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Things To Do: Spooky Events, Food Festivals & More (October 2024)

(Photo by Thiago Miranda)

Things To Do: Spooky Events, Food Festivals & More (October 2024)

Sep 30, 20246 min read

There’s a heck of a lot of new things to do!

Here are some of this month’s highlights. You can always check out our Events section on the website to see what’s going on any day of the week.

Themed Events:

Nightfall at Old Tucson

Now – Sunday, October 27
201 Kinney Rd.
Nightfall: Resurrected (Photo courtesy of Old Tucson)

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).

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.

Learn more.

HAUNTED DRIVE-THRU AT EEGEE’S

Wednesday, October 2
2510 E. Speedway Blvd.

“We’re kicking off October with the wicked return of our Haunted Drive-Thru on October 2 from 7 – 9 p.m. at our Speedway and Tucson location. We’ve partnered with Nightfall from Old Tucson Studios to make this Haunted Drive Thru the spookiest one yet! For every brave car that dares to enter, they will get a free kids eegee with their purchase. One per car.”

Learn more.

COOKING AROUND THE WORLD: GERMANY – OKTOBERFEST!

Thursday, October 3
5655 E River Rd.
Photo Courtesy of Antsy Nancy

“Are you desperate to wear a dirndl? Do you love to see a man in Lederhosen? Antsy Nancy will be decorated in true Oktoberfest style and students will enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal while learning all the behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to throw a super fun and memorable event that will have guests shouting “Prost” to their host”

Cooking Class Menu:

  • Appetizer: homemade pretzels with pub cheese, (hands-on student cooking)
  • Entrée: Pork Schnitzel with Brown Butter Spaetzle, (hands-on student cooking)
  • Dessert: Apple Strudel (chef demonstration)

Students 21+ years old are welcome to bring wine, champagne, beer, etc. to enjoy during class. Please see the BYOB policy for more details.

Learn more.

ANNUAL BUTTON BREW HOUSE OKTOBERFEST 2024

Saturday, October 5
6800 N. Camino Martin #160

The annual Oktoberfest event is one of the brewery’s biggest events of the year! Tickets are available now but limited (purchase yours ASAP). Haus of Brats food truck will be on-site as well as Justin from Art & Sol Tattoo: Beer-Themed Tattoos for $50. Also, they’re hosting a German Costume Contest (awards for Best Male and Best Female) as well as a Stein Holding Contest!

Tickets:

Additional Festival Pour Tickets: $6 each

VIP (noon – 5 p.m.) – ONLY 25 Tickets Available. $49 for the following: Access One Hour Early. Collectible Button Brew House Oktoberfest Glass. Five nine-ounce beer pours. Pretzel Necklace. Three months of Foodie Club membership.

General Admission (1 – 5 p.m.): $29 ($39 at the door) for a Collectible Button Brew House Oktoberfest Glass with Three nine-ounce beer pours.

Learn more.

TUCSON MEET YOURSELF 2024

Sunday, October 6
115 N. Church Ave.

Join Tucson Meet Yourself for a free, three-day folklife festival that celebrates all the communities that make Tucson!

Tucson Meet Yourself Hours:

  • Friday, October 4: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 5: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 6 11a.m – 6 p.m

Learn more.

DINNER IN THE VINEYARD

Saturday, October 12
3450 Highway 82

“Join us for an unforgettable evening at our picturesque vineyard, where the rolling hills and lush vines set the perfect backdrop for a culinary experience like no other. Indulge in a meticulously crafted menu by the renowned Chef Allison Embacher, known for her innovative approach to farm-to-table dining.”

Menu Highlights:

  • Chorizo grilled oysters with Rougir
  • Halibut served cilbur style with Metamorphosi
  • Birria de res consommé sin taco
  • With Vintage Red
  • Pimenton spiced pork loin with Graeme
  • Corn “pastel imposible”, local honey with Un Boccone

“Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for an incredible evening out, this dinner promises to be a feast for the senses. Don’t miss the chance to meet Chef Allison Embacher and learn about her culinary inspirations while enjoying the beauty of our vineyard.”

 Learn more.

PATAGONIA FALL FESTIVAL

Sunday, October 13
 325 McKeown Ave. (Patagonia)

Imagine a vibrant celebration nestled in the heart of Southeast Arizona, where the mountains rise majestically, and the air is crisp and inviting.

Over 35 years ago, in 1988, the Town of Patagonia held its first fall festival — a visionary gathering designed to spotlight extraordinary talent and creativity amidst the stunning natural beauty of this charming community. Since then, this event has grown into a beloved tradition, drawing over 15,000 visitors each year to experience the magic of Patagonia’s tree-shaded park, a picturesque oasis in the town’s center.

Throughout the weekend, the air will be filled with the sounds of live music, offering a dynamic mix of styles that will resonate with every ear. From soulful melodies to foot-tapping rhythms, the entertainment promises to captivate and delight.

And for the food lovers, a culinary adventure awaits. Savor the flavors of Patagonia’s finest eateries, such as the iconic Velvet Elvis, the cozy Gathering Grounds, and the rustic charm of the Wagon Wheel Saloon. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet treat or a comforting classic, our food and beverage vendors will satisfy every craving.

Learn more.

HULA HAUNT

Sunday, October 13
4625 E Broadway Blvd.

“Get your costumes ready, it’s going to get spooky! Hula Haunt is Friday the 13th! …and you’ll definitely want to get your claws on our limited edition zombie glass!”

Learn more.

WILCOX WINE FESTIVAL

Sunday, October 20
2020 Contractors Rd. #3

Tours are all-inclusive, there’s roundtrip transportation and professional guides, and you’ll get 15 tastings and a souvenir-tasting glass. Snacks and bottled water are available on the bus throughout the day.

Learn more.

HOWL AT THE MUSEUM 2024

Friday, October 25
140 N Main Ave

Howl at the Museum is a lively and engaging event that includes music, an immersive art installation, performances, drinks, light bites, and revelries, along with Whiskey Del Bac’s Showdown, a cocktail competition premiering creations by Tucson’s best bartenders. All proceeds benefit TMA’s extensive arts programming. Howl at the Museum is a 21+ only event. All attendees are required to have valid ID on their person.

Learn more.

ORO VALLEY FALL FOODIE & ARTS FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 26
12155 N. Oracle Rd.

The festival features up to 125 talented artists, offering a diverse array of handcrafted goods. Enjoy strolling musicians who will add a melodic ambiance to your experience. Indulge in an unrivaled foodie experience presented by Tucson Foodie with up to 20 food vendors and purveyors, and sip on local brews in our lively beer garden. Witness live art demonstrations that showcase the creative process, and let the kids explore their creativity with pumpkin painting and other fall-centric crafts. Don’t miss the family photo opportunities with a stunning 20-foot pumpkin centerpiece, trick-or-treating, and costume contests that promise fun for all ages.

Learn more.

Discover more things to do in Tucson.

Article written by:

Pilar Andrade

Pilar Andrade

More about Pilar
Tucson Foodie is Tucson's premier food and dining publication, covering the best restaurants, events, and culinary experiences in Southern Arizona.

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Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰

The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise.

📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰 The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise. 📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.
The grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉

@istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. 

The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. 

“The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar

Daily hours: 11am - 9pm

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comThe grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉 @istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. “The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar Daily hours: 11am - 9pm Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Phoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! 

Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up.

Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. 

Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comPhoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up. Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com