The 7 Best Fall Festivals in Arizona for 2025 Will Put You in the Autumnal Spirit

It's that time of year and the season when the temperatures start to drop. And with cooler temperatures, we emerge from our summer hibernations during which we avoid the sweltering summer heat. Fall in Arizona is upon us, which means it's time to head outdoors and decide which fall events to attend this year! So, we are here to help you decide which of the best fall festivals in Arizona to go to.

Here are some fun things to do in the fall in Arizona:

1. Arizona State Fair

Each year since 1905, the Grand Canyon State has rung in the fall season with the Arizona State Fair. This year's much-anticipated event will be held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds from Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 19 through Oct. 26, 2025. Not only will it feature entertainment, amusement rides, and carnival games, but it will also host concerts by several widely popular bands and artists, and all the fair foods you can eat! This is one of the best fall festivals near Phoenix, and it is a must if you live here.

2. Flagstaff Oktoberfest

For one of the best fall events in Flagstaff, plan on heading to the 16th Annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest on Saturday. Oct. 4, 2025, at Wheeler Park downtown. This event raises money for local non-profits while creating fun for all. There will be polka music (so bring your dancing shoes), a brat-eating contest, a stein-holding competition, and more. What a fun way to celebrate the season. Plus, it's cooler up in Flagstaff!

3. The Willis Farm October Festivities

Offering one of the best fall festivals in Arizona, The Willis Farm October Festivities is as festive as it gets this season. Held this year from September 27 through the end of October, Monday through Saturday (closed on Sundays), attendees can enjoy laser tag, games, a corn maze, a haunted attraction, and a pumpkin patch. This year, the 1st Annual Farm/Maze Color Run will be held on opening day, and there will also be a biscuit and gravy breakfast. This is such a great way to enjoy Arizona this fall! (Dogs are not allowed at the festivities, so you must leave them at home.)

4. MacDonald's Ranch Pumpkin Patch

MacDonald's Ranch is hard to beat for those looking for fall festivals near Scottsdale and Phoenix. This year's dates and times are Oct. 4-31, 2025 (closed on Tuesdays). The ticket price includes the petting zoo, panning for gold, a hay bale maze, lawn games, a scavenger hunt, and more. Get your family together for this one and have some spectacular fall fun! Visit the MacDonald's Ranch website for more.

5. Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival

As one of my favorite fall festivals in Arizona, I already have my tickets! Held Oct. 24-26, 2025, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. this year at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, this event is quite spooktacular! Featuring over 20 hot air balloons all aglow at night, kids can go trick-or-treating at the balloons, join the costume contest, and stare in awe at how magical everything looks. Tethered balloon rides are also available during the event. I've attended this event twice in recent years, and it's always a good time for the whole family. Get ready for the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival!

6. Marana Pumpkin Patch

If you're searching for fall events near Tucson, head to the Marana Pumpkin Patch between Oct. 4 and Oct. 26, 2025, Thursday through Sunday. Walk through the pumpkin patch and search for your favorite pumpkins to take home. There's a wide variety of sizes, so you're sure to find the perfect one. Admission to this pumpkin patch also includes the corn maze, a jumping pillow, a ride on the diesel train, a playground, amusement rides, farm animals, paddle boats, a super slide, pig races, and more. So much fun for the whole family! Purchase your tickets online beforehand, as a limited number will be available at the gate.

7. Fest of Fall in Sedona

If you're looking for fall festivals in Sedona this year, look no further than the Fest of Fall on Nov. 8, 2025, from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Posse Grounds Park. Enjoy an afternoon of fun that includes vendors, a pickleball tournament, a cornhole tournament, food trucks, a beer tent for the 21+ crowd, a kids' zone, a gaming center, and entertainment. And imagine all that plus views of Sedona's iconic red rocks! I can't imagine any place as beautiful as Sedona to celebrate the fall season. Visit the City of Sedona website for more.

So, which of these best fall festivals in Arizona will you attend this year? Do you have any other favorite things to do in Arizona in the fall? It's a great time of year to get out and walk around to see some beautiful fall foliage.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own fall trip in Arizona using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.