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City Cast Salt Lake

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

Terina Ria

) — 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

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

When it comes to gardening, we usually think about spring planting. But here’s a little secret: Many of the best spring plants were actually planted in the fall. Cooler temperatures give plants time to develop strong, healthy root systems before winter, so they’re more established — and often need less water — when spring arrives.

The nurseries below have knowledgeable staff who can help you figure out what to plant, when to plant it, and where it will thrive.

Right now at Millcreek Gardens, you can find markdowns on trees while supplies last. We’re talking 30% to 50% off fruit trees, 20% off shade and flowering trees, and 40% off dogwoods. You’ll also find perennials marked down.

Take it from me. The only tree I’ve had die was one I planted in the spring, while all of my fall-planted trees are thriving. Don’t be like me. Plant your trees now.

⏳ Best Deal for the Time-Strapped Gardener: 

Have you ever looked at a plant at a nursery and thought, “That’s lovely, but it’s not going to fit in my Honda Civic”? Glover Nursery has you covered.

The family-owned nursery has a huge selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials. With certain minimum purchases and plant sizes, they’ll even 

. I did this with one tree, and it was so worth it.

For fall plants, seasonal décor, and a little gardening inspiration, check out Sun River Gardens in Orem. This garden center and home décor powerhouse has some of the best 

 for adding a little fall color to your porch right now.

I also love getting pumpkins here because of the creative displays they put together. And, really, it’s all about the merchandising.

🌿 Best Place for a Little Bit of Everything: 

Red Butte Garden Fall Bulb and Plant Sale

Red Butte Garden’s Fall Bulb & Native Plant Sale runs Sept. 25-26. You’ll find 

, with plenty of options suited to Utah’s climate.

The sale will be at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, and admission is free.

And if you have any other questions about where to even start planning your water-wise yard, friend of the pod 

YardFarmer has a great list of free resources

Plant Now: Your Utah Garden’s Fall 2026 Shopping Guide

Plant Now: Your Utah Garden’s Fall Shopping Guide

Ivana Martinez

September is about as dog-friendly as it gets, with events all month long. Here are some places you should take your furry friend.

Who said Oktoberfest was just for the humans? Bring your pup to the festival Sept. 5-7 at Snowbasin Resort. Get there early: The first 50 dogs will get a free bandana. Dogs must be on leashes.

Take your dog out to the ballgame Sept. 9 to see the Salt Lake Bees play at The Ballpark at America First Square. Expect pet-friendly amenities and other dog lovers.

As pool season comes to an end, dogs all over the valley will get to take a dip Sept. 12. Find a pool or splash pad near you:

Maybe you’re looking for a buddy for your dog? On Sept. 11 and 12 at Wheeler Farm, there will be adoptions, a pet psychic, food trucks, and a chance to have your photo professionally taken.

Can’t take your dog anywhere because they have behavioral issues? Same. But the Humane Society of Utah has a cool two-part training starting Sept. 26 to address some of those pesky triggers. Hopefully, it'll give you and your pup the confidence to venture out more.

Here's where you should take your furry friend this September in Utah. 

Best Places To Take Your Dog in Utah in September 2026

Best Places To Take Your Dog This September

 and sentenced to death for murder in Utah. His trial and subsequent death 

So, it’s fair to say Utah’s relationship with organized labor has been … complicated.

Utah is a right-to-work state, meaning workers cannot be required to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. That can make organizing more difficult, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.

When unions successfully negotiate better standards, they can help raise expectations for wages and working conditions across an industry. Better wages mean workers have more money to spend locally, while better benefits and greater job stability can make it easier for people to build lives and stay in their communities.

This Labor Day, here are some ways you can support organized local labor with your money and attention.

Several smaller groups of employees in Utah have joined larger, national unions.

 joined the local Teamsters 222. Winco is a local-ish grocery chain (the first location was in Boise) and is personally my favorite grocery store. Knowing the employees are able to collectively bargain makes me love it even more. And while you’re at it, here’s 

Utah ski resort employees paved the way for other mountain resort workers. In 2015, 

 joined the Communications Workers of America, and in 2022, Park City lift mechanics and electricians voted to unionize alongside them. Today, they're part of 

. In Utah, the union represents more than 200 Park City ski patrollers, roughly 50 lift mechanics and electricians, as well as ski patrollers at 

Utah Building and Trades for Your Next Project

 means supporting skilled workers, fair wages, safer workplaces, and quality training, while investing your money in businesses that help strengthen Utah’s workforce and local economy. Save this list for your next project.

IBEW 354 represents 3,000 electrical workers in Utah and has a 

plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC specialists

Utah Union Businesses and Workers to Support Labor Day 2026

Your Labor Day To-Do List: Support Utah Workers

September is summer and fall: Keep enjoying warm days while settling into cozy nights. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy this in-between month.

Your Guide to September 2026 in Salt Lake

Head to Red Butte Garden for the Intermountain Hoop Dance Competition on Sept. 12, where Indigenous dancers use hoops to tell visual stories. Then stick around for drum groups, artists, food trucks, and community organizations.

Take an early fall road trip to Torrey in southern Utah for Fort Desolation Fest from Sept 24-26. The three-day outdoor music festival brings together Andrew Bird, Tune-Yards, and Bella White. It’s right near Capitol Reef so there’s plenty of adventuring to do between shows.

No hair? No problem. Meet some fellow baldies at this Salt Lake City meetup on Sept. 26. Among all the shiny heads, you can expect games, competitions, and giveaways. Bald caps are welcome, too.

Get ahead of your winter weaving and attend a class at Bewitched by Alpacas in Bluffdale. You’ll learn the basics on a handcrafted loom while alpacas and goats hangout nearby. Classes take place on various days throughout the month.

Atelier’s fourth annual Dollhouse Show on Sept. 12 features tiny worlds handmade by more than 20 local artists. It might even inspire you to take on a tiny hobby of your own.

Make the most of September in Salt Lake with meetups, crafting, hoop dancing, and festivals.

Your Guide to Salt Lake in September 2026

It’s the last full month of summer. Before the season winds down, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to soak up August in Salt Lake.

Browse hundreds of local artists at the 18th annual 

, Aug. 7-9, then keep the treasure hunt going at the 

 sidewalk sale, Aug. 7-8. And later in the month, spend the day at the 

When you need some reprieve from the heat, there’s nothing like strolling through an art gallery. The 

 starts today, Aug. 4, at Urban Arts Gallery, featuring original artwork on skateboard decks.

What says summer more than barbecue? Bonus points if it’s in the mountains. Head to Deer Valley Resort for smoked meats, cold brews, live music, and killer views at the last 

 where you can swim, paddleboard, kayak, or relax on the sandy beach. Reserve a time slot for your group and enjoy the whole place to yourself.

. Their expansive menu includes crispy poke nachos, fried musubi, and large platters that will feed your whole family.

For even more ideas listen to our August guide episode 🎧

Make the most of August in Salt Lake with festival, art shows, mountain barbecue, and more.

Your Guide to Salt Lake in August 2026

This 801 Day, we’re taking to the streets. 900 South, to be specific. Businesses from Central Ninth all the way up to 9th and 9th are offering 

 and the new artwork that will be unveiled for the Whale! In addition, you can enter to win prizes by stopping at locations and getting a stamp on your 

Now, I am not a coffee drinker, but I LOVE a coffee shop. The smell, the people watching, the third space of it all. So, I’m starting my day at Loki Coffee for a Peach Please (peach mango syrup, orange juice, and sparkling water) and an avocado toast because I am a homeowner so I can treat myself and I need carbs to gear up for the day.

The husband-wife duo behind Loki Coffee have 

impressive resumes in the coffee shop world

. You can tell there is a lot of passion there, not just for the product but also the community around coffee and local businesses. Loki Coffee emphasizes ethically and sustainably sourced coffee, warm hospitality and meaningful partnerships with local businesses

801 Day Deal: Buy one, get one free voucher

It may be the world we live in, it may be the SSRI, but I have been having weird dreams recently. So I am very intrigued by the 801 Day offer at Blissed Out Heart: a free insight into a dream.

holistic wellness practice founded by Angie Castor

 that helps people reconnect with themselves through body-led healing. Through different mediums, like breathwork and FootZonology, the goal is to help you slow down, release emotional burdens, and listen to yourself.

Next, I’ll be ruminating over the insight into why I am still having dreams about failing a class in high school nearly 20 years later over a lobster roll. I don’t usually associate our landlocked state as a bastion for seafood, but Freshie’s has the awards to prove its bona fides.

The roll, featuring “shore to door in 24” fresh lobster with the perfect blend of butter, mayo, and herbs, was named the 

 at the 2017 Down East Lobster Roll Festival in Portland, Maine. Those folks know their lobstah. And if the unofficial mascot of SLC is going to be a whale statue, might as well lean into it.

801 Day Deal: ½ lobster roll + 8 oz. chowder and drink for $18.01

One of my favorite places to shop, Koo De Ker has been redefining Salt Lake style since 2001 with thoughtfully curated fashion that blends timeless design with everyday wearability. Founder and owner Kyong An Millar has impeccable taste, she’s famous for it (name that movie) and passes it on to her customers. She carries designer pieces alongside inexpensive, but still high-quality pieces for nearly every budget. The store also smells really, really good.

Koo De Ker proves independent boutiques can thrive by prioritizing personal service, quality and lasting style over fast fashion.

things to do

Fall Break for the Pumpkin Patch Crowd and the Party Crowd

A Local's Guide to Salt Lake City

Your Guide to Salt Lake in October 2026

Latest articles

Fall Break for the Pumpkin Patch Crowd and the Party Crowd

A Local's Guide to Salt Lake City

Your Guide to Salt Lake in October 2026

Get Inspired by Fall Gardens

Plant Now: Your Utah Garden’s Fall Shopping Guide

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Your Labor Day To-Do List: Support Utah Workers

Latest articles

Get Inspired by Fall Gardens

Plant Now: Your Utah Garden’s Fall Shopping Guide

Best Places To Take Your Dog This September

Your Labor Day To-Do List: Support Utah Workers

Your Guide to Salt Lake in September 2026

Your Guide to Salt Lake in August 2026

An 801 Day Itinerary Full of Deals