Now OUT
FALL FUN
Attractions and activities abound in autumn
Break out the candy corn and apple cider because it is finally fall! When not enjoying the perfect weather and football being back in action, here are some great attractions and seasonal events taking place this month.
Scottstoberfest Scottsdale’s first Oktoberfest will take place Oct. 5 from noon to 5 p.m. at Scottsdale Fashion Square’s events area located on the north side of the mall. The 21-and-over event, which costs $5 to enter (food and beverage purchases are additional), will feature food trucks serving German dishes, Samuel Adams Oktoberfest beer, games, a cornhole tournament, stein hoisting competitions, and entertainment. www.facebook.com/scottstoberfest. Pumpkin & Chili Party As the family-owned Schnepf Farms’ biggest event of the year, the Pumpkin & Chili Party is held every Thursday through Sunday in October. Admission starts at $20 per person, and children under age two are no charge. Currently, there are discounted tickets available at Fry’s Food Stores. Activities include pumpkin picking, amusement rides, hayrides, a BMX show, bonfires, marshmallow roasting, corn mazes, pig races, mini golf, and a dog show. Yes, it is in Queen Creek, but well worth the drive. www.schnepffarms.com.
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Arizona Fall League Regarded throughout professional baseball as the “finishing school” for top prospects since its inception in 1992, this six-team league features elite young players from every MLB Club. Through late October, the Arizona Fall League will play three games per day, six days a week. Daily start times are 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The league’s 14th annual Fall Stars Game will take place Oct. 12, and its championship game will take place Oct. 26, both at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Tickets start at $7. Ages 15 and under are free. www.azfallleague.com.
PHOTO BY ROGER C. HOOVER
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival On Oct. 25 and 26 from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Salt River Fields at Talking Stick will once again host its family-friendly Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival, which costs $15 for adults, $10 for children ages three to 12, and is free for children under three. During the event, expect more than 4,000 pounds of candy to be passed out to trick-or-treaters, live music, food and beverages for purchase, a kids zone, tethered hot air balloon rides (additional cost), a hot air balloon glow, fireworks, and much more. www.azspooktacular.com. Haunted Graveyard Arizona A Scottsdale tradition since 1986, this free event (with an optional $5 donation suggested) will take place Oct. 27 to 31 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. And yes, it is in an actual Scottsdale neighborhood near Granite Reef Road and McDonald Drive. Every year, local DJ Chris Birkett converts his five-bedroom home into a combination haunted house and spooky graveyard with impressive production value. And given it is more along the lines of Disney’s Haunted Mansion than A Nightmare on Elm Street, it’s both date night-approved and kidfriendly. www.hauntedgraveyardaz.com.
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So Scottsdale! October ‘19