Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Desert Fall Festival will return to Surprise from Sept. 25 through Nov. 1, bringing seasonal attractions, entertainment, food and beverages to the West Valley.
Created by Shanelle and Jordan Kunz, co-founders of Desert Lights Festival, the event will transform 13 acres of desert landscape into a fall-themed destination featuring interactive attractions, pumpkin displays and seasonal activities. The festival will take place at 14470 W. Tierra Buena Lane in Surprise, according to a press release.
The festival will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 25 through Nov. 1. It will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays during most of the run before transitioning to daily operations during the final two weeks.
“We’re excited to bring a fresh take on fall and create a place for all ages to come together and enjoy the season,” Shanelle Kunz, co-founder of Desert Fall Festival, said. “From interactive attractions and festive experiences to delicious seasonal treats, we’ve designed Desert Fall Festival to offer something for everyone and bring a little bit of fall fun to the desert.”
Visitors will be able to operate a real excavator at a simulated dig site, participate in the Desert Pumpkin Hunt scavenger hunt featuring 10-foot-tall pumpkin sculptures, test their skills at the apple cannon blaster and hay bale archery, ride bungee trampolines and a mechanical bull, and try pumpkin bowling.
Additional attractions include a 40-foot zip line, a 90-foot slide and a gift shop featuring custom-engraved souvenirs and seasonal gifts.
New additions this year include a roller rink, line dancing, live music and axe throwing.
Festivalgoers can purchase a variety of seasonal food and beverages, including wood-fired pizza, caramel apples, churros, tacos and apple cider slushies topped with doughnuts. Specialty cocktails also will be available.
Guests can gather around fire pits throughout the venue for s’mores and other seasonal experiences.
Early-bird admission is $14.95 for guests ages 3 and older through Aug. 30. Regular admission will be $17.95, and season passes will be available for $49.95. Additional attraction credits may be purchased separately for select activities throughout the festival.
