Phoenix, get your costumes ready! The Desert Botanical Garden’s beloved Strange Garden returns October 22 through 31, turning the trails into a playful Halloween wonderland filled with family-friendly adventures for all ages.
The week kicks off with the adults-only Spirit Walk on October 22, a costume stroll along the trails with eerie cocktails and festive bites, spooky surprises, live pumpkin carving, and an interactive station with Arizona Bat Rescue, followed by a DJ and costume contest. The fun continues nightly with themed evenings: Monday Sips & Strolls with spooky wine, Tuesday Tacos & Tequila, Wednesday Dog Night for the pups, and Thursday Sunset Socials with crafts and festive cheer.
Little ghouls get their own spotlight during the Strange Garden Family Weekend (October 23-24, 6-9 p.m., included with admission): unicorn encounters, a Witches Library giving away free books, hands-on nature activities at the Haunted Hideout, a Monster Bash dance party, live music from Soulitify on Ullman Terrace, and a pumpkin patch where every child 12 and under takes home a free pumpkin. Four-legged friends are not forgotten either: the Howl-Ween morning on October 31 (7 a.m.-1 p.m.) brings photo ops and tricks-for-treats stations for pups.
All week long, guests can wander past the charming pumpkin tree and gourd towers, festive garlands and handcrafted botanical wreaths, then stay for Fall Garden After Dark to see the glowing pathways and seasonal botanical displays. Costumes are encouraged but must be family-friendly.
Photo: Desert Botanical Garden
