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City Cast Salt Lake

Terina Ria

The final Sundance Film Festival in Utah wraps up this weekend, and 

! In honor of its 40 year legacy, we put together a crossword with some festival fun facts.

Shelby Hintze

For small businesses, it’s not always about selling you something. Sometimes, the goal is to also bring people together — through classes, book readings, seasonal celebrations, and events that turn strangers into regulars. (Of course, if you want to spend a little money while you’re there, no one’s going to complain.)

Whether you’re a corporate baddie (or a corporate saddie) looking for an excuse to leave the house, a parent trying to keep the kids entertained over fall break, or just someone who thinks autumn is best spent out in the community, Salt Lake businesses have plenty going on. Here’s what to add to your weekend agenda.

 On Saturday, Oct. 17, The Gateway will host a full day of author conversations, panels, signings, and local vendors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There’s also a dedicated kids’ stage and storytimes, like with the author of “How to Escape a Playdate.” General admission is free, though select events require tickets. I am going to stock up on books from 

 in the valley. Even if you and the kids have already been to a pumpkin patch this season, run them ragged here anyway and snap cute pictures while you’re at it. Plus, the swings, bean pool, and slides are free with $2 wagon rides, seven days a week. P.S. Check out the 

 for great home decor, local foodstuffs, and see if you can get some love from the shop cat!

 experience for older kids or wimpy adults (guilty). Go trick-or-treating through the haunted house: Same decor and lighting as the main attraction, but nothing is jumping out at you.

Debauchery for Students, Singles, and DINKs

 The Salt Lake Book Festival is for grown-ups, too. Browse independent vendors, catch an author conversation, or make Friday night’s 

Prologue at the Salt Lake City Public Library

 your literary pregame. The kickoff includes an adult spelling bee and a rooftop party with drinks, dancing, and authors.

 at Studio at Soundwell, featuring vintage horror movie decor, spooky cocktails, themed bites, DJs, tarot, and weekly scary-oke. Plus, check out the daytime 

Bring your sense of humor to Crone’s Hollow

 for BYOC Comedy: Bring Your Own Cauldron, featuring 

, and magical mischief. The show is free, but there’s a suggested donation for the performers.

Keep the kids busy with a no-scare haunted house and pumpkin patch, or treat yourself to scary-oke, witchy comedy, and a rooftop book festival party.

Salt Lake Fall Break Guide: Pumpkin Patches to Parties

Fall Break for the Pumpkin Patch Crowd and the Party Crowd

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Salt Lake

Because sometimes you just want to support Utah-based small businesses from the comfort of your couch. Here’s what I’m eyeing right now.

 from Harmony is giving me “Over the Garden Wall” 

I will read anything by Barbara Kingsolver, so I’m excited to get her new book, 

I’m loving the trend of teeny buttons on a cardigan, and this 

Peach Dragonfruit gummies from Swedish Moose

I allow myself one new candle each fall, and as a proud Rose Park resident, I think I need this 

. Buying candles online is risky, but I need to represent my neighborhood!

Cafe Rio…beauty products? Look, I’m intrigued. Idaho-based Poppy and Pout has teamed up with the iconic Salt Lake City brand. I might have to try the mint limeade-inspired 

 lip balm. Although I think I would prefer a Tomatillo Ranch flavor.

My Salt Lake shopping list

🛍️ What are you buying locally this month? Tell us!

Because sometimes you want to support Utah-based small businesses from the comfort of your couch. Here’s what we’re eyeing right now.

Utah Small Businesses to Shop Online This October

Add to Cart: October Edition

) — the best way to experience Salt Lake is through the eyes of someone who lives here. Yep, that’s me! Here’s how I’d spend a day around town.

, an SLC staple. My go-to is the browned-butter caramel latte. Or catch 

, a monthly pop-up. Their next gathering is on Oct. 25 at 1809 West Temple. Grab a pastry, sandwich, or tartine at 

, a 10,000-square-foot warehouse packed with vintage finds, or explore the oddities at the newly opened 

, just in time for Halloween. Then bring some Y2K fashion home from 

 created by the owner of Kissing Whiskey Vintage. This handy directory features over 175 vintage shops.

, an independent record shop tucked inside a historic 1930s home. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

, which features 28 distinct gardens representing countries from around the world.

, a communal bathhouse where you can cycle between saunas, cold plunge, and warm pool. Then enjoy Northern Indian cuisine for dine-in or takeout at 

, which just received recognition by the Michelin Guide.

Explore Salt Lake City with a local’s guide to the best coffee shops, vintage stores, restaurants, and hidden gems.

A Local's Guide to Salt Lake City Fall 2026

A Local's Guide to Salt Lake City

Everything to know about Salt Lake City neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Salt Lake Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

It’s quiz time! Think you know Salt Lake’s haunted trivia? Test your knowledge to find out!

Is the McCune Mansion haunted? Or the Walker Center? Test your haunted history knowledge in this scary quiz.


How Well Do You Know Salt Lake’s Haunted Spots?

Halloween costumes don’t have to come from a plastic bag at a big-box store, and honestly, they’re a lot more fun when they don’t. Whether you want a fully assembled costume, are hunting for the perfect weird accessory, or just want to sneak a little Halloween into your everyday wardrobe, there are plenty of local options. Here’s where to start.

If you want to buy (or rent!) a costume that you can put on and go, these local shops have you covered.

 has a wide selection of new and used adult costumes and accessories, including makeup and temporary hair dye. If you’re building your own costume, the shop also has a solid vintage clothing section.

 in Provo is a theater kid’s dream, with a huge selection of makeup, wigs, and fake blood. You can also rent more elaborate costumes by phone or in-store if your Halloween plans require a little more production value.

, or a bald cap that could transform you into any number of Utah politicians.

 rents pieces to local theater companies, but you don’t have to be in a production to take advantage of the selection. The shop has costumes and pieces from dozens of recent Scera shows, so you can get a little more theatrical with your Halloween look.

Skip the corporate thrift shop and check out local vintage and consignment stores for pieces you can mix, match, and wear again.

 has locations in Salt Lake City and offers new and used clothing and consignment. It’s a good place to start if your costume needs something a little more fashion-forward — or a little more revealing.

 Sexy…anything, Coachella attendee, rave king or queen

 is perfect for costume pieces you’ll actually want to wear again. The curation leans celestial Y2K, ’90s art teacher, Lilith Fair attendee — basically the clothes we wanted to wear but our moms wouldn’t let us.

Look for Halloween-inspired clothes and accessories that can work beyond Oct. 31, whether you want a subtle nod to the holiday or something that says, “Yes, I celebrate Halloween year-round.”

 has fun, kitschy clothes and accessories for men and women with just enough Halloween flair to feel festive without being a one-day-only purchase. I’m particularly into this 

Skeleton tees are about as low-commitment as Halloween fashion gets. This 

 let you celebrate Halloween without worrying about storing a full witch costume for a year.

Halloween costumes don’t have to come from a big-box store. Here are eight shops in the Salt Lake City area to source your 2026 costume.

Trick or Treat Yourself to a Salt Lake Costume

Trick or Treat Yourself to a Local Costume

You may already be seeing Christmas decorations creeping onto the shelves at your favorite big-box stores, but thankfully, local retailers are giving Halloween the attention it deserves. From spooky home decor and creepy collectibles to vintage finds and delightfully weird odds and ends, these local shops are keeping the spirit of Halloween alive … at least until Christmas stuff inevitably takes over.

While Spirit Halloweens are taking over strip malls across the country, 

 has your spooky decor on lock all year long! This South Salt Lake shop specializes in horror, oddities, spooky home decor, and collectibles. The shop started when Landrie Miller wanted to 

 in her house but couldn’t find macabre decor outside of Halloween season. And Spoox Bootique was born, just like Rosemary’s Baby.

And if you’d like your spooky season purchases to not be limited to decor, but also lean towards … the practical, check out 

 for your metaphysical supplies, classes, and events year-round.

For Halloween decor with the oh-so-important touch of nostalgia, check out 

Bonus! Used stuff is more likely to be haunted, too!

 not only has adorable Halloween decor, books, and clothes, but also a 

 is really fun. I’m probably going to add these 

 to my growing candle collection. And while you’re at it, get some 

 at the candy counter and your flu shot at the pharmacy (walk-ins welcome before 5 p.m.)!

And if you’re ready to become the person with the incredible Halloween village that grows every year, or the friend with the figurine collection that takes up the whole mantle, check out 

. Pro tip: Start collecting something now so all your friends and family know what to get you for gifts. It’s a public service, really.

From spooky home decor and creepy collectibles to vintage finds and delightfully weird odds and ends, these local shops are keeping the spirit of Halloween alive.

Spooky Season Starts at these Salt Lake City Shops

Spooky Season Starts at These Local Shops

Will you be leaning into the spooky or snuggly this month? The best thing is you don’t have to choose and you can do it all.

Your Guide to October 2026 in Salt Lake

Are you in a creative slump? Join a free, 

 working their way through Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” at Make Well studio. The program kicks off Oct. 1 and meets every other Thursday. No artistic experience required.

 is a scary movie club with a twist: Every month, view a horror, thriller, or cult classic at Murray Theater, but you won’t know what you’re watching until you arrive. Memberships start at $15.

Remember, It’s Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus

Celebrate everyone’s favorite Halloween movie, “Hocus Pocus,” by watching it all month long: 

This month was made for book nerds. Start things off with a 

 at The King’s English Bookshop on Oct. 4. Then fill the rest of your calendar with author talks, workshops, and other literary fun at the 

Visit Lake Effect’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” pop-up, which turns the downtown bar into a 

 every Monday through Oct. 26, featuring the Pumpkin King himself. Tickets are $25 per person.

Make the most of October in Salt Lake by creating, watching scary movies, and nonstop reading.

Your Guide to Salt Lake in October 2026

Find the best of everything that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

I have a hard time buying plants. I mean, I do it — and I do plenty of it — but I always get caught up on questions like, “What will this look like once all the flowers are gone?” and “How big does this actually get?”

To get answers to those questions, and to find inspiration, I love visiting the many planned gardens and demonstration gardens around Utah. They’re a great way to see native and water-wise plants in action. Many gardens also offer classes and workshops and host tours led by gardening experts.

Plus, fall is the PERFECT time to get outdoors post-heat, pre-cold.

 include Water Conservation Garden, Herb Garden, Medicinal Garden, and Four Seasons Garden.

 covering gardening, horticulture, nature and ecology, wellness, and creative activities.

 led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

 demonstrates drought-tolerant plants and hydrozoning, showing you plants that need no supplemental watering, all the way up to plants that need a shower a couple times a week.

Perennial Water-wise Garden showcases low-water perennials that provide color throughout the growing seasons.

Powerline Arboretum features trees appropriate for planting under or near power lines — a helpful resource if you’re trying to avoid the classic “oops, this tree got enormous” problem.

 from Master Gardeners and a horticulturist.

Jordan Valley Water Conservation Garden Park

 featuring Utah-friendly plants, pathways, and educational exhibits.

More than 1,000 water-wise plants in the 

, with information about water needs, maintenance, and bloom seasons.

 covering water-efficient landscaping, irrigation, plants, and conservation.

Plant labels throughout the garden, making it easy to identify plants you might want to use in your own yard.

Utah's Best Fall Gardens To Visit

Get Inspired by Fall Gardens

The final Sundance Film Festival in Utah wraps up this weekend, and we’re sad about it! In honor of its 40 year legacy, we put together a crossword with some festival fun facts.

A Mini Sundance Film Festival Crossword Puzzle

What Salt Lakers have been wondering. We break down why things in Salt Lake City are the way they are and how they work.

Salt Lake, Explained

Twenty-seven years ago today, a destructive tornado tore through downtown Salt Lake City and left behind an unusual piece of history: a desk. In honor of the anniversary, we’re looking back at that story and a few other Utah deep cuts.

On Aug. 11, 1999, an F2 tornado in Salt Lake City killed one person, injured more than 80, and damaged 300 buildings and homes. Salvaged wood from uprooted trees at the Capitol was turned into a “tornado desk” that now sits in the Governor’s Ceremonial Office. Then-first lady Jacalyn Leavitt even 

turned the story into a children’s book

 in 2001, with tickets starting at just $29. Fair organizers at the time loved booking “rising stars,” including the likes of NSYNC and Britney Spears.

 at the Outlets at Traverse Mountain’s 2013 Christmas tree lighting. What are the chances we’ll get her for the 13th anniversary?

In May 1972, Salt Lake man Michael Hansen 

 in protest of the Vietnam War, and redirected it on a Salt Lake City → Los Angeles → Dallas → Tampa → Havana joy ride.

From Salt Lake’s tornado desk to Destiny’s Child at the State Fair, revisit four surprising moments from Utah history.

4 Utah History Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

Only true local news nerds will ace this one. See how well you’re paying attention to the headlines. Every answer can be found in recent editions of the newsletter. 

Salt Lake June News Crossword Puzzle

Ice cream is a yearlong treat but especially satisfying when the weather gets warm. As we head into summer, put your knowledge to the test: Do you know where you can find these frozen delicacies?

Spring in Salt Lake means blooming trees, warmer days, and that unmistakable smell. Test your knowledge on the city’s most notorious tree. 

Test Your Salt Lake Knowledge

Name That Ice Cream

Test your memory with our mini news crossword. Every clue comes straight from a recent City Cast Salt Lake newsletter!

Salt Lake April News Crossword Puzzle

Think you know what it costs to live in Salt Lake City? Take our quiz and guess the rent on these local listings.

Guess the Rent in Salt Lake City

Maybe you skim the news, maybe you read everything: see how much stuck with this week’s mini news crossword.

Hint: Find the answers in recent City Cast Salt Lake newsletters.

Salt Lake March News Crossword Puzzle

Lately, I’ve seen a number of Australian-style coffee shops in Salt Lake City popping up on my feed. But what even is Australian coffee?

“Australian coffee” isn’t necessarily a specific bean or roast, it’s more about the culture. Instead of chains, Australia’s coffee culture evolved through neighborhood cafes, with baristas focusing on quality and craft. It’s no wonder they fit right into Salt Lake City’s independent coffee scene.

If there is one drink that represents Australian coffee the most, it’s the flat white (though Australia and New Zealand both claim to have invented it). A flat white is made with espresso and finely frothed milk for a signature silky texture. Compared to a typical American latte, it’s stronger and contains a lot less milk.

Generally, flavored syrups aren't as common. But if you want something sweet try an iced coffee, which is espresso, milk, and ice cream. And if you’re in Tyra Banks’ Australia (aka Sydney) you can get a 

Where To Find Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

: One of the newest coffee shops in Millcreek. They take the laid back approach to Aussie coffee culture. Plus, they have a sick kookaburra mural, so you know they’re legit.

An Australian-owned restaurant in Park City that serves Aussie-style iced coffee (cold brew nitro and ice cream).

: With locations in Salt Lake City and Sandy, the founder has over 20 years of coffee experience that started in Sydney. You’ll find flat whites and iced coffee here.

: An Australian-style coffee truck, on a brief hiatus while the owner (a professional rugby player) plays rugby in Boston. But they’re set to reopen in the summer. Bonus: They 

What Is Australian Coffee?

Where To Try Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

This winter has been the warmest in Salt Lake City history, but that’s not the only thing we have in the record books. Think you know what other records SLC holds? Test your knowledge in our mini crossword.

Salt Lake, Explained

A Mini Sundance Film Festival Crossword Puzzle

Terina Ria

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Salt Lake, Explained

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

Salt Lake June News Crossword Puzzle

Name That Ice Cream

Salt Lake April News Crossword Puzzle

Guess the Rent in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake March News Crossword Puzzle

Where To Try Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

A Mini Crossword of Salt Lake’s Record-Breaking Moments

The latest in Salt Lake

Fall Break for the Pumpkin Patch Crowd and the Party Crowd

Add to Cart: October Edition

A Local's Guide to Salt Lake City

How Well Do You Know Salt Lake’s Haunted Spots?

Trick or Treat Yourself to a Local Costume

Spooky Season Starts at These Local Shops

Your Guide to Salt Lake in October 2026

Get Inspired by Fall Gardens