10 Activities to Plan For This Fall
You know you want to elope in Utah. That’s a no brainer! You know you want to experience Utah in the fall, and you know where in Utah you want to elope. Now, to make the most of your time in the beehive state, you find yourself researching all the things on Utah festivals, activities and attractions. We got you covered because we’ve done the research for you!
Below you’ll find fun and unique activities that vary from hot air balloons to lantern festivals. Whether you want to plan a slower more romantic trip or you picture your time packed with the states culture, tradition and adventure, I assure you there is something for everyone.
Lantern Festival
Thousands of people every year look forward to releasing their lanterns into the sky at Utah’s famous Lantern Festival in Salt Lake City, run by Lights Over America. The lantern festival not only brings people together to experience the magic of floating lights, it also gives people the permission to let go of stress, worry, fear, etc. Simply write the specific thing on a lantern and watch the negativity turn into a fresh start, or write down a hope/dream, release, and see what awaits.
When you go, remember blankets and chairs to sit on, an admission and parking pass for entry, something to write with, a camera to capture the magic and a form of payment for vendors. Also remember, the sale for entry-passes ends roughly one month to two weeks prior to the event.
Autumn Aloft
Autumn Aloft is what is known as Utah’s very own Hot Air balloon Festival in Park City. More than a quarter of a century ago, a group of hot air balloonists and a local from Park City envisioned a festival that would reflect the high-class spirit of the famous city in Summit County.
Now, every September, when the leaves change colors, people from everywhere come to Park City to watch the vibrant patterned balloons launch, then spend the rest of the day touring Historic Park City and supporting local restaurants, galleries and boutiques. For more information on parking, event locations and how to book your own hot air balloon ride, click the link above.
Pick your own Pumpkin
For a touch of nostalgia, take your pick of Utah’s pumpkin patches, and feel like a kid again this fall. Pumpkins, hay rides, corn mazes, ax-throwing, apple cider donuts, ring toss, and photo booths ; there’s nothing like experiencing a traditional Utah Pumpkin patch, especially for the first time. With the states 29 counties, it can be difficult deciding which pumpkin patch to go to. Visit this link for the complete list of pumpkin patches in Utah this year.
Sundance Full Moon Ride
If you’ve looked up ‘things to do in Utah’ on google, I’m 99% sure you’ve heard of the popular ski resort, Sundance Mountain Resort. The earthy, yet elegant venue, that so many skiers and snowboarders call home during the winter months, also plays its part in adding to Utah’s fall celebration before the snow hits. The views of the Wasatch Mountain peaks from the slopes will leave you breathless, but can you imagine what it looks like during a full moon on a ski lift? Come experience it for yourself on Sundance’s limited-time Full Moon Rides.
Sundance Halloween Ski ride
Sundance also offers Halloween Lift Rides for couples who enjoy the more spooky side of the fall season. When you take advantage of this offer, you get a 45 minute to an hour ride, as well as night time festival vibes, complete with hot chocolate, snacks, halloween decor and a complimentary movie that plays at the base of the mountain.
Midway Swiss Days
When you come to Utah, you can’t forget the festive annual event, Midway Swiss Days. The cultural tradition established in 1947, is now a crowd favorite. Every year people look forward to another reason to celebrate, have fun and make memories. Swiss Days includes a parade, candied almonds, caramel apples and other Swiss cuisine, along with a stage and town square gazebo full of performers and entertainers.
Frightmares at Lagoon
Fall isn’t complete without embracing the spooky season. If you like making your own halloween costume and love showing it off; if you love the adrenaline of roller coasters and haunted houses, then come experience Frightmares at Lagoon this September through October.
Halloween at Evermore Park
If you want to dive deeper into the halloween spirit, visit Evermore Park. Set in a hamlet-esc locale, the park has anything from knife throwing, archery, European styled sweets and the Kettle Cafe and Mercantile. In the fall, the park turns into a haunted attraction.
Sunflower Festival
Founded by Cornbelly’s, Thanksgiving Point’s Sunflower Festival is perfect for those couples who enjoy the beginning of fall, where the air cools down, but the days stay long and comfortable. Walk through a dreamy field surrounded by millions of yellow sunflowers. Enjoy the first glimpse of the season by picking your own bouquet and taking part in endless photo opps, kettle corn, live music and activities like mini golf and hayrides. The festival begins the first week of September and ends around the third week of the month.
Fall Fest
Once the sunflower celebration ends, Cornbelly’s Fall Fest begins! The event takes place in the two amazing location of Lehi or Spanish Fork. Fall Fest includes a corn maze, fireworks, 60+ activities in Lehi and over 30+ in Spanish Fork. Depending on location activities also include mini golf, hayrides, a ropes course and smores. Your time in Utah won’t feel complete without this fall favorite.
