Fall fun in Utah: Corn mazes, festivals, pumpkins and fall foliage forecast

September is here and Utah comes alive in the fall with crisp air, golden leaves and family-friendly festivals that celebrate the season. Whether you’re interested in giant corn mazes, Bavarian beer steins or cozy pumpkin patches, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best fall happenings around the Wasatch and beyond.

Cornbelly’s: Two Locations, Two Experiences

Spanish Fork opens Aug. 29
Lehi at Thanksgiving Point opens Sept. 19

Cornbelly’s is fall’s answer to Disneyland — part carnival, part festival and packed with family fun.

Lehi (Thanksgiving Point): With more than 60 attractions, Lehi is the mega-version. Think crowds, energy and endless activities. From rides to themed games, it’s a full day’s adventure. Admission on weekends runs $26.99, and you’ll want to grab punch passes for premium attractions.

Spanish Fork: A cozier, more traditional fall festival vibe. Expect corn mazes, hayrides, mini farm golf, slides, horse roping, corn pits and train rides — plenty of charm without the crush of a huge crowd. Weekend admission is $14.99, plus optional punch passes.

Pro tip: If you love the buzz of a big fair, go to Lehi. If you prefer a more laid-back autumn day, Spanish Fork is your spot.

Cross E Ranch: Sunflowers, Corn Mazes and Donuts

Sunflower Festival: Sept. 12-17
Fall Festival: Sept. 19-Nov. 1

Cross E Ranch is a must-visit for families. Tickets are $22.95 for adults and $18.95 for children ages 3-11. Admission includes hayrides, barrel rides, three giant corn mazes, pig races, mega slides, jump pads, ropes courses, rat rollers (the kids’ favorite) and much more.

But let’s be honest — the real star is the hot apple cider donuts. They taste like pure fall happiness. Seasoned visitors also know to stock up on their locally raised ground beef — it makes excellent burgers.

Snowbird Oktoberfest

Weekends, Aug. 9-Oct. 12, 2025 (including Labor Day)

Snowbird’s annual Oktoberfest has been a Utah tradition since 1972, and it keeps getting better.

Live music, more than 50 beer varieties, traditional German food (bratwurst, pretzels, apple strudel) and vendors fill the alpine setting. You can even reuse your Snowbird stein to save money or buy a new one to add to your collection.

New this year: Free shuttle service via Snow Country Limo. Park once and ride safely — because no one should drink and drive.Family fun: Scenic tram rides, face painting, summer activities and plenty of open air make Oktoberfest kid-friendly, too. Admission is free, though parking fees apply.

Heber Valley Artisan Cheese: Haunted Hayride and Fall Festival

Opens Sept. 29 — select weekends only

This is a smaller festival, perfect for young children or families who prefer to skip the big crowds. During the day, enjoy corn pits, tube slides, bounce houses and farm fun. At night, older children (and brave parents) can hop on the Haunted Hayride starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by a haunted hay maze.

Park City Gardens Pumpkin Patch

A local favorite for something simple and sweet, Park City Gardens sets up a charming fall pumpkin patch every year along with a short haunted trail, perfect for young children. Dates haven’t been announced yet — keep an eye on their social media for updates.

Fall Foliage Forecast

Nothing says fall in Utah like a mountain drive surrounded by fiery aspens. Here’s when the colors are expected to peak this year:

– Uinta Mountains/Mirror Lake: Sept. 15-25
– Logan Canyon: Sept. 20-Oct. 4
– Provo Canyon/Alpine Loop: Sept. 25-Oct. 10
– Nebo Loop: Oct. 10-20
– Southern Utah (Zion, Capitol Reef, etc.): Oct. 15-31

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing donuts, steins or mountain views, Utah’s fall season is packed with memory-making experiences. Gather the family, layer up and get ready to make the most of this magical time of year.