Find fall fun in El Paso: Pumpkin patches, scares and festivals

Fall in the Borderland brings cooler temperatures — eventually — along with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted houses and a full calendar of festivals and community celebrations.

This year, seasonal attractions stretch from El Paso to Las Cruces and southern New Mexico. Families can wander through corn mazes and pumpkin patches, while those looking for something scarier can choose from haunted trails, houses and ghost tours. Several attractions run throughout October, while others are limited to a single weekend or night.

The season also brings some of the region’s biggest fall community events. Chalk the Block will fill Downtown El Paso with art and performances, while Fire Fest, LibraryCon, TeenTober Fest and Halloween carnivals offer free activities for families and young people.

Here’s a guide to fall festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted attractions and other seasonal events happening across the El Paso region in September and October. Check event websites or social media before heading out, as schedules, prices and other details may change.

Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches

El Paso’s Farm Land Corn Maze

El Paso’s Farm Land Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch returns for four weekends in October with its corn maze and family activities. The maze takes about 45 minutes to complete on average. Other attractions include a cow train, inflatables, cow racers and a game maze, which may require additional fees. Food trucks will also be on site. New this year is a $14.95 unlimited ride ticket for visitors ages 3 and older; pony rides are not included. Tickets are sold at the farm, and the ticket booth will be cashless.

• When: 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3-25
• Where: El Paso’s Farm Land, 1100 Nuevo Hueco Tanks Blvd.
• Cost: $12.95 plus tax for ages 12 and older; $9.95 plus tax for ages 3-11; free for ages 2 and younger; $14.95 for unlimited rides. Active-duty military members and teachers receive $1 off admission with ID.
• Information: elpasocornmaze.com @elpasocornmaze on Facebook and Instagram

La Union Maze

La Union Maze returns for the fall season with a corn maze design honoring New Mexico agriculture, including the farmers, ranchers, crops, traditions and communities that shape the state. This year’s design also features “250” in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The season runs from late September through early November, with a haunted maze offered Friday and Saturday nights in October. Special events include fireworks and a drone show Nov. 7 and Pumpkin Smash on Nov. 7 and 8.

• When: Sept. 26-Nov. 8; 5-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays
• Where: La Union Maze, 1101 N.M. Highway 28, Anthony, N.M.
• Cost: Gate admission for ages 6 and older is $14 Fridays, $15.50 on non-peak Saturdays and Sundays, and $17 on peak days; ages 2-5 are $8, $9.50 and $11, respectively. Online tickets are discounted. Children younger than 2 and adults older than 75 are admitted free. Taxes and fees may apply.
• Information: launionmaze.com or @launionmaze on Facebook and Instagram

Mesilla Valley Maze

The Mesilla Valley Maze returns for four weekends in October with its seasonal maze and farm activities in Las Cruces. Admission includes access to the maze and hayrides, with concessions available on site and outside food permitted. Visitors can leave and return on the same day using their admission ticket. The last admission is sold at 6 p.m., with the final hayride departing at 6:15 p.m.

• When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3-25
• Where: Mesilla Valley Maze, 3855 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces
• Cost: $19 for adults; $16 for children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. A $2 military discount is available for tickets purchased in person.
• Information: mesillavalleymaze.com or @mesillavallemaze on Facebook and Instagram

Pumpkin Patch and Painting at Ramirez Pecan Farm

Ramirez Pecan Farm will host a two-day pumpkin patch and painting event in its orchard, with pumpkins from a local farmer available for purchase along with painting kits for decorating them. Visitors can enter a pumpkin decorating contest by photographing their creation at the farm and posting it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #RPFpumpkin2026. The event will also feature homemade arts and crafts, while the farm’s country store will sell butter pecan ice cream, biscochos, pecans, pecan pie and fresh breads. Pecan-smoked barbecue will also be available.

• When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18
• Where: Ramirez Pecan Farm, 13709 North Loop Drive, Clint, Texas
• Cost: Free admission; pumpkins, painting kits, food and other items available for purchase
• Information: Ramirez Pecan Farm on Facebook

Haunted Houses

Forbidden Acres Haunted Trail

Forbidden Acres Haunted Trail returns for the Halloween season with an outdoor haunted attraction in far East El Paso. The trail operates Thursday through Sunday throughout October, with later hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Visitors can purchase general admission or a fast pass for expedited entry. Admission is cash only, with an ATM available on site.

• When: Oct. 1-31; 8-10:30 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays; 8 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays
• Where: Forbidden Acres Haunted Trail, 13161 Tobacco Road
• Cost: $28 general admission; $48 fast pass
• Information: forbiddenacres.us

The Asylum Haunted Attraction at Western Playland

The Asylum Haunted Attraction returns to Western Playland for select nights throughout October. The walkthrough attraction features live actors, jump scares, dark spaces and graphic content and is recommended for ages 13 and older, though there is no minimum age requirement. The Asylum is separately ticketed from Western Playland; guests visiting while the amusement park is operating must also pay the park’s admission fee. Tickets are available online or at the door.

• When: Select nights Oct. 1-31; 8-11:30 p.m. Oct. 1, 4, 11, 18 and 25; 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 29-31
• Where: Western Playland, 1249 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park
• Cost: $28 general admission; $35 general admission with fast pass; $48 VIP. Additional Western Playland admission may be required when the amusement park is operating.
• Information: theasylumelpaso.com

Haunted Daze

Haunted Daze returns to El Paso’s Lower Valley with a haunted attraction featuring immersive environments designed around scares, disorienting effects and other horror-themed experiences. Visitors can also take on the Mini Maze of Terror for an additional charge. Tickets may be purchased online or in person, with cash and credit cards accepted.

• When: 8 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2-31; 8-10 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 4-25, and Thursday, Oct. 29
• Where: Haunted Daze, 270 Southside Road
• Cost: $15 general admission; $5 for the Mini Maze of Terror
• Information: haunteddaze.com

Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour

The Wraiths of the West Texas Wind walking tour takes visitors through Downtown El Paso to explore the city’s history alongside stories of reported hauntings, apparitions and unexplained encounters. The approximately 1-mile tour visits at least six historic and purportedly haunted locations, with stories involving sites such as the De Soto Hotel and Plaza Theatre. Tours begin at San Jacinto Plaza and are open to all ages.

• When: Daily year-round; tours offered at 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m., depending on availability
• Where: Begins at San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
• Cost: $26
• Information: usghostadventures.com

Events

Chalk the Block

Chalk the Block returns to the Downtown Arts District for a weekend of public art, performances and hands-on activities. The free festival brings together more than 100 local and visiting artists and features its signature sidewalk chalk art competition alongside interactive art installations, live music and dance, food trucks and artisan vendors. Museums and cultural institutions throughout the district will also offer activities, including the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History and Mexican American Cultural Center. The 2026 schedule includes five featured art installations as well as performances on multiple stages.

• When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4
• Where: Downtown El Paso Arts District
• Cost: Free
• Information: chalktheblock.com

El Paso Fire Fest

The El Paso Fire Department will host its fifth annual Fire Fest with an afternoon of demonstrations, competitions and family activities at Veterans Park. This year’s “Blast From the Past” event will feature a helicopter landing, firefighter bucket brigade and battalion competition, firefighter chili cook-off and Fire Department lotería. Visitors can also find live music and performances, children’s activities, mascots, food trucks, a farmers market and on-site vaccinations.

• When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
• Where: Veterans Park, 5301 Salem Drive
• Cost: Free
• Information: El Paso Fire Department Instagram

TeenTober Fest

El Paso Public Libraries will celebrate local teens with an evening of music, games and activities at the Judge Marquez Library. TeenTober Fest will also feature food trucks and resource booths, giving young people an opportunity to connect with local organizations and learn about programs and other opportunities related to their interests and talents.

• When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
• Where: Judge Marquez Library, 610 N. Yarbrough Drive
• Cost: Free
• Information: El Paso Public Libraries Facebook

Brew at the Zoo

The El Paso Zoo will open after dark for its annual Brew at the Zoo, an age 21-and-older Halloween event featuring craft beer, food, live music and entertainment throughout the zoo. Costumes are encouraged, with VIP admission beginning an hour before the general event.

• When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; VIP entry at 6 p.m.
• Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
• Cost: To be announced
• Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook

Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival

The ninth annual Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival will transform El Paso’s Downtown Arts District into a daylong celebration honoring loved ones and Mexican traditions. The free event features arts and cultural activities, community altars, local vendors, live performances and a parade showcasing about 60 floats, performers and community organizations.

• When: Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
• Where: El Paso Downtown Arts District, Downtown El Paso
• Cost: Free
• Information: epmacc.org

Boo at the Zoo

Families can celebrate Halloween at the El Paso Zoo during Boo at the Zoo, featuring candy stations, Halloween-themed inflatables and opportunities for children to explore the zoo in costume. The annual event offers a family-friendly Halloween experience alongside animals from the zoo’s Africa, Asia and Las Americas exhibits.

• When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
• Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
• Cost: $13.95 adults; $10.95 teens, seniors and active-duty military or spouses; $8.95 children ages 2-12; free for children age 23 months and younger
• Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook

Halloween Carnivals

El Paso Parks and Recreation will host free Halloween Carnivals at recreation and community centers across the city. The neighborhood celebrations will feature costume contests, games, candy, jumping balloons and music.

• When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
• Where: El Paso recreation and community centers
• Cost: Free

Participating locations:

• Armijo Recreation Center, 700 E. Seventh Ave.
• Chamizal Community Center, 2119 Cypress Ave.
• Chihuahuita Community Center, 417 Charles Road
• Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge Drive
• Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg Drive
• Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center, 3001 Parkwood St.
• Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11620 Vista del Sol Drive
• Michelle T. Adjemian Recreation Center, 9031 Viscount Blvd.
• Mountain View Park/Rae Gilmore Recreation Center, 8501 Diana Drive
• Nolan Richardson Recreation Center, 4435 Maxwell Ave.
• Officer David Ortiz Recreation Center, 563 N. Carolina Drive
• Pat O’Rourke Recreation Center, 901 N. Virginia St.
• Pavo Real Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave.
• San Juan Recreation Center, 701 N. Glenwood St.
• Seville Recreation Center, 6700 Sambrano Ave.
• Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Drive
• The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Drive
• Valle Bajo Community Center, 7380 Alameda Ave.
• Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Drive
• Wayne Thornton Community Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave.

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