The All-Ages “Ghosts of Flagstaff Ghost Tour” will visit some of Flagstaff’s most famous locations and explore the hauntings behind each one.
Freaky Foot Tours
This mountain town draws an allure and mystic Flagstaff versatility intrigued by the authentic Old West feel of downtown. Locals are proud of the historic preservation that keeps buildings like the Weatherford Hotel and the Hotel Monte Vista at the center of activity all year round. But amid the noise and bustle of modern life, the spirits of a town built on the rumblings of the railroad are sometimes restless. While the area is gaining popularity as a place for ghost hunters, one local group has been leading explorations for over five years. Freaky Foot Tours takes to the streets and transports their guests back in time to the Wild West of the late 1800s. Their nightly walking tours are led by local guides well-versed in the town’s quirky past and eccentric characters. Not only that, they know where the bodies are buried and where the ghosts hang out! Get tickets at freakyfoottours.com.
Riordan Mansion Halloween Tours
The historic Riordan Mansion makes a great backdrop for spinning yarns appropriate to the Halloween season. Purchase tickets early for an Oct. 27-30 tour at 7, 8, and 9 p.m. each night, because this very popular guided tour sells out and is for adults (no children under age 12). The storytelling session involving tales of the fantastic and the factual. Arrive early for your tour to get your fortune told using runes. Dress for the weather, as a portion of the tour will be outside. Space is limited, advanced ticket purchase is required. Cost is $16 per person. If you cannot stand for an hour or are unable to do stairs, contact the park at 928-779-4395 to arrange for accommodations. Tickets can be purchased at https://azstateparks.com/reserve/Activities/ProgramsAndTours.aspx or call 928-779-4395 for additional information and same-day availability.
Self-Guided Haunted Flagstaff Walking Tour
With more than a century of haunted history and ghostly legends about bank robbers, ladies of the night, eccentric hotel guests and unfortunate lovers, Flagstaff has earned the reputation as one of Arizona’s most haunted cities. Stroll through Flagstaff’s paranormal past with a free self-guided brochure. More information at discoverflagstaff.com and free tour map at the historic downtown Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. 66).
Ghost City Tours
The All-Ages “Ghosts of Flagstaff Ghost Tour” will visit some of Flagstaff’s most famous locations and explore the hauntings behind each one. Guests will enjoy an evening walk while taking in the mountain town’s iconic charm. There’s plenty of intriguing history and ghost stories appropriate for all on this tour. There is also “Hell’s Highway Ghost Tour” for an Adults-Only Ghost Tour, to take guests on a historic path through some of the City of Seven Wonders’ most notorious paranormal activity. From the life and death of America’s iconic Route 66 to some of the most haunted rail-side hotels to grace this side of the Mississippi, you’ll need the backbone of a lumberjack if you want to experience these sordid tales from the past – let alone walk the blood-stained streets of downtown Flagstaff. Purchase tickets at ghostcitytours.com/ghost-tours/flagstaff-ghost-tours.
Trick or Treat Trail Downtown
A free and safe way to spend Halloween and have a spooktacular time is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31, with the Downtown Trick or Treat Trail. Start off by stopping at Heritage Square to grab a trick-or-treat trail map (or download it online) and begin your candy excursion! While you’re on the trail, make sure to stop by the businesses offering a “Harvest Special.” Once you’re done hunting for candy, come back to Heritage Square and enjoy live music, activities and the Freaky Fashion Show! More information from the downtown business alliance is available at https://downtownflagstaff.org/events/calendar#october-2022.
Museum of Northern Arizona 19th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente
The season continues at the Museum of Northern Arizona Oct. 29-30, with the 19th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente. Enjoy Folklorico dancing, colorful and elaborate ofrendas (altars), insightful heritage programs, and Day of the Dead-inspired crafts for the kids. Celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and LatinX communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event. Also known as the Day of the Dead, this event is a celebration of life, music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances. Rooted in community, this weekend-long event is presented in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
- Festival Day One – Oct. 29 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Courtyard After Dark – Oct. 29 – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Festival Day Two – Oct. 30 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weekend admission: $20 general admission, $10 MNA members, $5 youth, free for children 9 and under. Tickets are good for the entire weekend, including the Courtyard After Dark. Purchase tickets in advance at musnaz.org or direct link https://musnaz.org/all-upcoming-events/celebraciones/.
Orpheum Theater’s Rocky Horror Picture Show
Time for the annual adult tradition with the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, Oct. 22. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy with a story centered on a young engaged couple whose car breaks down in the rain near a castle where they seek a telephone to call for help. The castle or country home is occupied by strangers in elaborate costumes celebrating an annual convention. They discover the head of the house is Dr. Frank N. Furter, an apparently mad scientist who actually is an alien transvestite from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania, who creates a living muscle man named Rocky in his laboratory. This is a fun show that you can see over and over again! The Orpheum Theater is located in the heart of downtown with a long history dating back over a century. This venue also has some haunted history that you can learn more about on one of Flagstaff’s haunted tours. Visit orpheumflagstaff.com for tickets.
And, here’s one more quick tip and although not super-scary, it’s super-fun! Plan to go to The Arboretum at Flagstaff for “Pumpkins by the Peaks” Oct. 28-30.
This season, enjoy a bounty of Halloween happenings and all that Flagstaff has to offer in our beautiful mountain town, from great restaurants, breweries, attractions and shopping to hiking, leaf-peeping and stargazing. Or how about howling at the moon at Lowell Observatory? Looking for more fall fun? Visit discoverflagstaff.com. FBN
By Meg Roederer
