground Bar and Lounge, 278 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $20 to $42
What’s going on: Tucson’s largest bar crawl is back with the Zombie Crawl! Dress up in your best zombie attire and party across 10+ bars and nightclubs in downtown Tucson. The event includes drink specials, costume contests, and plenty of Halloween fun. This event is perfect for those looking to celebrate the spooky season in a lively, social atmosphere.
We regularly host fun events for our community at The Post—contact us today to learn more and get set up with a tour!