With the smell of fall leaves in the air and a warm cup of pumpkin-spice-whatever in hand, it’s time to relish the autumn season. Our own salty city has plenty of events celebrating fall. Whether you’re itching to don your Halloween best, or prefer perusing spooky-themed goods, the following events offer something for everyone. Happy haunting!
Park City Wine Festival
Oct. 5 – 7
Various Locations in Park City
In classic wine-culture tradition, the festival is far more than a “come enjoy some booze in the sun” event. The Grand Tastings at Canyons Village on Friday and Saturday from noon to 6:00 p.m. dig into the loose festival vibe with tastings available from more than 100 wineries, but the amateur sommeliers out there will find plenty more to suit them.
Frightmares
Lagoon
Now until October 30
Get your adrenaline fix at Lagoon’s annual Frightmares. Now featuring nine haunted attractions and Halloween-themed attractions. The amusement park is also debuting its fully immersive haunted experience, Seance, which includes live performances and audience participation.
Oktoberfest
Snowbird Resort
Every Saturday and Sunday now through mid-October
Oktoberfest is celebrating its 50th anniversary with Snowbird this year. The family-friendly affair features activities, food and select beer options. Sip on a cold one from their special edition mugs, or bring your own to save on refills.
Witchfest
Gardner Village
Monday-Saturday now until October 31
West Jordan’s historic Gardner Village transforms into a charming Halloween village for the entire month of October. Peruse the town to spot witch displays and shop all-things-Halloween decor. Visit their website for the full schedule of spooktacular events.
Boo Lights
Hogle Zoo
Running select nights through October
Discover not-so-scary light displays as you roam the Zoo grounds at night. To make the most of your time, visit the zoo during their various Howl & Growl nights, featuring trick-or-treating and activities.
Tower of Terror
Broadway Centre Cinemas
Every weekend until Oct. 28
The Salt Lake Film Society presents Tower of Terror, a weekly screening of horror films. Visit their site for the full show schedule.
Spooktacular
The Leonardo
Select Dates through October 29
The Leonardo is hosting Halloween activities all month for families and adults alike. Events include face painting, trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating. Visit their site for the full list of activities.
Dark Arts Festival
Club Area 51
Oct. 6 – 9
Enjoy three nights of mystery and enchantment featuring live performances, art installations, fashion shows, vendor booths and more!
Halloween on the High Seas
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Fridays-Mondays Oct. 6 – 30
Don your best Halloween ware and visit the Aquarium throughout October to see pirates and scallywags that have taken over!
Giant Pumpkin Palooza and Zombie Walk
The Gateway
Oct. 7
Pumpkin enthusiasts and Halloween fans are invited to The Gateway for this free event celebrating all things pumpkins! Gargantuan gourds will be battling it out for the 2023 championship, and families can enjoy activities like face painting, flash mobs, photo booths and a zombie costume contest.
Witches High Tea
The Grand America’s Lobby Lounge
Various Dates through October
Dress in your best formal witch wear and enjoy a luxury afternoon of house-made pastries, savory teas and a host of wickedly delicious treats.
EMCO paranormal Con
Oct. 13 – 14
Museum of San Rafael
The 3rd annual Paranormal Con is back hosted by the Museum of San Rafael. The family-friendly convention has yet to announce its full lineup.
Annular Eclipse Viewing
Oct. 14
Various Venues
On October 14th, a ‘ring-of-fire eclipse’ will sweep across North America. Many of Utah’s National Parks are expecting a wave of astronomy enthusiasts. Learn more of what to expect, and the full eclipse zone here.
Fall on the Farm
Oct. 12, 13 – 14
American West Heritage Center
The American West Heritage Center transforms into Fall on the Farm starting Sept. 22. Visit Fridays and Saturdays in October for haunted hollow. The Fall Harvest festival occurs Oct. 13 and 14, and Barnyard Boo will take place on Oct. 12.
Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point
Oct. 16 – 21st
Thanksgiving Point’s Ashton Gardens
The 50-acre gardens will be adorned with imaginative scarecrows built and submitted by the community. Visit on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday for additional activities, vendors and food.
BOOTanical Fall Festival
Oct. 18 – 30
Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden transforms in October into a fantastical Halloween world. This year’s theme is Oaklore Academy, an enchanting school of magic that welcomes visitors to attend classes in potions, spells, cryptozoology and more. Various Bootanical activities will be hosted throughout the week.
The Met Ghoula
Oct. 20
Utah Capitol Building
Complete with a red carpet and paparazzi, the Met Ghoula takes a Halloween twist on the famed Met Gala. Enjoy vendor booths, live performances and a catered meal, this fundraising event raises profits for the Utah Kids Foundation.
Strut Your Mutt
Oct. 21
Liberty Park
Support Best Friends Animal Society and raise funds for animals in need at the Strut Your Mutt in Salt Lake. Dress up your pup for added Halloween fun!
The Haunted Woods
Murray Park
Oct. 23-25
A family-friendly Halloween maze featuring two spooktacular trails. Choose your own haunt with either the “Silly Trail” or the creepier “Spooky Trail.” Admissions include a donut and cup of hot chocolate, and all proceeds benefit child abuse prevention organizations.
Frights Under Lights
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Oct. 27
Break out your coziest blanket and camping chair and head to the Aquarium for an outdoor Halloween-themed light show on the EECO stage. The spooky fun continues with food trucks, trick-or-treating and interactive light shows.
