Uptown Transforms into a Spooktacular Halloween Wonderland

Uptown Sedona is set to host its much-anticipated annual Trick-or-Treat event on Halloween, Thursday, October 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. This festive gathering is organized by the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department and is expected to draw crowds of around 2,000 to 3,000 attendees from the Verde Valley region.

“Uptown Trick-or-Treat is a beloved tradition in Sedona, uniting families and the community. Merchants join in the fun, offering tricks and treats,” said Jason Vargo, Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator. This year’s festivities will once again feature the Sedona Fire District’s haunted ambulance and the Sedona Police Department, which will oversee safety and distribute candy.

Vargo also hinted at a surprise costume for himself, promising an otherworldly theme that attendees will have to see to believe. For the third consecutive year, the Sedona Dance Academy will perform a flash mob rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at Sinagua Plaza. “Our students are excited to blend into the crowd before breaking into dance every 20 minutes,” noted Jessica Phillips from the academy.

Another highlight is the community costume contest open to all ages. Participants can snap photos, share them on social media, and use the hashtag #SedonaHalloween. Teachers will determine winners based on community votes.

Vargo encouraged attendees to use the Sedona Shuttle Connect for easy access to the event, although parking issues have not been a concern in prior years. The city provides ample free parking, with maps available on the Sedona Parks and Recreation website.

The town of Clarkdale will host its own “Safe Trick-or-Treating” event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Halloween. Parks and Recreation Director Joni Westcott explained that some streets will be closed to vehicular traffic to enhance safety for the approximately 1,500 participants.

The designated trick-or-treating route includes Main Street and surrounding areas, which will be blocked off from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. Attendees are advised to avoid parking on these streets and to utilize parking at Town Hall or Clarkdale-Jerome School. Flashlights are recommended, and pets should be left at home.

A costume contest will take place at Clarkdale Town Park at 5:30 p.m., featuring categories for various age groups and group costumes, with no fee to enter. Additionally, the Clarkdale Downtown Business Alliance will host a trunk-or-treat event from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of 10th Street and Main Street, offering yet another opportunity for festivities.

In Camp Verde, the Parks and Recreation Department anticipates over 5,000 attendees for its Main Street Trunk-or-Treat from 5 to 7 p.m. Main Street will be closed to traffic from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Following the trick-or-treating, families can enjoy a free outdoor screening of the animated comedy “Hotel Transylvania” at 7:30 p.m. in Community Field. Food trucks and a concession stand will also be available from 4 to 8 p.m.

Cottonwood will celebrate with a Trunk-or-Treat event themed around Tim Burton’s films from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cottonwood Recreation Center. This event is free for all ages, and anyone interested in decorating their vehicle’s trunk for candy-giving should contact Travis Wilson for details.

Additionally, historic Old Town Cottonwood will offer trick-or-treating from 5 to 7 p.m., inviting families to engage with local merchants along Main Street.

Lastly, the Verde Village Property Owners Association will host a Trunk-or-Treat at the Duck Pond from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring local businesses showcasing their creatively decorated trunks and candy.