Rain washes out Phoenix Halloween weekend events

Halloween weekend in Phoenix turned into a washout this year. Heavy rain fell across the valley, forcing organizers to cancel or postpone several major public events that had been scheduled for months.

The annual Dia de los Muertos festival at St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix did not go ahead as planned. Jerome Doris, the parish manager, explained that the team monitored the forecast throughout the week. He noted that the volume of expected rain made it clear the outdoor celebration would not be possible. Doris said the staff waited until Thursday to make a final decision. This delay was necessary because canceling permits is a complex process. Sometimes the weather in Phoenix is unpredictable, and the team wanted to be sure before pulling the plug on the event.

The cancellation left the plaza quiet where it should have been lively. Doris described the scene, noting that vendors and 10 food trucks would have filled the street and plaza areas if the rain had stayed away. Instead, the space remained empty. The work involved in setting up the festival only to reschedule it was considerable for the staff.

The Dia de los Muertos event will still take place, but it is now set for the following Sunday, Nov. 8. In the meantime, the basilica is hosting a smaller version of the traditional altar inside the church. Doris emphasized that the holiday is a cultural tradition that has been present in the community for many years. He described it as a time for people to remember loved ones and celebrate. He called it a celebratory and beautiful part of Hispanic culture.

Organizers are extending the celebration period. The altar will remain on display after the 11:30 mass and will stay there for the entire week. Doris said this creates a week-long celebration rather than just a single day of activity. The change allows the community to engage with the tradition over a longer span despite the rain.

Other major events in the area were also affected by the weather. Bug Fest at the Arizona Boardwalk was canceled. The Arizona State Fair also canceled its last scheduled day of operations. The rain forced these popular attractions to close their doors early, ending the weekend's entertainment schedule for many local families.