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There’s something exciting about the change of seasons. As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change, people start thinking about cozy sweaters, new fall fashions, Halloween costumes and all the activities that make the final months of the year special.

At University Place in Orem, fall means more than changing leaves and cooler temperatures. It’s also the beginning of a busy season of community events designed to bring families together. This October, University Place will host everything from a celebration of Utah Valley University athletics and an outdoor movie night to Orem’s popular Truck or Treat and an evening filled with Halloween characters, treats and shopping.

And with The Orchard — an outdoor gathering and event space on the north side of University Place — celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, there’s even more reason to stop by and enjoy the activities at University Place.

Valley Fest

Oct. 9,  6 to 8 p.m.

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The Orchard at University Place

University Place is teaming up with Utah Valley University for Valley Fest, an evening celebrating the community and UVU athletics.

Families will have the chance to meet UVU student athletes and the university’s mascot, enjoy appearances by the Green Man Group and participate in a variety of activities. The evening will include yard games, face painting and balloon artists along with free hot dogs and cotton candy.

With fall sports getting underway, Valley Fest is a chance for the community to come together, have some fun and show its support for UVU athletics.

Scary Movie Night

Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m.

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The Orchard at University Place

Kick off the Halloween season with a free outdoor movie night featuring “The Addams Family” (rated PG).

Families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for an evening of movie fun. University Place will provide free popcorn, a soda bar and face painting. Those attending can grab dinner at one of University Place’s restaurants and enjoy it during the movie.

Orem City Truck or Treat

Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

University Place

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Presented by Orem City and Waste Management and hosted at University Place, the popular annual Truck or Treat event brings police, fire and other city service and utility vehicles together for an up-close experience that kids love.

Children can explore the vehicles, enjoy yard games and other activities and, of course, come dressed in their Halloween costumes.

The first hour of the event, from 10 to 11 a.m., is designated as a quieter time for children with sensory needs. During that hour, there will be no sirens or loud music, providing a more comfortable environment for families who prefer a quieter experience.

Night of Fright and Market

Oct. 23, 5 to 8 p.m.

The Orchard at University Place

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Halloween villains will take over The Orchard for University Place’s Night of Fright and Market.

Families and children are invited to come dressed in their Halloween costumes and meet some of their favorite Halloween villains. Each villain will have treats to hand out, and families can take photos with the characters while enjoying The Orchard’s Halloween-themed decorations.

The evening will also feature a market presented by Sunset Farmers Market that offers an assortment of handmade goods, crafts and other items.

Celebrating 10 years of The Orchard

This October marks a special milestone for University Place: 10 years of The Orchard.

This outdoor gathering space was created specifically as a place where the community could come together, and it has become the home of many of University Place’s free events.

Throughout October, The Orchard will take on a festive Halloween look, with trees decorated with lights in Halloween colors. So even when there isn’t a special event taking place, shoppers and visitors can stop by The Orchard and enjoy a little seasonal atmosphere.