Spooky season is upon us, and Salt Lake City’s bars are embracing the vibe. From moody atmospheres and campy horror to channeling Tim Burton classics and escaping murder, there’s plenty of options for indulging in the festivities. Costumes optional. Grab your boos and ghouls and get into the spooky spirit before Christmas comes to town.
The Fright Club at Varley
Speakeasy meets spooky at The Fright Club pop-up, returning to Varley for the Halloween season. This year, things get darker as the upscale downtown bar is transformed into a gothic-chic experience. Delicious macabre-themed menu options and craft cocktails begging to be photographed make for the perfect night out. The Fright Club is open through November 1, so make your 90-minute reservation before it disappears.
Varley, 55 W 100 South, SLC | frightclubpopup.com
Open Monday-Friday 4 p.m. to late; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to late
Photos courtesy of Fright Club
Nightmare Before Christmas at Lake Effect
Jack and Sally have arrived in Salt Lake. Lake Effect hosts the Halloween Town pop-up on Monday nights downstairs in the venue’s Rabbit Hole. Mimicking the film’s plot, the pop-up opens with Halloween, running through November 2 before transitioning into Christmas with Jack’s Winter Wonderland on November 12. Halloween Town and Winter Wonderland are two entirely different experiences with specialty cocktails and menu items designed to pay homage to the cult-classic film, so be sure to make a reservation for both.
Rabbit Hole at Lake Effect, 155 W. 200 South, SLC | lakeeffectslc.com
Halloween Town: Mondays, Sept. 28-Nov. 1
Jack’s Winter Wonderland: Mondays, Nov. 12-Dec. 14
Ghost of Gibson
The Grand America is summoning spirits at the Gibson Lounge during their Ghosts of Gibson experience running through Halloween. Guests can enjoy bewitching potions such as the Pumpkin Spice Sazerac and Wednesday Addams alongside spooky bar bites in the lounge newly transformed by haunting embellishments. No reservations are needed.
Gibson Lounge at The Grand America | 555 S. Main St., SLC | grandamerica.com/events
Open Sept. 25-Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Something Wicked at Studio
Studio at Soundwell is basking in nostalgia with a nod to all things campy horror at Something Wicked, a pop-up that runs through November 1. Guests are invited to step into the carnival-esque room and reminisce through the kitschy collectibles adorning the shelves behind the bar. Classic horror film posters hang on the walls and newspaper clippings with headlines announcing UFO sightings and serial killer warnings are splattered across the walls leading back to the restrooms. Curious cocktails and mouthwatering menu items are available late into the night, and each night of the week offers a different feature for guests to enjoy. Our pick is Tarot with Subconsciously Shay! — taking place October 15 and 29. Make your 90-minute reservation online and come hungry.
Studio at Soundwell, 149 W. 200 South, SLC | somethingwickedpopup.com
Open Monday-Friday 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Photos courtesy of Something Wicked
Murder at The Vault
What better way to kick off Halloween than indulging in a night of mystery and murder? Vault opens Halloween Weekend with Murderous Cocktail Affair. Guests are invited to indulge in an elevated, mystery-filled evening where dark glamour and high-end hospitality collide in an experience designed around intrigue, luxury, and live entertainment. Deadly cocktail attire encouraged.
The Vault inside Hotel Monaco, 202 S. Main St., SLC | eventbrite.com
Thursday, Oct 29 at 7 p.m.
Stranger(s) Things
The Human Connect Project hosts Strangers and Scares: Halloween Speed-Friending on Saturday, October 20 at 2 Row Brewing. The event is designed to help make talking to strangers feel less intimidating. Come solo or bring a friend to connect, enjoy guided conversations, and meet new people while enjoying craft brews.
2 Row Brewing, 73 W. 7200 South, Midvale | tickets $25 at eventbrite.com
Saturday, Oct. 20
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