Utah’s spookiest season is upon us, and we're trembling with anticipation. Utah is the state with the most Halloween decorations, so you can be sure we have just as many Halloween events. We rounded up a wide range of Halloween events in Salt Lake, from haunted houses and spooky live performances to family-friendly events and costume contests. No matter your budget and scare level, you will find a Halloween event that will thrill you.
Starting with a Utah classic, Nightmare on 13th, Utah’s longest-running haunted attraction, has been consistently voted one of the best haunted houses in the nation. Featuring new areas each year, the venue uses advanced animatronics, special effects, and professional actors to bring visitors a new scare.
Nightmare On 13th features 36,000 square feet of room for haunting and scaring our customers; professionally trained actors; expertly crafted Hollywood-quality costumes, masks, and makeup; cutting-edge animatronics and audio/lighting effects. It’s all in the name of frightful fun. Because of this, there will always be a new reason to visit the Nightmare On 13th, a guaranteed evening full of new ways to get scared and scream your lungs out!
Utah’s original haunted attraction, the Institute of Terror, is back as part of the Nightmare on 13th Halloween season. Thirty-three years ago, Utahns got to experience their first nightmares in person at the Institute of Terror. This new experience brings the scare inside, where the patients roam free in the dark corridors of the asylum, waiting for strangers to arrive. Darker and scarier than their main attraction, we recommend bringing a friend to clutch onto.
For those wanting a more family-friendly and non-scary event, Day Haunts is excellent for the kids and the scaredy cats—Due to popular demand, Nightmare on 13th will offer limited access during the day to see the main attraction’s full show lighting, Hollywood-quality animatronics, sets, costumes, and props without the jumps or scares. You will tour the main attraction in full show lighting without the jumps or scares – JUST FUN! All the incredible scenery and props are lit up without things scaring you.
Haunted Attractions
If you’re looking to get in the spirit of the season, you can’t go wrong with a classic haunted house. Whether you’re looking for trembling scares or something more gentle for your little ones, these Salt Lake haunted houses should be top of your list. Some of our favorite haunts include an 8-acre Crazy Corn Maze, a Whiskey Street Ghost Walk, and a fun family hike along the Haunted Trail.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Halloween is one of the best holidays for kids, and Salt Lake has plenty of safe events for the little witches and goblins to experience all of its magic. Check out the full list of kid-friendly Halloween events here.
Halloween Concerts
Whether you want to do the Monster Mash or the Transylvania Twist, Salt Lake has a plethora of concerts for you. Check out a complete list of shows happening this Halloween here.
Date Night With Your 'Boo'
Terrible puns aside, Halloween events make for great date nights. Haunted houses result in holding hands, pumpkin patches equal cute Instagram photos, costume parties let you show off your wicked sense of humor, and all are a fun way to get out and enjoy yourselves in Salt Lake.
(Semi) Cultural Halloween
For a fun change of pace, check out some of the Day of the Dead (el Día de Los Muertos) events happening in Salt Lake. The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink, and celebration. Also, check out a Halloween Drag Roast From Hell, which includes a costume contest, food trucks, and a free after-party.
Costume Runs
For those looking to practice their best "running away from the killer" movie scene, check out these costume runs: