THINGS TO DO AROUND ARIZONA
Helldorado Days
The Town Too Tough to Die almost did nearly a century ago, nearly succumbing to the financial malaise that set in as mines closed. But Helldorado Days provided a spark that ignited tourism. This is the 90th rendition of the ode to Tombstone’s rough-and-tumble past. There will be shootouts minus the flying lead, as well as a parade, kids zone, beer and wine garden and much more.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. Downtown Tombstone. Free. 520-4573451, tombstonehelldoradodays.com.
Willcox Wine Country Fall Festival
If you want to sample some of the best wine Arizona has to offer, head to the place where some of the best grapes are grown and get thee to Willcox. The southestaern Arizona region produces 75% of the state’s grapes, and this festival celebrates the harvests soon to be a part of 2020 vintages. Fifteen wineries are participating, and food trucks from Big Tex Bar-B-Que and Isabel’s South of the Border will be parked nearby.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20. Railroad Park, 157 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox. Free admission, $20-$45 for wine tastings. 520-3842272, willcoxwinecountry.org.
Flagstaff Pumpkin Walk
Don’t feel like carving your own Halloween pumpkin this year, despite the great disappointment of children hoping to wield sharp objects? Bring the family to see pumpkins created by those who know their way around a gourd. Bring your costumed kids and stroll a path lined with pro-style pumpkins. There will be a bonfire and refreshments. Flashlights are encouraged.
Details: 4-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26. The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road. $5. 928-774-1442, www.thearb.org.
London Bridge Days Parade
There were those who scoffed when the London Bridge was taken apart block by block and reassembled in the desert. Yet for nearly five decades, it has been the focal point of Lake Havasu City and a parade. Who’s scoffing now? This year’s rendition will include marching bands, local celebrities and marching groups representing various organizations.
Details: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. McCulloch Boulevard from Acoma to Capri boulevards, Lake Havasu City. Free. 928-486-6884, www.golakehavasu.com/london-bridge-days-parade.
Spooky Kids Halloween & Wag-O-Ween
Normally a haven for fun-seeking adults, Tucson’s funky Fourth Avenue is handed over to kids and dogs for this Halloween-related event. Costumes are highly encouraged, especially for those planning to enter the contests for children and dogs. And of course there will be candy and treats. (The candy is for children and the treats for dogs, if that’s wasn’t clear.)
Details: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Along Fourth Avenue between Eighth Street and University Boulevard, Tucson. Free. fourthavenue.org/spookykids-halloween.
Day of the Dead: Dia de los Muertos Celebration
If you’re the least bit curious about the history and cultural significance of Dia de los Muertos, you’ll want to attend this event. The Mexican holiday celebrates the lives of those who have passed on. As visitors wander among the various shrines, they will enjoy mariachis, traditional Mexican dancers and much more.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Smoki Museum, 147 N. Arizona Ave., Prescott. Free. 928-445-1230, www.smokimuseum.org/events.
Border Town, Tombstone
The best cowboy shooters gather to see who’s best. Settle in to watch matches that will determine winners in the Cowboy Action Shooting Arizona State Championship. Shooters will compete in pistol, rifle and shotgun. There also will be vendors and plenty of food.
Details: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26-27. Tombstone Livery Stable, 919 State Route 82, Tombstone. Free. www.bordertowncas.com.
Corn-tastic Corn Maze
If the Halloween season has an unofficial kickoff, it may well be the opening of the corn mazes. According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, the 20-acre maze at Apple Annie’s is the state’s largest. See if you can make your way along zig-zagging paths designed to cornfound you. Know that cutting through the corn only disrespects the maze and may result in the appearance of evil spirits. Or not.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (latest entry) daily through Oct. 31. Apple Annie’s Produce & Pumpkins, 6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox. $6-$10. www.appleannies.com.