Salt Lake City residents have various options for entertainment and creativity throughout October 2026. According to a September 30 report, the month features activities ranging from spooky movie screenings to literary festivals and creative practice groups.
Creative opportunities include a free 12-week creative practice group at Make Well studio. This program follows Julia Cameron’s "The Artist’s Way" and begins Oct. 1, meeting every other Thursday with no prior artistic experience required. For film enthusiasts, the new Nocturne Film Society will host monthly screenings of horror, thriller, or cult classic films at the Murray Theater, though the specific movie is not revealed until arrival. Memberships for the society start at $15.
Seasonal celebrations are scheduled throughout the month. The movie "Hocus Pocus" will be shown at Lindsey Gardens on Oct. 2, at the Ballpark at America First Square on Oct. 14, and with the Utah Symphony on Oct. 29-30. Additionally, Lake Effect is hosting a "Nightmare Before Christmas" pop-up at its downtown bar every Monday through Oct. 26. This event transforms the location into a Tim Burton Halloween Town and requires $25 tickets per person.
Literary events are also highlighted for the month. The King’s English Bookshop will host a banned book read-in on Oct. 4. Other literary activities include author talks, workshops, and other events held during the Utah Humanities Book Festival and the Salt Lake Book Festival.
The 9th West Farmers Market remains open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 11.
