Top 5 Halloween Happenings in the Valley

By Editor October 13, 2016 07:18

By: Samantha Collins

It’s that time of year again, where the pumpkin spice is flowing and you’re ready to dig your scarves out of your closet. It’s autumn in the Valley, and with the month of October comes all of the wonderfully frightful events centered around the best holiday ever, Halloween. Sure, your Halloween tradition might just include a trip to the haunted house, but we thought we’d list our top 5 events that will be sure to shake up your Halloween this year.

Sanctum of Horror

It wouldn’t be Halloween without at least one haunted house on the list! The Sanctum of Horror, located in Mesa, has a reputation for being unbelievably terrifying. Coming from a horror purist, this place ranks right up at the top of the list for quality of outright terror. With award-winning makeup and effects, the Sanctum of Horror has become a staple in the East Valley every year for the past eight years. Nothing screams fear quite like run-down mental asylums, child murderers and things that are alive…that definitely shouldn’t be. Sanctum combines them all, for your horrified pleasure. This is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old, but enter at your own risk…

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Dates vary, check website for details

Time vary, check website for details

$22 for general admission

Location:

Superstition Springs Center

6555 E Southern Ave

Mesa, AZ 85206

Poe Fest

If you haven’t heard of Edgar Allan Poe, chances are you’ve heard of his short stories and poems. From tales of death, decay and sorrow, to the famous Tell-Tale Heart, about a man who is driven insane by the sound of a beating heart taken from a homicide victim. There’s a reason Poe has gone done in history as a pioneer for gothic fiction and mystery; and so his memory lives on in the month-long Poe Fest taking place in Phoenix. If you’re a fan of theater, poetry, or even just spooky morbid things, you’ll want to see this rotating show that takes place at the (allegedly haunted) Hotel San Carlos every weekend throughout the month. From live performances of Poe’s greatest and creepiest works, to live séances, you’re sure in for a treat as you spiral down into the macabre world of Edgar Allan Poe. Get your tickets today!

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Date: October 7th – 29th

Time: 8 p.m.

$26 general admission, discounts available

Location:

Ghost Lounge at the Hotel San Carlos

202 N Central Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Silent Film Score: Nosferatu

Halloween is the greatest time of year for movies. There’s one horror movie marathon after another on most channels, and you’ll want to revisit all of the classics from Dracula to Chucky. But the one who started it all dates back to 1922, with the timelessly terrifying Nosferatu. We said we’re trying to shake up your Halloween, and we meant it. FilmBar will be hosting a screening of Nosferatu that will leave quite an impression (and perhaps a little bit of trauma). The screening will be scored by a live orchestra, the RPM Orchestra, so the screeches of violins and the shrieks of terror will follow you throughout the film, and possibly into your nightmares afterwards…

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Date: Saturday, October 22nd

Time: 9:30 p.m.

Location:

FilmBar

815 N 2nd St

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Día de los Muertos Festival

For Latinos, Día de los Muertos isn’t exactly new. However, a surge of interest in the holiday has taken place stateside over the past few years, and the community has embraced this interest with tremendous energy. The Cultural Coalition has been leading this festival for quite some time, and are proud to bring it to you again this year! In a celebration of life and death, the festival is bringing various traditional events such as dance performances and appearances by Quetzalcoatl, La Llorona, and more! There will be various craft activities, food vendors, music and contests to participate in, so come dressed up or dressed down, but just be there!

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Date: Sunday, October 23rd

Time: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

FREE Admission

Location:

Steele Indian School Park

300 E Indian School Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Monsters Ball

Forget your Halloween house party, and get yourself over to the Alwun House for an unforgettable Halloween bash. Not only will you be ooh’d and aah’d by burlesque performances, but you’ll be dancing until you die with live music from jazz to DJs spinning spooky tunes and live shows will be lighting up the evening from start to finish. Partygoers are encouraged to come in costume, and can participate in this year’s Monster theme, so get started on that costume! There shall be drink, there shall be tacos, and with so many costumed attendees roaming around you may start to wonder if you’ve crossed over to the other side at some point. It’s an evening you’ll be sorry you missed, so get your tickets before they’re gone!