Even with the desert heat still lingering, Tucson is gearing up for a festive and spooky October, packed with haunted houses, cornfields, spooky markets and plenty of family-friendly fall events.

Many of Tucson’s favorite haunted houses are back this year, while The Slaughterhouse (1102 W. Grant Road) prepares for its final scare after more than 20 years.

With the property having been sold and renovations already underway, this year’s experience will look a little different than previous years, according to Slaughterhouse’s website.

“This year's haunt is shorter than usual — we hadn't planned to open in 2025 and had already begun to tear down,” the website said.

Hours vary by date, with The Slaughterhouse running Thursdays through Sundays until Nov. 1.

Nightfall at Old Tucson (201 Kinney Road) is back for its 33rd year and bringing five new haunted attractions to the mix. With six live shows, immersive experiences, live actors, themed food and drinks, and more, Nightfall is designed to scare. It runs through Nov. 1.

Terror in the Corn (13591 W. Avra Valley Road) is also back this year in Marana, celebrating 25 years of terror. Guests can experience an outdoor corn maze that takes them through various themes and scares, with the website claiming that this is their scariest year yet.

For those who prefer their holiday a little less scary, there are plenty of meetups and events to celebrate the season.

Apple Annie’s Orchard (2081 W. Hardy Road) in Willcox is a longtime favorite for apple picking, but it also has a pumpkin patch and 12.5-acre corn maze suitable for guests of all ages. The pumpkin patch and corn maze are located at 6405 W. Williams Road, and the maze is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A closer option is the Marana Pumpkin Patch (14950 N. Trico Road), which offers train and carnival rides, fall-themed foods and pumpkin picking.

For those looking to celebrate with the community or add some spooky to their lives, there are themed markets and events throughout the month.

On Friday, DiLuna Candles is hosting a Witches Night Market from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and Homeward Books Collective is hosting a Spooky Market from 5 to 9 p.m., with attendees of both eligible to enter a collaborative combo raffle. The winner will get a $25 Homeward Books store credit and $50 to spend at DiLuna Candles.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, Casas Adobes Plaza (7133 N. First Ave.) is hosting Pumpkins at the Plaza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with live music, photo opportunities, 30 local vendors and free food samples.

Car enthusiasts can celebrate the season on Oct. 24 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Pistons and Pumpkins event at the Rolling Thru Time Auto Museum (4750 S. Park Ave.).

Borderlands Market is hosting a Halloween Market at 777 W. Cushing St. on Oct. 25, with a trunk-or-treat, food trucks, vendors and costume contest. The event is free to attend and open to all ages.

Ending the month in appropriate fashion, La Encantada is hosting a trick-or-treat event on Halloween from 4 to 7 p.m., with a costume contest and plenty of photo opportunities.

Macy Hernandez is a journalism and business administration major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at macyhernandez@arizona.edu.

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