Gardner Village Witch Fest is an annual event held at Gardner Village, a historic shopping district located in West Jordan, Utah. The festival runs during the month of October and celebrates the Halloween season with a wide range of witch-themed activities and attractions. At the Gardner Village Witch Fest, visitors can immerse themselves in a bewitching atmosphere as they explore the village adorned with festive decorations. The main highlight of the festival is the Witches' Scavenger Hunt, where participants search for ten witches hidden throughout the village. The scavenger hunt is a fun way to explore the various shops and buildings while also interacting with the whimsical and mischievous witches. In addition to the scavenger hunt, there are several other activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy at the Gardner Village Witch Fest.
September 22-October 31, 2023, Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm | *Except Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2023, 10am-9pm for Witches Night Out
If you re thinking of flying that broomstick into Gardner Village to be a part of the brouhaha, here s a list of what you can expect for WitchFest 2021. Vintage pioneer architecture, antique fixtures, red brick paths and bridges add to the atmosphere that takes you back to a simpler time and spotlight Utah s colorful history.
In addition to the scavenger hunt, there are several other activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy at the Gardner Village Witch Fest. The Witchapalooza Music Show is a lively performance featuring a cast of singing witches who entertain the audience with Halloween-themed songs and dances. The show is a hit among both children and adults, adding to the festive and magical ambiance of the event.
WitchFest
If you visit historic Gardner Village mid-September through October, you’re in for a real treat! And maybe a few tricks as well as the witches come out to play during the annual WitchFest in West Jordan, Utah.
The menace is intentional each year as crews begin working on WitchFest, Gardner Village’s seasonal celebration of everything witch, complete with witch displays and a scavenger hunt to find them. WitchFest is Utah's premier Halloween festival.
THE HOST OF WITCHFEST 2023
“Gardner Village is a unique destination that brings visitors every day throughout the year,” Long says. “Especially during WitchFest, people come from California, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and even the East Coast to be part of the fun. The Village showcases an important part of West Jordan and Utah history.”
Gardner Village features locally owned specialty shops and event venues surrounding the historic Gardner Mill, which is listed on the National Historic Register. The old flour mill and silo are home to Archibald’s Restaurant, Mill Plaza and CF Home. Vintage pioneer architecture, antique fixtures, red brick paths and bridges add to the atmosphere that takes you back to a simpler time and spotlight Utah's colorful history.
Gardner Village is a Utah historic site and is located at 1100 West 7800 South in West Jordan, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The Village is open year 'round, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.
WITCHFEST 2023 EVENTS SCHEDULE
WITCHAPALOOZA DINNER THEATER AND BREAKFAST WITH A WITCH at The Gathering Place will begin on Friday, September 22, 2023. Tickets on sale here Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at noon. If you want interactions with live Gardner Village witches, Breakfast with a Witch is a great option.
WITCH DISPLAYS & WITCH SCAVENGER HUNT: Friday, September 22-Saturday, October 31, 2023. The Scavenger Hunt will be touchless and navigated using your phones and signs at the Village. This is free! No ticket necessary.
WITCH 5K, 10K & HALF MARATHON RUN: Saturday, September 23, 2023 with runs beginning at 7:00am. Hosted by On Hill Events. Register with On Hill Events here.
WITCHES WEEKENDS: Fridays & Saturdays, September 22-October 28, 2023. Experience interactions and fun photo ops with our live Gardner Village witches in our Center Court area, noon-3:30pm. Food trucks and activities in select shops.
WITCHES NIGHT OUT: Grab your broommates and join us for an enchanting evening at this annual event. We've brewed up some exciting changes this year. You cackled, and we listened! To make for a more spellbinding experience, this year's Witches Night Outs will be held Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023, 4-9pm. Wand-er our bewitching paths and enjoy shopping and dining, all while dressed in your finest witch wear. Each evening kicks off with a 4pm children's parade, followed by the grand witches parade at 8pm with the live Gardner Village witches leading the way. Our live Gardner Village witches will create a bit of toil and trouble as they bring some of our witch displays to life throughout the evening. You can let your mole hairs down and shake your BOO-ty to the wicked tunes of DJs Russ & Morgan Powell of Powell Weddings & Events. Enter to win prizes, enjoy hair-raisingly good food and find deals in all of our shops. The evening wraps up at 9pm with Thriller and our Gardner Village witches on the main stage. No Tickets Necessary.
MANIFESTATIONS! - A MAGICALLY MACABRE TRIBUTE TO EDGAR ALLEN POE at Mystique Dining and The Prestige: Magic Lounge & Showroom. Make reservations here. A magical experience complete with a 5-course dinner followed by an award-winning master of illusion into the unexplainable and indescribable.
WITCHES OF MYSTIC MANOR ESCAPE ROOM at A Great Escape : Tickets are on sale here.
RICOCHET CANYON AMUSEMENT PARK: Rides, activities, play area, pony rides, petting zoo with an old west bewitching theme. Reservations not needed. $5 admission for kids 2 to 18 and $2 for adults 18 and older. Purchase stamp cards for paid attractions within the park.
WITCH EXPRESS TRAIN & TRACTOR-PULLED WAGON RIDES at The Train Shoppe: Take a ride on the Witch Express Train, a trackless train that meanders through Gardner Village, Monday-Saturday, 11am-7pm, $4 per person. Hop on a tractor-pulled wagon ride with a Gardner Village witch, Fridays & Saturdays, 11am to 7pm, $4 per person. Meeting area is by The Train Shoppe.
WITCHY HAIR & NAILS: Look your witchy best and enjoy a manicure, pedicure and a witchy updo at Soulstice Day Spa & Salon. By appointment only. Clip in hair extensions and nail stickers available on a walk-in basis.
VW PHOTO BUS: Bewitching photos in an iconic VW Bus Photo Booth at Camera Shy. The VW bus will roll in October 13 and 14 at 2pm each day through close. Various photo packages available starting at $15. First come. First serve.
WITCHY EATS: Food is available at Archibald's Restaurant and Happy Camper Deli & Bakery. Enjoy caramel apples and sweet treats at Chocolate Covered Wagon. The Cackling Cantina on Mill Plaza will be open daily, Monday-Saturday beginning September 27, 2023 first come first serve seating. Food trucks will serve here during October on Fridays and Saturdays for Witches Weekends and Witches Night Outs. Please, no outside food or private parties allowed in seating areas without reservations.
WITCHFEST SOUVENIRS: Take a piece of the magic home with WitchFest souvenirs at Seven Gables Mercantile, our official souvenir store. You'll find t-shirts, stickers and magnets.
Date: Friday, September 22-Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Runs daily, Monday-Saturday
WITCHFEST HOURS:
September 22-October 31, 2023, Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm | *Except Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2023, 10am-9pm for Witches Night Out
Archibald's Restaurant regular hours during September and then in October, Monday - Thursday, 11am-8pm and Friday-Saturday, 11am-9pm
Halloween, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 10am-5pm | Archibald's Restaurant, 11am-4pm
Additional Dates:
- Friday, Oct 20, 2023 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Saturday, Oct 21, 2023 from 10:00am to 9:00pm
- Monday, Oct 23, 2023 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Thursday, Oct 26, 2023 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Friday, Oct 27, 2023 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Saturday, Oct 28, 2023 from 10:00am to 9:00pm
- Monday, Oct 30, 2023 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
For those looking to get into the Halloween spirit, Gardner Village offers a Witch Fashion Show where local models showcase the latest witch fashion trends. From chic hats to stylish brooms, the fashion show is a unique and entertaining way to witness the creativity and imagination that goes into witch-inspired attire. Families with children will find plenty of activities tailored to young witches at the Gardner Village Witch Fest. The Little Witch Parade is a highlight for kids, allowing them to dress up in their favorite witch costumes and join in a magical procession through the village. There are also pumpkin decorating workshops, where children can unleash their artistic talents by personalizing pumpkins with paint, stickers, and other decorations. Throughout the festival, visitors can also indulge in delicious treats and snacks from the various food vendors present. From spooky sweets to savory bites, there is something to satisfy every witch's appetite. Overall, the Gardner Village Witch Fest is a delightful and enchanting event that offers a unique and immersive experience for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages. With its charming atmosphere, entertaining activities, and festive celebrations, the festival has become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike..
Reviews for "Experience a Halloween Extravaganza at Gardner Village Witch Fest"
1. John Doe - 1/5 stars - I was really excited to attend the Gardner Village Witch Fest, but it turned out to be a complete disappointment. The theme lacked creativity and originality, with very few interactive activities or entertainment options. The atmosphere was dull, and the vendors were mostly selling generic Halloween merchandise that I could find at any other store. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience that fell short of my expectations.
2. Jane Smith - 2/5 stars - While the concept of a Witch Fest sounds intriguing, the execution at Gardner Village was less than impressive. The event felt disorganized, with long lines for attractions and a lack of clear signage. The supposed "witches" in attendance were poorly dressed and seemed unenthusiastic, which took away from the overall ambiance. Additionally, the food options were limited and overpriced. Overall, I expected more from the Gardner Village Witch Fest.
3. Robert Johnson - 2/5 stars - I attended the Gardner Village Witch Fest with high hopes, but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The activities were geared towards children, leaving little for adults to enjoy. The live performances were lackluster and failed to engage the audience. Moreover, navigating through the crowded venue was a hassle, with little space to move around comfortably. I would not recommend this event for anyone seeking an immersive and entertaining Halloween experience.