Updated: March 12, 2026
Sedona buzzes with spooky energy this October. You’ll read about haunted train excursions, lively pet parades, and Jerome’s famous ghost tours in this article. We also outline stellar ways to celebrate the 2026 season, highlighting unique Arizona traditions that combine eerie history with festive desert charm.
Unique Halloween events pop up all over the country during the month of October. There are all different kinds of themes, limited only by the imaginations of the many people who are dedicated to the scariest time of year. Theme parks, haunted houses, escape rooms, haunted mazes, costume parties, and more are open to the public all month. Here are some of our favorite must-see Halloween events that residents and visitors of Sedona alike are sure to enjoy.
Contents
- The Haunted Halloween Season at Verde Canyon Railroad
- Sedona Fall Colors Tour
- Shopping, Costume Parade, and Día de los Muertos at Tlaquepaque
- The Haunted Town of Jerome
- Book a Stay and Enjoy The Best Things to Do for Halloween in Sedona
The Haunted Halloween Season at Verde Canyon Railroad
While the Verde Canyon Railroad is a scenic treasure year-round, October brings a special atmosphere to the tracks. Throughout the 2026 season, the railroad hosts its famous Ales on Rails festival daily from September 14 through October 31. This 21+ event features beer tasting on the depot patio starting at 10:30 a.m. (or 12:30 p.m. for late departures) before the 4-hour train journey begins.
The journey runs along a historic route that is the perfect accompaniment for a Halloween event packed full of scary stories and spooky folklore. If you are riding on Halloween proper (Saturday, October 31, 2026), show up in costume! The staff will be on the lookout for the scariest, funniest, and most bizarre outfits to award variety of prizes. People who enjoy history especially love this railway tour, as the crew shares stories throughout the journey about the haunted history of Northern Arizona. Be sure to book your tickets early for 2026, as these October dates frequently sell out.
Sedona Fall Colors Tour
Another tour that runs on the Verde Canyon Railroad, the Sedona Fall Colors tour, is a pleasant, laid-back experience that runs from October through November. Treat yourself to a panoramic window view in comfy seating as the railway tour runs, providing you with a prime viewing experience during what is often considered to be one of the best times of the year to see the red rocks framed by changing leaves.
This is a great tour for anyone looking to snap nature pictures, as the train features open-air cars with unobstructed views. While you take in the sights, enjoy seasonal specialty cocktails from the on-board bartender. Reservations are essential for 2026, whether you’re booking general boarding, first class, or a private party aboard the caboose.
Shopping, Costume Parade, and Día de los Muertos at Tlaquepaque
The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village remains an iconic, must-see location in Sedona. During October, the village transforms with festive décor and seasonal events that celebrate both Halloween and Mexican heritage.
Howl-O-Ween Costume Parade: Sponsored by the Humane Society of Sedona, this animal-friendly event is expected to be scheduled for mid-October, 2026 (exact date TBD). Both costumed people and pets can participate in the parade. There are typically three $100 prizes for the best costumes, and all proceeds go toward finding homes for local shelter animals.
Día de los Muertos: Now entering its 15th year in 2026, the Día de los Muertos celebration at Tlaquepaque has become one of the most beloved events in Arizona. While the traditional holiday is November 2nd, the major festivities in the village will take place on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1, 2026. From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the village comes alive with mural painting, music, traditional foods, jugglers, fire dancers, and public altars (ofrendas) where visitors are encouraged to leave offerings.
The Haunted Town of Jerome
Jerome goes all out for Halloween and is just a short, scenic drive from Sedona. Famous for being one of the most “haunted” towns in America, it offers plenty of spooky attractions. Several professional ghost tours, such as the Jerome Ghost Walk, are available. These guided experiences often provide guests with EMF readers and Spirit Boxes to attempt communication with the past while exploring exclusive sites like the Haskins House.
For those looking for a party, the legendary Halloween Ball is the place to be. For 2026, the Fire Department’s annual ball is expected to take place on Saturday, October 24. Note that the event has recently moved from Spook Hall to the outdoor basketball court near the Sliding Jail to accommodate larger crowds. This is a cash-only, 21+ event.
Even if you don’t attend a specific event, the entire town of Jerome is decorated from top to bottom, making it a perfect day trip for soaking up the October atmosphere.
Book a Stay and Enjoy The Best Things to Do for Halloween in Sedona
Don’t miss what Northern Arizona has to offer this 2026 Halloween season. Book your stay now to ensure you have the perfect home base to see all the unique experiences the area has in store for you this Halloween in Sedona.
Looking for a change of scenery after your Arizona adventure? Head to the Florida Gulf Coast for coastal autumn vibes. Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals offers the perfect beachfront home base for those seeking sun and spooky seaside celebrations this season.
