Don’t fill up on candy just yet. This year, Tucson has a line-up of Halloween treats that offer more substantial cuisine to indulge on.

Halloween has the great fortune of landing on a Friday this year, so getting tickets in advance and making reservations for your preferred spooky bash is in your best interest.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate downtown or in the foothills, seeking grown-up options or a place to bring the kids, start prepping your costumes. Many of these celebrations offer cash prizes to put toward dinner – or go all out on next year’s costume.

Night of Fright at Pima Air & Space

On Friday, October 24, Flight Grill at Pime Air & Space is turning into Fright Grill for Night of Fright. There will be halloween themed menu options and a variety of family-friendly Halloween activities like trick or treating, pony rides, Twix & Wrigley’s gum stick bi-plane craft, and mummy bowling. Plus, aircraft and exhibits in the Main Hangar are open for viewing under ghoulish lights. 

$10 for ages 13 & older; members and children ages 12 & under are free.

More information on the Pima Air & Space website.

12th Annual YMCA Trunk or Treat

Catch Food Truck Round Up at the YMCA’s 12th Annual Halloween event on Saturday, October 25 from 5:30 – 8 pm. The family-friendly activities include crafts, games, inflatables, face-painting, a decorated car contest, and a Halloween Movie for all ages at 6:30. Trunk or Treat is hosted by Pima Community College in the Northwest Campus’ lower parking lot at 7600 N Shannon Rd. 

Tickets at the event are $1.00, and pre-sale tickets (on sale now at the Northwest YMCA) are $0.50.

Contact the NW YMCA for more information at (520) 229-9001 or www.tucsonymca.org/nw.

Boo Bash Halloween Celebration at RA Sushi

The foothills sushi chain is going all out with special “boo bites” and “potions”. Read: sushi specials and festive cocktails. RA itself will be thoroughly decorated for the holiday, and those dressed in the best costumes will win prizes, such as RA Sushi gift certificates. The specials last all day, 11 am to close.

• Zombie Roll – spicy salmon, cucumber, cilantro and jalapeño rolled and topped with avocado and sriracha.
• The Black Widow Roll – crispy soft shell crab, kaiware sprouts, kani kama crab mix rolled in rice and soy paper, then topped with shredded daikon, spicy mayo and eel sauce.
• The Wicked Shrimp – crispy shrimp served on a bed of mixed greens, with a creamy ginger teriyaki dipping sauce.
• Witches Brew – Southern Comfort, Amaretto Disaronno, cold sake, liqueurs and tropical juices.
• Frozen Black Lagoon – mix of sparkling white wines, Bacardi Rum, yuzu, and peach and strawberry purées.
• Geisha’s Spell – cold lemonade, Skyy Raspberry vodka, Chambord, fresh lemon sour and a splash of soda.

RA is located at 2905 E. Skyline Dr. Suite 289 Tucson, AZ 85718. Visit them online at www.rasushi.com.

Kalina Russian Cuisine and Tea House

Enjoy a full menu of Russian specialties all night long, plus a full bar featuring a selection of Russian Vodka, Russian Sweet Wine, Armenian Brandy, Russian Beer, and the house specialty, Flavored-Infused Vodka. There will be music and dancing, plus a Halloween costume competition with prizes for the best costumes. The party starts at 9 p.m. and lasts into November. Well, until 2am.

There’s no cover, but reservations are required. Call 520-360-4040 to make yours.

For more information, visit Kalina online. 

Hotel Congress

What isn’t Hotel Congress doing for Halloween? They’ve got events lined up starting Saturday, October 25 all the way through the big day, October 31. But take note that all of these events start later in the evening, which leaves just enough time to try the new Fall menu at Cup Cafe first.

The Full Lineup for Halloweek at Hotel Congress:

• Nightmare on Congress St, October 25 at 9 pm – An annual downtown tradition, Nightmare on Congress St. boasts two stages and five different artists, including Tucson locals Sid The Kid, Bob Felix, and Mission Creeps. This one is worth the costume – the contest will be awarding $1,000 in cash prizes and more. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and the event is limited to 1,000. Find a sitter for the kids, this one is 21+.
• The Conjuring, October 30 at 7:30 and 9 pm – Enter “The Hidden Room of Congress” to see Kenneth Macabre and Medium, Miss Malanga “evoke and expel the spirits fervently haunting the hotel.” Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Shows are 45-minutes with a limit of 30 guests, so buying in advance is probably your best bet. In addition to the show, you’ll get a tour of the haunted history of The Hotel Congress.
• Halloween at Hotel Congress, October 31 at 8 pm – Once again, Congress will have two stages of entertainment with performances from Tucson’s Chicha Dust, accompanied by DJ’s Dirtyverbs, PC Party, and Rip Dee. Tickets are $5 in advance and at the door. Double book said babysitter (21+.)

More information on Halloweek (and tickets) can be found on Hotel Congress’ website.

Voodoo Halloween at The Parish

Though the menu is limited, Voodoo Halloween will bring holiday specials like Southern Gumbo with a jumble of ingredients like alligator and a lobster stock base. If you still have a sweet tooth after all the Halloween candy, prepare for Raspberry Tiramisu and “Voodoo Cookies“. No cover, the music starts at 9, and dancing is encouraged! Dinner reservations are encouraged.

Visit The Parish online here.

Halloween Night & Anniversary Party at Union Public House

If you’re looking for late night festivities, Union is celebrating their 3 Year Anniversary in the form of a Halloween party. Doors open at 9 pm for $3 beers, $3 wells, and $5 Red Bull Vodkas. Expect no cover and $100 costume contests.

Visit Union Public House online.