While it might not feel very “fall-like” in Vail yet, today marks the first day of autumn. That means that there are only 92 days left until Christmas and 90 days left until you can buy your last item off of Amazon and still get your presents in time for the holiday.
In Arizona, we are used to 90 degree temperatures this time of year. In fact, it usually doesn’t start feeling chilly until late October.
If you’re anything like me, you still want to embrace the “season of pumpkin” with some fun fall-like activities. Here are a few ideas of how you can make the first day of fall feel a little bit more like, well, FALL!
Apple Annie’s
Apple Annie’s might be a few miles to the East of us, but it’s home to many fall traditions for Vail residents. From the produce and pumpkin section, to the orchards filled with apples and pears, you can stock up on what you need to cook up delicious fall meals. Make sure to grab some homemade fudge, pies, or breads for desserts too!
While there, take part in the corn maze or hitch a hayride out to the pumpkin patch! It’s fun for kids of all ages.
The Corn Maze at Buckelew Farms
If the thought of getting caught in a corn maze after dark is enough to spark some spooky excitement, you won’t want to miss Terror in the Corn weekends in October at Buckelew Farms. Open at the Ghoulish hour of 6:30 each weekend night, you can be sure you’ll have a frightful evening that you won’t soon forget!
Arizona Restaurant Week
Have you tried your favorite restaurant serving up a special Arizona Restaurant Week menu yet? Now is the time to make your reservation and chow down. Find the closest restaurants in Vail participating this year and head on over before the week comes to a close on September 28.
The Great Tucson Beer Festival
Oktoberfest beers are a little bit heavier and spicier than the summer ones. If you love imbibing a few hops and grains, you’ll love attending the 28th Annual Great Tucson Beer Festival. With over 200 types of beer on tap and lots of food vendors throughout, Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium will be alight with festive fun.
Nightfall in Old Tucson
If the corn maze didn’t leave you spooked enough, head on over to Nightfall in Old Tucson. This year is supposed to be bigger and better than ever! Attend frightful shows, mingle with zombies, and sip on your favorite spooky beverage in this real haunted town.
Fall Races
There are plenty of races happening in and around Vail this season. With the (slightly) cooler temps, it’s the perfect time to start training to support a good cause. Here are a few classic Fall races in our area:
- October 18: The Bisbee 1000, Great Stair Climb – This is one of the most popular races of the year! With just a quick drive South, you can be at the starting line and ready to sprint (or walk) through this artistic little city.
- October 25: Zombie Dash, 5k – What could be more fun, spooky, and festive than an obstacle run filled with zombies? When you sprint your way through the course at this year’s Zombie Dash in Buckelew Farms, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
- November 8: Sixth Annual Pecan Classic 15k and 5k – With new distances this year, the journey through the Pecan orchards is sure to be a big hit! Register before 9/30 for a cheaper price.
Oktoberfests Galore
The German tradition of dancing, singing, drinking, and eating has landed in Tucson! Year after year, Oktoberfests pop up around the city. This year is no different. If Oktoberfests are your kind of celebration, here are a few events you won’t want to miss.
- Weekends through Oktober 12: Oktoberfest on the Mountain
- Oktober 11: Arizona Hops and Vines Oktoberfest
- Oktober 18: Baja Oktoberfest in Kino Veteran’s Memorial Stadium
Tucson Meet Yourself
Love to eat? Then you won’t want to miss this Tucson tradition – Tucson Meet Yourself. Happening October 10 – 12 downtown, it’s just a hop, skip, and I-10 ride away from Vail.
With multi-cultural booths, foods, and entertainment, your entire family will love heading downtown to devour all the goodness this festival has to offer.
Visit the Zoo
Every year, the Zoo hosts ZOOcson in the fall. This year, ZOOcson will be held on Friday, October 17. It’s a fundraiser to support the Reid Park Zoo, which will probably be extra important this year after the new baby elephant made its debut.
Grab your tickets, enjoy food from local restaurants, and embrace the fall weather while rubbing elbows with the monkeys, lions, and bears.
Vail Country Fair
Mark your calendars for November 8 and gather your entire family to attend the sixth annual Vail Country Fair! With carnival rides, lots of food, activities for the entire family, vendors from our area, beer, and more food, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
