The Desert Fall Festival opens its 2026 season Friday evening in Surprise, beginning a five-week run of pumpkins, rides, games and nighttime attractions near Greenway and Bullard avenues.
Opening weekend runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27, at 14470 W. Tierra Buena Lane. The privately operated event is scheduled to continue on selected nights through Nov. 1.
Organizers describe a 13-acre festival with more than 20 attractions, including a glowing pumpkin maze, a 40-foot zipline, roller skating, apple cannons, pumpkin bowling, live entertainment and an interactive excavator experience. Food and shopping vendors are also planned.
Hours change after opening weekend
The festival’s official website lists the following operating schedule:
- Sept. 25-27: 5 to 10 p.m. each night
- Sept. 30-Oct. 18: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday
- Oct. 19-30: 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday
- Oct. 31-Nov. 1: 4 to 10 p.m.
Last entry is one hour before closing. The event entrance is near the southwest corner of Greenway and Bullard avenues, and parking is included, according to the organizer.
Ticket prices and what to verify
The organizer’s public pages list general admission at $17.95 for guests ages 3 and older, with children 2 and younger admitted free. The same pages also display separate language referring to $24.95 admission after an early-bird period and $26.99 tickets at the gate.
Because those price displays are inconsistent and the ticket total may depend on the date or purchase method, visitors should confirm the current price in the official ticket checkout before traveling. Gate tickets are available only while the date remains unsold online.
The event is mostly cashless. A 10% military discount is available at the gate for the service member and as many as three dependents with identification, according to the festival FAQ.
Some attractions use credits or have limits
Admission covers access to the grounds and a range of activities, but several attractions are listed as one-credit add-ons. The organizer identifies the zipline, roller rink and mechanical bull among the credit-based experiences, so families should review the attraction list before deciding how many credits to purchase.
The Big Dig lets participants operate an excavator under event supervision. It is included for children 10 and younger, while guests 11 and older use one credit. Operators must be at least 48 inches tall. Children from 42 to 48 inches may ride on an adult’s lap, and the adult needs one credit.
Outside food and drinks are prohibited, with an exception for children’s bottles. Pets and emotional-support animals are not permitted; trained service dogs are allowed. Smoking, drugs, glass containers and professional cameras are also prohibited under the published event rules.
Schedules, pricing and attraction availability can change. The official planning page should be checked for day-of updates.
Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration created for West Valley Post. It does not depict the actual Desert Fall Festival site or an official project rendering.
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