Halloween has to be one of my favorite holidays. I love the idea of dressing up and pretending to be someone or something else for just one day. While the idea of taking candy from strangers is a little weird, considering the fact that we were taught our whole lives to avoid such things, the idea that everyone gets a once-a-year pass is exciting.
If you’re looking for a little spooky fun that makes more sense than taking candy from strangers be sure to check out these great Valley Halloween happenings.
2018 Valley Halloween Happenings
Bashas Grocery Stores
It’s that time of year when Bashas’ Supermarkets become Spooky-markets as Arizona’s family-owned grocer invites families to celebrate Halloween at each of its 56 Bashas’ stores across the state, as well as Eddie’s Country Store in Pinetop and Food City locations in Parker and Lake Havasu City next Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10am until 2pm. From witches and ghosts to superheroes and cartoon characters, children of all ages are invited to show off their Halloween costumes and have a lot of fun taking part in all of the family-friendly activities in the store. Bashas’ Halloween Party will feature trick-or-treating stations throughout the store, Halloween cake decorating ($5/cake), caramel apple decorating ($3/caramel apple), cut-out cookie decorating ($1/cookie), free apple cider and tons of photo-taking opportunities!
Camp Social
Camp Social celebrates the Halloween holiday with a special “Camp Crystal Lake” (from Friday the 13th) celebration October 27th through October 31st until 2am! Beginning on Saturday, October 27th guests will enjoy drink specials including “Orange is the New Black” for $5, Zombie Juice with glow sticks for $6, a “Bloody Good Time” bloody Mary’s for $6 during Saturday and Sunday brunch, and Green Tea “Poison” shots for $5. Food specials will include sharable “Mummy Cookies” featuring pumpkin flavored Pizookie style dessert with vanilla ice cream for $10; and an Apocalyptic Dip (hummus platter with assorted seasonal offerings) while guests can also enjoy a Pumpkin Launching Contest ($5 per pumpkin to participate; all proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen organization), spooky Halloween classic films on all of the televisions, spooky themed music throughout, creepy guests available for photographs and more! In addition, guests who bring in a carved or drawn pumpkin will receive a FREE s’mores dessert. On Halloween night, October 31st only, kids can enjoy a pumpkin drawing contest from 6pm until 7pm ($5 to participate and all proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen organization).
Admission is free and food & drinks will be available for purchase.
Chase’s Diner
In honor of Halloween, Chase’s Diner is offering a special Halloween Pie from Saturday, October 20th through Wednesday, October 31st. The “Worms and Dirt” Chocolate Cream Pie features buttermilk pie crust filled with homemade chocolate cream and topped with homemade whipped cream, cookie crumbles and gummy worms. An entire pie is available for $11; cost per slice is $3.75. The special pie will be available through October 31st. In addition, on Halloween Eve (Tuesday, October 30th), from 4pm until 9pm, children that come in dressed in costume will receive a complimentary treat bag!
Creamistry
This Halloween, valley Creamistry locations are introducing two new holiday inspired flavors for a limited time only. Specials include the Charcoal Cookies and Scream Ice Cream, featuring classic cookies and cream ice cream with activated charcoal for an “ominous” black visual effect. The Midnight Black Bubble Waffles celebrates the debut of Creamistry’s new Bubble Waffles! This egg-based treat out of Hong Kong is a freshly baked fluffy waffle available as a cone. The Midnight Black Bubble Waffles treat features activated charcoal as well. ($2.50, including a choice of one sauce and whipped cream, optional.) The Vanilla Bubble Waffles will remain on the menu after these Halloween specials “fade to black” on October 31st.
Hatter & Hare
Hatter & Hare, Arizona’s only Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant in Phoenix hosts a spooktacular Halloween holiday event on Saturday October 27th beginning 5pm! Guests can enjoy Malice and Wonderland, specialty “Toxic Tea” and “Killer Cocktails;” music by DJ Riot Earp and a costume contest with a chance to win cash and prizes! Late night dining will also be available until 2am! Admission is free and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Luci’s at the Orchard
Luci’s at the Orchard is now featuring a Zombie Brains Smoothie to get into the Halloween spirit. It might sound scary, but this smoothie is a delicious combination of green tea smoothie and cherry syrup. Get a 20oz for $6 or stop by after 5pm for half-off all smoothies and pastries.
Additionally, Luci’s at the Orchard and Luci’s Healthy Marketplace are taking pre-orders on Halloween themed soft sugar cookies. They are available in Ghost and Jack O’ Lantern shapes. They are $3.49 for individual cookies or $33.49 for a dozen. Call 602.633.2442 or 602.773.1339 to pre-order!
McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli is adding a little extra sweetness to Halloween this year with its “Kids Eat Free” offer. Every little witch, ghost and goblin is invited to stop into their local McAlister’s Deli restaurant with their parents on Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31, to fuel up with a free meal from the new kids’ menu before heading out for a fun night of trick-or-treating and candy eating.
Match Restaurant & Lounge
In collaboration with the FOUND:RE Hotel’s Kids in Focus gallery exhibit, Match Restaurant and Lounge introduces a new candy-corn inspired cocktail to benefit the Kids in Focus program that serves local at-risk children. Now available, guests can enjoy this sweet sip crafted to go along with Halloween’s most recognizable treat! Featuring Smirnoff Whipped Vodka, pineapple juice, soda, grenadine, and candy corn garnish, the Kids in Focus cocktail is just $8, with all proceeds benefitting Kids in Focus. This special cocktail will be available through the end of the year.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Omni will be hosting a spectacular Dia De Los Muertos Celebration on October 30th. The October Chef’s Kitchen Dinner celebrates Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, the traditional family holiday. Chef Marcos Seville and the culinary team invite guests to join them in the private Chef’s Kitchen space for a four-course meal with one-of-a-kind dishes inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine. 6 p.m. ($110 per guest). Call 480.627.3111 for reservations.
Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s Jack-O-Lantern pizzas are back! he one-of-a-kind fall favorite is a treat for all ages. Made from scratch and fresh-to-order, Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas, lovingly known as the Jack-O, will be available nationwide for a limited time at participating Papa Murphy’s locations and online at Papamurphys.com now through October 31st. There will be two size options: large and family. Customers can also celebrate the Halloween season by indulging their sweet tooth with the “Scream of a Deal” offer. With the purchase of a Jack-O Pizza, Papa Murphy’s will be offering one pound of their made-from-scratch, ready-to-bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for only $3 more at participating locations.
Salty Sow
This Halloween, Wednesday, October 31st, guests can enjoy a nice treat, dinner on the restaurant (buy one entrée, get the second one free) from 4pm until 10pm at Salty Sow restaurant in Phoenix. The offer will be valid on their entire menu featuring signature, farm-fresh entrees including hand cut filet mignon, Duroc pork belly, blackened ribeye tacos, crisp chicken thighs and blackened salmon fillet.
The Vig
There’s no trick, guests can enjoy 25% off of their entire bill after 6pm on Halloween night at the Vig Restaurants on October 31st! The offer will be valid at any of the five Vig restaurant locations across the valley including Arcadia, Fillmore, McCormick Ranch, McDowell Mountain and Uptown.