Autumn Adventures Along the Wasatch Front: Your Guide to the Next Two Months
Looking for some fun, family-friendly things to do this fall here in Utah? This is not a comprehensive list, but a good start for having some fun and staying close to home.
As the late summer heat begins to wane and the canyon breezes turn crisp, the Wasatch Front comes alive with vibrant colors and community celebrations. Whether you are a local looking to maximize your weekend or a visitor hoping to catch the best of Utah's harvest season, the next two months are packed with activities.
From alpine beer festivals and agricultural fairs to spooky season thrills, here are the top things to do locally over the next two months.
1. Festive Fall Celebrations
Late summer and early autumn in Utah are synonymous with harvest festivals and traditional fairs.
Snowbird Oktoberfest: Running every weekend through October 11, this is one of Utah's most highly anticipated annual events. You don't need a passport to enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience; just head up Little Cottonwood Canyon for traditional German food, live music, and an impressive selection of beers. Don't forget to take a ride on the Snowbird Tram for breathtaking alpine views.
Utah State Fair: Celebrate 170 years of state tradition at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. Running from September 10–20, the fair features rodeos, live concerts, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and all the deep-fried food you can imagine.
WitchFest at Gardner Village: Located in West Jordan, this whimsically spooky festival runs from September 18 – October 31. The village is decked out with green-faced witches, and the popular "Witches Night Out" events on October Saturdays are perfect for shopping, dining, and getting into the Halloween spirit.
2. Embrace the Great Outdoors
Fall in the Wasatch Mountains is nothing short of spectacular, offering a brilliant display of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Fall Foliage Drives and Hikes: Head up Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, or Millcreek Canyons. A stroll around Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon is highly recommended for picture-perfect autumn views.
Nature Walks: The Wasatch Mountain Institute is hosting several educational outdoor events. Join the Beaver Ecology Nature Walk on August 22, for a guided evening stroll along the Jordan River to learn how beavers shape local wetland ecosystems.
Kokanee Salmon Run: Witness a unique natural phenomenon on September 19, at the Rock Cliff Nature Center in Kamas. The landlocked Kokanee salmon turn bright red as they swim upstream to spawn, making for an incredible wildlife viewing experience.
3. Thrills, Chills, and Spooky Season
Utahns take Halloween seriously, and the festivities kick off well before October.
Haunted Houses: The Wasatch Front is famous for its high-production haunted attractions. Staples like Nightmare on 13th in Salt Lake City, Castle of Chaos in Midvale, and the Strangling Bros. Haunted Circus in American Fork provide terrifying, adrenaline-pumping fun for those brave enough to enter. There are many more around the state.
Frightmares at Lagoon: Utah's premier amusement park in Farmington transforms into a spooky playground featuring haunted walk-throughs, themed entertainment, and all your favorite roller coasters.
The Pumpkin Train: If you are looking for family-friendly fun, take a short drive up to the Heber Valley Railroad. Running on Saturdays in October, the train ride includes entertainment and a stop to pick out the perfect pumpkin from the patch.
4. Community Markets and Sports
Park Silly Sunday Market: Spend your September Sundays on Historic Main Street in Park City. This eco-friendly, open-air market and street festival features local artisans, live music, and great food.
College Football: Autumn in Utah means the return of college football. Grab some tickets to a University of Utah Utes game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. The crisp evening air and the roar of the crowd make for an electrifying local experience.
Also be sure to check out your local farmers' markets and other markets. I know there are usually one in every city, but not every one.
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