2023 Fall Activities for Seniors in Utah
Written by Danielle Reay
As summer gives way to cooler days and vibrant scenery, there are countless delightful fall activities for seniors and caregivers. Whether it’s enjoying dinner and live theater, sampling some Halloween-themed festivities, or simply enjoying the changing leaves, there’s a wide range of options for seniors to relish this special season – whether you’re ready to take every step or prefer to enjoy the ride at your own pace. This season is yours to embrace, however you move through it!
Remember to double-check the events below for any potential schedule changes made by organizers after this publication. We aren’t responsible for organizing these events, and we’d be disappointed if anyone made unnecessary efforts only to discover that an event was canceled after a date was mentioned. To be certain, just visit the event’s official website by clicking the provided link. Wishing you a wonderful fall experience!
Here’s a list of the best things to do in fall months for seniors and caregivers to keep you busy until Christmas.
Snowbird, UT – Aug 12 to Oct 15, 2023
Snowbird Oktoberfest is Utah’s most popular German Festival, offering the essence of traditional German Oktoberfest festivities with a unique alpine twist. Snowbird transforms into a Bavarian-inspired village which creates an immersive experience for its visitors. Enjoy authentic food and drink, live music and entertainment, artisan crafts and vendors, and so much more.
Salt Lake City, UT – Sep 3 to Sep 4, 2023
The Urban Arts Festival is a fantastic (free) way to spend your day out in the community. This vibrant festival showcases a wide range of artistic expressions, from visual arts and street art to music, dance, theater, and more. With hundreds of artists, performers, and musicians, this event will have something for people of all ages to enjoy.
Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 5, Oct 2, and Nov 7, 2023
If you’re a bird-watching senior you can join a birding expert as they guide you and a group around the beautiful Red Butte Garden. They’ll help you identify and learn about the many birds that call the area home. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to join bird enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds while you connect with nature, learn about different bird species, and appreciate the beauty of avian life.
Kaysville, UT – Sep 7 to Sep 17, 2023
This scarecrow walk is one of many free fall activities available at the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville. People of all ages will love this fun community event celebrating the harvest season. You’ll enjoy a self-guided stroll along the colorful pathways to see their large display of scarecrows, along with the other beautiful flowers and plants the gardens have to offer. 
Salt Lake City, UT – Sep 7 to Sep 17, 2023
The familiar sights, sounds, and smells of the Utah State Fair evoke fond memories for many people, especially seniors. From the stomach churching rides to the deep-fried fair food, it’s a reminder of younger days. And while the rides may not be where you spend time, there are still countless things to see and do at the fair. Come enjoy the live entertainment, rodeo, food vendors, midway games, and more. You’ve got just over a week to attend, so don’t miss out!
Salt Lake City, UT – Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
The Salt Lake Greek Festival is an annual event that celebrates Greek culture. Complete with Greek cuisine, live music and dancing, cultural exhibits, and a Greek-themed marketplace. This festival offers a vibrant and immersive experience for attendees, providing a taste of Greek heritage and hospitality.
Ogden, UT – Sep 15 – Oct 28, 2023
Experience a day of family fun at Green Acres Dairy Farm. They offer all sorts of exciting activities like corn mazes, games, and train rides. But if you’re in the mood for something more low-key you can cozy up by the fire pits to watch a movie or enjoy good food and live entertainment throughout the whole farm.
Salt Lake City, UT – Sep 16 to Sep 17, 2023
Another immersive cultural event is the Festa Italiana. This festival offers a lively experience for young and old alike to taste the rich heritage of Italy. It features a variety of activities, food, music, and entertainment. Enjoy this wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrancy, history, and contributions of Italy.
Salt Lake City, UT – Sep 21 to Sep 23, 2023
Comic conventions are often associated with the younger generation but there are plenty of seniors who can enjoy this unique event too. As a senior, you play an important role in passing down your love for pop culture to younger generations, whether it’s introducing grandchildren to classic comics or discussing the origins of iconic characters. If you enjoy popular culture, both past and present, this fun event will be right up your alley. With celebrity guest panels, autograph signings, photo ops, gaming competitions, cosplay contests, special events, KidCon, and the film festival, there is something for everyone.
Salt Lake City, UT – Sep 22 to Oct 31, 2023
For a uniquely spooky outing, visit Witchfest at Gardner Village. This event offers an incredible number of activities for people of all ages. From scavenger hunts to escape rooms, train rides, and dinner theaters you can go back day after day to get your fill of witchy fun. Join in the fun and dress up as a witch or go as you are. Either way, be ready to enjoy all things witches.
Provo, UT – Sep 29 to Oct 31, 2023
This pirate-themed Halloween cruise is perfect for seniors and their families. Only 20-25 minutes long, it’s a great way to enjoy festive surroundings while sitting comfortably in a wheelchair-accessible riverboat. With 100 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns for your viewing pleasure, this river outing is a real treat.
Heber, UT – Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays in October
Purchase a ticket to this Pumpkin Train and you’ll get a 40-minute train ride, a delicious pumpkin cookie, and a pumpkin to take home from the pumpkin patch. It’s a delightful way to enjoy fall scenery, Halloween festivities, and have some family-friendly fun. Enjoy the magic of autumn while creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Salt Lake City, UT – Oct 4 to Oct 29, 2023
One of many fun activities for fall, Boolights at Hogle Zoo is fun for everyone. Visit the zoo after dark to see not-so-spooky creatures lit up at every turn. Or, if you’ve got grandkids, take them trick or treating during the day.
Lehi, UT – Oct 16 to Oct 21, 2023
Fall is a great time to take a stroll through the beautiful gardens at Thanksgiving Point. If you visit during the Scarecrow Festival you can view dozens of scarecrows created by the community. Vote on your favorite scarecrow and see if it wins first prize.
Salt Lake City, UT – Oct 21, 2023
If you have a beloved puppy companion, then the Strut Your Mutt fundraising walk in Liberty Park will be a must on your fall time bucket list. Get out in the community, before the days turn too frigid, for a leisurely walk or “strut” with your favorite puppy pal. By participating in this event you’ll be helping to raise funds and awareness for animal shelters, rescue groups, and other organizations dedicated to caring for and finding homes for homeless pets. Strut Your Mutt events often feature other activities such as pet-friendly vendors, contests, entertainment, and opportunities to socialize with fellow dog lovers.
Lehi, UT – Oct 28, 2023
Take a trip to Thanksgiving Point to participate in this beautiful Latin tradition. Attendees are invited to come and celebrate the lives of the loved ones they’ve lost through stories, art, music, and cuisine. Dancers adorned in colorful, traditional costumes perform along with mariachi bands, singers, and storytellers. This event can be especially meaningful for seniors.
- Farmers Markets
Utah – until Mid-October
Farmers markets are a great place to get out and explore in the fall. Farmers, artists, and crafters alike come to sell their wares and interact with the community. Whether you’re looking for something in particular or just want to explore the different vendors, a farmers market is a fun place to be.
Cache Valley Gardeners’ Market
With a purpose to inspire consumers to consider not only the food they consume but also its origins and cultivation, the Cache Valley Gardener’s Market establishes a meaningful link between the people of Northern Utah and local farmers. Alongside presenting artisanal products, the market serves as a hub for skilled artists and crafters.
Farmers Market Ogden
Gather at historicly charming 25th Street in downtown Ogden. Explore a variety of fresh local produce, delectable prepared foods, and unique artisan goods. While you shop, enjoy live music performed by talented local musicians.
Bountiful Farmers Market
Presented by Bountiful City Farmers Market at Bountiful Town Square, this market runs every Thursday from 4 pm until dusk, ending on October 12th. Located at the corner of 100 South and 100 East.
Downtown Farmers Market
Located in Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City this is one of the most popular farmers’ markets in Utah. It typically runs every Saturday from June to October. You can find a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts.
9th West Farmers Market
Another farmers market in Salt Lake City with local vendors, live entertainment, and good food.
Wheeler Sunday Market
This farmers market, in Murray, Utah, is held every Sunday from 9 am-1 pm until October 15th. It’s a well-loved community event with a wide variety of local produce, as well as handmade foods, goods, and art.
- Fall Colors Scenic Drives
Utah – throughout September, October, and November
If you love the beautiful colors of fall, but can’t manage a nature walk, then a scenic drive is for you. The leisurely pace of a scenic drive can help you relax while you enjoy the beautiful sights around you. Explore the canyons nearby or cruise through your neighborhood. Plan your route ahead of time or go without a route in mind and see where the road takes you.
Here are some of the most beautiful scenic drives in Northern Utah:
Alpine Loop
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Little Cottonwood Canyon
Logan Canyon
Mirror Lake Highway
Ogden Canyon
- Pumpkin Patches
Visiting a pumpkin patch is a great fall activities for seniors. Many of Utah’s pumpkin patches feature other attractions like hayrides, corn mazes, and cozy stands offering warm apple cider and freshly baked goods. So, whether you’re a senior on the search for the ideal pumpkin or simply want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, pumpkin patches are an ideal way to enjoy the harvest season.
And with so many pumpkin patches to choose from, you’re sure to find one close by. Here’s a comprehensive list of pumpkin patches in Northern Utah:
Cache County
Wellsville – American West Heritage Center
Wellsville – Willow Creek Pumpkins
Davis County
Farmington – Pack Farms
Layton – Day Farms Produce
Syracuse – Black Island Farms
Salt Lake County
Draper – Kuwahara’s Pumpkin Patch
Murray – Wheeler Historic Farm
Riverton – The Kinlands
Salt Lake City – Cross E Ranch
South Jordan – Mabey’s Pumpkin Patch
Utah County
Lehi – Evans Family Farm
Orem – Wilkerson Farm
Pleasant Grove – Hee Haw Farms
Santaquin – Rowley’s Red Barn
Spanish Fork – Glen Rays
Spanish Fork – Gordo’s Fun Farm
Springville – Harwood Farms
Weber County
Ogden – Green Acres Dairy
Explore the website of the pumpkin patch nearest you before visiting to know exactly what’s available.
- Performing Arts
If you love the performing arts then you’ll have plenty of performances to choose from this fall. With theaters all over Northern Utah, you’ll be able to see a performance every week if you want. From lively musicals to spooky thrillers to the classics, there’s something for everyone.
Davis County
Centerpoint Legacy Theater:
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Iron County
If you’re up for a drive… Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City:
Playing until Sept 8, 2023:
Playing until Sept 9, 2023:
All playing until Oct 7, 2023:
Jane Austen’s Emma the Musical
Salt Lake County
Pioneer Theatre Company:
Grand Theater Company:
Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Eccles Theater:
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: In Concert
Hale Centre Theater:
Weber County
The Ziegeld Theater:
Pick your favorite story and enjoy being carried away into the world of theater.
There you have it!
A big list of fall activities for seniors in Utah – go for a leisurely drive or gentle stroll, take part in one of the many cultural celebrations, or visit a local pumpkin patch. No matter what you choose, you’ll make the most of this festive season. For more fall ideas and seniors’ events, contact your local senior center to discover what’s going on near you. Often they’ll host activities for seniors to keep them moving or they’ll post a fall activity list for older adults.
Embracing Fall Festivities with Suzy’s Support
At Suzy’s Senior Services, we understand the importance of enriching the lives of our cherished seniors.
If you or your loved one needs a ride or a friend to do fun stuff this fall, just give us a call at 801-540-2077. We’re here to keep seniors safe and make sure they have a great time during whatever adventure they choose.
Suzy’s Senior Services is a crucial part of my mother’s care.
“It started very simple, with a weekly swim outing, yet has grown to be so much more.
My mother can be challenging and struggles to have friendships but Suzy stepped right in and formed a dear friendship with her so that now my mother asks when Suzy is coming to take her out!
Suzy made the swim outings a delight for my mom and as she got to know my mother, she thought of different outings that my mom would enjoy. Every outing is a treat for my mom, often it’s the highlight of my mother’s week. Our family is so grateful my mom enjoys these meaningful outings.
Suzy has also stepped in and taken my mom shopping for clothes, or other needed items when our family was busy. Suzy’s attentiveness to my mom is often how we learn what is needed. We’ve come to rely on Suzy to let us know if and when my mother needs certain things.
Thank you is not enough, but it’s a start. So, thank you to Suzy’s Senior Services for all the heart behind the name. Our mother is better for your care, friendship, and time well spent.”
– S. Jenson
For senior companionship services near Layton, Utah, call us at 801-540-2077 to learn more.