This Month in Bisbee: October
In Bisbee, Arizona, we welcome the Fall months, and October is full of spooky fun. Over the 31 days, the average monthly daytime temperature drops from 78°F to 69°F, which means it’s time to get the jackets and sweaters out in the evening.
We have a bunch of awesome Bisbee events in the month of October, as our tourist season gets in gear. First, the Bisbee Plein Air Festival is October 9 – 12. This is when it seems like every corner of our picturesque town is inhabited by a painter with a beret, an easel, and a paintbrush, trying to capture a magical moment.
The show is open to the public Saturday October 11 at 4 pm, when the pieces are voted upon. Artists compete for $800 in prizes and many of the artworks go up for sale; a portion of the proceeds benefit the Central School Project, the event host. For tickets, rules, and all other info, visit their Eventbrite Page.
The third Saturday of October is always The Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb, this year falling on October 18. This running/climbing event attracts athletes all over the US, inspired and challenged by the 4.5 mile route that includes nine of Bisbee’s signature staircases and over 1000 steps (hence the name) . The event was created by Bisbee Vogue as a way to raise money to help Bisbee’s infrastructure, and is now currently run by Wick Communications, whose goal is “to create, promote and support initiatives that enhance economic vitality, health and wellness in Southern Arizona.” While some take the event seriously, competing for money and the shortest time, others like to dress in silly costumes and just enjoy the scenery – hey, it’s Bisbee!
If the event itself doesn’t sell out, the limited number of rooms available to stay in Bisbee does, so register today!
Every year on the fourth Saturday of October is the Bisbee B.R.A.T.S. Parade! This year, it falls on October 25, 2025. If you don’t know, B.R.A.T.S. stands for Bisbee Rolling Art Transportation Society. It’s kind of like a wacky soapbox derby where artists create unusual or fun floats and roll them down Tombstone Canyon. There is also a Walking Kazoo Orchestra that everyone is invited to join. If you’d like to make a cart or just learn a little more about the event, visit the B.R.A.T.S. website.
And, finally Halloween is Oct 31, which falls on a Friday this year. So far, there are TWO street parties, one in front of the Copper Queen Hotel and one on Subway St. featuring local pop-punk heroes The Exbats. Plus, Big Dick (a Little Richard Tribute) at the Bisbee Grand, Goth from Tanz der Vampyr at the Bisbee Royale, the Copper Queen Hotel have their Haunted Maze, and Mile High Ranch has a haunted house… and so much more. If you’d like a detailed list of events, visit www.thisweekinbisbee.com and sign up for the email, which is delivered twice a week.
PS Don’t forget to book your Old Bisbee Ghost Tour