This story appears in the April 2026 issue of Utah Business. Subscribe.
Utah’s nightlife scene may look unusual to outsiders. While the Wasatch Front is home to world-class bars and restaurants, the family-oriented cultural environment means that many Utahns are on the lookout for alternative ways to spend an evening.
This unique landscape has opened up a market for social, activity-based small businesses to thrive — from axe-throwing venues to escape rooms to make-your-own jewelry studios. Combine this demand with a uniquely entrepreneurial populace, and you have a recipe for fun, quirky experiences you will not find anywhere else.
Recently, several new hosted experiences have burst onto the scene, offering niche workshops, innovative gaming formats and creative crafting opportunities that appeal to all ages and interests. Whether you’re planning your next family outing, date night or girls’ night on the town, consider trying something new at one of these local businesses.
Art Café, Salt Lake City
Closing time: 10 p.m. most days
This ultra-cozy 9th-and-9th spot may seem like the perfect place for a pastry, but a closer look at the menu reveals immersive art project “entrees” such as the Collage Buffet and Watercolor Medley.
At Art Café, you will be greeted by a menu of artistic crafts, ranging from painting a plant pot to making a friendship bracelet to coloring with the “in-house” crayons. All materials are included in the project price, with drinks and snacks available for purchase to fuel your masterpiece. Even if you’ve never touched a paintbrush, the wide range of projects and low-pressure creative environment mean there is something for every taste. Art Café is a unique option for a creative date night or outing with friends.
Game Show Battle Rooms, Murray
Closing time: 11 p.m. every day
Inspired by everyone’s favorite primetime game shows, family, friends, coworkers and other groups face off in immersive competitions with real-life game show hosts at Game Show Battle Rooms in Murray.
Choose from classic formats like “What’s That Cost?” and “Survey Battles,” or try your hand at a newer challenge with the Primetime Showdown, which includes a matching game and 60-second skill skirmishes. A dedicated host will guide you through the games and keep the fun rolling until the final buzzer. With a minimum required group size of six, Game Show Battle Rooms is well-suited for family nights, office team-building, birthday parties and other larger groups looking for a little friendly competition.
Scorched Studio, Orem
Closing time: 10 p.m. most days
Unleash your inner fire artist at Scorched Studio in Orem, offering a wide range of wood-burning projects for all experience levels, from rings to cutting boards to coasters.
Once you pick your project, Scorched Studio’s artisans will walk you through the process of wood-burning, using a specialized heated tool to immortalize designs in wood. Experienced woodworkers can also bring their own projects to the studio. The entry fee includes a drink, a wood wax finish and a Polaroid to commemorate the experience. All ages are welcome, though children under 12 must have a guardian present, making this an ideal rainy-day activity for families with older children or group outings.
Maivie, Midvale
Closing time: The latest session starts at 6 p.m.
Nature lovers, crafters and flower enthusiasts can put their floral arranging skills to the test at Maivie’s all-in-one pressed flower art workshops.
The pressed flowers, frames and tools needed to create your masterpiece are provided — plus, workshops are open to all skill levels. Once you select flowers, you can arrange a unique design, pick a frame to suit your creation and voilà! You have your own preserved floral art to cherish for years to come. Maivie’s workshops are open to ages five and up, and are ideal for creative date nights, bridal showers and celebrations.
Baking Me Crazy, Provo
Closing time: 8 p.m. every day
Whether you’re a world-class pastry chef or a novice home baker, you’ll walk away from every baking workshop at Baking Me Crazy with a delicious handmade treat.
Baking Me Crazy’s unique workshops cater to every taste and experience level, with classes ranging from chocolate-making to cake-decorating to fresh pasta-making. With a baking supply store attached to the studio, you’ll have everything you need to bring your newly honed baking skills home. They also offer Drop-n-Decorate cookie-decorating kits available for pickup. Private classes are available for large groups looking for one-on-one instruction.
Museum of Illusions, Salt Lake City
Closing time: 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Prepare to see life from a different perspective at the Museum of Illusions, a collection of mind-bending illusion rooms, installations and exhibits located in downtown Salt Lake City.
Hang “upside down” in the Reversed Room, traverse the Vortex Tunnel and test your balance in the Tilted Room as you experience the unique visual and sensory experiences the museum has to offer. Children under four can enter for free, making this a fun, out-of-the-ordinary experience for families and groups of all ages.
Nightlife may look different in Utah, but fun-seekers of all ages and interests can find creative experiences to explore any night of the week. The next time you’re planning a night out, take a walk on the unconventional side and unleash your inner artist, quizmaster or baker.
