From Sedona’s cottonwoods to family-friendly patch days and wine-country events, fall in Arizona leans into autumn with a mix of luxe hotel programming, community festivals and new dining destinations. Below are the highlights to plan a fall getaway, family outing or date-night dinner across the state.

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Need more? Read more: Pumpkin season in Phoenix: 8 Valley spots for pumpkin eats and sweets

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Fall hotel and resort offerings

Amara Resort & Spa — Sedona

Tucked along Oak Creek in Uptown Sedona, Amara is built for autumn viewing. Guests can take in cottonwood color from creekside hammocks or the heated saltwater infinity pool, start the day with complimentary morning yoga, then dine seasonally at SaltRock Southwest Kitchen. Spa specials include the Autumn Yam Youth Infusion facial (60 min $195 / 90 min $295) and the Sedona Soulstice Massage (60 min $195 / 90 min $285). Learn more: amararesort.com

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa — Paradise Valley

Sanctuary is promoting a Fall Escape (20% off through Dec. 21, 2025) and ticketed seasonal experiences: Harvest on the Hill market tasting (Oct. 12, $75 pp), Sinatra & Smoke cigar dinner (Oct. 23, $225 pp), Celestial Supper stargazing dinner (Nov. 6, $170 pp), plus a pastry demo with Chef Judy Chavez (Nov. 13; complimentary for in-house guests). Learn more: sanctuaryaz.com

The Wigwam — Litchfield Park

Litchfield’s continues its wine-dinner series this fall with a Maison Louis Jadot dinner (Oct. 14, $155++) and a Chimney Rock evening with winemaker Elizabeth Vianna (Nov. 5, $170++) this fall. Each night begins with a reception and a five-course, wine-paired menu. The West Valley resort will also be hosting Character Breakfast at Red Allen’s Bar & Grill on select Saturdays, where guests can come in costume, enjoy a delicious breakfast and grab the perfect photos with their favorite characters. To see the full list of fall programming and to learn more, visit: wigwamarizona.com/happenings/fall-happenings

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — Scottsdale

Pumpkin Fest returns to the resort with large-scale family attractions: slides, a hay maze, giant pumpkins and acres of fall activities for kids and families. Learn more: fairmont.com/en/hotels/scottsdale/fairmont-scottsdale-princess

VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho — Scottsdale

VH Spa’s fall specials run Sept.–Nov.: choose a Spiced Chai Massage or an Apple Orchard Facial (60 min, $145; regularly $180). Treatments include pool access and fitness center use; spa open Wed–Sun. Learn more: https://hotelvalleyho.com/vh-spa/menu/#seasonal-specials

Community and arts and culture (quick-programming guide)

Downtown Gilbert — Harvest in the Heritage District (Sept. 26–Nov. 2)

A month-long, family-forward celebration featuring The Great Gilbert Gourd Hunt, a Ray Villafane pumpkin-carving demo, weekly concerts and merchant fall specials. Learn more: HarvestintheHD.com

Desert Fall Festival — Surprise (Sept. 26–Nov. 1, nightly 5:30–10:30 p.m.)

A 13-acre walkable autumn experience with giant desert-themed pumpkins, glowing scavenger hunts, excavator rides, zipline, a giant slide, a corn-kernel play pit and seasonal foods. General admission $22.95 ages 3+; add-ons and fast pass available. Learn more: thedesertfallfestival.com

Scottsdale Arts — Scottsdale

September kicks off Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ 50th anniversary season with performances and events from new favorites like Five for Fighting and returning legends, including Jeremy Jordan and Julia Chacón Flamenco Theatre, which will be celebrating 10 years of partnership at Scottsdale Arts with a brand-new program, “Braided Roots.” More performances and events will take place throughout the fall season. Learn more: ScottsdaleArts.org

Drunk Dracula, The Rose Theatre — Phoenix

Through October, Phoenix audiences can catch the hilariously tipsy vampire live on stage as Drunk Dracula makes his way to town. The show promises a mix of comedy, spooky fun, and unexpected antics, perfect for a night out with friends. Learn more: drunkdracula.com 

Ravenscroft — Scottsdale

Ravenscroft’s stylish Jazzbird Lounge hosts Jazzbird Nights every Friday and select Saturdays at 7 p.m., showcasing top musical talent in a NYC-inspired jazz lounge setting. Guests can enjoy live music alongside a curated menu of wines, local craft brews and catered meals available for purchase. Opening the Ravenscroft Concert Series on Oct. 18 is acclaimed jazz pianist Noah Haidu and legendary seven-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Randy Brecker. The duo will deliver an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of the late Kenny Kirkland. More performances will take place throughout the fall season. Learn more: theravenscroft.com

Four Peaks haunted brewery tours (Sept. 21–Oct. 29)

Evening tours Sun–Wed with two nightly timeslots. Tickets $40 include a souvenir T-shirt and a 32-ounce crowler of Four Peaks Pumpkin Porter. Learn more: fourpeaksoktoberfest.com

Spooky Bash Carnival and Spooky-Side Pumpkin Patch at Desert Ridge Marketplace — Phoenix

The 7th annual family-friendly Spooky Bash at Desert Ridge Marketplace kicks off Friday, Oct. 17, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a sci-fi favorite “Stranger Things” themed carnival, including spooky treats and festivities from the ‘Upside Down,’ a free candy trail, haunted house, carnival games, giveaways, live entertainment, and more. An 80s-inspired themed pumpkin patch starts Monday, Oct. 13, to Sunday, Oct. 26, with pumpkin painting, face painting, themed photo opportunities and other surprises. Learn more: shopdesertridge.com 

Sweet Street Spooktacular at Tempe Marketplace — Tempe

Tempe Marketplace is hosting a free, festive evening on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The District! Attendees can expect trick-or-treating, a live Halloween-themed Funergy show, festive games and photo ops, a Beetlejuice Stilt Walker, and a costume contest for ages 0–5, 6–13, plus Best Family/Group. Learn more: tempemarketplace.com

Glowing Pumpkins — Phoenix

Glowing Pumpkins, an immersive Halloween experience for all ages, will be held on select dates Sept. 26 – Nov. 1 at the Riverwalk at Rawhide. It features trails of illuminated art pumpkins that light up magical pathways filled with music, sounds and special effects. All sculptures have been hand-carved and constructed by artists, and some reach up to 20 feet tall and are made with more than 30 pumpkins. Learn more: glowingpumpkins.com

Dining and seasonal openings

Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom — Downtown Phoenix (coming soon)

A collaboration from Nicky’s Barbecue founder Chris Figueroa and Oro Brewing’s Dave Valencia, the concept will pair St. Louis–influenced smokehouse fare with award-winning craft beer. Learn more: goldenoakbbqtap.com

JoJo’s shakeBAR pumpkin patch & programming — Scottsdale

Pumpkin painting sessions run Thu–Mon starting Oct. 1 ($35 per person, includes entrée and Pumpkin Patch Shake). Adult mixology class Basic Witch Mixology is scheduled Oct. 20 (6–8 p.m.). Reservations and tickets via OpenTable and Eventbrite. Learn more: jojosshakebar.com

Rent the Runway pop-up — Tucson Premium Outlets (Sept. 26–Oct. 26)

A month-long pop-up offering designer pieces and accessories for purchase at deep discounts, with items that were previously available only for rental. Learn more: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/tucson

D.A.Ranch — Cornville (near Sedona)

Fall calendar mixes wine and experiential programming: Dog Days (Sept. 14), Pinot & Pilates mat classes (Sept. 27, Oct. 25), Murder Mystery wine dinner (Oct. 4), Pumpkins in the Vines (Oct. 8–31 Wed–Sun), and an Arizona Wine Club release party on Nov. 1. Learn more: daranch.com

The Montauk — Scottsdale

The Montauk in Old Town Scottsdale is embracing the season with a new lineup of fall-inspired cocktails and coffees, crafted with cozy ingredients, including Bobbing for Apples (Caramel Apple Whiskey Sour) with Jim Beam Apple; Caramel, Sour Apple, Fireside Old Fashioned with Bulleit Rye, Pecan Liqueur, Angostura Bitters (Smoked table side), Banana Bread Latte with Monin brown sugar syrup, banana purée cold foam, topped with a dehydrated banana & cinnamon and more. Learn more: themontaukaz.com