Southeast Valley prepares for haunting season

It may be the early days of September, but the thoughts of many in the southeast Valley are already  turning to October – particularly Halloween season.

Central Arizona College plans to host a spooky festival in San Tan Valley next month.

The Annual San Tan Fall Festival is set for 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 at the CAC San Tan Campus, 3736 E. Bella Vista Road in San Tan Valley.

This free, family friendly event is open to all community members and will feature:

• Trick-or-Treating
• Mad science experiments
• Haunted hallway
• Music
• Vendors
• Games and more

The San Tan Fall Festival provides area residents with one more Halloween option now that the town of Queen Creek has cancelled its Trunk-or-Treat event. Here are more fall and Halloween events to enjoy in the southeast Valley:

Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival
Sept. 27-Oct. 31
Vertuccio Farms
4011 S. Power Road, Mesa

Mesa-based Vertuccio Farms celebrates fall with its annual festival. Visit one of the  Valley’s longest-running corn mazes. Admission to the festival includes a new ropes course, the corn maze, petting zoo, carnival games, “Barrel Train Ride” and more. Information: https://vertucciofarms.com/.

Pumpkin & Chili Party
Every Thursday-Sunday in October; last day, Oct. 31
Schnepf Farms
24810 S. Rittenhouse Road

The annual Pumpkin & Chili Party at Schnepf Farms brings together family fun, food, and festive activities. Watch Schnepf Farms transform into an autumn wonderland with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, rides and games, live entertainment, fireworks, and, of course, chili.

Scarizona Scaregrounds
Oct. 4-31
1901 N. Alma School Road, Mesa

Scarizona Scaregrounds features haunted attractions designed for thrill-seekers aged 12 and up. “Mayhem in the Madness” and “Startled Darkness” are designed to spook even the bravest of souls. Scarizona Scaregrounds is hosted at the Thompson Event Center, located near Loops 101 and 202 in Mesa. Information: scarizona.com.

Halloween Festival
4-8 p.m.
Oct. 26
Superstition Shadows Park
1091 W. Southern Ave., Apache Junction

The Apache Junction Parks and Recreation department wants to make your night “spooktacular.” The city is bringing back its Trunk or Treat, where local businesses line up their vehicles and pass out handfuls of candy. There will also be games, inflatables, food trucks and a pumpkin patch.

Florence Fright Fest
5:30-8 p.m.
Oct. 31
Historic Downtown Main Street, Florence

This annual free event is held on Historic Downtown Main Street and features trunk or treat spaces where kids can get candy, costume contests for children and adults, and more.