Witch Fest Utah is an annual event held in Salt Lake City, Utah that celebrates all things related to witchcraft and the occult. The festival aims to create a space for witches and those interested in witchcraft to come together, learn, and celebrate their beliefs and practices. It is a gathering of like-minded individuals who share a love for the mystic arts. The festival offers a variety of activities and workshops designed to educate and inspire attendees. These may include classes on spellcasting, divination, herbalism, tarot reading, and other magical practices. There are also opportunities to connect with and learn from experienced witches and practitioners through panel discussions and Q&A sessions.
Exploring Historic Gardner Village at the 19th Annual Witchfest
The recipe for a perfect Halloween calls for fried green tomatoes, a dash of alpaca kisses, a hundred spools of colorful yarn and an ounce or two of laughter to taste. The witches of the historic Gardner Village will vouch for it. Masters of brewing ooky-spooky fun, they fly in every year to Witchfest, one of Utah’s top Halloween celebrations. While this West Jordan shopping center remains popular all year long, Witchfest sparks with an irresistible charm. From Sept. 14 through the end of October, hundreds of costumed visitors from across the Salt Lake Valley came each day of the festival to shop, dine, cackle and play.
Every October, Gardner Village turns into a quaint Halloween town. (Courtesy of Gardner Village)
Witchfest events ranged from magic shows to weekly parades to nighttime parties. One would only need to take a simple stroll through Gardner Village to see it decoratively transformed into a Halloween-lover’s dream. Between dancing to music and diving between shops, visitors inevitably bumped into the stars of the celebration — the witches themselves. These witches put on photo-ops, dinner theatre shows and in-character breakfasts to bring the enchantment of Witchfest to life. Gardner Village’s Lucinda the Witch has attended or performed for Witchfest each year since it first started in 2000.
According to Gardner Village’s blog, Witchfest isn’t only a celebration of Halloween, but “a celebration of womanhood.” It’s “an excuse to trade those high heels for pointed toes” and “a time to drop the laundry basket and pick up a broom (for riding, of course!)” For many, witches represent female empowerment as powerful, magic women who embrace oddity and go against the grain. This is especially true to Lucinda’s personal interpretation of being a witch. “I don’t want people to associate Lucinda with a real person’s name,” she said. “Every woman has an alter ego, and ‘Lucinda’ is definitely an alter ego.” Speaking after witching-hours, she said, “I hope I can give you Lucinda’s perspective when I’m not Lucinda,” and laughed.
When it comes to performing, Lucinda said, “It’s fun, it’s exciting. The costumes are amazing, so they say.” But her favorite part? “Getting to meet the families,” she said. Visitors of Gardner Village flock to Witchfest from all stages of life — gaggles of teenagers, parents holding their children’s hands and young couples out on dates. “It’s intended for the whole family from the youngest child to our oldest witch, who is 382,” said Lucinda. “That’s how old one of our witches says they are!” When asked what Witchfest means to her, Lucinda’s answer was immediate. “Family traditions,” she said. “Because it’s just a ton of family traditions. We have families who have been coming for years and years and years and years, and it’s definitely magical.”
Pumpkins galore! (Courtesy of Gardner Village)
Certainly, Witchfest has a little bit of everything for everyone. “The scavenger hunt is a fun, free game,” said Lucinda. “The witch displays are enchanting for their eyes to behold.” A deceptively tricky challenge to find different displays and themed decorations throughout the nooks and crannies of Gardner Village, the yearly scavenger hunt adds a dash of whimsy to exploring Gardner Village. This year, the finds included a witch in an outhouse, another stranded on a shark-surrounded raft and a third using her “eye-phone.”
Gardner Village is a shopping center after all, and Lucinda calls the variety of stores “really fun.” The shopping center features a variety of small businesses that sell all kinds of items. Willow Hill Yarn Company offers knitting supplies and lessons while Story Book Nook sells children’s books and toys of all kinds. Find knick-knacks such as antique teacups, comics and jewelry at Aunt Elsie’s Trinkets and Treasures, or stop by the Utah Sports Collective to grab new fan gear for game day. The shop I love most at Gardner Village is a candy store, Chocolate Covered Wagon, which makes gourmet truffles, fudge and caramel apples. “My favorite caramel apple is the White Rapids Caramel Apple,” said Lucinda.
A whimsical coven of witches. (Courtesy of Gardner Village)
Aside from sweets, Lucinda recommends two other bites from Gardner Village. “I do love Naborhood Bakery’s Margherita pizza,” she said. “And of course they’ve got delicious pastries.” Naborhood is a small shop similar in feel to Paradise Bakery and Kneaders. “Fried green tomatoes are delicious from Archibald’s Restaurant,” said Lucinda. Archibald’s is a slightly more upscale sit-down restaurant seated in the belly of the flour mill located at the head of Gardner Village.
By way of the Trax Red Line, Gardner Village is located about 40 minutes away from the University of Utah with a stop directly across the street from the shopping center. Aside from Witchfest and year-round dining and shopping, Gardner Village offers several year-long activities including painting nights, escape rooms, a duck pond and an animal rescue petting zoo with sheep, ponies and alpacas. The village will also be decorated again this coming December for the holidays.
As for Lucinda’s ideal day spent at Gardner Village? “I would dig up worms near the pond, eating caramel apples from Chocolate Covered Wagon,” said Lucinda. “And then, of course, flying my broom.”
Gardner Village Witch Fest and Six Hags
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harm 10 October 2017This was our first time to Witch Fest and Six Hags. It's been on my list of things to do here in Utah for years and I'm so glad we finally made it happen. Next time my kids want to dress up! Luckily they had a face painter, (she was amazing!). So the kids felt a little more festive.
And let me just tell you, our face paint lasted through lunch, playing hard at Six Hags, dinner, play time with friends. It still looked perfect when it was time for bed. I even debated letting them sleep with it on, but the kids really needed a bath after the corn pit at Six Hags.
If you ever need a face painter, or if you visit Witch Fest, be sure to track down Artsee Entertainment, they did a fantastic job!
Here's the run down.
Witch Fest is free! It's every little girls dream come true. My 10 and 3 year old girls loved it. My 6 year old boy thought there were some pretty funny witches. The witch on the potty won him over. My 12 year old son wasn't into it at all, but he was a good sport.
Six Hags is next door. It's $6 per person and totally worth it!
All of my kids had a blast and could have stayed for hours! Its like a pumpkin patch without the pumpkins, and for a fraction of the cost of some of the patches that we have visited this year.
We stopped by Naborhood Bakery and I'm SO glad we did! They have a great food menu and so many beautiful treats!
The kids got pizza and turkey sliders from the kids menu and I got the pesto panini. We all loved the food! We definitely recommend stopping there for lunch when you go visit Witch Fest. Lunch time was busy so be sure to visit early or after the lunch rush. They also had beautiful HUGE loaves of homemade bread for $2 that I'm kicking myself for not buying.
I ordered a few desserts to share. A huge cinnamon roll, an eclair (I didn't share the eclair, sorry, not sorry, mamas pregnant), and a giant red velvet dessert.
I don't think you can go wrong with anything you order there.
Be sure to add Witch Fest and Six Hags to your October Bucketlist!
Stephanie Helpful TipsSee Past Gardner Village posts here!
Witch fest utah
With all there is to see and do at WitchFest, we thought we would spell out a game plan for those of you visiting with wee ones throughout the month or during Wee Witches Weekend. Not every WitchFest activity is kid friendly, after all. Wanting to make sure you get the most out of your visit before you hop that broomstick with the kids, we've put together this family-friendly sky map to WitchFest 2019.
WitchFest FOR FAMILIES & WEE WITCHES
When: Anytime during the week (closed Sundays); during the day on weekends
Time: Gardner Village is open Monday-Thursday, 10am to 8pm and Friday-Saturday, 10am to 9pm during WitchFest 2019. We close at 5pm on Halloween.
What: You have many family-friendly activities to choose from. Take a look!
*Note: Due to the huge increase in traffic for Witches Night Out and Wee Witches Weekend, we've hired ABM Parking to keep things running smoothly. Plan on a $5/car parking fee beginning at 9 am on Oct. 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 25 and 26, 2019. Receive valuable Village coupons and the scavenger hunt inside your WitchFest Fun Book with each paid car. An alternative option is to take the train. The ‘Historic Gardner’ TRAX stop is across the street from Gardner Village.
Wee Witches Weekend (Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 17-19, 2019)
These festive weekends combine the best of the WitchFest kids scene into one enchanting weekend. From face painting and pony rides to the Six Hags Witches Adventure play area, wonderful witch parades at 1pm and 4pm, and crafts in some of our shops, this is the time to come by and experience it all! Plus, the Gardner Village witches will be on site from 11am to 7pm, making it all extra magical and memorable for your youngsters. Don't forget your camera! The photo ops are limitless.
Pet Spider Crafts at Willow Hill Yarn Co. (last 3 weekends in October, 11am-3pm)
At last, a spider you'll want to find hanging out in your home! Create your own yarn pom pom spider for just $3 (while kits last).
Halloween Mini Sessions at Camera Shy
No, this isn't a trick. Just for Wee Witches Weekend, October 17, 18 & 19 from 11am-6pm and Witches Night Out the following weekend, October 25 & 26 from 6-10 pm. Walk-ins can treat themselves to the following incredible deals:
- 2 5x7 prints (up to 5 people): $15
- 2 5x7 prints (6-12 people): $25
- digital copies of two images: $10
- any additional sheets: $5 each
Now's your chance to take your Halloween game up a notch with professional photos!
Six Hags Witches Adventure
Where else can you climb a caterpillar, frolic on a frog, bounce through a broom wash, tour a witch dwelling, wiggle through a spider web, slide down a witch nose, get lost in a straw maze, and swim through a pool of corn, all before bouncing the day away on a giant, inflatable pillow? This play space is best for toddlers-tweens, but adults never tire of the picture possibilities and the joy of seeing their wee witches having a ball in a safe and happy space. Cost is $6 per person, 1 year old and above.
Free Witch Displays & Scavenger Hunt
It's a tradition that has been around for years. Parents can remember looking for our green-faced gals when they were young and are now creating new memories with their own children. Print your scavenger hunt form here or pick one up outside of Archibald's Restaurant.
Happy Halloween Shopping
Find something fun to add to your haunted house this season. The shops at Gardner Village have the best in decor, with everything from the cute and cuddly to the spooky and kooky. Of course, they have the latest in non-seasonal style as well, making it a great time to freshen up you and your home for fall. Plus, you never know who might stop by, offering her two cents and comfort expertise.
Make it a Meal
Gather with your boos and enjoy the best in witchy dining at Archibald's Restaurant. Our special outdoor food tent and food trucks will be open during Wee Witches Weekend and Witches Night Out only. Find sweeet treats at Chocolate Covered Wagon and gelato at The Art Cottage. Learn more about the treats waiting to tantalize your tastebuds here.
Breakfast with a Witch
Everyone's favorite morning tradition is back! Seating to this breakfast experience at The Gathering Place is extremely limited and many tickets are sold out, so you'll want to act fast to get in on this interactive experience.
As you prepare to conjure up a kid-friendly outing that's fun for the entire family, Gardner Village has something spectacular for every witch's wish list. Pick your date to visit, grab your best witch attire (costumes optional), and make this charmed Halloween season one for the spell books!
There are also opportunities to connect with and learn from experienced witches and practitioners through panel discussions and Q&A sessions. In addition to the educational aspects, Witch Fest Utah also offers a wide range of vendors selling magical tools, crystals, potions, and other mystical items. Attendees can browse the marketplace and explore the various offerings, including handmade crafts and artwork created by local artists.
One of the highlights of Witch Fest Utah is the opportunity to participate in rituals and ceremonies led by experienced witches. This allows attendees to experience the power and energy of group magic and to connect with the spiritual community. The festival also hosts various entertainment options, such as live music performances, fire dancing, and theatrical presentations. These provide a chance for attendees to relax, socialize, and enjoy the magical atmosphere. Overall, Witch Fest Utah provides a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals interested in witchcraft and the occult to come together, learn, and celebrate. The festival offers a diverse range of activities, workshops, and entertainment options to cater to different interests and levels of experience. It is an opportunity for witches, practitioners, and enthusiasts to connect, learn, and deepen their understanding of the mystical arts..
Reviews for "Witch Fest Utah: A Gathering of Magic and Mystery"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with Witch Fest Utah. The event promised to be a celebration of all things witchy, but it fell flat in every aspect. The vendors were few and far between, offering generic and overpriced items that were easily found online. The workshops were disorganized and lacked any real substance. Additionally, the overall atmosphere was lackluster and failed to capture the magic and excitement I was hoping for. Save your money and look for other witchcraft events that actually deliver on their promises.
2. Mike - 2 stars
As someone who was eager to attend Witch Fest Utah, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied. The organization of the event was poor, with long lines and a lack of clear directions. The workshops offered little valuable information and left me feeling like I had wasted my time. The vendors were also hit or miss, with some offering low-quality items at inflated prices. Overall, I expected much more from a festival that claimed to celebrate the witchcraft community. I won't be attending again next year.
3. Jennifer - 1 star
Witch Fest Utah was a complete disappointment. The event was poorly planned and lacked any kind of cohesive structure. The workshops were disorganized and offered little educational value. The vendor selection was subpar, with most offering generic and repetitive products. It felt like a cash grab rather than a genuine celebration of witchcraft. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this event. Look elsewhere for a more enriching and authentic experience within the witch community.
4. Marcus - 2 stars
Having attended several witchcraft festivals in the past, Witch Fest Utah was a letdown. The main issue was the lack of diversity and inclusivity. The event seemed more focused on commercializing witchcraft rather than creating an inclusive space for practitioners of all backgrounds. The workshops and presentations were repetitive and failed to cover a wide range of topics. The overall vibe felt exclusionary, and as someone who values diversity within the witch community, I was left feeling disappointed. I don't think I'll be returning to this event in the future.
5. Emily - 1 star
Witch Fest Utah was a waste of time and money. The organizers seemed more concerned with making a profit than creating a meaningful experience for attendees. The workshops were poorly planned and lacked any real substance. The vendor selection was limited and offered little variety. It's evident that this event was poorly executed and lacked the passion and dedication needed to create an engaging witchcraft festival. Save your money and find a better event that actually delivers on its promises.