October in Salt Lake City: Your Fall Adventure Guide

🍂 October in Salt Lake City: Your Fall Adventure Guide

October in the Beehive State is one of those magical months where the air becomes crisp, the mountains blaze with color, and the city pulses with seasonal festivals, spooky vibes, and outdoor bliss. Whether you’re into haunted happenings, nature escapes, live performances, or fall flavors — SLC has you covered. Below is a curated list of must-do events and experiences for the October calendar.

1. Seasonal Celebrations & Festivities

• BooLights at Hogle Zoo
  Walk the zoo after dark with Halloween-themed light installations, spooky décor, and a fun, eerie atmosphere. Axios

• Pumpkin BOO-tique
  Held at Wheeler Historic Farm, this craft and market event spotlights local artisans and seasonal goods in a cozy fall setting. Axios

• Little Haunts Halloween Fun (Heritage Park)
  A family-friendly event with train rides, pony rides, crafts, and gentle spooky fun for all ages.

• Oktoberfest (Snowbird & Snowbasin)
  Enjoy German food, live music, and fall festivity at one or both mountain locations—Snowbird runs Oktoberfest into October. Visit Utah+1

• Thrillers Ball
  A more upscale Halloween experience with live performance, dancing, and immersive decor. Salt Lake Magazine

• Dark Arts / Halloween Festivals
  Expect costume contests, haunted houses, spooky markets, and theatrical performances throughout the month. Eventbrite+2Wanderlog+2

2. Concerts, Theater & Live Shows

Salt Lake’s performing arts venues (Eccles Theater, Broadway, local theaters) often have strong October lineups. Salt Lake County Arts+1

• Tate McRae at Delta Center
  A big concert event scheduled for October 7 at the Delta Center in SLC. Delta Center

• Local & Touring Acts via Eventbrite
  Keep an eye on platforms like Eventbrite for shows like Mayci Neeley, Ana Huang, or themed events such as Dark Arts Festival. Eventbrite+1

• Downtown Performing Arts
  From local theater to dance and music, the city’s venues host a variety of performances throughout October. Salt Lake County Arts+1

3. Outdoor & Nature Adventures

• Fall Foliage Hikes / Scenic Drives
  The Wasatch Mountains and canyon roads light up in autumn colors. Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, Millcreek Canyon, and the Alpine Loop are favorites. Wanderlog+2Wanderlog+2

• Ghost Tours & Haunted Walks
  October is prime time for spooky storytelling and guided ghost tours around historic downtown and old neighborhoods. Wanderlog

• Capitol & Historic Tours
  The Utah State Capitol grounds glow with fall, making it a perfect time for a walk or guided tour. Wanderlog

• Gilgal Sculpture Garden
  Open through October (weather permitting), this unique outdoor sculpture garden is peaceful and intriguing. Wikipedia

• Pilates in the Park & Dog Training
  The city schedules community-style outdoor wellness events. Pilates in the Park continues into October. SLC.gov

4. Community Events & Seasonal Markets

• Local Vendor Markets & Pop-ups
  Look for weekend markets, artisan fairs, and Halloween pop-ups. Axios+1

• Yappy Hour & Pet Events
  SLC hosts pet-friendly events like Yappy Hour (e.g. at Jordan Park) in October. SLC.gov

• Fall Dog Training (Pioneer Park)
  Scheduled Sundays in October, great for pets and owners to get outdoors together. SLC.gov

5. Week-by-Week Snapshot (October Flow)

Tips & Ideas to Make the Most of October

• Dress in layers — mornings and evenings can be crisp, days may still warm up.

• Check event schedules early — many Halloween and concert events require tickets or have limited dates.

• Be flexible with plans — autumn weather can shift quickly; have alternative indoor options handy.

• Use local calendars — platforms like Eventbrite, CityWeekly, and VisitSaltLake often list smaller events you might miss otherwise.