new times halloween guide special section oct 22nd - oct 28th, 2026 22 By Sara Crocker Originally published on October 16, 2026 on phoenixnewtimes.com This spooky season, treat yourself to potent potions made in sinister settings. During the Halloween season, trick- or-treating kids aren’t the only ones dressing up. In October, Valley bars come alive with undead decor and creative, creepy cocktails. These creative bar teams have thought beyond stretching fake cobwebs across their windows and setting out pumpkins. They’ve gone all out with devilish adornments and spirited sips served in ghoulish glassware. Take a trip in Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine, toast your way through a haunted forest or embrace your love of noir crime thrillers at these Halloween pop-ups. Just be sure to visit before they disappear. THEM Through Oct. 31 2 N. Central Ave., #101 Trophy Room, the rustic speakeasy that feels like a hunter’s cabin, has taken spooky inspiration from the terrifying world of “It.” This phone-free bar’s team has crafted creepy cocktails that nod to the universe of clown scares created by Stephen King. Tipples include The Losers’ Club, a milk punch spiced with chai, pumpkin and pepita orgeat. Or opt for a pale purple riff on a classic gin fizz. To make You’ll Float Too, Trophy Room’s bar team uses gin, ube, pandan, lemon, egg white and club soda to create the frothy tipple whose foam floats above the top of a Collins glass. Reservations are recommended for this 90-minute experience. Save your spot on OpenTable. Black Lagoon at UnderTow Through Nov. 1 3626 E. Indian School Road 3150 E. Ray Road, #184, Gilbert Through Nov. 1, the creaky ships that serve tiki tipples in Phoenix and Gilbert are home to the award-winning Halloween pop-up Black Lagoon. Reserve your steerage, er seat, at either UnderTow, and you’ll be treated to haunting potions with theatrical presentations, created by bar veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage. Take your pumpkin-loving tastebuds to the tropics with the Abyssa’s Obsession, a squash-infused riff on a classic piña colada. Other tipples include a fall- inspired margarita made with a spiced oat orgeat, tart cherry and vanilla honey, or an eerie espresso martini infused with nutmeg and banana. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online. Carnevil at 50 Shades of Rosé Through Oct. 31 7419 E. Indian Plaza B, Scottsdale A warning to coulrophobes: 50 Shades of Rosé has transformed into a dark carnival riddled with sinister clowns. Their spooky faces hang from nearly every inch of the Old Town bar, including the ceiling, and serve as the entryway to this haunted big top. Order carnival- themed bites, including corn dogs, popcorn and nachos. Taste drinks inspired by Halloween candies like Twix, Lemonheads and Reese’s Pieces. Opt for a devilish shake shot — a vanilla milkshake spiked with apple whiskey — or go on a ride with your crew by ordering the Wheel of Misfortune, a