Fall is here, and Bisbee, Arizona comes alive with fantastic, fun, and spooky events! The temperatures start to cool, so it’s time to bundle up. Early October highs are near 78°F, while late-month highs closer to 69–70°F, with overnight lows dropping into the upper 30s by month’s end.
There’s always plenty to do this month, from the stair climb, to the B.R.A.T.S. parade, and, of course, Halloween!
Bisbee Plein Air Festival and Competition October 8 – 11
Central School Project’s popular Plein Air Festival and Competition returns for another year! Artists come from all over to paint our picturesque town – you’ll see them with their easels, paint, and berets on various street corners and overlooks.
Artists have from Thursday – Saturday afternoon to paint, and then they are displayed in the Central School and voted on from 4 to 5 pm. Winners receive cash prizes and the paintings are sold with the proceed going to CSP. More information and tickets.
Bisbee 1000 October 17
Now in its 35th year, the Bisbee 1000, a 4.5 mile course with nine staircases totalling over 1000 steps (hence the name) is one of Bisbee’s most popular events. Runners come from all over Arizona and beyond to compete for the best time. While many take it seriously, there are also those that prefer to wear silly costumes as they run… hey, it’s Bisbee! But good luck beating Bisbee local Jacob Stewart who has won it 5 times in a row!
Registration is still open, reserve your spot today
Bisbee B.R.A.T.S. Parade October 24
For those not in the know, B.R.A.T.S. is the acronym for Bisbee Rolling Arts Transportation Society. In essence, it’s an absurdist downhill soapbox derby, minus the racing aspect. Artists are encouraged to make gravity-fueled carts in any size, shape, or form.
Andrew Nelson and Poe Dismuke co-founded B.R.A.T.S. in 2009 with just a handful of carts. Today, it sports dozens of crazy carts, costumes, and even a roving band of kazoo players. Always the 4th weekend of October, which this year is the 24th. The lineup at the Iron Man begins at 3:30pm and the B.R.A.T.S. roll at 4. If you’re not in the parade, you can line up along Tombstone Canyon all the way to the Library on Main St. The after-party, with all the parked carts, is on Subway St.
Halloween in Bisbee!
Bisbee is famous for its Halloween Celebrations. The Copper Queen Hotel has its annual block party, with DJs and costume contests. Currently, they have one party scheduled for Saturday October 24, with the possibility of adding another date October 31. Their Haunted Maze is scheduled for October 23 and 24, with the possibility of additional dates October 30 and 31. Check the Copper Queen Hotel website or This Week in Bisbee for more information on tickets and dates.
A new-ish addition to the Halloween shenanigans is Halloween at the Mile High Ranch. In its 6th year, the haunted event will take place October 29, 30, and 31 6:30 to 8pm. Mile High Ranch is at 901 Tombstone Canyon and will feature a haunted house tour, spooky comedy, and tricks and/or treats. This event is family-friendly and, best of all, free! For more information visit The Gardens at Mile High Ranch.
Of course, no October in Bisbee is complete without visiting the Bisbee Seance Room and its magic show hosted by Magic Kenny Bang Bang. The Seance Room is celebrating its 10th year in Bisbee and many of his shows are already sold out. Shows are Thursday 6, 7, and 8 pm and Friday, and Saturday at 6, 7, 8, and 9 pm. Tickets are $30. For reservations call (520) 203 3350.
The Old Bisbee Ghost Tour is now in its 19th year, still offering thrills and chills in the dark city streets. And new this year is the Bisbee True Crime Tour, a walking tour that covers more sinister events in the town’s history. It’s adults-only 21 and up. Book Now and use code BZBTRUECRIME to get $5 off each ticket.
Music, Art, and Culture 7 days a Week
In addition to all the Halloween happenings, Bisbee is always full of entertaining options for music, art, and culture events. Venues such as the Bisbee Grand Hotel and Bisbee Social Club have local and national touring acts.
The Silver King Hotel hosts Room 4 Bar, Arizona’s Smallest Bar and also has live music Thur – Sunday (on the patio, not in the bar!).
And every Thursday at St. Elmo… it’s Bowling for Dildos!
For a complete list of events, visit This Week in Bisbee – a weekly newsletter covering everything you need to know about your upcoming trip to Bisbee.
October is a great month to visit Bisbee – we look forward to seeing you!