Marana’s award-winning Fall Festival returns to Heritage River Park for an evening of food and fun for all ages.
The free-to-attend event is on Saturday, October 12 from 2 – 9 p.m. at 12375 N. Heritage Park Dr.
This year, folks from all around can enjoy nine carnival rides, the popular Mutton Bustin’ Contest for kids ages four to six, our 26-foot inflatable pumpkin in the sunflower field, and a chance to stroll through our Spooky Garden Walk at the Marana Community Garden.
The festival will also showcase live country music from the band Southern Reins, alongside dance performances by Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona.
More than 20 food trucks and artisan/craft vendors will be on site along with a beer garden presented by the Marana Heritage Conservancy. Plus, for those who appreciate fine spirits, there will be whiskey sampling by Whiskey Del Bac.
There will also be a dog adoption area with Marana Animal Services and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. In the spirit of giving, they will have a food donation station supporting the Marana Food Bank.
Last but not least, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a special showing of Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” (2023) as part of our Movies in Marana series (once the sun sets).
Participating Food & Beverage Vendors
- Big Sexy Chicken Wangs
- Biggie Boy BBQ
- Black Jack Citrus Infusions
- Bugaloos Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Cactus Jack Lemonade
- Cowpig
- DC Jumbie
- Dos Mujeres: Tortelleria Arevalo & Copper Country Pasty Shop
- Essential Coffee Cart
- Fiesta Filipina
- Haus of Brats
- Heavy Kettle AZ
- Jake’s Donuts & Treat Trolley
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
- Just Churros
- Marana Heritage Conservancy
- Mona’s Frybread
- Ol’ Pothole
- Purple Devil Donuts
- Rae’s Burgers
- Rockin’ Pop Kettlecorn
- Special Eats
- Taco Queta
Additional Information
- Carnival Rides: $1 per ticket (cash only) (ATM is available at the Brad De Spain Stables near the front entrance)
- Beer Garden: $5 per beer (cash only)
- Family Tips: All-terrain strollers are recommended and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (there are uneven surfaces at the park)
- Dog Policy: Leashed dogs are welcome, but please ensure they are comfortable in large crowds
The Marana Fall Festival was recently recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Special Event (population 25,000-100,000) by the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association.
Parking Information
The main parking lot entrance is located at Lon Adams Drive and N. Tangerine Farms Road.
They’ll offer designated first-come, first-served handicap parking upon request. Additional parking is available at Gladden Farms Elementary School. Please be prepared for potential traffic delays on Tangerine Farms Road.
Marana’s Fall Festival is at 12375 N. Heritage Park Dr. (Heritage River Park). For more information, visit maranaaz.gov.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
