October in Utah brings a mix of crisp nights, harvest traditions, ghost stories, and Halloween mayhem. From stargazing parties and Viking festivals to cemetery tours and costume celebrations, the month is filled with ways to enjoy the season. Here is a short list of the top October events.
October 8
Star Party: The Terror of Tiamat. “According to the most ancient of legends, the stars are all that remain of the dragon Tiamat. Hanging high above the autumn skies, her ever-present silhouette was said to haunt mankind below.” (From the DNR website)
The star party will explore Ancient Babylonian contributions to the understanding of the night sky through constellations and mythologies with the aid of telescopes. Bring a blanket to sit on and meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot at 8 pm at Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab.
October 10
Autumn Harvest Celebration. This event will be held at Provo Pioneer Village, 600 N 500 W, Provo. This is a family fun, free activity that celebrates all things autumn. Held from 5 to 8 pm with crafts, handcarts, games, music, and more. Participants are welcome to dress up.
October 10-31
Little Haunts at This is the Place. Presented by This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 E Sunnyside Avenue. Events include a story-telling witch, trick-or-treating, and Creature Encounters, along with the Park’s daily activities like train rides, petting corral, pony rides, take-home crafts and more. The Park is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday.
October 11
Biochar: Making Black Earth. Presented by Wasatch Community Gardens. The instructor will be Evan Sugden, PhD, who is a professional entomologist with years of experience. Held from 10 am to 12 pm.
October 11
Glenwood Cemetery Tribute Event. Presented by the Park City Historical Society and Museum. This annual event, hosted by the Park City Museum, will be held from 10:45 am to 12 pm, and 12:45 pm to 2 pm. Rain will move the event to October 12. Reenactors or ghosts in costume standing at gravesites will discuss life and death from the historic mining town. The tours are $25 per person and appropriate for ages 10 and older. This is a fundraiser for the cemetery. Space is limited and reservations are required here. The cemetery is located at the end of Silver King Drive, near the intersection of Silver King Drive and Three Kings Drive.
October 11
Halloween Havoc Demolition Derby. Presented by the Golden Spike Event Center at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden. The destruction begins at 6:30 pm and admission is $33. Tickets can be purchased at Event Tickets.
October 11
Viking Day Festival. Unleash your inner Viking at this free family friendly event at Pleasant Grove’s Downtown Park from 10 am to 5 pm with a “Glow Dance” at 7 pm. Activities include a Run Like a Viking 5K, crafts, games, and activities for all ages, axe throwing and strongman competitions, free pony rides, along with live entertainment and a root beer garden.
October 12
9th Annual Park City Shot Ski. The friendly shot ski competition with Breckenridge Ski Resort will once again attempt to break a new world record for participants taking a shot all at once. The event helps raise funds for community grants. This event is sponsored by the Park City Sunrise Rotary Club and High West Distillery. Lining up on Main Street and assuming their position of the communal shot ski, participants will simultaneously take a shot of High West whiskey. Last year 1,385 shots were poured, raising more than $50,000 for local non-profits. The event starts at 2 pm.
October 16-30
Garden After Dark: Trouble in Oz. Held at Red Butte Garden and Arboretum. It will feature immersive storytelling, atmospheric lighting, along with artistic scenes made especially for the garden’s landscape. Travel through the shadowed land of Oz filled with color, mystery, and imaginative twists. Held from 6 pm to 9 pm with the last entry at 8 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Red Butte website.
October 25
Monster Block Party. This will be held at the Regional Athletic Complex, 2280 N. Rose Park Lane. The Monster Block Party is a free Halloween festival for those of all ages. Activities include trunk or treating, face painting, inflatables, live performances, a pumpkin drop, and food trucks. Opens at 11 am.
October 31
Ghost: Biggest Halloween Night Party. Celebrate Halloween at the historic Grand building at the Utah State Fairgrounds, 155 N 1000 W, Salt Lake City. This is an indoor and outdoor venue that provides 2 stages and will feature 8 DJs throughout the night. Advance tickets can be purchased at ThePartyTix.
Feature Image: Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash.
