Oh, it’s that time of year when many of the cowboys on-site at Old Tucson add cobwebs to their spurs, lather on spooky makeup, and give guests the heebie-jeebies.
From Friday, September 27 to Sunday, October 27, Nightfall: Reign of Terror will be in full-on scream-a-rama mode at 201 Kinney Rd. This year’s focal point is Mary Hyde — the Demon Queen of Nightfall — and she’s back from the dead, ready to cause a scene at Old Tucson (she doesn’t seem very happy about it).
“Now possessing the power to summon demons from the underworld, Queen Mary is building a terrifying army. Will Mary be able to keep her grip over Nightfall? Or will the all-but-dead Resistance rise up for one last battle?”
Nightfall begins Friday, September 27 and the final day is Sunday, October 27. After the opening day, the attraction will be open from 6 – 11:30 p.m. every Thursday – Sunday.
This Halloween season, Nightfall will be more than 20 acres of terrifying haunts, mazes, stunt shows, musical performances, magic shows, “comedic dissections,” and family-friendly attractions.
With all of these ghoulish activities, you’re bound to get thirsty and hungry out there in the dusty wild west town. Luckily, Old Tucson has a few Halloween-themed cocktails in areas like the Grand Palace Saloon and Rosa’s Cantina.
This year, the spooky cast of Nightfall has partnered with Crooked Tooth Brewing Company for a limited-time brew: The Darkest Light lager. It’s the Demon Queen’s drink of choice and will be available at select bars at Old Tucson.
There’s also going to be plenty to eat at Old Tucson like burgers, barbecue bites, and sweet treats.
Speaking of sweets, Old Tucson has teamed up with Eegee’s to debut Scary Berry during Nightfall’s opening night (Friday, Saturday 27). Keep scrolling to see the entire lineup!
Devilish Food & Sinful Sweets
Big Jake’s BBQ
- Entrees: BBQ Brisket Sandwich, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Jumbo Chicken Quarters, and a Heritage Salad
- Sides: French fries, coleslaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese
High Noon Pizzeria
- Entrees: Hand-tossed New York-Style Pizza Slices, Wings, and Salads
Hydeout Grill
- Entrees: Smoked Turkey Legs, Old Tucson Cowboy Dog, Burgers, and Elote
The Nacho Nook
- Entrees: Taco Plate or Nachos
- Sides: Rice and Beans
The Creamery
- Ice Cream, Churros, and Popcorn
Phoebe’s Sweets
- Candy, Fudge, Caramel Apples, Kettle Corn, Cotton Candy, and more
Spirits, Beer & More
The Elixir
- “Dare to try one of our shimmering boozy potions or our Nightfall Blood Bag Cocktail?!” They also have beer and seltzers.
Rosa’s Cantina
- Margaritas, specialty cocktails, mezcal, tequila, select wine, beer, and seltzers.
Grand Palace Saloon
- Margaritas, specialty cocktails, whiskey, bourbon, select wine, beer, and seltzers.
Demon Queen Pub by Barrio Brewing
- Variety of craft beer from Barrio Brewing
The Devil’s Den at Silverlake
- Select beer and seltzers.
Brews at The Bloodletting
- After making your way through “The Bloodletting” haunted attraction, take the edge off with a variety of soft drinks, beers, and seltzers.
Nightfall: Reign of Terror Map
Old Tucson is located at 201 Kinney Rd. For more information and to buy tickets to Nightfall, visit oldtucson.com.
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.
