Shopping bags, binoculars or a Bavarian outfit - what are you bringing this weekend?
Wickenburg’s October 9-11 lineup brings local shopping, live music, wildlife watching and a chance to explore the Old West. Here’s how to make a weekend of it.
Shop the Horse Thieves Market
Friday and Saturday, October 9-10 | Participating Wickenburg businesses
Start your weekend with a little local treasure hunting. The Horse Thieves Market returns October 9-10, giving you another reason to explore Wickenburg’s shops, boutiques and specialty businesses.
Make time for lunch, browse a few places you haven’t visited before and support the businesses that give our town its character. Check participating shops for their hours and offers.
Celebrate at Wickenburg Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 10 | 4:00-7:30 p.m. | Frontier Street | Free admission
This is the weekend’s big downtown celebration!
Wickenburg Oktoberfest brings the Honeygirl Band, German food at the Elks Lodge, food trucks and beer tasting to historic Frontier Street. Add a stein-holding competition, costume contest and the always-entertaining Wiener Dog Races, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to gather your friends.
The Town lists the event location as 123 N. Frontier Street. Register through the Town’s recreation website if you want your dachshund to join the races.
Help Count Birds at Hassayampa River Preserve
Saturday, October 10 | 11:00 a.m.-noon | Registration required
Spend part of Saturday discovering the birds that live in and travel through Wickenburg’s riverside oasis.
Ranger Eric leads the Beginning Birding Big Sit, a stationary bird count during Fall eBird Global Big Day. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while contributing to community science.
The program is limited to 15 participants, and registration closes October 8. Call 602-506-2930 ext. 9 to ask about availability and register. Meet at the Visitor Center, 49614 U.S. Hwy. 60-89. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Bites & Brews at Star Ranch
Saturday, October 10 | 5:30-8:00 p.m. | Star Ranch, Wickenburg
Enjoy an evening of food and beer pairings while supporting higher education. The Wickenburg Chamber’s second annual Bites & Brews Scholarship Dinner takes place at Star Ranch, with proceeds benefiting its scholarship program.
Seating is limited. Contact the Chamber at 928-684-5479 for ticket prices, reservation availability and directions.
Explore Vulture City’s Opening Weekend
Friday-Sunday, October 9-11 | 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Vulture City Ghost Town opens its visitor season Thursday, October 8, making this its first weekend back.
Explore original and restored mining-town buildings, discover historic artifacts and bring your camera for the desert scenery. Sunday visitors can join the complimentary guided history tour at 11:00 a.m., included with general admission.
Find Vulture City at 36610 N. 355th Ave., Wickenburg. Visit the organizer’s website for admission prices and booking.
Make a Weekend of It
Shop Friday, watch birds Saturday morning and head downtown for Oktoberfest that afternoon. Then leave Sunday open for a little history at Vulture City.
However you spend it, invite someone along and enjoy what’s happening around town.
Explore more upcoming events on Wickenburg Social
Dates and details checked October 6, 2026. Confirm reservations and current event information with organizers before heading out.
