Fall 2026 Things to Do in
Sedona and the Surrounding Areas
Fall is one of my favorite times of year in Sedona. The temperatures begin to cool, hiking becomes especially inviting, and there seems to be something happening almost every weekend—from art festivals and live music to Día de los Muertos celebrations, fall colors and community events.
And you don’t have to stay within Sedona. Within about an hour, you can explore the Verde Valley, ride a train through a canyon near Clarkdale, or head north to Flagstaff for golden aspens and crisp mountain air.
If you’ll be in Northern Arizona this fall, here are some of the events and activities worth putting on your calendar.
Sedona Arts Festival — October 10–11
Fall and art seem to go hand in hand in Sedona. The annual Sedona Arts Festival returns October 10–11, bringing artists and visitors together against the beautiful red-rock backdrop.
The festival is held at Sedona Red Rock High School and features artwork in a variety of mediums. If you enjoy collecting art—or simply browsing while spending a beautiful fall day outside—this is a great October weekend in Sedona.
Wings & Wheels — October 10
Also on October 10 is Wings & Wheels at the Sedona Airport. The event brings together aircraft and automobiles atop Airport Mesa, making it a particularly fun outing for aviation and classic-car enthusiasts.
And, of course, you get one of Sedona’s most recognizable red-rock settings while you’re there. The 2026 event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sedona Plein Air Festival — October 16–24
Are you an artist? Then you must love this Sedona event because the landscape itself becomes part of the experience.
The 22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival runs October 16–24 through Sedona Arts Center. Accomplished artists paint outdoors throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley, capturing the changing light and colors of the landscape in real time.
The week includes paint-outs, demonstrations, special events and opportunities to watch artists at work. Even if you aren’t an art collector, it can be fascinating to see a familiar Sedona view interpreted on canvas right in front of you.
Pumpkin Splash and Fest of Fall — October 17
October 17 is a particularly busy Saturday at Posse Grounds Park especially for families witgh children.
The City of Sedona’s Pumpkin Splash takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool, followed by Fest of Fall from noon to 6 p.m. Fest of Fall includes food trucks, vendors, music, games, a kids’ zone, pickleball and cornhole tournaments, and other activities.
It’s a nice choice for families looking for something beyond hiking and sightseeing.
Howl-O-Ween at Tlaquepaque — October 18
Attention dog ownwers! Dogs get their own Halloween celebration, too!
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village hosts its Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade on October 18 from 10 a.m. to noon, in partnership with BowWow and the Humane Society of Sedona.
Even without an event, Tlaquepaque is one of my favorite places to wander in the fall. The courtyards, fountains, galleries and sycamore trees make it particularly atmospheric this time of year.
Flamenco in the Courtyard at Tlaquepaque
Here is one of my personal favorites.
On Sunday through Tuesday evenings, master guitarist Gaetano and fellow musicians perform Flamenco in the Courtyard at Tlaquepaque’s Patio de las Campanas. For Fall 2026, performances are listed from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
I live here, and I still love going. There is something about listening to Spanish-style guitar under the bell tower, surrounded by Tlaquepaque’s old-world architecture, that feels quintessentially Sedona. Dress up in your flamenco-like outfit, or not, your choice! Dance along or just listen to the great musicians, your choice!
Fall Arts & Crafts Fair — October 24
For something smaller and very local, visit the Sedona Heritage Museum on October 24 for its annual Arts & Crafts Fair.
This is an old-fashioned arts-and-crafts show featuring handcrafted work directly from the artists and makers. Expect jewelry, fine art, fiber arts, home décor, glass, clothing, candles and other locally made pieces. The museum has also scheduled an 11 a.m. performance by Acappella Sedona.
It’s a good opportunity to get an early start on holiday shopping while supporting local artists.
The Marigold Mural Project — October 29
Tlaquepaque’s annual Marigold Mural Project takes place October 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors are invited to add personal tributes to a 26-foot remembrance wall on Calle Independencia, with artist Lovejoy and supplies provided. It leads beautifully into Tlaquepaque’s Día de los Muertos celebration a few days later.
Halloween in Sedona — October 31
On Halloween night, Uptown Sedona transforms into a family-friendly trick-or-treat destination.
The City of Sedona’s Uptown Trick or Treat is scheduled for October 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.
It’s a fun way to experience Uptown after dark, especially if you’re visiting Sedona with children.
Día de los Muertos at Tlaquepaque — November 1
One of the most colorful fall traditions in Sedona takes place at Tlaquepaque on November 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The village celebrates Día de los Muertos with a day honoring loved ones who have passed, surrounded by the art, architecture and courtyards that make Tlaquepaque such a natural setting for the celebration.
If you’re visiting Sedona around Halloween, I would definitely consider extending your stay through November 1.
Veterans Day Tribute — November 11
On November 11 at 11 a.m., the Sedona Heritage Museum and City of Sedona present the annual Veterans Day Tribute.
The free community event is held in the museum’s historic fruit packing shed and includes an Armed Forces tribute, patriotic music, speakers and representatives from veterans organizations.
Sedona Turkey Trot — Thanksgiving Day, November 26
Want to earn your Thanksgiving dinner?
The Sedona Turkey Trot is scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, November 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Turkey Trot is one of the City of Sedona’s annual signature events, with additional 2026 details expected closer to the event.
Beyond Sedona: Fall Day Trips
One of the advantages of living in Sedona is how many completely different landscapes and communities are within an hour’s drive. Fall is an especially good time to explore them.
Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale
About 30 minutes from Sedona is the historic town of Clarkdale, Arizona’s first planned community. The town was originally developed by Senator William Andrews Clark as a company town serving the copper industry in nearby Jerome.
Today, one of its biggest attractions is the Verde Canyon Railroad.
The four-hour scenic train journey follows the Verde River through a canyon landscape that you simply cannot see from the highway.
Through October 31, the railroad is also hosting its seasonal Ales on Rails experience, celebrating Arizona craft breweries before passengers board the train.
Fall is an especially nice time for this trip because of the cooler temperatures and changing vegetation along the Verde River.
Halloween in Clarkdale — October 31
Clarkdale also takes Halloween seriously.
The Town of Clarkdale hosts its annual Safe Trick or Treating event on Halloween, drawing more than 1,500 trick-or-treaters and family members to the streets of Upper Clarkdale.
It has a wonderfully small-town community feel and can easily be combined with an afternoon exploring Clarkdale or nearby Jerome.
Chase the Fall Colors in Oak Creek Canyon
You don’t need a festival or ticket to enjoy one of the best fall activities in Northern Arizona: simply head outside.
Oak Creek Canyon is beautiful throughout the year, but fall brings brilliant yellows, oranges and reds along the creek. West Fork is one of the most popular places to experience it.
Because fall weekends can be very busy, I recommend going early, preferably on a weekday if your schedule allows.
And remember that Sedona’s popular trailheads can have parking restrictions when the Sedona Shuttle is operating. The City currently provides trailhead shuttle service to Cathedral Rock, Little Horse, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek Vista and Mescal, with expanded service during peak visitation periods.
Take a Fall Hike
For me, this is really what Sedona fall is about.
Once the summer heat eases, longer hikes become much more comfortable. Trails such as Bear Mountain, Wilson Mountain, Brins Mesa, Soldier Pass and the trails around Red Rock State Park are wonderful choices depending on your experience and how strenuous you want your day to be.
Bring layers. Sedona can be beautifully warm in the afternoon and surprisingly chilly early in the morning or once the sun disappears behind the red rocks.
Head North to Flagstaff for Aspens and Mountain Air
Drive roughly an hour north from Sedona and suddenly you’re in a completely different environment: ponderosa pine forest, mountain air and, in fall, brilliant stands of golden aspens.
Flagstaff’s tourism office maintains a seasonal LEAF-ometer to help visitors follow fall-color conditions around the area. As of its October 5 update, it also notes an important 2026 access change: Lockett Meadow/Inner Basin access via Forest Road 552 is currently closed for road construction, including vehicle, foot and bicycle traffic.
So check current conditions before heading out rather than relying on an old favorite fall itinerary.
Other Flagstaff fall happenings include the Flagstaff Star Party October 1–3, Flagstaff Oktoberfest on October 3, Pumpkin Walk at The Arboretum at Flagstaff on October 24, Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona October 24–25, and a special Route 66 100th Birthday Bash at the Flagstaff Visitor Center on November 11.
Another option is a trip up toward Arizona Snowbowl and the San Francisco Peaks. Even if you don’t ski, the higher elevations and mountain scenery make the area a fun contrast to Sedona’s red-rock landscape.
Sometimes the Best Fall Day in Sedona Has No Event at All
With all these festivals and activities, some of my favorite fall days here are still the simplest ones.
Start with a morning hike. Have lunch outside. Wander through Tlaquepaque or Uptown. Drive through Oak Creek Canyon. Sit somewhere with a red-rock view as the late-afternoon light changes.
That’s one of the things I love most about living in Sedona: you don’t necessarily need an itinerary to have a memorable day.
Fall is also one of those seasons when you can experience several versions of Northern Arizona within a short drive—red rocks in Sedona, the Verde River and historic communities of the Verde Valley, and golden aspens and ponderosa forests around Flagstaff.
Whether you live here, are considering making Sedona your home, or are simply visiting for a few days, Fall 2026 gives you plenty of reasons to get outside and explore.
Local tip: Event schedules, trail access and weather conditions can change, so always check directly with the event organizer or managing agency before heading out.