Things to Do in Salt Lake This Fall: Festivals, Family Fun, and Spooky Events

Fall in Salt Lake County is a mix of crisp evenings, glowing pumpkins, and celebrations that bring people together. From small-town festivals to full-blown spooky spectacles, there’s something for every mood this season. If you’re planning your calendar, here are some of the top fall events you won’t want to miss.

Cross E Ranch Fall Festival

Dates: Until November 1, 2025

Location: Cross E Ranch, 3500 N 2200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Cross E Ranch knows how to celebrate fall in style. Their Fall Festival has become a local favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. You can wander through a massive corn maze, pick out the perfect pumpkin, and cheer on pig races. There’s also AgVenture Alley, farm animals, and plenty of fall treats (the apple cider doughnuts are a must-try).

The festival runs until November 1, and it’s great for families, date nights, or groups of friends. If you want a quieter experience, weekdays are your best bet. Even if you skip the full festival, you can still swing by Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch for pumpkins.

Taylorsville Fall Festival

Date: October 11, 10 AM – 1 PM

Location: Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 4800 S, Taylorsville, UT 84123

Taylorsville’s Fall Festival is a free, family-friendly event with a small-town feel. Happening October 11, it includes games, pumpkin-decorating and pie-eating contests, a quilt display with the theme “Down on the Farm,” and live music from Crossfire.

This year also brings booths, photo ops, and even a visit from the 2025 Days of ’47 Royalty. It’s a short and sweet event, just three hours long, but packed with activities that make it worth stopping by.

Snowbird’s Oktoberfest

Dates: Until October 31, 2025

Location: The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island, 16511 NW Gillihan Rd, Portland, OR 97231

Snowbird’s Oktoberfest is one of Utah’s biggest fall festivals, attracting thousands each year. It runs every weekend through October 12, including Labor Day. Admission is free, and you’ll find everything from live music to local vendors to traditional Bavarian food.

The biergarten serves more than 50 varieties of beer, including German imports and local Utah brews. Beyond the food and drinks, the festival has over 21 summer activities for kids and families. New this year, Snowbird is offering free shuttle service in partnership with Snow Country Limo, so you don’t have to stress about parking.

Grimm Ghost Tours

Bus Pickup Location: 18 W S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

For those chasing a scare, Grimm Ghost Tours is a must. This isn’t just a storytelling bus ride. You’ll actually step off the bus at haunted locations, use ghost-hunting equipment, and maybe even capture something strange on camera.

They also run the Portland Cement Works Haunted Factory Tour on Monday nights until October 24. Built in the late 1800s, this old factory has a history of deadly accidents, and many believe the spirits of workers still linger. Tours run 45–60 minutes and offer a chilling glimpse into Salt Lake’s haunted past.

Dia de los Muertos Festival

Dates: November 1, 2025, 12 PM – 6 PM

Location: Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 West 3100 South, West Valley City, UT 84119

The Day of the Dead celebration at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center is one of the most vibrant cultural events of the season. It features traditional Mexican dance and music, delicious food, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Families can head to the Kids Zone for crafts, paper flower making, medallion art, and free face painting. You’ll also see altars and ofrendas that honor loved ones who have passed, a core part of Día de los Muertos traditions. On top of that, local vendors will be selling art, jewelry, and handmade clothing, while food vendors keep the celebration fueled with authentic flavors.

ZooBrew: BrewLights (21+)

Date: October 15, 2025, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Location: Hogle Zoo, 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

This adults-only event transforms Hogle Zoo into a glowing, spooky party with eerie decorations and plenty of seasonal drinks. You can sip on craft brews, wear your best costume, and wander through the zoo lit up with BooLights. The event also highlights nocturnal animals and how they adapt during Utah’s winters. Bring a valid ID since this one is strictly 21 and over.

Kuwahara’s Pumpkin Patch and Thriller Park

Dates: Until October 30, 2025

Location: 12153 S 700 W, Draper, UT 84020

Kuwahara’s Pumpkin Patch and Thriller Park isn’t your average pumpkin patch. It’s an all-out Halloween destination with more than 30 attractions. Themed pumpkin displays include Down the Rabbit Hole, Nightmare, and Día de los Muertos. If you’re looking for a scare, brave the Corn Field of Terror, new this year.

Thriller Park also hosts themed weekends like the Boneyard Bash, Little Witches & Wizards, and Superheroes Fest. On Halloween night and November 1, the park closes out the season with one final scare for guests 16 and older.

Why These Events Matter

Fall in Salt Lake feels different when you take part in these traditions. Each of these events connects you to the city in its own way. You can enjoy a family day in a corn maze, learn about cultural traditions, or feel a chill on a ghost tour.

This is also what makes living in Salt Lake special. The events are not just for visitors. They are community traditions that bring people together. If you are new to Salt Lake, they help you feel connected. If you have been here for years, they give you something to look forward to.

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