Pumpkin Fest at the Princess — Local services in Scottsdale

My husband and I attended the Pumpkin Fest today and unfortunately, our experience was very disappointing. We were excited for a fall-themed event with real pumpkins, seasonal treats such as fall donuts, and the overall festive atmosphere the website advertised. However, upon arrival we were surprised to see primarily fake pumpkins, with very few real ones available. The large pumpkin that was promoted online also appeared to be fake, which was misleading.

We purchased admission, parking, and also paid extra for the scavenger hunt, which ultimately only resulted in winning a pin. This did not feel like a fair return for the additional cost. Overall, the event did not reflect what was advertised and felt far from worth the money we spent.

Additionally, given the hot weather, it was uncomfortable to see small fires burning around the venue. This did not add to the experience and seemed poorly thought out for the conditions.

Altogether, we left feeling that our money would have been better spent elsewhere, and the event was not at all the enjoyable fall outing we had...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Magical Fall Experience in the Desert!

The Pumpkin Fest Fall Festival at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is hands-down one of the best fall events we’ve ever attended! From the moment we walked in, everything felt festive, warm, and full of autumn charm—even in the middle of the Arizona desert.

The decorations were stunning—thousands of twinkling lights, towering pumpkins, themed photo ops everywhere, and just the right amount of spooky for all ages. Our kids were in heaven with the rides, while we loved the cozy fire pits.

The hay maze, train ride, and pumpkin patch made it feel like a true fall getaway. You can really tell the Fairmont team puts so much thought and effort into creating a high-quality experience for families and couples alike. It was clean, well-organized, and everyone was so friendly.

We’ll definitely be making this a yearly tradition. If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate fall in...

The Pumpkin Fest at The Princess is not actually on the resort grounds but set up in a vacant parking lot across the street from the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess, giving it a carnival atmosphere rather than an immersive resort event. The environment feels artificial, with all trees and decorations—pumpkins included—being plastic, which further detracts from the genuine seasonal ambiance and makes the festival feel less festive and more commercial.

Adding to the disappointment, rows of vehicles for sale are one of the first things seen upon entering, creating a jarring commercial impression rather than evoking holiday magic.

The costs are ridiculously high. Long ride lines add to frustrations, and there’s the additional sting of seeing kids with priority wristbands cut ahead; this policy, left the children upset and diminished the...