October. The cooler air calls you outdoors. From corn mazes and pumpkin patches to outdoor concerts and hikes among the brilliant colors of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City is a hub for seasonal activities. With the best canyons only a 20 minute drive away, coupled with an incredible downtown location, The Grand America brings visitors closer to a full slate of events.
However you’re looking to enjoy October, here is our curated guide to fun October events happening in and around Salt Lake City this month—for every taste and pace.
For those looking for family adventure…
Little Haunts Halloween Fun for Kids (This is the place Heritage Park): This historic park is full of Halloween fun. Younger visitors will be enchanted by the Story Telling Witch and the Creature Encounters, while also enjoying the park’s daily activities such as train rides, pony rides, take-home crafts and the petting corral. October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29, 10am – 5pm. Tickets available for purchase online.
Boolights (Utah’s Hogle Zoo): Travel through Zoo grounds at night for encounters with no-so-scary light displays, including a haunted graveyard and a stormy pirate’s lair. Families will also enjoy the kid-friendly wizard maze and other entertaining and educational experiences. October 12-15, 20-22, 27-29. 6:30-9:00pm. Special Dia de los Muertos Boolights: October 26. Tickets available for purchase online.
Halloween Train (Heber Valley Railroad): For families looking for a one of a kind experience less than an hour from downtown Salt Lake, the Heber Valley railroad has themed excursions on their historic trains all season long. From the Cowboy Train, which includes admission to an Old West Gunfight show, to trivia fun aboard the Wizards Train, there’s something to suit everyone’s sense of adventure. Tickets to the Pumpkin Train and the Halloween Train include a free take home pumpkin from the train depot’s pumpkin patch. Trains operate at various times all month long, follow the link to their site for more booking details.
For those looking for a breath of fresh air…
BOOtanical Fall Festival (Red Butte Gardens): Enjoy the beauty of the gardens with a Halloween twist. Take a stroll through the crisp mountain air while viewing unique plants and flowers for the garden’s extensive collection. Looking to entertain little ones? From October 20-30, regular admission to the garden includes a variety of activities including a mystery to solve, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of photo opportunities. Regular daily admission at the door.
Downtown Farmer’s Market at Pioneer Park: Enjoy the bounty of the season at the Saturday Farmers Market. Gather up delicious fruits and vegetables, stop for lunch at one of several food trucks, or find uniquely crafted items at the adjoining Art & Craft Market. October 22nd is the last Saturday of the year to enjoy this beloved Salt Lake City tradition. Entrance is free. More information is available at their website.
For those looking for cultural affairs…
Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman (Utah Opera): Enjoy this stormy, haunting, and poetic tale brought to life by Michael Chioldi, one of the most sought-out dramatic baritones of his generation, as the Dutchman. Only able to come ashore once every seven years, the ghostly sea captain must find true love to break the spell that doomed him to sail the seas for all eternity. Sung in the original German with English supertitles. October 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16.
Onegin (Ballet West): Based on Alexander Pushkin’s final narrative poem, Eugene Onegine, this full-length ballet was created by John Cranko and set to the music Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky originally wrote to bring the story to life. Sweeping and lush orchestral music accompany the dramatic telling of this daring and unexpected tale of passion and tragedy. October 21,22, 27, and 29. Visit Ballet West’s site for tickets.
Wine Takes Flight: Que Syrah Syrah (Tracy Aviary): Enjoy an evening of wine education hosted by Jim Santangelo, owner of Wine Academy of Utah. Each ticket includes three wines with cheese pairings sponsored by local favorite Beehive Cheese, along with a special arrival pour. October 20th, 6-7:30 pm. For tickets, visit Tracy Aviary’s website.
For those looking for a spooky-season thrill…
Frightmares at Lagoon Amusement Park: Featuring nine haunted houses, Halloween-themed entertainment, and interactive characters ready to thrill, Frightmares brings the haunts of Halloween to their legendary line up of roller-coasters, rides, foods and games. Keep things kid-friendly at designated family activities throughout the park or brave the all-out, after-dark frights. Thursdays-Sundays in October. Visit their site for more information and ticket prices.
Salt Lake City Ghost Tours (Various locations, Salt Lake City): If you’re looking for a little bit of history with your haunting, the Whiskey Street Ghost Walk will thrill you with true tales of mayhem. This tour will keep you on your toes as you walk the paths of ghosts in downtown Salt Lake City. Or, tip toe through the tombstones on the SLC Cemetery Ghost Walk. Find out why some spooks may or may not be resting in peace. Thursdays-Saturdays throughout the month of October. Check their booking site for details.