Phoenix is absolutely buzzing with energy this Halloween Friday and through the rest of the weekend, as the city transforms into a playground of spooky thrills, cultural happenings, live entertainment, and unmissable sports action. Listeners, if you’re wondering what to do in Phoenix right now or looking to plan your weekend, buckle up—these events promise memories you won’t forget.

Halloween in Phoenix means a full slate of themed parties and family-friendly fun. Downtown, the 4th Annual Halloween Night Goth Dance Party takes over Club Palazzo from 9 pm to 3 am. DJs Hexmaschine and Vox Sinistra will be spinning haunting Dark Wave, Industrial, Electronica and more, and partygoers can join the “Ghost Ship: Curse of the Crimson Tide” for a nautical fright add-on experience. Come in your most creative costume for a shot at prizes and enjoy the night surrounded by fellow creatures of the dark, plus loads of local vendors according to the organizers at 6 Feet Under.

For families, Friday brings Boo-tanical Trick-or-Treat at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, with a festive kids' trail from 5 pm to 7 pm. And for those looking for a quirky night out, GenuWine Arizona hosts a showing of the cult classic Hocus Pocus.

But wait, NASCAR fans, the party really gets rolling at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway starting today and continuing through Sunday, with championship races, live music, driver Q&As, and fan experiences throughout the event. As ABC 15 and The Camby Hotel highlight, Jordan Davis takes the stage Sunday morning for a live concert before the main race, and there’s even a Gaming Garage for the kids and families.

Culture and tradition also shine with Día de los Muertos celebrations at the Desert Botanical Garden October 31 through November 2. Enjoy beautiful altars by Oaxacan artisans, community processions, mariachi music, mesmerizing Aztec dance rituals, and vibrant craft booths from noon until 6 pm each day. The main procession winds through the garden each evening, leading to sunset performances in Sunset Plaza according to the Desert Botanical Garden’s official schedule.

Downtown Phoenix boasts even more happenings, like the special Halloween murder-mystery dinner show “Murder At The Vampire’s Wedding” at the historic Hotel San Carlos, and the Phoenix Symphony’s Día de los Muertos tribute concert at Symphony Hall.

Families won’t want to miss the Cactus Clubhouse for curious kids under 12 at the Desert Botanical Garden, or the Mill Avenue Ghost Tours in Tempe if you want chills down your spine.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI