Spooky Season in the City: 13 Halloween Activations in Downtown Phoenix
by Haley Hoekstra
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As the urban air fills with spirits and the scent of pumpkin spice, Halloween is creeping into Downtown Phoenix with festive, spooky fun for all.
Explore the historic charm of Downtown’s vintage buildings—like the Orpheum Theatre and Rosson House—where eerie tours reveal what might be lurking within. From costume contests to a haunted night in the world of Sleepy Hollow, there’s a little something for everyone. Take your pick of tricks and treats!
Here is a list of 13 wicked-cool events in Downtown Phoenix this Halloween.
The Orpheum Haunted History Tour is a 60-minute walking tour that will take you to the darkest recesses of the theatre. It is a unique way to experience the theatre’s spirited history with a knowledgeable guide from Phoenix Ghost Tours. Each tour offers you opportunities to explore places normally off-limits to the public, ask questions, and perhaps leave with a story of your own.
Details: October 18 – October 26 | Click here for tickets
Immerse yourself in the history and haunts of the Orpheum Theatre … in the dark! The Orpheum Lights Out Investigation is a 90-minute-deep dive into two of the most active spots in the theatre. It is a unique way to experience the theatre’s spirited history with the knowledgeable paranormal investigators from AZPIRS. The Lights Out Investigation includes investigative equipment and an in-depth examination of the theatre’s history and the property where it stands. A brief tour of several non-public areas and a group debrief are also included in this 90-minute experience.
Details: October 20 – October 27 | Click here for tickets
Taste some Ichabod-inspired cocktails at The Trophy Room. (Photo: Phoenix New Times | Peter Baray)
Downtown’s hidden gem, Trophy Room, invites you to step behind the curtains for a chilling Halloween adventure in Ichabod’s Cabin. From now until November 3, Trophy Room is transforming its space with its newest pop-up that offers an immersive escape, transporting guests into the haunted world of Sleepy Hollow. Inspired by the legend of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, Ichabod’s Cabin promises a spooky atmosphere that elevates every sense. Venture through the transformed haunted cabin and enjoy six intricately crafted, holiday-themed cocktails that are sure to raise your spirits.
Details: October 1 – November 3 | Click here for reservations
Dive into the Victorian fascination with the supernatural on this special tour of the Rosson House at Heritage Square. Discover how Victorians attempted communication with the dead through séances, learn how visiting the morgue was considered entertainment, and wander up to the attic to hear ghost stories that haunted the 19th century. While the Rosson House is not haunted, it does make the perfect backdrop for exploring the topic. Stay after for some wine at The Shop just a few steps away.
Details: October 30 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Click here for tickets
Trick-or-treat at the Phoenix Children’s Museum. (Photo: Secret Phoenix)
Calling all costumed cuties! Join the Phoenix Children’s Museum for a spook-tacular adventure and trick-or-treat through Museum exhibits, Monster Mash on the dance floor, and explore three floors of thrilling exhibits. Costumes are optional but strongly encouraged. BOO-tastic Activities include a fashion fright show, spooky trees in the art studio, pumpkin paintings, trick-or-treating, and more. Free with paid museum admission of $17 per person.
Details: October 31 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Click here for more information
Halloween cocktails “Beetlejuice” (left) at Carcara and “Vampire Kiss” (right) at &More Sheraton Phoenix Downtown (Photos: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown)
This Halloween, get spirited away with ghoulishly delightful cocktails! Carcara tempts with the “Beetlejuice,” a tantalizing mix of pineapple jalapeno tequila, melon liqueur, lime juice, and agave, finished with a spooky black salt rim. &More by Sheraton seduces with the “Vampire Kiss,” a crimson concoction of Tito’s vodka and Chambord, sweetened with cranberry and lemon juices and grenadine, and garnished with vampire teeth.
Details: Click here for reservations
Get ready for a scary good time at Moon Pie: Pizza & Patio’s Halloween Party! Join them for a night of thrilling fun with a free photo booth, spooky giveaways, and costume contests with multiple prizes. Don’t miss out on the frightful festivities.
Details: October 26 at 8:00 p.m. | Click here for reservations
Floor 13 Rooftop Bar is mixing up their drink menu with limited-time Halloween cocktails from October 25 through October 31. They will be featuring a “Death by Poison” cocktail, and specialty food item “Stuffed Mummy Jalapenos”. YUM!
Details: Click here for reservations
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This season, immerse yourself in the magic of Halloween at The Shop at FOUND:RE Phoenix! Discover an enchanting array of unique decor and gifts that range from whimsical to one-of-a-kind treasures. Their carefully curated selection captures the essence of the holiday, infusing your celebrations with a delightful touch of flair. Whether you’re sprucing up your space or searching for the perfect gift, you’ll find everything you need to make this Halloween truly special.
Details: Click here for more information
Nothing says ‘spooky season’ like a classic monster mash celebration. Head to the Goldwater Ballroom at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel for their annual Halloween party, complete with a live DJ performance, flash tattoos, local art, signature cocktails, a fortune teller, and more spooky delights. No cover.
Details: October 31 from 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. | Click here for more detail
Enjoy a spooktacular morning of fun at the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library! Wear your costumes and have fun listening to kid-friendly Halloween stories, make and take a handprint witch keepsake craft, and enjoy games and treats. Get ready to embark on lots of family-friendly fun, a little Irish experience, and a chance to wear that costume an extra time. Free admission.
Details: October 31 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Click here for more details
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There is no shortage of thrills at The Duce’s ‘Nightmare on Central’ Halloween party. The night will kick off with dinner, DJs, games, and crafts, followed by a ‘Nightmare on Central’ show. The jaw-dropping, action-packed show will feature fire performers, burlesque, aerialists, live singers, dancers, and many surprise throwback acts! Expect non-stop entertainment and iconic Halloween vibes that keep you on your toes. Keep the vibes going with an after-party and night market on their Grapefruit patio.
Details: October 25 from 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. | Click here for tickets
Get ready for HalloQween, one·n·ten’s annual Halloween event for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-24! This spook-tacular evening is filled with costumes, fun, and community, offering a safe and supportive space for our youth to express themselves and celebrate. Free to attend.
Details: October 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for ages 14-24 at the Downtown Youth Center | Click here for more details