Halloween parties can be great fun for children, but adults love this time of year as well. Here are some restaurants, hotels and bars that let me know that they are having a special Halloween event. I add listings here as I receive them, so check back often as Halloween draws near.
Pumpkin Carving Contest at Four Peaks Brewing Company
Pumpkin carving contest at the brewery prizes. Family friendly, but anyone under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent. Winners receive kegs, pumpkin porter growlers and other prizes.Location: 1340 East 8th Street, Tempe
In 2011: Tuesday, October 25 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., judging at 9 p.m.
Pumpkins at the Peak at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak
Calling all ghouls, goblins, clowns, witches and other characters together for an evening of Halloween fun. Join the Phoenix Fire Dept. and your neighborhood friends for this spooktacular celebration held at the Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch. The price of admission is just two cans of food per person to benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank. Festivities include: trick-or-treat stations, arts & crafts booths. The event is open to both the community and resort guests.See pictures of Halloween festivities at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak!
Location: Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, 7677 North 16th Street, Phoenix
In 2011: October 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Halloween Costume Contest at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Walk through this mini-haunted house, Scream and Win, noon to 5 p.m. in the Ak-Chin Ballroom and win $5 in Free Slot Play...if you survive! The Halloween Costume Contest takes place on October 31. Dress up in your beastly best to win some of the $2,500 up for grabs. Enter from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ak-Chin Ballroom. Winners revealed at 8:30 p.m. in the Oasis Lounge. Categories: Creativity, Authenticity and Scary Categories. 1st Place: $250; 2nd Place: $150; 3rd Place: $100; Best Group: $500; Best Overall: $500. Must be 21 and over for all Halloween activities.Location: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa
In 2011: October 28 to 31
Aunt Chilada’s Squaw Peak Halloween Party
Eat, drink and be scary with the crew at Aunt Chiladas Squaw Peak. Costume contests, drink specials, live music, bocce ball, free buffet from 4:30 to 6:30, $3 wine specials all day.Location: 7330 North Dreamy Draw Drive, Phoenix
In 2011: October 28
Cave Creek Wicked Pub Crawl
Take the free bus to six of the most popular saloons in Cave Creek for wicked staggered costume contests, specialty themed cocktails and prizes. Cartwright's, Big Earl’s Greasy Eats, Smokehouse Grill, Buffalo Chip, Harold’s Corral and Hideaway.Location: Various bars in Cave Creek
In 2011: Saturday, October 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Costume Contest at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House
The annual "spooktacular" Halloween costume contest will be held in the Ranch Room. Judging will be held at 7 p.m. Don your most boo-tiful costume for a chance to win a $100 gift card for 1st place and $50 for runner-up in the categories Freakishly Frightening and Un-dying-ly Unique. Halloween specialties include bat wings, stuffed roaches, jack-o-lantern martinis and more.Location: 6710 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
In 2011: Saturday, October 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“Nightmare on Princess Drive” Haunted Halloween Ball
Specialty Halloween cocktails and costume contest. Admission to the party is free. $5 for self parking and $10 for valet. 21+ only. For table reservations with bottle service call 480-419-3190.See a picture of Halloween festivities at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess!
Location: Stone Rose Lounge at Fairmont Scottsdale, 7575 East Princess Dr., Scottsdale
In 2011: Saturday, October 29 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Haunted Hotel Ball at Hotel Valley Ho
Enter the historic Hotel Valley Ho and make your way to the 8,000 square foot haunted outdoor courtyard of the 60 year old hotel. The dark and dirty beats from world renowned DJs will take over your body and make you dance. Spine chilling décor will leave the near 1,000 costumed party-goers from across the Southwest begging for mercy. Haunted Hotel Ball. . . once you check in, you never check out! Open to the public. Tickets available online. 21+ only.See pictures of the Haunted Hotel Ball!
Location: Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale
In 2011: Saturday, October 29 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
A Nightmare on Adams Street
Costume contests with cash prizes, Four Peaks’ Pumkin Porter & Rogue Dead Guy Ale in Heritage Square. A live band and DJ providing the haunting tunes, horror films on 90" screen.Location: The Rose and Crown on Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix
In 2011: Saturday, October 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
