SALT LAKE CITY — If the months of the year had a draft, October would definitely be a Top 3 pick. It’s jam-packed with multicolored foliage and spooky costumes and pumpkins and a slight chill in the air. (It’s also when we give up on our beach bodies, so there’s that.)
Keep those fall vibes flowing this weekend with Salt Lake’s Downtown Dine O’Round, its Farmers Market, and Organ Fest XII, as well as Lehi’s Scarecrow Festival. If that weren’t enough, songstress Sara Bareilles is here, too. Read on for details.
Scarecrow Festival
Thanksgiving Point’s crows are so scared, you guys. The Scarecrow Festival concludes its weeklong festivities at Ashton Gardens. The 55-acre garden features dozens of scarecrows created by imaginative community members. Come for the scarecrows, stay for the outdoor games, crafts, music and food. Oct. 17-19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Thanksgiving Point, Ashton Gardens, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 3-12 and seniors (801-768-2300, thanksgivingpoint.org)
Downtown Dine O’Round
Winner winner, discounted dinner. Salt Lake City’s annual Downtown Dine O’Round kicks off this weekend. The 17-day event includes 30 Salt Lake restaurants, who are all offering heavily discounted two-item lunches and three-course dinners. “The price point during Dine O’Round might bring them in, but it’s the food they experience that brings them back,” said Judy Cullen, one of Dine O’Round’s founders, during a recent interview with the Deseret News. Oct. 18-Nov. 3, times vary, select downtown Salt Lake City restaurants, $10-$20 for lunch, $20-$40 for dinner (dineoround.com)
Organ Fest XII
Yes, Halloween is approaching, but no, Organ Fest XII isn’t a gruesome horror flick. Rather, it’s a celebration of the area’s best organ playing. Hosted by Classical 89, Organ Fest XII features organists Richard Elliott, Andrew Unsworth, Linda Margetts, Joseph Peeples, Brian Mathias, and Gabriele Terrone. This year’s show will honor local organist Bonnie Goodliffe, who is retiring as Temple Square Organist. Oct. 18, doors at 7 p.m., show from 8-9:30, Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple, free (classical89.org)
Downtown SLC Farmers Market
It’s the season’s final Downtown SLC Farmers Market, folks. Bring some cash and stock up on the best local produce, soaps, arts and crafts. Or just walk around and look at all the cute dogs. You’ve got options. Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Pioneer Park, 300 W. 300 South, free (slcfarmersmarket.org)
Sara Bareilles
She ain’t gonna write you a love song, but she’ll sing you one. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles brings her Amidst the Chaos tour to the Maverik Center on Saturday. Don’t miss the concert’s opening act, Emily King, whose new album “Scenery” is soulful and satisfying. Oct. 19, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8, Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive, West Valley, $41.95-$97; $10 for parking (801-988-8800, maverikcenter.com)