October is bringing plenty of reasons to visit Arizona Boardwalk! From fall-themed fun and family-friendly activities to special events (many of them FREE!) happening throughout the month, there’s always something new to experience across the entertainment destination's lineup of attractions. Make plans to celebrate the season with us.
Penguin Party at OdySea Aquarium
October 5 - 11
Waddle over to OdySea Aquarium for Penguin Party! Timed with African Penguin Awareness Day, this Fall Break tradition shines a spotlight on these remarkable birds with fun for the whole family. Guests can enjoy a festive celebration centered around one of the world’s most endangered penguin species while supporting efforts to raise awareness about their conservation.
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Take part in very special programming EVERY DAY at our Penguin Point Exhibit, including:
- Penguin Appearances with Live Interpreting and Q&A Session
- Pip & Polly Mascot Meet and Greets
- Rubber Penguin Water Table Races
- “Waddle You Know?” – Penguin 101 with Live Exhibit Interpreting and Q&A Session
- Kids Waddle Races (Deep Ocean Theater)
- Penguin Encounters – additional fee and reservation needed
- Penguin Picasso Paintings & Penguin Plush Adoptions – proceeds benefit African Penguin S.A.F.E.
All activities are free with admission (except Penguin Encounters).
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Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium + A Spin on the Boardwalk Big Wheel!
October 16
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guests 21+ only
Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium puts a fresh spin on happy hour. Guests 21+ can enjoy drinks, bites, live music and yard games while exploring the entire Aquarium after hours. Hear from OdySea experts, catch a presentation, or simply sip and stroll among thousands of aquatic animals. Plus, the OdySea Voyager transforms into an immersive walk-through experience, allowing guests to explore the exhibits at their own pace, enjoy animal talks and get closer than ever to sea turtles, groupers, sea lions and other marine life.
As a bonus, this Fish & Sips ticket includes a complimentary ride on thenew Boardwalk Big Wheel. Take a spin before the event or cap off the evening with sweeping views from 80 feet above Arizona Boardwalk.
Buy Tickets: https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/promotions/#happyhour [odyseaaquarium.com]
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Reptile & Amphibian Feedings
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – 1p.m. – Mata Mata Turtle
October 4, 11, 18, 25 - 2 p.m. – Axolotls
October 5, 12, 19, 26 - 11 a.m. – Hingeback Tortoises
Learn about the many reptiles and amphibians that share the rainforest with tropical butterflies. Enjoy an educational talk with Butterfly Wonderland’s Reptile team and watch as they feed the amazing reptiles. Q & A session. FREE WITH ADMISSION.
Stingray & Shark Feedings
October 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25, Oct. 31
1:00 p.m.
Tropical Waters Observation Pool
Experience the fascinating world of marine life during an engaging Aquarist Talk and Live Feeding in the Tropical Waters gallery. Listen to expert insights regarding the venomous round stingrays as well as Agatha, the remarkable horn shark, at the Observation Pool. This interactive presentation offers a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures, along with a complimentary horn shark education card to take home. This unique opportunity is FREE with admission!
National Butterfly & Hummingbird Day
October 3
Special Butterfly Release @ 3 p.m.
Celebrate National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day by discovering the important role these pollinators play in our ecosystem. The Butterfly Wonderland Education Team will share their expertise during a Special Butterfly Release at 3 p.m. inside the Butterfly Conservatory, offering guests a closer look at these beautiful and essential animals. Join the experts for a special day of discovery and a reminder of why protecting pollinators and their habitats matters.
Whimsical Wings
October 6, 13, 20, 27
3 p.m.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the breathtaking moment when Butterfly Wonderland Education Specialists release vibrant tropical butterflies into the Conservatory. Witness these delicate creatures take their first flight, filling the air with color and beauty. This is the perfect opportunity to capture a stunning photo of these incredible insects in motion and interact with the specialists to discover more about their fascinating world. This remarkable experience is FREE with admission.
FREE - How to Build a Fall Butterfly Garden Workshop
October 8
5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Taught by Master Gardener Adriane Hopkins
In conjunction with Butterfly Wonderland’s Fall Plant Sale (October 9-11), guests are invited to a special class presented by Director of Education and Master Gardener Adriane Hopkins! Attendees will learn how to build a butterfly garden to attract gorgeous Arizona butterflies. Gardeners will discover which host and nectar plants butterflies love! After class, participants will get the first pick from Civano Growers’ pollinator plants. Plants range from 15—40. The class is FREE but registration is required at EventBrite.com. Proceeds from the class/sale benefit the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation.
For more info contact: (480) 800-3000, ext. 204
Butterfly Wonderland Fall Plant Sale
October 9-10 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
October 11 9 a.m. – Noon
Visit Butterfly Wonderland’s Annual Fall Plant Sale and choose fall plants to create butterfly, hummingbird, and bee-friendly gardens! Plant prices range from $15 – $40. “Grab & Go” Plant Kits available at special pricing featuring 4-pack of plants for $60. Butterfly Wonderland Master Gardener Adriane Hopkins will be on hand to answer gardening, plant and butterfly questions. All proceeds from the Fall Plant Sale support the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to conservation-based education and initiatives. Sponsored by Civano Growers.
Leslie the Butterfly Fairy
October 10
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet Leslie, the enchanting Butterfly Fairy who hails from the mystical Flutter Forest! Capture unforgettable moments as Leslie flutters through the Conservatory, adding whimsy and wonder to photos and interacting with guests of all ages. This delightful experience is available from late morning to early afternoon and is FREE with admission. The Butterfly Fairy brings a truly magical opportunity and touch of fairy-tale charm to any visit!
The Magic of Music and Butterflies Aaron White, Native American Musician
October 10
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join Grammy-nominated Native American musician Aaron White as he performs in the Butterfly Conservatory, elevating guests’ rainforest experience with the relaxing sounds of the Native American flute. Be there when his award-winning music fills the air and gorgeous tropical butterflies appear to dance in time to every song. FREE with admission.
Reptile Feeding (in Spanish)
October 14 & 28
1:00 p.m. – Mata Mata Turtle
Conoce a los reptiles y anfibios que comparten la selva con nuestras mariposas tropicales. Disfruta de una presentación educativa en español con el equipo que cuida a los animales de el Mundo de Mariposas y observa como alimentan a la Tortuga Mata Mata. Al final podran hacer preguntas! GRATIS CON ENTRADA.
Learn about the many reptiles and amphibians that share the rainforest with our tropical butterflies. Enjoy an educational talk with Butterfly Wonderland’s Reptile team and watch as they feed the Mata Mata Turtle. Q & A session. FREE WITH ADMISSION.
National Reptile Awareness Day Rainforest Ambassador Animal Visits
October 21
- 1 pm - Slushie – Blue-tongued Skink
- 2 pm – Kevin – White eyed- Crocodile Skink
Celebrate National Reptile Awareness Day with special ambassador animal visits at Butterfly Wonderland’s Rainforest Reptiles exhibit. October 21 is a day dedicated to building appreciation for these fascinating animals and highlighting the importance of education, conservation and protecting the habitats they call home.
Children’s Painting Class @ Color Me Mine in AZ Boardwalk
October 17
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Butterfly Wonderland is sponsoring a Children’s Painting Class at Color Me Mine at AZ Boardwalk. Enjoy 2 hours of creative fun while they take care of everything!
Cost is only $10 plus tax for Studio Fee, and Butterfly Wonderland will sponsor the art piece choice of small caterpillar, bug or butterfly. Additional fee if different art piece is chosen. Fun and artistic environment for kids of all ages. Class is limited to 15 participants. Once piece is completed, it will be put in kiln and available to pick up or ship in 5 to 7 days. To reserve spot, contact Color Me Mine Studio at (480) 291-6999 or register online at scottsdale.colormemine.com
The Magic of Music and Butterflies
Featuring Jonathan Levingston
October 18
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wander through the breathtaking Butterfly Conservatory as vibrant tropical butterflies glide gracefully to the enchanting melodies of classical violinist Jonathan Levingston. This mesmerizing blend of nature and music creates an unforgettable atmosphere of beauty and tranquility. FREE with admission!
Butterfly Brushstrokes Painting Class
October 23
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Let creativity take flight at Butterfly Brushstrokes, an intimate and inspiring painting event at Butterfly Wonderland. Perfect for a fun night out or a unique date night, this guided class leads participants through creating a stunning butterfly-themed masterpiece—no experience necessary! With all the materials provided, guests can simply relax, paint, and enjoy the artistic journey. Limited to just 25 participants, this exclusive event offers a truly unforgettable experience. Tickets: $30; Butterfly Wonderland Members are $15 (covers supplies). Pre-registration required. Visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
Photo Time with Butterflies
October 24
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Check-in at 8:15 a.m.
Step into a tranquil morning at Butterfly Wonderland, where photographers (18+) can capture breathtaking images of butterflies, birds, and reptiles in their lush rainforest habitat. With special access before the doors open to the public, this rare opportunity offers perfect lighting and peaceful surroundings for stunning shots. Director of Animal Care & Entomologist Derek Kellogg will be available to share expert insights and answer questions about butterflies, plants, and the intricate rainforest ecosystem. A must-attend experience for nature and photography enthusiasts alike! Tickets: $33.95 (includes Admission; Butterfly Wonderland Members are FREE.) Registration required. Check out EventBrite.com or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206. Tripods are allowed.
Yoga @ Butterfly Wonderland
October 27
5:15 - 6:15 p.m.; check-in 5:00 p.m.
Indulge in peaceful and soothing yoga held in the serene Chrysalis Emergence Gallery amidst a beautiful sounding waterfall background. Led by yoga instructor Elicia, this hour-long class commences with a walk through the Butterfly Conservatory, followed by a series of gentle stretches and guided meditations in the Emergence Gallery. For a blissful experience, remember to bring a yoga mat, water, and cell phone for photos of the butterflies going to sleep. Open to ages 18 and above; $30 per person. Visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206. All levels welcome.
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FREE Bug Fest
**November 1
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard
Presented by Butterfly Wonderland Foundation
Don’t miss the biggest bug bash of the year – HALLOWEEN EDITION!
Enjoy cockroach races, butterfly releases, live reptiles, a photo ‘hissing booth’, character appearances, interactive bug zoo learning stations, edible insect treats, scavenger hunts, crafts, music, games, and prizes! Wear your Halloween costume and get in to win BIG PRIZES! Free Event. No Admission or Activity Fees Required!
FREE Halloween Arts, Crafts, & Gifts
October 17 & 18
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily
Presented by Scottsdale Sparkle
Celebrate Fall with this exciting event, featuring over 60 talented vendors. There’s something special for everyone that captures the essence of the season. Kids will enjoy face painting, glitter tattoos, character appearances, costume contests, candy and more!
FREE Candie’s Halloween Character Carnival
Oct. 24
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Experience a day of FREE family fun with character meet-and-greets with favorite superheroes, princesses, TV friends, fairies, mermaids, stilt walkers, and many more! Plus enjoy face painting, inflatables, live stage performances, a soft play toddler area, music, games, crafts, coloring activities, and a variety of family friendly vendors offering unique and fun products. This event will bring excitement and entertainment for children of all ages! No Admission or Activity Fees Required.
FREE Movies at the Boardwalk – Minions & Monsters
October 24
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy a family movie night watching Minions & Monsters, an animated that follows Minions James, Henry, and Ed into 1927 Hollywood during the chaotic transition from silent films to "talkies". Experience this free family event with music, games, and tons of prizes. The movie will begin at dusk. There are plenty of options to grab a bite before the movie in the courtyard.
Other pre-movie activities include:
- Character meet & greet and photo op
- Stitch Sticker Make and Take Mini Poster
- Plinko game for kids
- Giveaway table and prize wheel
**MORE ANIMATED MOVIES at the Boardwalk:
Nov. 7 -- Toy Story 5
Nov. 21 -- GOAT
Monster Dash 5K Run/Walk
October 30
7:30 p.m.
Presented by Startline Racing
They did the dash, they did the monster dash! Join StartLine Racing under the lights for their 5th annual Monster Dash 5K Run/Walk! Bring friends and wear the best costume to make it spooktacular! Register at Startlineracing.com
