Best staff photos of 2019, ӰAV

Matthew Botello, 6, raises his pumpkin above his head as he announces he has found a winner while visiting the Marana Pumpkin Patch with his family on Oct. 24, 2019.

As we (hopefully) say goodbye to triple-digit temperatures this weekend, how will you celebrate?

On the calendar: tons of Halloween festivities, a big fall bash in Marana, a three-day film festival, a Chappell Roan dance party, two plant sales and the return of the Mercado Flea.

Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

A walker gets surprised by a "ghoul" lying in wait in the Shady Acres Asylum haunt at Terror In the Corn, Marana, Ariz., October 14, 2021.

Terror in the Corn

This haunted attraction is back for yet another year of scares. Among the scary activities, expect a corn maze, a zombie shootout, an escape room, a vampire magic show and a circus featuring "3D horrors, terrifying live actors, heart-stopping animatronics and blood-curdling effects."

When: Friday-Sundays throughOct. 31, plus select Thursdays

Where:

Cost:$30 and up

Visit thefor more information.

The Slaughterhouse

Tucson's haunted house The Slaughterhouse is open for another year of scares with ghouls, butchers, chainsaws and clowns, also featuring a zombie shooting experience, mini escape rooms and axe throwing.

When:Thursdays-Sundays through Nov. 2

Where:The Slaughterhouse,

Cost:$29 and up

Visit thefor more information.


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Nightfall

Nightfall has made its return to Old Tucson with 10 scare zones— one more than last year — and four haunt mazes. Stunt shows, magic shows and comedic dissections are also on the agenda.

When:Thursdays-Sundays through Oct. 27

Where:Old Tucson,

Cost:$29 and up

Visit thefor more information.

Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival

Pick your perfect pumpkin, explore the corn maze and enjoy a number of kid-friendly activities such as carnival rides and a jumping pillow.

When:Thursdays-Sundays through Oct. 27

Where:Marana Pumpkin Patch,

Cost:$20 and up. It's recommended to buy tickets in advance.

Visit thefor more information.


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Screamin' Green Hauntoween is back at Crayola Experience now through Oct. 31 for spooky family fun!

Take a mini road trip to Chandler to enjoy 15+ hands-on attractions and dress up for: a themed scavenger hunt, creating monster-ific crafts, plus trick-or-treating on weekends!!


Film Fest Tucson

Film Fest Tucson, self-described as a destination film festival, focuses on short and feature-length narrative and documentary films.

When:Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 10-12

Where:Several locations including AC Hotel, Fox Theatre, Scottish Rite and Main Gate Square

Cost:$12 per screening; $35 for a festival pass, which includes all screenings at AC Hotel and the Scottish Rite

Visit thefor more information.

Robbie's Chappell Roan Dance Party

It's a Femininomenon! DJ Robbie is throwing a dance party featuring hits by Chappell Roan.

When:9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10

Where:Club Congress,

Cost:$12 in advance, $15 day of. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

Di Luna Candle Making Class with Whiskey Del Bac

Local artist Di Luna is collaborating with Whiskey Del Bac for a candle-making workshop this Thursday. You'll get to create a custom candle while sipping on a whiskey cocktail. A tour of the Whiskey Del Bac facility is also included!

When:6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10

Where:Whiskey Del Bac,

Cost:$75

Visit thefor more information.

Tucson Comedy Arts Festival

Enjoy 10 days of comedy with Tucson Improv Movement's Tucson Comedy Arts Festival. Expect performances and workshops, including acts from allover Arizona, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City and Alaska.

When:Oct. 10-19

Where:Tucson Improv Movement,

Cost:$5-$9 per show or $40 for a festival pass. Workshops are $45.

Visit thefor more information.

Workshop: Loteria Altar

Head to Yōlia Botánica to decorate a wooden box with a loteria card to turn into a mini ofrenda. You can bring a photo to help decorate the ofrenda, andYōlia Botánica will provide paint, glitter, crystal chips and other supplies. You'll also hear about the importance and history behind Dia de los Muertos.

When:6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10

Where:Yōlia Botánica,

Cost:$30

Visit thefor more information.

Craft Night with The Stitching Hour

Bring a craft to work on and mingle with other makers during this casual art night at Celestia Collective.

When:6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10

Where:Celestia Collective,

Cost:Free to attend, bring a craft to work on

Visit thefor more information.

Co-owner Simon Carson, left, helps Lorri Boffo hang pieces of art from the ceiling at Gather Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.

Gather A Vintage Market

Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this four-day market.

When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 10-12; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Gather A Vintage Market,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson

Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.

When:5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where:Children's Museum Tucson,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friends of the Pima County Library is hosting a book sale packed with haunted reads right in time for spooky season.

When:9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday-Monday, Oct. 11-14

Where:Friends of the Pima County Public Library,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for books

Visit thefor more information.

Not Too Frightful Fridays

Trail Dust Town is playing it safe this Halloween — no scares or haunts, just fun! On three Fridays this month, you can go trick-or-treating near the amusement rides, watch a Halloween-themed stunt show and enjoy fall-themed drinks and snacks.

When:5-8 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 11-25

Where:Train Dust Town,

Cost:$8 wristbands for unlimited rides

Visit thefor more information.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Park Place Mall and SAACA. Watch Tucson muralist Jessica Gonzales paint a new mural, enjoy folklorico performances and experience hands-on art projects.

When:6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11

Where:Park Place Mall,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Bushido Studio and Sigfus Designs Backyard Bash

About a dozen vendors will be part of this backyard bash with their handcrafted jewelry, skin-care products, clothing and more. Live music, flash tattoos, face painting, games and crafts are part of the fun.

When:5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11

Where:Sigfus and Bushido Studio,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Tucson Ghost Tour

Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town.

When:7 p.m. select dates in October and November

Where:Downtown Tucson, detailed directions will be emailed upon ticket purchase

Cost:$25

Visit thefor more information.

Mike Juan begins to bless the new wall during the unveiling at Mission Garden, 946 West Mission Lane, Tucson, Ariz., April 13, 2024.

Tasting History: Corn

Learn all about corn! Head to Mission Garden for this interactive program that includes recipes and tastings.

When:9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 11-12

Where:Mission Garden,

Cost:Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit thefor more information.

Gourmet Dinner at Cafe 54

Cafe 54 is turning 20! As part of their anniversary celebration, the restaurant is hosting a series of gourmet dinners. At Friday's four-course dinner, expect your choice of three entrees: capellini crab pesto, braised short ribs or potato-stuffed peppers.

When:6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11

Where:Cafe 54,

Cost:$50

Visit thefor more information.

Fall Happy Hour with The Moonstone

Over the summer, we curated a happy hour menu at The Moonstone, Tucson's highest rooftop bar. Now we're doing it again for fall, this time with new specials on food and cocktails. Lala Links will be doing permanent jewelry at this Friday's happy hour!

When:5-7 p.m. Oct. 11 and Oct. 24; also Nov. 8 and Nov. 22

Where:The Moonstone inside Graduate Tucson,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Local Love Presents

Enjoy a lineup of local music at 191 Toole during the venue's Local Love series.

When:7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11

Where:191 Toole,

Cost:$5-$8

Visit thefor more information.

Pop Nights

DJ Bex is spinning all the pop hits of your dreams, from Britney Spears and Madonna to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish.

When:Midnight to 2 a.m. Fridays

Where:Hotel Congress,

Cost:Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit thefor more information.

Club Country

Put on your cowboy boots and dance the night away as DJ Du spins country hits.

When:10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, Oct. 11-18

Where:Club Congress,

Cost:Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit thefor more information.

Signs guide guests through the paths at Valley of the Moon.

The Witching Hour with Valley of the Moon

It's time for Valley of the Moon's fall show! Watch the mystical performance that includes a wizard, a warlock, a demonic companion and a demon hunter.

When:Fridays-Sundays through Oct. 27; performances start at 6 p.m. and run every 20 minutes through 8 p.m.

Where:Valley of the Moon,

Cost:$10 for adults, $5 for youth, free for kids ages 7 and under

Visit thefor more information.

Art Events with Caroline Martin

Caroline Martin recently started an art cart, visiting different cafes and bringing along supplies for three different self-guided crafts. Come Friday, she'll also host a workshop where you can turn a vinyl into a pumpkin.

When:6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 for workshop; noon to 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 12-13 for art cart

Where:Various locations.

Cost:Workshop is $35; crafts at the art cart range from $5-$15

Visit theorfor more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.

When:6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 11-12

Where:Dante's Fire,

Cost:$49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit thefor more information.

Fall Pumpkin Celebration at Apple Annie's

Take a road trip to Apple Annie's in Willcox for a hayride to the pumpkin patch. Walk through a sunflower field, make your way through the 12½-acre corn maze and pick some veggies to take home.

When:The corn maze is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Oct. 31. You can pick pumpkins 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily — but the hayrides to the patch are only open weekends.

Where:, Willcox

Cost:Corn maze is $10 for ages 12 and up, $8 for ages 3-11. Hayrides are $5 for ages 3 and up. Pumpkins range in price.

Visit thefor more information.

Marana Fall Festival

Celebrate fall in Marana! The annual festival is home to carnival rides, mutton busting, live music and performances, a beer garden and food trucks, artisan vendors, crafts, dog adoptions, a donation drive and a screening of 2023's "Haunted Mansion."

When:2-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Heritage River Park,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Plant and Play Family Day + Veggie Start Sale

Tucson Village Farm is hosting this family-friendly educational gardening event featuring interactive activities and live food demonstrations. Attendees will learn about soil health, composting, bugs and more. While you're there, take home veggies to plant in your fall garden.

When:8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Tucson Village Farm,

Cost:$10 for Plant and Play Family Day, $5 for kids; entry to the veggie sale is free

Visit thefor more information.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Art Show

This one-night art show is a fundraiser for Indivisible Tohono, a grassroots group that educates the community on issues impacting the Tohono O'odham Nation.

When:6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Coalition Space,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Desert Haze Market

Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress.

When:11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Hotel Congress,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Shoppers browse Coy Creative's booth.Owner Megan Coy will be one of the vendors at the Witches' Bazaar.

Witches' Bazaar

Inked Goddess Creations is hosting a market featuring about 20 mystical vendors carrying everything from crystals and jewelry to oddities, candles and bath products. You'll also find aura photography, tarot readings and food trucks.

When:Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Inked Goddess Creations Office,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit thefor more information.

2024 Dusk Battle of the Bands

Dusk Music Festival isn't for another month, but festival organizers are putting together a Battle of the Bands competition at Hotel Congress.

When:6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Hotel Congress,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Cultivating Culture at Mission Garden

Appropriately dubbed "flooding the land with stories and poems," this free event at Mission Garden is all about food sharing, poems, storytelling and an open mic.

When:5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Mission Garden,

Cost:Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit thefor more information.

Louis Carlos Bernal Community Celebration

The Center for Creative Photography is hosting a celebration in honor of its latest exhibit, "Louis Carlos Bernal: Retrospectiva." Enjoy food, music and art-making activities.

When:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Center for Creative Photography,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

First Annual Nonprofit Fair

Hermitage Cat Shelter is hosting a fair where attendees will have the chance to get to know more than 20 local nonprofits that work in areas that range from the arts to animal welfare.

When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Laser Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau is hosting several different music-themed laser shows this October. This weekend, expect shows paired with the music of Elton John, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

When: Saturday, Oct. 12; 6:30 p.m. for Elton John, 8 p.m. for Led Zeppelin, 9:30 p.m. for Pink Floyd

Where:Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,

Cost:$20.95, admission to science exhibits is included

Visit thefor more information.

Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch

The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, demonstrations led byArchaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.

When:9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Steam Pump Ranch,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson

Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission!

When:5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Children's Museum Tucson,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Froggy Social: A Make and Take Event

Local artist Darby Hunter makes adorable painted frog trinkets. Now's your chance to make one, too!

When:Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, drop in anytime

Where:Heathen Haus,

Cost:$15-$20

Visit thefor more information.

Mini Double Plant Hanger Workshop

Make a double plant hanger with the help of local artist Melrose Macrame.

When:Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Crooked Tooth Brewing,

Cost:$45

Visit thefor more information.

Wine Tasting: Orange Wines

Enjoy a tasting at Maynards featuring five orange wines.

When:2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Maynards,

Cost:$20. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

Find the historic Fox Tucson Theatre at 17 W. Congress St.

The Life and Music of George Michael

This concert-style show at The Fox honors George Michael. Learn his story and sing along to your favorite hits from his four-decade career.

When:7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Fox Tucson Theatre,

Cost:$20 and up

Visit thefor more information.

Tucson Repair Cafe

Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.

When:4-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Xerocraft Makerspace,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Beer + Bikes

This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a ride back to Button Brew House.

When:11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Button Brew House,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for brews

Visit thefor more information.

Patagonia Fall Festival

If you've been wanting to take a trip to Patagonia, now's a good time to go. This festival is set to feature more than 100 artists, plus food and live music.

When:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Patagonia Town Park,, Patagonia

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Goat yoga

Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats during these classes!

When:9-10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 12-13

Where:Udall Park,, on Saturday; and Silverbell Park,, on Sunday

Cost:$25

Visit thefor more information.

RAPunzel: A Hip Hop Musical

Watch the classic tale of Rapunzel told as a hip-hop musical, courtesy Live Theatre Workshop's Children's Theatre.

When:5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12; 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Live Theatre Workshop,

Cost:$17-$20

Visit thefor more information.

Sabino Canyon Night Tours

Take a ride through Sabino Canyon after dark! The tour features a narrative program in English and Spanish with details about Sabino Canyon's history, fauna and flora.

When:6 p.m. Saturdays in October

Where:Sabino Canyon Recreation Area,

Cost:$15 per adult, $8 per child ages 3 to 12

Visit thefor more information.

Lady Bits: Women's Standup Show

The Screening Room is hosting a women's standup comedy show, hosted by Jen Blanco.

When:8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:The Screening Room,

Cost:$12

Visit thefor more information.

Growing Fresh Herbs Workshop

Learn the basics behind growing fresh herbs, courtesy Harlow Gardens.

When:2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:Harlow Gardens,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Oktoberfest in Mount Lemmon

Head up to Mount Lemmon to celebrate Oktoberfest alongside food, beer and music.

When:Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 12-13

Where:Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley,

Cost:Free to attend, parking is $5

Visit thefor more information.

BICAS Crafternoons

Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.

When:1-4 p.m. Saturdays

Where:BICAS,

Cost:Free to attend, donation suggested

Visit thefor more information.

Music on the Mountain

For years, Mount Lemmon was home to a weekly concert series. The series went on hiatus in 2013, but made its highly anticipated comeback over the summer.

When:5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12; noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19; noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where:Mount Lemmon Lodge,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Find the metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn at 101 S. Pantano Road.

Events with Libra & Thorn

Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting three events this weekend: a sound bath ceremony, an intro to tarot and an afternoon of ghost stories.

When:6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 for sound bath; 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 for tarot; 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 for ghost stories

Where:Libra & Thorn,

Cost:$20-$35

Visit thefor more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Where:Foothills Mall,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Plant Sale

The Desert Museum's upcoming plant sale will have around 300 types of plants. The museum will be highlighting five categories of plants— butterfly gardening, hummingbird gardening, tortoise forage, desert aromatics and heritage foods—to help make your garden even more beautiful.

When:7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. Member-only day is Oct. 12!

Where:Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for plants

Visit thefor more information.

Mercado Flea

Check out more than 50 vendors selling antique and vintage items at the Mercado Flea.

When:8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May

Where:Mercado District,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Live-to-Film Concerts

Courtesy Arizona Arts Live, watch "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" as the score is performed live.

When:6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Centennial Hall,

Cost:$27 and up

Visit thefor more information.

Second SundAZe at TMA

Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making, family yoga, an art talk and sweets from Bella's Gelato.

When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Tucson Museum of Art,

Cost:Pay what you wish

Visit thefor more information.

“Speed-Facing” Queer Drawing Mixer

Local artist Linus Schief is hosting a queer speed dating event with a twist. You'll have five minutes to face each person in the group and draw their portrait without looking down at the paper.

When:5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Slow Body Beer,

Cost:$20

Visit thefor more information.

A “Pain Killer” at Kon Tiki contains Zaya Caribbean rum, Nephew overproof rum, a coconut milk base, and a dash of elderflower.

Hula Haunt

Kon Tiki is celebrating Halloween with creepy cocktails, a DJ, tattoos, vendors and live music.

When:6-11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Kon Tiki,

Cost:$5. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

Ride with FUGA

Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichadvocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.

When:8-10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Ward 1,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Zin, Blues & BBQ

Hacienda del Sol is hosting an evening of barbecue, live blues music and more than 24 varieties of Zinfandel wine.

When:5-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Hacienda del Sol,

Cost:$90. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo!

When:6-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:El Jefe Cat Cafe,

Cost:$14, reservations required

Visit thefor more information.

Cat Yoga at Hunter's Kitten Lounge

Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting an hour of cat yoga.

When:5-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:Hunter's Kitten Lounge,

Cost:$20, this event is for ages 10 and up.

Visit thefor more information.


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Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨