10 Things to Do in Sedona in October

Autumn is one of the best times of year to see Arizona's rock formations and also a great time to attend Sedona's best events. Here's what you can do in Sedona during your October visit.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Sedona in October

Vista del puente en Sedona |©Pete Gruber

Sedona, due to its geographical location in the heart of Arizona, is one of the most visited cities in the state. Located halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, it is an ideal place to visit in a few days and see the reddish rock formations that distinguish it. And if you're planning to visit in October , you'll be able to discover the imprint of autumn and some of the city's most important events and festivals.

Some of the best things to do in Sedona in October include attending the Sedona Arts Festival, discovering the sunsets on a hike in the surrounding desert, visiting Arizona wineries during the harvest season, celebrating Halloween, enjoying hiking trails in the best weather and experiencing Red Rocks Oktoberfest.

1. Attend the Sedona Arts Festival

Sedona International Film Festival|©monterey media
Sedona International Film Festival|©monterey media

Attending the Sedona Arts Festival in October is a unique cultural and visual experience that allows visitors to encounter the vibrant world of local and international art. This annual event, held during the first two weeks of October, celebrates creativity and artistic diversity in the heart of Sedona's breathtaking rocky landscape.

The festival offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of artwork, from paintings and sculpture to pottery and jewellery, all created by talented local and international artists. The aisles of the festival are filled with colours and textures as artists display their creations and share their stories with visitors.

During the event, transportation is free and you can also visit the exhibitions located throughout the city on the Sedona tour bus. This will also allow you to optimise the time of your visit, especially if you plan to visit this destination in a short stay. If that's your case, here's a list of activities so you can get to know Sedona in 3 days.

In addition to exhibiting artwork, the Festival of the Arts often includes live performances, music, local food and interactive activities for children and adults. There you can meet the artists in person, learn about their creative processes and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces as souvenirs of your visit to Sedona.

Buy tickets for the Sedona Tour Bus

2. Discover the sunsets on a Sedona desert tour

Sedona Sunset|©loraineltai
Sedona Sunset|©loraineltai

October is the perfect time to discover the sunsets that the Sedona Desert has to offer. With its pleasant weather and cooler temperatures, this month provides ideal conditions for a sunset tour in this region of the southwestern United States.

On a desert tour, you can experience the unique beauty of nature at its best. Red rock formations, deep canyons and panoramic vistas are lit up in shades of gold and orange as the sun sets over the horizon. That's why desert tours are considered among Sedona's best excursions.

During these experiences, you can also opt for other activities such as short hikes or ATV and ATV rides to get even closer to the grandeur of the desert. ATV tours allow you to get closer to places in the desert that you wouldn't usually be able to get to on foot.

A sunset tour of the Sedona desert in October is an extraordinary experience that allows you to connect with nature at its best. With pleasant weather and breathtaking scenery, this is the perfect time to witness the sunsets that make Sedona an unforgettable destination.

Book a Sedona Canyon ATV Tour

3. Visit Arizona wineries during the harvest season

Glass of wine near the vineyard|©Kym Ellis
Glass of wine near the vineyard|©Kym Ellis

Visiting Arizona's wineries during the harvest season in October is a fascinating experience that combines the natural beauty of the landscape with the delightful tradition of winemaking. This time of year is especially enchanting as it coincides with the grape harvest, which means that the wineries offer various activities, especially overnight in Sedona.

October weather in Arizona is perfect for strolling through the vineyards, as temperatures are pleasant and the wineries are loaded with ripe grapes ready to be harvested. During visits you can learn about winemaking first-hand and participate in wine tastings during this period.

Exploring Arizona's wineries in October will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the autumn colours that adorn the landscape. The vineyards, surrounded by mountains and canyons characteristic of the region, offer a picturesque and tranquil setting for wine and nature lovers. If you visit these sites in the evening, you can enjoy dinner with a panoramic view of the surrounding desert.

4. Join a stargazing excursion in Sedona Canyon

Stargazing in Sedona Canyon|©John
Stargazing in Sedona Canyon|©John

October offers a unique opportunity to participate in an exciting stargazing excursion in Sedona Canyon. This activity is especially captivating during this month, as the sky is usually clear and full of bright stars that illuminate the Arizona desert horizon, making it one of the best nighttime activities in town.

Sedona Canyon is an ideal place for stargazing due to its low light pollution and location amidst vast expanses of desert. Stargazing tours in Sedona often take place at strategic locations outside the city, where you have a clear and unobstructed view of the night sky.

During these tours, which are included among the best Sedona tours, amateur astronomers or expert local guides will provide you with high quality telescopes and knowledge about the constellations, planets and celestial objects that can be observed. This will allow you to gaze at the Milky Way, identify planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, and marvel at shooting stars streaking across the sky.

Book a stargazing tour in Sedona

5. Celebrate Halloween with Sedona's special activities

Pumpkin Patch|©Benevilla: Cultivating Caring Communities
Pumpkin Patch|©Benevilla: Cultivating Caring Communities

For a traditional experience in an alternative location, you can't miss out on celebrating Halloween in Sedona. One of the most popular Halloween activities is the downtown Trick or Treat, where local merchants hand out candy to children in costume. This event is perfect for families and allows the little ones to enjoy the fun of this custom.

Another option is to join a Halloween-themed tour of the city, where local guides tell stories of ghosts and local legends as you explore historic downtown Sedona. These guided tours add a touch of mystery and excitement to the Halloween celebration.

If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, many Sedona restaurants and wineries offer special Halloween-themed dinners and menus, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while celebrating the occasion.

In addition, Sedona's natural surroundings offer a perfect setting to enjoy a moonlit night hike, adding a dash of adventure to the Halloween festivities. Hiking the starlit trails is a unique way to celebrate the holiday in an unmissable natural setting.

6. Enjoy hiking trails in the best weather of the year for these activities.

Hiking Sedona|©ajetsetter
Hiking Sedona|©ajetsetter

October is an exceptional month for hiking in Sedona, and it's not hard to see why. With the arrival of autumn, this region of the southwestern United States offers some of the most pleasant weather conditions of the year for outdoor activities, especially hiking.

October weather in Sedona is generally mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20° to 25°, making for comfortable and enjoyable hikes. In addition, nights are cool but not extremely cold, providing the opportunity to enjoy overnight camping and outdoor campfires in designated areas.

Hiking trails in Sedona are diverse and offer a wide range of experiences, from easy hikes through canyons and forests to challenging trails that offer scenic views not to be missed. Autumn colours tint the landscapes, making the hikes even more picturesque and offering unique opportunities to capture spectacular photographs, especially if you hike through Sedona at night.

In addition, October is an ideal month to avoid the crowds of tourists you'll encounter if you plan to visit Sedona in July or during the summer months. This allows nature lovers to enjoy the serenity of the trails in relative peace and quiet.

7. Take some of the best photos of your autumn travels in Sedona.

Oak Creek Canyon|©Coconino National Forest, Ariz.
Oak Creek Canyon|©Coconino National Forest, Ariz.

The fall season in Sedona transforms the rocky, desert landscapes into a palette of warm, vibrant colours, offering unique opportunities to take advantage of with camera in hand.

One of the best places to get unique photographs of this season is in the canyons, such as Oak Creek Canyon and Boynton Canyon. Here the trees change hues, painting the hillsides red and gold, creating a spectacular backdrop for your images.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is another iconic photo location in Sedona. In addition, nearby you can visit Airport Mesa Overlooks and Cathedral Rock Platform, which offers panoramic views of the city and its rock formations.

Bridges over Oak Creek, such as Midgley, provide a picturesque backdrop for capturing the reflection of vegetation and rocks on the water, especially at sunset.

8. Visit the Arizona State Fair

State Fair.|©Garrick Schermer
State Fair.|©Garrick Schermer

Visiting the Arizona State Fair in October is an exciting experience that combines the fun of a traditional fair with a variety of unique entertainment and exhibits that celebrate Arizona culture and agriculture. Held each year throughout the month of October, the fair is a highly anticipated event that attracts visitors from all over the state.

One of the highlights of the Arizona State Fair, held around Phoenix, are the agricultural and livestock exhibits. Visitors can learn about the rich local agricultural history, see farm animals and discover fresh local produce. In addition, there are rodeo competitions that offer an exciting glimpse into the skills of local cowboys.

The fair also features a wide range of rides and entertainment, from roller coasters and rides to live concerts by famous artists. Food lovers will enjoy a variety of culinary options, from traditional dishes to culinary innovations.

In addition, the Arizona State Fair features cultural exhibits that highlight the diversity of the state's population. Explore the art, music and traditions of the diverse communities that make up the southwestern region of the United States and visit one of the best places in the area if you plan to travel to Sedona with children.

9. Attend the Sedona Airport Family Fun Day

Sedona Airport|©Colin
Sedona Airport|©Colin

Attending the Sedona Airport Family Fun Day is an exciting experience that combines family fun with the opportunity to explore one of America's most scenic airports. This annual event, which takes place during the second weekend in October, is a community celebration that attracts residents from all over the region.

Sedona Airport is famous for its location atop a rocky plateau with panoramic views of Sedona's canyons and rock formations. During Family Fun Day, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including scenic flights in light aircraft and helicopters that offer a unique view of the surrounding landscapes.

In addition to aviation, the event includes entertainment offerings for the entire family, including food booths, live music, inflatable games, vehicle displays and opportunities to meet the pilots and learn about aviation. Children will be able to enjoy special activities designed just for them, making the day a perfect experience for the whole family.

10. Experience the Red Rocks Oktoberfest

Glass of beer in hand|©rebel tredi
Glass of beer in hand|©rebel tredi

Red Rocks Oktoberfest in Sedona is an annual celebration that combines the rich tradition of the German beer festival with the stunning backdrop of Sedona's rock formations. This event is a unique opportunity to experience an authentic Bavarian experience in the middle of Arizona's red canyons.

During Oktoberfest, you can discover a wide selection of craft and imported beers, many of which are brewed locally in Arizona. Beer lovers can sample a variety of styles, from lagers to wheat beers, while enjoying the live music and festive atmosphere.

Food is an essential part of Red Rocks Oktoberfest. Food stalls offer delicious German specialities, such as sausages, pretzels, sauerkraut and schnitzel, which can be enjoyed while strolling through the event. In addition, there is no shortage of traditional activities, such as beer mug games and Bavarian weightlifting competitions.

Oktoberfest in Sedona is an event that celebrates culture, food and beer in an authentic way. With the unparalleled view of the red rock canyons as a backdrop, this festival is a unique opportunity to experience the joy and spirit of German Oktoberfest in the southwestern United States.

Temperatures in Sedona in October

Street view in Sedona|©Pete Gruber
Street view in Sedona|©Pete Gruber

Temperatures in Sedona in October are very pleasant and make this month one of the most popular times to visit Sedona. During the day, the weather usually ranges between 20° and 25°, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and exploring the red rock canyons.

At night, temperatures can drop to around 15°, providing a cool and comfortable environment for outdoor dining and evening activities such as stargazing, without the wind and cold of winter in Sedona.

Tourism in Sedona in October

Tourists at Red Rock|©Toni and Sonja
Tourists at Red Rock|©Toni and Sonja

Sedona experiences a significant tourist influx during the month of October. This month is one of the most popular months to visit the city due to its pleasant weather and the vibrant autumn colours that transform the region's rocky landscapes. However, it is still part of the low season.

It is important to note that due to the influx of tourists in October, hotels and accommodation tend to fill up quickly, so it is advisable to book in advance to secure your place. In addition, some of the more popular attractions and sites may be more crowded, although occupancy does not reach the levels of June in Sedona or the summer months.

Prices in Sedona in October

Whole Foods Market|©Sammi Brie
Whole Foods Market|©Sammi Brie

As a result of the region's pleasant weather and the events that tend to take place in the city, prices for accommodations and activities in Sedona tend to be higher than in the winter months. Hotels and vacation rentals tend to fill up quickly, so booking in advance is a strategy that can save you money.

When it comes to food and activities, restaurants and tours may have stable rates compared to other months, but you may find special deals and promotions at some local businesses looking to attract visitors. Also, since October is an ideal month for outdoor activities such as hiking and stargazing, it's not uncommon to find inexpensive options for enjoying nature without spending too much.

Join a stargazing tour in Sedona

What to pack for a visit to Sedona in October?

Backpacking on the ground|© Ezequiel Garrido
Backpacking on the ground|© Ezequiel Garrido

Temperatures in Sedona are warm in October, although the desert's thermal amplitude remains, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Safe hiking shoes
  • Mountain coat
  • Light jacket
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Wool jumpers
  • Lightweight T-shirt
  • Lightweight trousers