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 Arizona in the fall:

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 Sept. 20 - Oct. 27, 2024, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Not only will it feature entertainment, amusement rides, and carnival games but concerts featuring widely popular bands and all the fair foods you can possibly eat! This is one of the best fall festivals near Phoenix.

2. Cornucopia: Flagstaff Fall Festival

For one of the best fall events near Flagstaff, plan on heading to Cornucopia Sept. 28-29, 2024. This event celebrates the change from summer to fall, the best season of all! There will be family-friendly activities, live entertainment, bounce houses, food vendors, and more. 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 Sept. 23 - Oct. 30, 2024 from Monday through Saturday (closed on Sundays), attendees can enjoy laser tag, games, a corn maze, a haunted attraction, and a pumpkin patch. Dogs are not allowed at this event so you'll have to leave them at home. It's a great way to enjoy Arizona in October.

4. MacDonald's Ranch Pumpkin Patch

For those looking for fall festivals near Scottsdale and Phoenix, MacDonald's Ranch is hard to beat. This year's dates and times will soon be announced! Included in the ticket price is 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!

5. Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival

As one of my favorite fall festivals in Arizona, I already have my tickets! Held Oct. 25 through Oct. 27, 2024, 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. 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. 5-27, 2024.

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!

7. Red Rocks Oktoberfest

An Oktoberfest anywhere in the world is synonymous with the autumn season. For beer drinkers looking for fall festivals near Sedona, this is usually the place to go during the fall where, you can expect plenty of craft beer vendors, food trucks, music, and so much fun, all with views of Sedona's iconic red rocks! It's such a gorgeous area and the views are as wonderful as the fun you'll have!

(Editor's Note: This event has been canceled for 2024. Let's hope it resumes in 2025!)

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? Let us know in the comments! It's a great time of year to get out and walk around to see some beautiful fall foliage:

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