The best places to take out or treat in metro Phoenix

As Halloween approaches, the excitement builds and many are busy looking for the best candy deals and creative costume ideas. If you’re still deciding what to do on Halloween or just looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit, there are plenty of spooky events around metro Phoenix. From haunted parks to community gatherings and even haunted bars, there’s no shortage of options to enjoy the spooky season with friends and family.

For more fall events around metro Phoenix, check out our events listing.

From spooky trick-or-treating and family parties to festive dog parties, here are some of the best trick-or-treating events around metro Phoenix.

Creepy Candy Crawl at Desert Ridge

Join the Boo Crew for the Creepy Candy Crawl at The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. This event invites families to go trick-or-treating at various vendor locations. Expect exciting costume contests, live entertainment and lots of games.

details: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. free of charge shopdesertridge.com.

Halloween Spook-Track-Ula 2024 in Scottsdale

The Paradise & Pacific Railroad is being transformed into a delightful enchanted park. Running from October 11-31, this family-friendly event features a slightly spooky train ride designed for kids of all ages. Other fun activities include carousel rides, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf and a chance to explore the railroad building.

Details: 18 – 21:30, 11 – 31 October. Paradise & Pacific Railroad, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. $15 per person; free for children under two. therailroadpark.com.

Trunk or Treat Paradise Valley Community Center

This free Trunk or Treat Halloween event allows the public to go trick-or-treating with creatively decorated car trunks, participate in games and enjoy Halloween treats.

Details: 18:00-20:30, Saturday 19 October. Paradise Valley Community Center, 17402 N. 40th St., Phoenix. free of charge phoenix.gov.

Ghosts and treats at Westgate

Ghosts & Goodies invites kids to enjoy a day filled with costume contests, bags full of goodies from participating Westgate restaurants, and fun games and entertainment. Adults can also get in on the action with discount cards from local businesses.

Details: From 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, October 20. Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. free of charge westgateaz.com.

Spooky Safari at the Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo offers a spooky safari with trick-or-treat stations, free face painting and a costume parade every hour, plus opportunities to meet characters like Mermaid Melodoria Odine and the Arizona Ghost Busters. Tickets are limited.

details: from 17:30 to 20:30, from Wednesday to Friday, 23, 24 and 25 October. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $18; children 2 and under are free. phoenixzoo.org.

Great Halloween Party in Glendale

This circus-themed event is perfect for families, with exciting games, captivating entertainment and fun photo opportunities. Dress up in your best costume for the contest and enjoy freebies all night long.

details: from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 25. 6800 N. 95th Avenue, Glendale. free of charge tangier.com.

The annual Downtown Mesa Haunting on Main St.

The annual Mesa Haunting center on Main St. come back for another year. All little ghosts and goblins are invited to trick-or-treat at participating businesses along Main Street, where you’ll find merchants handing out individually wrapped treats. Enjoy activities, food, music for the kids, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite Halloween showcase while you’re there.

details: 11:00-14:00 Saturday, October 26. Downtown Mesa, Main Street, 20 E. Main St., #750, Mesa. free of charge downtownmesa.com.

Spectacular Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Talking Stick

Why go door to door when you can go from hot air balloon to hot air balloon? This family-friendly event offers trick-or-treating with more than 20 bright hot air balloons that act as candy stations, providing more than 4,000 pounds of candy. The children’s area will have more than 30 inflatables; Shop for art, crafts and other goodies from local vendors and watch fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights.

details: from 5 to 9 p.m. from Friday to Sunday, from October 25 to 27. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. $22. azspooktacular.com.

Halloween Monster Bash at the Peoria Sports Complex

Get ready for some monster mash at Peoria’s Annual Halloween Monster Bash at the Peoria Sports Complex. This free, family-friendly event promises a night full of live entertainment, engaging activities and an exciting costume contest. Wear your best costumes and take part in the March of Monsters, where judges will award trophies to the scariest, funniest, cutest and most original costumes of different age groups.

details: 5-9 pm Saturday, October 26. Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. free of charge peoriaaz.gov.

Free family fun Halloween party at Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale

Dress up to win a prize. This event features a costume contest with a chance to win $1,000 in cash, along with lots of trick-or-treating. Enjoy bounce houses, slides, face painting, live entertainment and family performances.

details: 10:00-14:00, Saturday October 26. Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard, 9500 East Ventura Road, Scottsdale. free of charge azboardwalk.com.

21st Annual Boo Fest at Paseo Highlands Park

The annual Boo Fest returns to Paseo Highlands Park. This family-friendly event promises a night of spooky fun with activities for all ages, including games, entertainment and seasonal festivities.

Details: From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 26. Paseo Highlands Park, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix. free of charge phoenix.gov.

Barks and Treats at Alamar Park in Avondale

Forget the kids and bring your furry friends for a howling dog party. This fun-filled event features food trucks, puppy photo opportunities, dog crafts, dog yoga, pet exhibitors and exciting costume contests.

details: 8:30-10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 26. Alamar Park, 4155 S. El Mirage Road, Avondale. free of charge avondaleaz.gov.

Creepin’ Candy Crawl at Alamar Park in Avondale

Start your night of trick-or-treating at the Creepin’ Candy Crawl. This event features exhibitors and city departments that travel around the park to distribute candy and treats to all young participants. With family activities, crafts and entertainment.

details: 4-7 pm, Thursday, October 31. Alamar Park, 4155 S. El Mirage Road, Avondale. free of charge avondaleaz.gov.

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