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ALL THINGS AUTUMN Fall in love with five seasonal fetes
The turn of the season ushers in a plethora of events, from Halloween spooks to pumpkin spice aplenty. So with 100-degree days behind us (for now), it’s time to head out to some of October’s best autumn-themed attractions.
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Four Peaks Oktoberfest From Oct. 13 to 15, Tempe Town Lake will transform into the Valley’s largest Oktoberfest extravaganza. Now in its 45th year, Four Peaks Oktoberfest (www.fourpeaksoktoberfest.com) is a very Bavarian celebration with live music, food, drinks, games, dancing and more. The event is open to all ages, with both a traditional children’s carnival as well as an adults-only area with PopA-Shot, Hi Striker, bucket toss, roller derby, giant Jenga and cornhole. Admission is free and beer samplings start at $20 for eight tastes. Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill More interactive psychological thriller than traditional haunted house, Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill (www.jackandjillshauntedhill.com) starts its scaring by showing guests a “special report” on the local TV news of Jack and Jill, who have gone missing after finding an abandoned mineshaft in the area. From there, prepare to explore all of your biggest fears – complete darkness, being locked in, insects, and spooks around every corner – one scream at a time. Bonus: The attraction uses an online reservation system, so there are no lines. Tickets range from $25 to $35 every Thursday to Sunday this month. And, of course, they are open on Halloween, which is a Monday this year. Nightmare on Princess Drive On Oct. 28, the eighth annual Nightmare on Princess Drive returns to The Plaza Bar at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (www.scottsdaleprincess.com), where this year’s theme is CarnEVIL. For one night only, starting at 9 p.m., the indoor/outdoor hot spot will transform into a haunted affair with stilt walkers, fire breathers, rooftop dancers, creepy clowns, a DJ, circus-themed cocktails, and costume contests. Admission to the party is complimentary, but fancy “ghouls” and boys can RIP in VIP-style by reserving a table and bottle service. Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party Every Thursday through Sunday this month, Queen Creek’s Schnepf Farms (www.schnepffarms.com) will offer guests of all ages the best of old-fashioned fall fun at their Pumpkin & Chili Party. Families, or even those on a date night, can enjoy corn mazes, pig races, hay rides, carousel and pony rides, a petting zoo, cozy bonfires, craft activities, and pumpkin picking each night. On Friday and Saturday nights, there will also be fireworks after dark. Admission is $20 and children under age two are free; discounts can be found online. The Haunted Hotel Ball On Oct. 27 and 28, The Saguaro Hotel will partner with 104.7 KISS FM to put on a decidedly adults-only Halloween party, The Haunted Hotel Ball (www.hauntedhotelball.com). Taking place across multiple venues at the resort, the weekend-long festivities will include a masquerade-themed pool party outside, zombie go-go dancers, and interactive adult “haunted house” experiences inside. General admission tickets start at $69 and VIP passes start at $109.
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So Scottsdale! October '17