What’s new in Scottsdale this month?
The Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on October 23, 24, and 25, 2026. More than 20 glowing hot air balloons act as trick-or-treat stations each night from 5 to 9 PM, with tethered balloon rides, costume contests, and food vendors on site.
By Dr. Kevin Shufford | October 3, 2026
Mark your calendar for the weekend of October 23. Per the official festival site, the event runs Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, off North Pima Road in Scottsdale. The Scout Guide’s October 2026 roundup lists the same dates with hours of 5 to 9 PM each night.
Here’s why locals look forward to it. Instead of walking door to door, kids trick-or-treat from balloon to balloon, and every balloon is its own candy stop. The festival says it hands out more than 4,000 pounds of candy across the three nights, and it bills the event as safe trick-or-treating for the whole family.
What to expect on the field
Beyond the candy, the lineup includes costume contests on Friday and Saturday nights, local dance performances, a DJ, and food vendors, according to Rainbow Ryders, the balloon company behind the rides.
The tethered rides are a ten-minute trip about 50 feet up. Rides are $30 for adults and $20 for kids 10 and under. Here’s the part to plan around: ride tickets are sold on site only, first come, first served, and everything is weather permitting. Cash and card are both accepted. If you want a ride, get there early in the evening.
Tickets and planning tips
General admission is sold per night through TicketWeb, with a separate ticket for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can find the links on the festival site, and Visit Arizona confirms the October 23 to 25 dates. Check current ticket pricing there before you go, since it can change.
A few quick tips from a neighbor who likes to be early: wear comfortable shoes for the grass, bring a bag for the candy haul, and pick your night. Friday and Saturday add the costume contests, so those tend to feel the busiest.
Why events like this keep people in the neighborhood
Seasonal events like this are one more reason Scottsdale keeps drawing people who want things to do close to home. If you’re curious what it’s like to live near spots like this, that’s my world. You can work with me here.
Sources: azspooktacular.com, Rainbow Ryders, Visit Arizona, and The Scout Guide. Details were confirmed on October 3, 2026. Check the festival site for last-minute changes.
Dr. Kevin Shufford holds a PhD in Communication and is a professor who teaches how to have healthy relationships, skills he brings to his real estate practice. As a licensed real estate agent and mortgage loan officer serving the Phoenix metro and Southern California, Kevin operates as The Property Professor under Real Broker and One Real Mortgage. Work with Kevin at thepropertyprofessor.blog or call 480-725-4658.
Discover more from The Property Professor
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.