November. The days are noticeably shorter and the first fall of snow always feels just around the corner. These are the days we give thanks—for another year, for the friends around our table. Sweaters come out of storage. Coffee is ordered hot.
Despite the sometimes unpredictable nature of this season, there are so many ways to get out and enjoy downtown Salt Lake City, and The Grand America is here to be your home amid the oncoming winter. Going to a show? Setting out for holiday shopping? For all of these things and more, here is our curated guide to November in and around Salt Lake City.
For those looking for a family outing…
Tot Tuesday: Bedtime Bears (Utah’s Hogle Zoo): Help the bears get ready for bedtime! This early learner’s class is an opportunity for your littles to learn life skills through play and observation. With parent participation, little learners will observe the bears’ bedtime and practice spotting similarities to their own nighttime routines. For tickets and more information, follow the link to the zoo’s event page here.
Disney on Ice Presents: Find Your Hero (Vivint Arena): You may know the stories of your favorite Disney heroes’ journeys by heart, but no story is the same when told through the magic of expert ice dancing. Whether you sing along with Ariel or watch Moana brave the unknown sea, you’ll find new meaning in their bravery.
November 10-13. Find ticket prices and more information here.
Reading with Raptors (Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum): Join HawkWatch International at the Discovery Gateway Museum for Reading with Raptors! During this monthly program, children meet one of HWI’s Raptor Ambassadors while reading a storybook that matches the bird they’ve just met. They’ll learn about raptors and enjoy a great story. Included with admission to the museum, no registration necessary! November 12, 11am-12pm.
For those who are nuts about nature…
Fall Orchid Show (Red Butte Garden): Join the Utah Orchid Society for a dazzling display of both common and exotic orchid varieties. Society members will share methods for keeping plants healthy and happy, and provide troubleshooting advice for budding orchid enthusiasts. A large selection of both plants and pottery will be on sale for those interested in starting their own collection. This is the largest orchid show display in Utah. Saturday & Sunday, November 5 & 6. Find more information on Red Butte Garden’s website.
Bison Roundup (Antelope Island): Come witness the majesty of the Antelope Island bison herd up close and personal. Each year, the free-roaming bison are brought together in centrally-located corrals to receive health screenings and updated tagging. During this period, the public is invited to see the corralled bison for unmatched encounters with these beautiful, beloved beasts. November 1-3. Visit this page for more details.
For those who appreciate the finer things…
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concert No. 1 (Utah Symphony): Spend a night on the town at symphony hall for an evening of music and spoken word. First enjoy Tchaikovsky’s swooning Piano Concert No. 1 performed by internationally acclaimed pianist Andrei Korobeinikov. Then, hear from writer Augusta Read Thomas as she reads her piece Dance Foldings, which takes its inspiration from the “biological ballet” of proteins in the human body. November 4-5. For tickets, visit the Utah Symphony’s website.
Bernadette Peters with the Utah Symphony (Utah Symphony): You won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to witness one of the greatest performers of a generation, as three-time Tony award winner Bernadette Peters comes to Abravanel Hall. Accompanied by the Utah Symphony, Peters dazzles with beloved hits from musicals past and present. November 18-19. Visit the Utah Symphony site for more tickets and more information.
For those looking to get crafty…
Chinese Calligraphy workshop (SLC Public Library): Learn the art of Chinese calligraphy from Dr. Wu Xu of the Salt Lake Eastern Art Club. No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. This session is specifically designed for kids ages 5-12. November 12 and 19. For registration visit the City Library’s website.
Craft Lake City Workshop: Constellation Necklaces (Valley Fair Mall): Make your very own constellation jewelry in this workshop presented by local artisan, Heather Leeflang of H Works Jewelry. Each participant will practice the art of metal inscription and hand-scoring patterns into copper and brass discs. Finish charms will be attached to silver chains to necklaces to wear or share. No experience necessary and all materials will be provided. November 9, 6-8pm. More information on this workshop and other crafting resources provided by CLC can be found here.