October in Salt Lake City means cooler evenings, colorful fall leaves, and plenty of seasonal events. Whether you’re into haunted houses, local theater, family festivals, or live music, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the top events happening this October.
Haunted Houses & Spooky Attractions
Castle of Chaos Haunted House (Sept 12–Nov 8)
Step into an underground labyrinth of nightmares at Castle of Chaos. Known for being one of the scariest haunts in the country, this attraction blends classic horror with modern-day frights.
Fear Factory (Sept 12–Nov 1)
With six towering stories, 11 documented ghostly deaths, and nationwide acclaim, Fear Factory promises heart-pounding thrills. Tickets sell out fast—grab yours early.
Nightmare on 13th Haunted House (Sept 13–Nov 7)
A Utah staple, Nightmare on 13th returns with new immersive attractions, including the “Horror Cinema” experience.
Nightmare on 13th‘s Day Haunt: No Scares, All Atmosphere (Saturdays Sept 13-Nov 7)
Perfect for families and anyone who wants the spooky vibes without the jump scares.
Night Stalkers Haunted Trail (Sept 19–Nov 1)
Walk through four themed zones of terror, from haunted cornfields to a 3D nightmare experience.
Family-Friendly Fall Festivals
Pumpkin Days at Wheeler Farm (Sept 26–Oct 31)
Enjoy wagon rides, pumpkin picking, a family maze, and duck races at this fall favorite.
Cross-E Ranch Fall Festival (Sept 19–Nov 1)
Over 30 attractions including corn mazes, pig racing, and a pumpkin patch make this one of the biggest family fall events in the valley.
Fright Lights (Sept 19–Nov 1)
An interactive light and sound trail full of glowing displays, foggy bubbles, and dancing monsters—perfect for kids and kids at heart.
The Crazy Corn Maze (Sept 19–Nov 1)
Test your navigation skills in this giant corn maze, with a mini maze for younger kids and fun interactive games throughout.
Little Haunts at This Is The Place (Oct 10–31)
Trick-or-treating, crafts, pony rides, and train rides in a historic village setting—costumes encouraged.
Herriman Howl (Oct 6)
A free evening festival featuring a pumpkin walk, trick-or-treating, pet costume contest, and live entertainment.
Theater, Music & Arts
Witchapalooza Dinner Theater (Sept 26-Oct 29)
A Halloween comedy of dinner show at Gardner Village featuring music, laughs, and plenty of witchy antics.
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Sept 8–Nov 15)
A hilarious murder-mystery play where eccentric theater characters face a string of shocking twists.
The Hatmaker’s Wife (Oct 2–11)
A whimsical play at Dumke Student Theatre exploring family, home, and love through magical storytelling.
First Friday Concerts (Oct 3)
A monthly live music series with performances for all ages, held in partnership with the City of West Jordan.
Craftoberfest (Oct 4)
Celebrate local creativity with live music, food, brews, art vendors, and custom-designed barrels by Utah artists.
Fall Bonsai Show (Oct 4–5)
Explore stunning bonsai displays at Red Butte Garden, with experts on hand to answer questions.
The Addams Family (Oct 10–30)
A spooky, musical twist on the classic story—Wednesday Addams falls in love, and her family must meet the “normal” boyfriend’s parents in this hilarious production.
Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Thriller (Oct 13–25)
A Halloween classic blending dance, horror, and humor, now in its 28th year.
Garden After Dark: Trouble in Oz (Oct 16–30)
Red Butte Garden’s illuminated festival returns with an Oz-inspired twist, featuring interactive storytelling and glowing displays.
Dear Evan Hansen (Oct 24–Nov 8)
The Tony Award-winning musical about connection and self-discovery takes the stage in Salt Lake City.
Ballet West: Romeo and Juliet (Oct 24–Nov 1)
Shakespeare’s timeless love story performed with breathtaking choreography and a live orchestra.
Utah Queer Film Festival (Oct 24–26)
Celebrating LGBTQ+ stories with films, panels, and community events.
Markets & Community Events
Downtown Farmers Market (Every Saturday)
Shop local produce, baked goods, and artisan products at Pioneer Park.
Pumpkin Boo-tique at Wheeler Farm (Oct 10)
Find seasonal crafts, décor, and unique handmade treasures.
SLC Creatures & Features Market (Oct 11)
A Halloween market at Tracy Aviary with themed vendors, food trucks, and a free screening of Donnie Darko.
Monster Block Party (Oct 25)
A free community Halloween bash with trunk-or-treating, food trucks, live performances, and a giant pumpkin drop.
Spooktacufur: Pumpkin Bash (Oct 25)
A Halloween convention for the furry community, featuring panels, performances, and local vendors.
Horror Book Night (Oct 30)
Meet Utah authors and publishers celebrating the release of new horror anthologies at The Printed Garden.
Sports & Game Day Excitement
Utah Utes Football Games (Aug 30–Nov 28)
Catch the Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium this fall. With Pac-12 rivalries, tailgating, and packed stands, game days bring some of the city’s biggest energy.
Utah Jazz Basketball Games (Oct 8–Apr)
The Jazz return to Vivint Arena in October. From buzzer-beaters to electric crowds, an NBA game downtown is a night you won’t forget.
Utah Mammoth Home Hockey Games (Oct 2–Apr)
Hockey hits the Delta Center this fall with the Utah Mammoth. Fast-paced action and passionate fans make every home game for this NHL team a thrill.
Seasonal Favorites
Snowbird Oktoberfest (Through Oct 12)
A mountain tradition with Bavarian food, over 50 beers, live music, and scenic fall views.
Not Oktoberfest at Alpine Rose (Through Oct 12)
Food competitions, pies, and fall fun every weekend.
Yappy Hour (Oct 9)
A dog-friendly evening with food, drinks, live music, and off-leash play at Jordan Park.
Halloween Movies at Viridian (Oct 6–27, Mondays)
Family favorites like Scooby-Doo, Corpse Bride, Haunted Mansion, and Halloweentown.
Salt Lake City comes alive with seasonal fun in October, offering everything from terrifying haunted houses to cozy family events. Whether you’re looking for a cultural night out, a festive market, or spooky thrills, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate fall in the city.
