This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Calling all witches: WitchFest 2016 is here! Gardner Village has been taken over by its infamous witches who have cast a spell on Utah's favorite shopping, dining and historic experience. WitchFest received a 2016 Best of State Award for best fair, festival and event in Utah.
Mark your calendar for events not-to-be-missed, and take note of ongoing events for the whole family the month of October. From a witch 5k run to scavenger hunts, and breakfasts to witches night out, the bewitching season is in full bloom at Gardner Village.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
WITCH RUN
Oct 1
Which run? Why, the Witch Run, of course! The spell has been cast. It's time to hop aboard your broomstick, don your witchy wardrobe and fly in for a 5k walk/run along a bewitching course on Saturday, October 1, 2016. Witch and wizard hats are provided, along with shirts, but you will want to replace those pointed shoes with your best racing variety. Check in at 6:30pm and the run begins at 8pm.
Hosted by On Hill Events. For additional details and to register, visit here.
WITCHES NIGHT OUT
Fridays and Saturdays, October 14, 15, 28 and 29
The hugely popular Witches Night Out is back at Gardner Village for four nights. Polish the point on that hat and stretch the stripes in those stockings. It's time to get your witch on! Call your girls (18 years and older encouraged) and come out for an evening of scary-good sales in all of our shops, tasty concoctions, and our annual parades. Make sure you've practiced your parade wave and cackle for the nightly Witches' Parades at 8pm. And come in your comfiest pair of pointy-toed shoes. The witch mix concludes with a dance finale at 10pm around the main stage.
New this year! Enter to win a Trip for Two to the Ellen Degeneres Show and a year's supply of Diet Coke. Also enjoy creating your own soda concoction and a cookie with Brazzilla. Cast a spell at the Witching Bridge and more.
WEE WITCHES WEEKEND
Oct 20 - 22
This one's for the kids! Moms and dads - load up your witch wagon and head to Wee Witches Weekend. Discover whimsical witch displays, visit the Six Hags Witches Adventure, enjoy the scavenger hunt, food, music, petting zoo, pony rides and face painting.
New this year! Storytelling and crafts with a witch on the patio of The Gathering Place. Let your little ones don their wee witchy wardrobe and join the Wee Witches Parade at 12:30 and 4:30pm and you may even spot a "real" witch or two.
Wee Witches Weekend will be held Thursday, October 20 from 10am to 8pm and Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22, 2016 from 10am to 9pm.
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ONGOING EVENTS:
WITCH DISPLAYS & WITCH SCAVENGER HUNT
Oct 1 - 31
The broomsticks have landed and the witches have set up shop. Take a witchy walk through Gardner Village to see a litany of green-faced gals on display. Which witch is which? (try saying that three times fast!)
See how many you can find and snap a few pics of your scavenger shenanigans to share using hashtags #gardnervillage and #findawitch.
SIX HAGS WITCHES ADVENTURE
Oct 1 - 31
Add a witchy adventure to the "treat bag" this year, with a visit to Six Hags. The enchanting Gardner Village Witches are ready to show you a trick or two as you tour their hangout of happy haunts, the place they call home. Stir up a cauldron of witchy brew, take a trip to the Night Spa, or get caught up in giant Spider Webs. Lose yourself in the Maze of Mayhem, take a dip in the Candy Corn Pool, or jump the night away on the monstrous pillow! It's guaranteed to put a sweet taste in your mouth! Cost is $6 per person, 1 year old and above.
Monday through Thursday, 10am to 7pm and Friday and Saturday 10am to 8pm.
Open from 10am to 4pm on Halloween, October 31, 2016. Closed Sundays.
WITCHAPALOOZA AND BREAKFAST WITH A WITCH
Oct 1 - 29
Breakfast with a Witch features a morning of tricks and treats with our Gardner Village Witches. This year's theme is Witch Warts and The Goblin of Spiders.This year we summon all wizards, witches and warlocks to come in costume and enjoy cheering for your favorite team as we create the magic of wizardry. Tickets start at just $14.
Prepare yourself for Salt Lake's quirkiest night out with Witchapalooza Dinner Theater. For those with a wicked sense of humor, a flair for fantastic food, and a passion for great entertainment, this novelty night out is sure to tickle your funny bone. This will be the final year of the Lyin', The Witch and The Warlock. The show is planned to change next year. Featuring some of Utah's top musicians and actors, Witchpalooza is a great way to celebrate the haunts of Halloween! Tickets start at $19 for show only and $31.95 for show and dinner.
Book your tickets here, as all shows do sell out.
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SHOPPING & DINING:
BE-WITCHED BOOTIQUE at Kamilles
Oct 1 - 31
The lower level of Kamille's has been magically transformed into the Be-Witched Bootique just in time for Halloween and WitchFest 2016 at Gardner Village! This hocus-pocus means they now have the best assortment of witch and warlock attire in the state, from modestly-priced to high-end attire.
Don't worry, Kamille's regular inventory can still be found on their second floor while Be-Witched Bootique is running.
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WITCHES WARDROBE at Shopaholics
Oct 1 - Oct 31
Feeling witchy? Witches Wardrobe is now at Shopaholics until Halloween. Shopaholics is opening their closet with hats, costumes, capes and more. Fly in for great buys, selection and a frightfully good time!
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FRANCIS FAMILY FARMS FRUIT & VEGGIE MARKET
Oct 1 - 29
Francis Family Farms invites you to step back in time when life was simple and food was grown and sold locally. As a family-run farm located just blocks from Gardner Village, you'll enjoy a variety of their locally-grown fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies each Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm in the center court area of Gardner Village.
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PAINTING CLASSES & PARTIES at The Art Cottage
Oct 1- 31
Paint brushes and canvas and paint! Oh my! Welcome to Gardner Village's newest shop: The Art Cottage. The Art Cottage is now offering the visual and hands on experience of art to those of all ages. Enjoy children's classes, watercolor, paint nights, coloring clubs and date nights. Contact The Art Cottage to schedule your fun at 801.561.1372
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Parking your broom can be hectic this time of year: plan on a $5/car parking fee beginning at 10 am on Oct. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28 and 29. A professional parking crew is hired to manage the lots. Receive valuable Village coupons with each paid car. An alternative option is to take the train. The 'Historic Gardner' TRAX stop is across the street from Gardner Village.
For more details about WitchFest visit http://www.gardnervillage.com or @gardnervillage.