Free Halloween festival in October in Apache Junction

Halloween is coming up and the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation wants to make your night spook-tacular.

The city’s free annual Halloween Festival is 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Superstition Shadows Park, 1091 W. Southern Ave. in Apache Junction.

Back by popular demand will be the trunk or treat, sponsored by Lost Dutchman Realty. Join local businesses as they line up their vehicles and pass out candy to all the dressed-up ghouls and goblins.

Local teen-led band Zero Reasons will be returning this year to perform live on stage 6-7:30 p.m. There will also be a Halloween scavenger hunt and other fun activities, all presented by CAAFA.

The annual costume contest will begin at 5 p.m. at the stage and will be divided by ages. All ages are welcome to enter. Remember to use your imagination and be creative.

Does your four-legged friend also have a great costume? Enter your pup in the howl-o-ween canine costume contest All canines must be on a leash. This contest will take place at the stage after the human costume contests.

Do you or your family like to carve pumpkins for Halloween? If so, bring your pre-carved pumpkin out to the park and enter the pumpkin-carving contest. Entries will be judged by the costume contest judges. All pumpkins must be submitted to the judging table by 6 p.m. to be eligible to win. Winners will be announced after the conclusion of the costume contests.

Additional event activities will include a pumpkin patch sponsored by Apache Junction Little League, local vendors and game booths, food trucks, crafts for kids, inflatables and more. All event activities are free of charge this year.

If your nonprofit organization would like to host a game/activity booth at this event, email Mady Roach at mroach@apachejunctionaz.gov. If your local business would like to host a trunk in the trunk or treat, email JJ Underwood at junderwood@apachejunctionaz.gov.

Apache Junction Parks & Recreation would like to thank the event sponsors and supporters: Lost Dutchman Realty, Apache Junction Little League, CAAFA, Desert Financial Credit Union, Great Hearts Blossom Rock, Apache Junction Police Department, Superstition Fire and Medical District, and Apache Junction Unified School District.

For information including event maps and parking information, visit the Parks and Recreation Department website at www.apachejunctionaz.gov/Halloween.