Halloween In Phoenix: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in Phoenix that are sure to be a scream.
— Wendy Gould

The Great Pumpkin Festival

Just because October in Phoenix is warmer than it is throughout most of the country doesn't mean valley residents can't have a proper Halloween. Visitors eager to celebrate the holiday in Phoenix can head to the Great Pumpkin Festival, which takes place at the city's Desert Botanical Garden in late October. Children ages 12 and younger get to choose a free pumpkin to decorate. Admission includes a hayride, crafts, the Amazing Hay Bale Maze, a petting zoo and live country-western music.

1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | Get Directions

Malloween

Trick-or-treating at retail stores opens up a whole new world of sweet possibilities. Phoenix's Malloween is a free trick-or-treating extravaganza hosted by Radio Disney at the Desert Ridge Marketplace shopping center in the northern valley. Kids get to traipse around the large outdoor shopping center -- complete with colorful water fountains -- and ask for candy at each store. Malloween also features festive music and prizes.

21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054 | Get Directions

Ghosts And Goblins 5K Run/Walk

Halloween often comes with an exorbitant amount of calories in candy form. Thanks to the annual Ghosts and Goblins 5K Run/Walk, Phoenix residents now have the opportunity to burn some of those candy calories off while celebrating the holiday. Race options include a 5K run, 5K walk, one-mile "Fun Run/Walk" and a free kids' monster dash for children 8 and younger. Costumes are encouraged, and all participants must sign up in advance.

5630 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 | Get Directions

The Great Pumpkin Festival occurs annually at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.

Did we miss a Halloween event in Phoenix? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in Arizona, New Mexico and California.