The pagan spring equinox celebration, also known as Ostara, is a time to honor the rebirth and fertility of the Earth after the long winter months. This celebration takes place around the vernal equinox, usually around March 20th or 21st. During this time, pagans gather to welcome the arrival of spring and acknowledge the balance between light and dark, as the day and night are of equal length. It is a time of growth, renewal, and the awakening of the Earth from its slumber. The main idea of the pagan spring equinox celebration is to honor the cycles of nature and the changing of the seasons. Pagans see this time as a time of transformation, both within themselves and in the natural world around them.
EXPERIENCE WITCHFEST 2023, THE TOP WITCH FESTIVAL AT GARDNER VILLAGE | SEPTEMBER 22-OCTOBER 31, 2023
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. Gardner Village features locally owned specialty shops and event venues surrounding the historic Gardner Mill, which is listed on the National Historic Register.
Pagans see this time as a time of transformation, both within themselves and in the natural world around them. It is a time to celebrate new beginnings, new life, and the return of fertility to the land. Many pagan rituals and traditions are observed during the spring equinox celebration.
WitchFest
Please call before attending any community events to make sure they aren’t postponed or canceled as a result of the coronavirus. You can find CDC coronavirus information at cdc.gov/coronavirus; AARP has additional resources at aarp.org/coronavirus.
EXPERIENCE WITCHFEST 2023, THE TOP WITCH FESTIVAL AT GARDNER VILLAGE | SEPTEMBER 22-OCTOBER 31, 2023
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:
- Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Friday, Oct 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Saturday, Oct 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Monday, Oct 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Thursday, Oct 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Friday, Oct 27, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Saturday, Oct 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Monday, Oct 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Community Calendar events are not associated with or sponsored by AARP but may be of interest to you. We want to hear from you if you have an event to share or updates to this event.
Images provided by AmericanTowns.com, Ticketmaster
Please call before attending any community events to make sure they aren’t postponed or canceled as a result of the coronavirus. You can find CDC coronavirus information at cdc.gov/coronavirus; AARP has additional resources at aarp.org/coronavirus.
One such tradition is the lighting of bonfires, which represent the power of the returning sun. Participants may also decorate eggs, symbolizing fertility and the renewal of life. These decorated eggs are often used in egg hunts or placed on an altar as offerings. Another important aspect of the pagan spring equinox celebration is the honoring of the goddess Ostara, from whom the celebration gets its name. Ostara is seen as a symbol of fertility, rebirth, and new beginnings. Many pagans offer prayers and make offerings to her during this time. Overall, the pagan spring equinox celebration is a time of joy and celebration, marking the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. Pagans come together to honor the cycles of nature, express gratitude for the Earth's abundance, and embrace the energy of new growth and possibilities. It is a time to connect with the Earth and to celebrate the beauty and power of the natural world..
Reviews for "Welcoming New Beginnings: How Pagans Celebrate the Spring Equinox around the World"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I attended the Pagan spring equinox celebration with high hopes, but I was ultimately disappointed. The event lacked organization and structure, which made it difficult to fully enjoy the festivities. Additionally, there was a lack of clear communication about the schedule and activities, leaving me feeling lost and confused throughout the event. Overall, I found the Pagan spring equinox celebration to be disorganized and poorly executed.
2. Mark - 2 stars - As someone who was interested in learning about Pagan traditions and beliefs, I was excited to attend the spring equinox celebration. However, I found the event to be underwhelming and lacking in substance. The workshops and presentations were shallow and didn't provide much information or insight into Pagan practices. It felt like a missed opportunity to educate and engage attendees. I left the event feeling like I didn't learn much about Paganism and was left wanting more.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - The Pagan spring equinox celebration had potential, but it fell short in execution. While the atmosphere and music were enjoyable, there were several logistical issues that hindered the overall experience. The event was overcrowded, making it difficult to fully appreciate the rituals and performances. Additionally, there was a lack of seating and shaded areas, making it uncomfortable to stay for extended periods. Overall, I believe the event could have been better organized to enhance the overall enjoyment for attendees.