Top Things to Do in Mesa this Fall - Visit Mesa

Posted By Brooke Dixon
October 18, 2023

Top Things to Do in Mesa This Fall

Fall is right around the corner! Gather your family and friends and embrace the season with these fun fall activities.

Fall Festivals and Events

Vertuccio Farms Annual Fall Festival

Sept. 29 - Oct. 29

Vertuccio Farms is a great event for all ages this fall. From the pizza farm to the giant tube roll to the barrel train ride, spider web crawl, extreme air pillow and, of course, the pumpkin patch and iconic 5-acre corn maze – this is the perfect family-friendly festival to celebrate the season.

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party

Oct. 1-30

The Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party event was voted by Phoenix Magazine, New Times, and Sunset Magazine as ‘The Best Fall Family Event in the Greater Phoenix Area.' Guests can expect numerous farm activities including amusement rides, zip lining, train rides, hayrides and outdoor games. Included in the experience will also be a 4-acre and 10-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, and two play yards for children. Chili dinners will also be sold at the Main Food Grills, as well as a variety of other food options including burgers, BBQ, succotash, and peach wood-fired pizzas (Schnepf Farms is the largest organic peach grower in Arizona). Buy your tickets online now!

Trunk or Treat

Oct. 21

The Town of Queen Creek's largest event of the year is coming up this fall, the Trunk or Treat. Join us in Town Center to celebrate Halloween in a festival atmosphere! The whole family can enjoy carnival games, escape rooms, haunted houses, and more while children trick-or-treat by going trunk to trunk on "Trunk or Treat Street" collecting their Halloween goodies!

2nd Friday Night Out

Starting back up in the month of August, Second Friday Night Out is held every second Friday of the month from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Join the fun in Downtown Mesa and enjoy art, dining, shopping, activities, entertainment and more at this free event. Also look forward to weekly themes, check it out here!

Mesa International Film Festival

October 19 - 22 (All Day)

The Mesa International Film Festival occurs annually and is definitely something you won't want to miss this fall. Not only does this festival show case a plethora of filmmakers' work from around the world, it allows film lovers to connect and share their love for all types of films. This festival was created to highlight diverse voices in the film industry, separating it from traditional film festivals. Come join and see what it's all about!

Sunset Market

October 19, November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21 (4-8 p.m.)

After you call it a day, make it a night at the Downtown Mesa Sunset Market and create lasting memories in the heart of the city. Commencing on September 21st and continuing every third Thursday thereafter, this market promises an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars and be ready to enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere. Held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the intersection of Main & McDonald in Downtown Mesa, the Sunset Market offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of fall evenings.

Dia De Los Muertos Festival

Oct. 21 - 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Mesa Arts Center proudly celebrates and hosts this annual event. Dia De Los Muertos is a celebration of Latin American art and culture related to the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead. In honor of the deceased, this free, annual event features beautiful art, live performances and more!

Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic

November 3 - 4

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and soak up some fall fun at the Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic! Happening on November 3rd and 4th, this event is all about celebrating community, culture, creativity, and, of course, mouthwatering BBQ. With live music to set the perfect backdrop and engaging demonstrations to satisfy your curiosity, it's an experience you won't want to miss. Local BBQ Pit Masters will showcase their skills, bringing the smoky, savory goodness right to your plate. This fall event is one you'll want to relish!

Fall Scenery

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum

This arboretum, located in Queen Creek Canyon, just 30 minutes from Mesa, is the state's oldest and largest botanical garden. With spectacular views of Picketpost Mountain, Boyce Thompson Arboretum features a beautiful collection of plants, historic buildings and hidden gardens along miles of trails. The Arboretum has been called "the most enchanting" Audubon Important Birding Area in Arizona and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Vibrant fall colors take over the lush flora, making late November the best time of year to explore the gardens.

Saguaro Lake

Enjoy the beauty of nature! When the temperatures start to cool down, getting outside is nothing short of amazing in Arizona. Whether you're enjoying a sunset cruise on the Desert Belle, having a picnic by the lake or simply watching the sunset, the vibes at the lake are perfect for the fall, too!

Hiking

Step outside and smell the...cacti? Seriously, enjoy the beautiful views that Arizona offers, especially right here in Mesa. No need to wake up before dawn when the temperatures are substantially cooler in the fall. And don't forget about the destination! Those views don't disappoint. Check out different hikes to try out here.

Fall Flavors

Enjoy pumpkin breakfast and lunch at T.C. Eggingtons! Whether you want to start your day with pumpkin pancakes or get cozy with a pumpkin latte, pumpkin lovers will rejoice with these seasonal eats!

Fall Recipes from the Fresh Foodie Trail

When the weather starts to cool down, there's no better adventure than exploring the delicious flavors of the Fresh Foodie Trail. Mesa is a culinary gateway here in the Southwest with a flourishing collection of charming, neighborhood farms and food-centric outposts providing a year-round bounty of seasonal goods for visitors to enjoy. Make your own Farm-to-Table experience from products along the trail and enjoy a nice home cooked meal.

Click Here to View Recipes

Find More Things to Do

Packed with excitement, the Mesa area offers visitors an explosion of educational, cultural and outdoor attractions. From interactive museums to Broadway musicals and old west towns, Mesa's got it all!

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