Phoenix, Arizona, is a warm weather destination with something for everyone looking for a unique fall escape. You’ll find a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, amazing family friendly attractions, and festivals for all ages.
The parks and preserves of Phoenix are great during any season and they offer ample chances to enjoy the temperate fall weather. Deem Hills Park features breathtaking scenery and contains unique rock formations that date back to the Precambrian Era. You’ll love seeing the desert vegetation and diverse wildlife as you make your way through the park. You’ll also find miles and miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking trips. Papago Park is just a 10 minute drive from downtown and has massive natural rock formations that will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to another world. You can enjoy a variety of activities here including fishing, hiking, biking, and archery. Papago Park is also home to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.
The spectrum of attractions in Phoenix is impressive and can easily fill an entire vacation. The Musical Instrument Museum is a great for all ages and it’s located a half hour drive north of downtown Phoenix. The museum is the only world global instrument museum and it was ranked as one of the best “Museums for Families” by USA Today. Here you’ll find over 6,500 musical instruments placed in colorful and vibrant displays that you can play and peruse at your own pace. Just 12 miles east of downtown Phoenix, you’ll find Old Town Scottsdale featuring multiple restaurants and bars, a variety of unique shops, renowned art galleries, and much more.
Fall and winter events in Phoenix are easy to find due to the warm temperatures and one such event, The Great Pumpkin Festival, is back for its 14th year at the Desert Botanical Garden. This is one of the top fall family events in the Phoenix Metro Area and is a great celebration to kick off the fall season. The festival is filled with activities for all ages including hay rides, pumpkin harvesting and decorating, and a hay bale maze. You can even learn about the entire pumpkin growing process, from planting to harvest. The event will have games for children, music, dancing, farm animals, and the list goes on. Take your next fall family getaway to a new level of fun and visit Phoenix for The Great Pumpkin Festival. We got the chance to interview Amber Hahn, Special Events Manager for the Desert Botanical Garden, to talk about this fun fall celebration.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
AH: The Great Pumpkin Festival is entering its 14th year.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
AH: We’ve seen an increase in attendance each year. In fact, last year we saw between 1,500 and 2,500 attendees during each day of the event.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
AH: The Festival is geared toward families with children between the ages of 3 and 12.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
AH: We offer carnival-style games that are themed towards fall and designed for kids to enjoy. We have two craft tents, one with all the tools needed to decorate your pumpkin and the second with hands-on, make-and-take crafts. There will be haywagon rides to our Pumpkin Patch, a petting zoo filled with animals, and pony rides for purchase.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
AH: We have live entertainment all day including DJ Dana in the Pumpkin Patch and storytelling in our Community Garden. Out at the Events Plaza, guests will hear live music from Run Boy Run, the Arizona Bluegrass Association, MYS Fiddlers, and a fun performance by Step’s Funk Junk.
RAL: What will patrons find for dining options?
AH: We will have some of the valley’s yummiest food trucks including Short Leash Hotdogs, Kettle Heroes, Loca Popa, and Mustache Pretzels. We will have additional concessions available from Fabulous Food Fine Catering & Events.
RAL: Does the event drive business to your local economy?
AH: The Garden features many local bands, food vendors, and other fall activity related vendors at The Great Pumpkin Festival. The event provides them with the platform so they can reach out to our audience.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)
AH: Every year, on the Thursday prior to the Festival opening to the public, the Garden and the Pearson family host Special Needs Day. This is when we invite valley organizations and schools that provide services and support to people with special needs to enjoy Pumpkin Festival free of charge.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
AH: This is a great fall tradition where our families can dance to live music, meet super cute farm animals, play games, take hayrides and pick their perfect pumpkin to take home. The Great Pumpkin Festival aims to create a fun environment and lasting memories for everyone who attends.
For more information about The Great Pumpkin Festival, please visit their website.