Photo courtesy Schnepf Farms.
Editor Mala Blomquist’s top picks for weekend fun around the Valley.
Get scared!
13th Floor Haunted House (Oct. 12-31). Times vary. $27.99 & up. Two haunted attraction walkthroughs for one all-inclusive price. An intense, graphic, theatrical show that will take you on a gut wrenching ride of visceral thrills and psychological horror. 13th Floor Haunted House, 2814 W. Bell Road. Phoenix. 13thflooraz.com
Beer & Brats at Oktoberfest
Four Peaks Oktoberfest (Fri-Sun Oct. 12-14). 5 pm-midnight Fri, 10 am-midnight Sat, 10 am-8 pm Sun. Free general admission. German Food and Shoppe, food vendors, non-stop polka, Dachshund racing, Kids Zone, carnival and more. Tempe Beach Park, Mill Ave & Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. fourpeaksoktoberfest.com.
Take a train ride
Ales on Rails (through Oct. 31). 1 pm departure. Prices vary. Enjoy craft beers as you ride the train through the changing fall foliage of the Verde Canyon. Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale. verdecanyonrr.com
Fun for the whole family
Pumpkin and Chili Party (Thur-Sun through Oct. 28). 10 am-9 pm Thur & Sun, 10 am-10 pm Fri-Sat. $20, under 2 free (discounted tickets available at Fry’s food stores). Hay rides, miniature golf, 10-acre maze, petting barn, inflatables, rides, climbing wall, live entertainment, extreme canine dog show and more. Schnepf Farms, 24610 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek. 480-987-3100 or schnepffarms.com
Opa!
Phoenix Greek Festival (Fri-Sun Oct. 12-14). 5-10 pm Fri, 11 am-10 pm Sat, 11 am-8 pm Sun. $3; children under 12 free. Greek music, food, drinks, dancing, art, jewelry and children’s activities. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E Maryland Ave. 602-264-2791 or phoenixgreekfestival.org.
Fun with the pups
Barktoberfest (Sat Oct. 13). 8:30 am-1:30 pm. Free. Friends for Life Animal Rescue hosts the 20th annual Barktoberfest, featuring shopping, fine arts and crafts, life entertainment, dog wash, agility course, dog adoptions, dog costume contests, raffles and more. Gilbert Town Center, 50 E Civic Center Dr., Gilbert. azfriends.org
Small town celebrations
Front Porch Festival & Old Towne Marketplace (Sat Oct .13). 10 am-4 pm. Free. Features activities, demonstrations, make & take crafts, treats and more. Historic downtown Glendale and Catlin Court. visitglendale.com
Surprise Fiesta Grande (Sat Oct. 13). 5-10 pm. Free. Mexican food, classic car show, music games and more. Villanueva Recreation Complex, Hollyhock St & Grande Ave., Surprise. surpriseaz.gov
Scottsdale Celebrate ’68 (Sat Oct. 13.). 5-8 pm. Free. A modern day take on the celebration held when City Hall opened in ’68. Live music, art, classic cars and fireworks. From Scottsdale City Hall to the Hotel Valley Ho, downtown Scottsdale. scottsdaleaz.gov
Rock show
HelzaRockin’ Gem & Mineral Show (Fri-Sun Oct. 12-14). 9 am-5 pm Fri-Sat, 9 am-2 pm Sun. $3, under 12 free. Rocks, gems, jewelry, minerals, beads, gold panning, scavenger hunt and more. Buckeye Arena, 802 N First St., Buckeye. westvalleyrockandmineralclub.com
Fun food on a stick time
Arizona State Fair (Wed-Sun Oct. 5-28). Gates open at noon Wed-Fri, 11 am Sat-Sun. Prices vary; check website for discounts. Family entertainment, Monster Trucks, animals, food, characters, concerts, rides, exhibits, rodeo and more. Gates open at noon. Prices vary; check website for discounts. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W McDowell Rd. 602-252-6771 or azstatefair.com.
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