For nearly two decades, Steve Powers has been the mastermind behind one of Ahwatukee’s most beloved Halloween traditions. His front yard transforms into a whimsical wonderland of ghouls, goblins, and ghosts that delight both kids and adults alike. But this isn’t your typical store-bought, inflatable display—every character and decoration is hand-crafted by Powers himself, creating a unique, homegrown experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Homemade Magic, Year After Year
Powers, a retired commercial airline pilot, has been crafting spooky, fun, and family-friendly Halloween displays since his daughter was a little girl. Now, 19 years later, the tradition continues, even though his daughter and granddaughter have moved to Seattle. But that hasn’t stopped him! In fact, they’re flying back to Ahwatukee just to see the display, providing Powers with all the motivation he needs to keep the tradition alive.
“It’s getting more difficult each year,” he admits. “But when my daughter and granddaughter said they were coming down, I knew I had to do it again.”
🎶 A G-Rated Spooktacular 🎶
Set to a soundtrack of Halloween classics like “Monster Mash” and “Purple People Eater,” Powers’ yard is filled with lovingly crafted tombstones, ghosts, and caricatures of scary creatures that are more playful than frightening. It’s a G-rated display that’s perfect for little ones, which is a big reason why it draws hundreds of people every October.
Last year, Powers’ granddaughter, just shy of two years old at the time, danced among the decorations with other kids. “It was so adorable,” Powers said. “Nothing scared her because it’s all in good fun. She was jumping up and down, out here almost every night.”
🕯️ When to Visit 🕯️
The display, called the “Night Before Christmas Before Halloween,” is open to the public starting Friday, Oct. 11, and runs every Friday and Saturday night from 7-9 p.m. through the weekend of Oct. 27-28. But don’t wait too long—by Halloween night, the lights will be turned off.
Powers is such a fan of Halloween that he believes it should permanently be a weekend holiday—a sentiment shared by many. But until Congress catches up, you can catch his display on those select October weekends.
📍 Where: 2527 E. Amberwood Drive, Ahwatukee
🕖 When: Fridays and Saturdays from 7-9 p.m. (Oct. 11-28)
So, gather your friends and family, and head over to Steve Powers’ yard for a Halloween experience that’s as heartwarming as it is spooky. After 19 years, it’s clear this beloved tradition isn’t going anywhere soon—even if it takes a little extra effort to keep the magic alive.
