Mesa Community College (MCC) is an important resource for not only the community’s academic needs but for its civic needs as well.
Working tirelessly with community leaders, educators, businesses, and organizations, MCC offers events that not only inform but entertain.
One of the most popular events sponsored by Student Life and Leadership on the Red Mountain Campus is the annual Halloween Extravaganza. This signature event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at 7110 E. McKellips Road, in Mesa. This is the first time the event is being held a day prior to Halloween. It is completely free and open to students and the general public.
Highly popular with local families, the Extravaganza has grown in attendance since 2011, attracting an estimated 1,500 people annually. “I think it’s popular because parents know it is a safe environment for their children to get a trick-or-treat experience, with the addition of games and activities,” said Erica Horihan, student life and leadership coordinator.
Activities are geared toward children with themed trick-or-treat booths like Harry Potter, Super Heroes, Barbie, Scooby Doo, Vintage Arcade, and Zombie Doctors. Other activities have included arts and crafts and a Super Mario obstacle course. A dance contest will be hosted by MCC’s Disc Jockey program as well as fun photos for families and groups to take home.
“In addition to the great experience that attendees have at the event, it’s a good opportunity to give back to our community,” Erica emphasized.
Another civic-minded gathering MCC Red Mountain sponsors is the annual Empty Bowls charity event to help fight hunger and bring about change in the community; all proceeds benefit the Paz De Cristo Community Center in Mesa.
The 2026 event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 in the Red Mountain Campus Saguaro building lobby. For $10, attendees can select a handmade bowl, created by MCC ceramics students and community members. A simple meal of soup and breadsticks, provided by Red White and Brew of Mesa, will be served along with the purchase. Empty Bowls also features a silent auction of select art pieces.
This year’s Empty Bowls community sponsors include Laguna Clay, Mesa Arts Center, Pita Jungle, Friendship Village Tempe, Dobson High School, and Desert Ridge High School as well as volunteers from the MCC Art Department and New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning. In 2025, the MCC Empty Bowls events generated $12,000 for Paz De Cristo.
As the 2026-2027 academic year kicks into high gear, MCC will continue to provide diverse opportunities not only to support student success but to strengthen, enhance, and empower the community.
Visit mesacc.edu/events to learn more about the events and activities sponsored by the college.