Utah transforms into vibrant red, orange, and gold tapestries, and a series of festivals bring together locals and visitors to enjoy the beauty, flavors, and autumn traditions in the Beehive State.
Utah’s fall events offer something for everyone, from pumpkin patches to music festivals. Below, you’ll find a guide to Utah’s most notable fall festivals, complete with details on who should attend, the festival’s themes, and the unique elements that make each event special.
Moab Music Festival
Location: Moab
Attendees: Music lovers, nature enthusiasts, adventurers
Theme: Music in the Landscape
The Moab Music Festival is an extraordinary event that combines world-class music with the stunning natural beauty of Moab. Held from September 7-14, 2024, this festival features performances in breathtaking outdoor settings, including red rock canyons and along the Colorado River. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz, all while surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscapes of southeastern Utah.
Distinctive Elements: Concerts in spectacular natural venues, including “Grotto Concerts” accessible only by boat.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for music lovers who appreciate nature and adventure.
Bands and Performers: Expect performances by internationally renowned musicians, including Grammy-winning artists.
Competitions: No formal competitions, but the experience itself is a harmonious blend of music and nature.
Utah State Fair
Location: Salt Lake City
Attendees: Families, food lovers, thrill-seekers, agriculture enthusiasts
Theme: A Celebration of Utah’s Bounty
The Utah State Fair, running from September 5-15, 2024, is a beloved tradition that showcases the best of Utah’s agricultural and creative talents. Held at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City, the fair features everything from livestock shows to thrilling carnival rides. Visitors can explore exhibits of local crafts, sample fair foods like deep-fried treats and giant turkey legs, and enjoy live music performances.
Distinctive Elements: Large carnival with rides and games, extensive food offerings, livestock shows, and creative arts exhibits.
Who Should Attend: Perfect for families, food enthusiasts, and those interested in Utah’s agricultural heritage.
Bands and Performers: Expect performances from popular country artists and local bands on the Grandstand Stage.
Competitions: Livestock competitions, pie-eating contests, and arts and crafts showcases.
Heber Valley Western Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Location: Heber City
Attendees: Western culture enthusiasts, poetry lovers, families
Theme: Celebrating the Cowboy Spirit
The Heber Valley Western Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a unique event that takes place from October 23-27, 2024. This festival is a celebration of the American West, featuring performances of cowboy poetry, Western music, and storytelling. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, this event captures the essence of the cowboy spirit.
Distinctive Elements: Cowboy poetry readings, Western music concerts, cowboy church service, and Western-themed activities.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for those who appreciate Western culture, music, and storytelling.
Bands and Performers: Includes performances by top cowboy poets and Western musicians. Past performers have included Don Edwards and Waddie Mitchell.
Competitions: Cowboy poetry and songwriting contests.
Red Rock Film Festival
Location: Cedar City
Attendees: Film buffs, independent filmmakers, culture enthusiasts
Theme: Celebrating Independent Cinema
The Red Rock Film Festival, held from November 1-4, 2024, is a celebration of independent filmmaking in the picturesque town of Cedar City. This festival showcases a diverse range of films, including documentaries, feature films, and shorts from around the world. It offers filmmakers a platform to share their work and engage with audiences in an intimate setting.
Distinctive Elements: Film screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, and panel discussions.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for film enthusiasts, filmmakers, and anyone interested in independent cinema.
Bands and Performers: While the focus is on film, the festival often includes live music performances during special events and after-parties.
Competitions: The festival features juried film competitions with awards for best feature, best short, and audience choice.
Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival
Location: Park City
Attendees: Craft beer enthusiasts, food lovers, live music fans
Theme: Craft Brews and Mountain Views
The Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival, scheduled for September 14-15, 2024, in Park City, brings together top Utah breweries for a weekend of craft beer tasting. Set against the stunning backdrop of Deer Valley, guests can sample brews from Wasatch Brewery, Uinta Brewing, Moab Brewery, and more. The festival also features live music performances throughout the weekend, creating a lively atmosphere as attendees enjoy local fare from food vendors.
Distinctive Elements: Craft beer tastings from Utah’s top breweries, live music, and local food vendors.
Who Should Attend: Perfect for beer enthusiasts, music lovers, and those looking to enjoy a day in the mountains.
Bands and Performers: Local and regional bands perform throughout the event, providing a soundtrack of live music that complements the mountain setting.
Competitions: While there are no formal competitions, the festival’s atmosphere of friendly rivalry among brewers adds an element of excitement.
Escalante Canyons Art Festival
Location: Escalante
Attendees: Art lovers, plein-air painting enthusiasts, nature photographers
Theme: Art in the Heart of the Desert
The Escalante Canyons Art Festival, running from September 21-29, 2024, showcases the talents of plein-air artists who gather to capture the stunning red rock landscapes of Utah’s Escalante region. This festival allows visitors to watch artists at work, purchase original pieces, and participate in art-related activities.
Distinctive Elements: Live plein-air painting demonstrations, art sales, and workshops set against the backdrop of Utah’s red rock landscapes.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for art enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the intersection of art and nature.
Bands and Performers: The festival features live music performances by local folk and acoustic musicians, adding a melodic backdrop to the artistic atmosphere.
Competitions: The festival includes a plein-air painting competition, where artists compete for awards based on their live creations during the event.
Kilby Block Party
Location: Salt Lake City
Attendees: Music festival fans, indie rock enthusiasts, local culture supporters
Theme: Celebrating Salt Lake’s Music Scene
The Kilby Block Party, taking place May 10-12, 2024, in Salt Lake City, is a vibrant music festival that celebrates both local talent and national headliners. The event spans multiple stages and features a diverse lineup, making it one of Utah’s most anticipated music festivals.
Distinctive Elements: Multi-stage setup with a diverse lineup of local and national acts, food vendors, and a lively street festival atmosphere.
Who Should Attend: Perfect for music lovers, festival-goers, and anyone looking to experience Salt Lake City’s vibrant arts scene.
Bands and Performers: Previous lineups have included acts like Modest Mouse, Japanese Breakfast, and local favorite The Backseat Lovers.
Competitions: While the focus is on performances, the event’s street art competitions and fan-voted music awards add a competitive edge.
Wellsville Fall Harvest Festival
Location: Wellsville
Attendees: Families, history enthusiasts, local culture fans
Theme: Celebrating Utah’s Pioneer Heritage
The Wellsville Fall Harvest Festival, scheduled for October 12-13, 2024, offers a journey back in time to Utah’s pioneer days. The festival features historical reenactments, pioneer crafts, and hands-on activities that bring history to life for attendees of all ages.
Distinctive Elements: Historical reenactments, pioneer crafts, and interactive activities that immerse visitors in Utah’s rich heritage.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in Utah’s pioneer culture.
Bands and Performers: The festival features local folk musicians and traditional bands, providing a fitting soundtrack to the historical setting.
Competitions: The festival includes traditional competitions such as pie-baking contests, butter churning, and quilting bees, reflecting the pioneer theme.
Dinah “SOAR” Days Hot Air Balloon Festival
Location: Vernal
Attendees: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, ballooning fans
Theme: High-Flying Fun in the Uinta Basin
The Dinah “SOAR” Days Hot Air Balloon Festival, set for August 23-25, 2024, in Vernal, offers a spectacular display of colorful hot air balloons set against the backdrop of the Uinta Basin. The festival also features street performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Distinctive Elements: Hot air balloon launches, tethered balloon rides, and street performances that entertain both kids and adults.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for families, adventure seekers, and those fascinated by hot air ballooning.
Bands and Performers: Local bands and street performers, including jugglers and stilt-walkers, provide entertainment throughout the festival.
Competitions: Balloon pilots compete in skill challenges such as target drops and distance races, adding an element of excitement to the event.
Planning Your Weekend Getaway This Fall
As the vibrant colors of autumn sweep across Utah, there’s no better time to plan your weekend escape. Whether you’re immersing yourself in the arts at the Escalante Canyons Art Festival or savoring craft beers at the Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival, Utah’s fall festivals offer something for everyone.
Make the most of your fall adventure by booking a cozy vacation rental or a last-minute stay on Lake.com, where you can find the perfect retreat to unwind after a day of festivities. Embrace the season’s beauty and create lasting memories in one of Utah’s most picturesque settings.
