Prepare for a season of adventure around Utah with City Weekly's annual guide to summer concerts, festivals, markets and more.
Summer Guide 2025
By City Weekly Staff
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for summer. More importantly, I think that Salt Lake City is ready for summer.
It's not that this winter was a particularly brutal one—I'm not certain I had to shovel my sidewalk even one time and I definitely never opened my bag of icemelt (yikes, amirite?). And sure, there's plenty of bad news that we're all desperate to distract ourselves from, but no more than usual for whatever we'll end up calling this post-COVID/Trump/Julia Reagan era of near-constant domestic and global calamity.
No, I'm ready for summer because I think that, this year, Salt Lake City is going to cook!
It all starts downtown, where the grueling construction projects around Temple Square, 200 South and West Temple that have worn everyone down for years are either wrapping up or fully completed, reopening critical connections and restoring the beating heart of Utah, stronger than ever with more downtown residents and better access to marquee destinations for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.
This sets the stage not just for the biggest summer events in the city—from Utah and SLC Pride in June to the Utah Beer Festival in August—but also everything in between, beyond, around, over and through. Salt Lake City's concert and performance venues are stacking their schedules with the best local and national touring talent; restaurants and shops are beefing up their patios, menus and inventory; the pads are splashing and the sodas are dirtier than ever.
Can you feel it? Downtown is ready to pop, just in time for the return of the Open Streets promenade on Main during Fridays and Saturdays in June.
Outside the city, our friends along the Wasatch Front are brewing up a full season of incredible programming, be it concerts and live performances, outdoor moving screenings, arts and crafts fairs, top-shelf dining experiences and any number of special festivals, markets and community celebrations. In the following pages, you'll find things to do from Ogden to Provo (and beyond!) plus some tips on how to get there without a car, so you can spend more of your time (and money) soaking up the sunshine and less of it idling in traffic or fighting for a parking space.
But the party doesn't stop in the towns and cities, because everyone knows the best thing about living in Utah is how easily you can escape into the wild. From the Mighty Five national parks to the vast expanses of public land waiting to be explored, our writers offer a primer on the mountains, rivers, lakes and deserts that make this kooky place our home.
There's always more to discover, and summer is the best time to do it. Don't miss your annual favorites but, just as important, make a point to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Not sure where to begin? Start by flipping the page.
—Benjamin Wood,
News Editor
SUMMER in the CITY
When the days are hot, go to where the nights are hotter. There's no better place to be than in the middle of everything when the sun finally sets and the lightbulbs flash on. Mark your calendars for these local favorites and get your tickets now, before it's too late and you're restricted to watching clips of the party on Instagram.
Summer Guide 2024 Festivals Calendar
Plan ahead for celebrations of arts, culture and more
By Zach Abend
Living Traditions
The Living Traditions Festival is a three-day event and will be held on May 16-18 at Washington and Library Square in Salt Lake City. The festival is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the art forms of Salt Lake City's various cultural communities. It's a production of the Salt Lake City Arts Council, in conjunction with the Utah Division of Arts & Museums. It will feature four stages for musical and dance performances (Alex Cuba will headline on May 17), a screening of short films from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, an experimental performance series called "12 Minutes Max", bocce ball, Mexican folk-art painting (called Alebrijes), a variety of craft artists, an international food market, Japanese kite making, Ukrainian paper egg making, origami, beer tastings, Peruvian dancing and lei making.
saltlakearts.org/programs/living-traditions-festival
Multicultural Ethnic Dance Festival
The Multicultural Ethnic Dance Festival will be held on May 31 at The Gateway. It will feature dance from all over the world, as well as colorful costumes and incredible music.
atthegateway.com
Utah Pride Festival
In 1974, Joe Redburn sponsored an event of a couple hundred people at the Great Salt Lake, the precursor to what became the largest Pride festival in Utah. Today, Utah Pride is the preeminent celebration of everything queer in The Beehive State. On June 5, there will be an interfaith worship service at First Baptist Church (777 S. 1300 East). On June 6, there will be a Pride Youth Dance at the Salt Lake City Main Library Atrium downtown. And on June 7, the two-day Utah Pride Festival formally kicks off with a rally and march beginning at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol, with the annual Pride Parade the next day on June 8, beginning at 10 a.m. and winding through downtown.
utahpride.org
SLC Pride
Pride month in Salt Lake City is double the party with SLC Pride on June 28 and 29 at The Gateway. Now in its second year, SLC Pride is a locals-focused celebration of the city's LGBTQ community. And in conjunction with SLC Pride, organizers plan to host a Pride 5K on May 18 at Sweet Hazel Coffee Shop (1000 S. Main Street), as well as a kick-off party for Pride at Prismatic on May 31.
slc-pride.org
Utah Asian Festival
The 48th annual Utah Asian Festival will be held on June 7 at the Utah State Fairpark in the Grand Building (155 N. 1000 West). The festival helps new Americans, immigrants and refugees connect to the more historic ethnic groups in Utah. This year it will have traditional and modern performances, children's activities, food trucks,and vendors.
utahasianfestival.org
Utah Arts Festival
The Utah Arts Festival is Salt Lake City's mammoth celebration of art and the artistic process; it will take place June 19-22 at Library Square in Salt Lake City. The festival's slogan is "Art is for everyone. Help us keep it that way." This year there will be live music, dance, street theater, literary performances, demos, workshops, a film program and, of course, all sorts of vendors selling their art.
uaf.org
Uniting Communities Powwow
The Uniting Communities Powwow is presented by the Utah Native American Chamber of Commerce and will be held on July 24 in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. There will be a powwow, which begins at 12 p.m., as well as arts and crafts vendors, culturally appropriate food trucks, music and a drone show.
utnativechamber.org
Days of '47 Rodeo
The Days of '47 Rodeo is a longstanding Utah tradition and celebrates Utah's heritage since the arrival of Latter-day Saint settlers in 1847. This year it will take place on July 22-26 at the Utah State Fairpark, in the Days of '47 Arena. It will feature bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, women's breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
daysof47.com
Craft Lake City DIY Fest
The 17th annual Craft Lake City DIY Fest will be held on August 8-10 at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. The festival celebrates everything that is local and, of course, handmade. There will be art and music with over 500 local artisans, food vendors, performers and STEM exhibitors.
craftlakecity.com
City Weekly's Utah Beer Festival
The 15th annual Utah Beer Festival will be held on August 16 and 17 at The Gateway in Salt Lake City. The always-popular festival will feature more than 200 beers and ciders from 50 local, regional and international breweries, as well as live music, food trucks and more.
utahbeerfestival.com
Salt Lake City Greek Festival
This year's Salt Lake City Greek Festival will be held on September 5-7 at Holy Trinity Cathedral (279 S. 300 West) and will feature Greek dancing, live music, access to the Hellenic Cultural Museum (located in the lower level of the Holy Trinity Cathedral) and authentic Greek food vendors.
saltlakecitygreekfestival.com
FanX
The FanX Salt Lake Comic and Pop Culture Convention will be held on September 25-27 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. It will feature panel discussions, celebrity appearances, and a wide variety of vendors and food. As of press time, William Shatner (Star Trek), David Tennant (Dr. Who), Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog, Dreamgirls), Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead, Sea of Love), Doug Jones (Hellboy, What We Do in The Shadows), Dylan McDermott (American Horror Story, The Practice), Sarah Levy (Schitt's Creek), and Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!) are among the many celebrity attendees who are scheduled to be there.
fanxsaltlake.com
Music of the Night
Feel the beat at Salt Lake's live music and performance venues.
By Arica Roberts
Sky SLC Rooftop Concert series
There's really no better way to spend a summer evening than on a rooftop overlooking the city as you watch the sunset against our iconic mountains. For the second year in a row, Sky SLC (149 Pierpont Ave) is hosting a Rooftop Concert series from May 8-October 12 and includes tons of DJs who will ensure you can dance late into the night. Kicking off with SPAZ, each weekend through the summer will include several other local performers: ANDY DOORS, Branden Estrada, OBAŸASHI, Bangarang, ZANDZ, Parker Andriese, J WOODZ, Elliot Tackie, BLESSED1, Benny, FRESH POWDER, DJ Bear, MAPLO, RENE SOUNDS, ParkBoiGem, Chris Light, DOOF and JOUNE.
skyslc.com
Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall
There are several performances this summer to check out at the beloved Abravanel Hall (123 W. South Temple). May 16-17 is Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto 2, which includes the renowned piano solo in the style of a Bach fantasia. May 23-24 is the epic for a huge orchestra, Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique. On June 12-13, Korngold's Violin Concerto will be performed with all its cinematic style and romantic melodies. And for all the Jedis and Siths, Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert takes place on June 26-28. Admire the architectural beauty and exceptional acoustics as you take in the ensemble of instruments over this season.
utahsymphony.org
Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series
The lineup this year is overflowing with talent. From Cheap Trick starting the series off on May 19 to Hermanos Gutiérrez closing it out on September 16, guests are bound to find an artist they enjoy from the eclectic range of genres and various artists coming to the city. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. while the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Keep in mind that the amphitheatre is located at the mouth of Red Butte Canyon (2188 Red Butte Canyon Rd) and even on the warmest days it gets breezy and chilly at night. Bring both your sun hats and your jackets.
redbuttegarden.org/concerts
Kingsbury Hall
There are many events this summer to check out at Kingsbury Hall (1395 Presidents' Circle) at the University of Utah. On May 31, Salt Lake Dance Center presents Dancing the Red Carpet, where youth dancers ages 4-18 will showcase their talent from pre-ballet to competitive teams. Ryan Adams makes a stop on June 1 for his Heartbreaker '25 tour—this is one you don't want to miss if you're a fan of alt and indie rock. Finally, on August 29, Randy Travis' "The More Life Tour" is sure to bring out the country music fans.
artstickets.utah.edu
Soundwell SLC
Located near the Salt Palace Convention Center, Soundwell SLC (149 W. 200 South) is an intimate live music venue that has events all summer long. Enjoy some reggae from RICHIE V7 on May 30, celebrate Pride Month with Miss Iconique 2025 Utah's Premiere Drag Showcase on June 5, and pick from the plethora of indie artists like Provoker (June 20) and Greer (June 22). There are even hip-hop acts like Lil Mosey (June 26) and Oliver Francis on June 27. Lake Effect is right next door and includes cocktails, dining and live music, so make sure to check out both.
soundwellslc.com
The Depot
One of the most unique and innovative venues in SLC is The Depot (13 N 400 West), located in the historic Union Pacific train station. Use the opportunity to skip driving and take Trax for events all summer. Beats Antique is bringing their electronic and experimental world fusion performance art on May 30, the legendary rock band Bayside will make a stop on June 8 and 9 for their 25th anniversary "The Errors" tour, and you can attend Sorry Papi—The All Girl Rave on August 8.
depotslc.com
The Metro Music Hall
Beginning with the official Kilby Block Party after-hours events in May, you absolutely do not want to miss out on all Metro has to offer every week this summer. Located on the western edge of downtown (615 W. 100 South), you especially don't want to miss out on their SLC Pride events on June 6 and 7. Metro will include the iconic, fabulous drag queens you may know from RuPaul's Drag Race, including Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Kori King; Lexi Love and Kandy Muse.
metromusichall.com
The Complex
Also known for hosting diverse genres, The Complex (536 W. 100 South) is a large-scale music space that is hosting several live acts this summer, like indie artist Malcolm Todd on June 3 and Boots 'N Beats: A Night of Country and EDM on June 7 for fans of both genres. The electro-pop band Men I Trust performs on August 12, bringing their blend of R&B, jazz, and funk. Also catch the rescheduled Kayzo show on August 30 and headbang to his hardstyle music that combines punk and rock music like Underoath and Sum 41 with the Houston hip-hop of Chamillionaire and Mike Jones. The Complex is also conveniently close to bars like Seabird and The Sun Trapp.
thecomplexslc.com
Summer Spotlight
Don't sleep on Salt Lake City's west side and Granary District.
By Arica Roberts
Kilby Block Party
The highly-anticipated independent music festival returns for its sixth year at the Utah State Fairpark (155 North 1000 West). And for the first time, a fourth day is included in the schedule, so your weekend will be filled with jam-packed fun. While it started as a small block party in 2019, the festival now draws 25,000 attendees each day. S&S Presents is bringing headliners New Order (May 15), Beach House (May 16), Weezer (May 17), and Justice (May 18). Separate tickets are available for each day (Thursday, May 15, to Sunday, May 18) for $115 or General Admission 4-day passes cost $279. This is an all-ages event, so bring the whole family!
kilbyblockparty.com
Fisher Brewery Art Market
Looking for a fun art market to peruse this summer? Look no further than Fisher Brewery (320 W. 800 South), which hosts one every second Wednesday of each month until September, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rain or shine, the art market will feature a plethora of local artists. For example, May 14 featured the work of Carina Barajas Art and locally grown flowers from Little Gay Garden. Grab food from the local food trucks and sip on some beer while you support local artists! Templin Family Brewing (936 S. 300 West) and Kiitos Brewery (608 W. 700 South) are also nearby, so make it a night out and do some brewery hopping on a warm summer night.
fisherartmarket.com
6th and 6th Studios
The Granary District is full of up-and-coming art studios to check out this summer. A gallery art stroll will take place every first Friday of each month for the 6th and 6th Studios (569 W. 600 South) and showcase local artists. With a range of mediums, dances and textiles, you can expect live music from local musicians along with murals and paintings. Nearby Redflower Studios (339 W. 700 South) and EVO SLC (660 S. 400 West) also have various art events and galleries to check out.
IG: @6thand6thstudiosslc.
Granary Live
LNE Presents is hosting a giant monthly party, "Kick Back in the City," at Granary Live (742 S. 500 West), with the kickoff on June 15. Then come back to check it out each month on July 13, August 17 and September 14. This family-friendly event will have old-school music, lowriders, food, art, live bands and DJs. Swap meet-style shopping, photo ops and beer gardens will also set the vibe for the venue, which offers a view of both the city skyline and mountains. There's also a full schedule of performers, such as Trevor Hall on June 13, Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band and Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country on July 23, Cypress Hill & Atmosphere on August 27, and The Movement and Tribal Seeds to end the season on September 6.
granarylive.com
Bike Prom at Woodbine
We all should ride our bikes more! This is a family-friendly event for all ages, so don't be shy even if you don't have a date. Show up solo or with a group in your fanciest prom attire and enjoy a leisurely bike ride across the city on August 23. Just like last year, the bike ride will start at Liberty Park (corner of 500 East and 900 South) and will end at Woodbine Food Hall (545 W. 700 South) where you can dance the night away! The riding route will make a brief stop at the Bicycle Collective's new hub site (325 W. 900 South) and is about 3.5 miles.
bicyclecollective.org
Fear Factory
Who doesn't love Halloween in the summer? Mutiny Music Collective will host an electronic music concert at Fear Factory (666 W. 800 South) on June 7. The Renegades will play their third annual event at Fear Factory with one of the legends of bass music, AC Slater, headlining the show. Support from Kyle Watson, Deeper Purpose, Raecola and local artists Maplo and Mike Stern. Mutiny will also debut their new fully custom outdoor 360-degree stage. Wear some spooky outfits and come dance the night away. This show is 21+. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and will go late-late until 2:00 a.m.
IG: @mutinymusiccollective
Plumhouse
Your favorite late-night music warehouse is already celebrating their one-year anniversary! On June 6th, Star Monster will headline at this one-of-a-kind venue that includes two stages and a massive outdoor courtyard perfect for hot summer nights. Also stay posted for events every weekend at Plumhouse (733 S. 400 West). You must be 21+ and sign up to be a member to attend.
IG: @plumhouseslc
A Car-Free Day in SLC
Use Trax and trails for an urban outing without the parking and potholes.
By Benjamin Wood
Some folks will cling forever to the "convenience" of bumper-to-bumper gridlock, but that doesn't mean you have to waste your life being one of them. It's a matter of simple geometry: if thousands of people are heading to a single location—like the Delta Center, or the University of Utah, or essentially anything located between the Capitol building and the Grand America Hotel—then it's probably going to be a little challenging to bring a Ford F-350 Super Duty along with your relatively tiny human body.
Pardon my French, but leave that shit in the suburbs. If you live in or close to the city, use safe streets and trails like 200 South, the S-Line/Parley's Trail and the 9-Line on 900 South to link up with Trax, which will drop you easy-peasy in the heart of downtown on Main Street, at the U, or even out to catch a flight at SLC International.
If you encounter an issue with the trains, the workhorse 200 bus offers a backup plan with 15-minute service along State Street, including up to and around the Utah State Capitol campus (using Main Street to climb the hill, as the bulk of vehicle traffic should).
For our neighbors in Salt Lake County, or for visitors in town for a few days, don't make the mistake of driving door-to-door. Get to your nearest Trax station—many of which are close to off-street walking and cycling paths—and then do whatever you please as the train operator does the hard work for you. Especially on big event nights, it's just not worth the headache of driving.
You'll also find that a train station makes for a good meet-up location for groups of friends heading into the city as a group, rather than individually trying to find parking downtown or stringing a carpool route together. And for anyone responsibly enjoying an adult beverage in the city, the train ride back out of town offers a chance to drink some water—or coffee, depending on the circumstances—and clear your head.
Still unconvinced? Test it out during Open Streets on Main, when four blocks of Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during Friday and Saturday evenings in June. You'll find all of your favorite businesses, bars and restaurants operating like normal, only with the space outside their doors swapping the groan and grime of cars for the hum and buzz of foot traffic, buskers and special activations (including a weekly beer garden presented by City Weekly near Exchange Place). You never know, you might just find that you prefer getting around that way.
SUMMER in the HIVE
Break free of the grind and breathe in some fresh air and good vibes. When it's summer in the Beehive State, there's art, music and community around every corner. Dive into the middle of the action or pack a blanket, snacks and some sunscreen, and find a patch of grass where you can take it all in and lose track of time.
Get Out of Town
Plan now to catch these must-see attractions along the Wasatch Front (and Back).
By Noel Sims
Scandinavian Heritage Festival
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Ephraim's Scandinavian Festival invites you to "embrace your inner Viking" by exploring traditional food, crafts and entertainment. Those willing to wake up early on Saturday can make it in time for a breakfast of aebelskivers (spherical Scandinavian pancakes that come fruit-filled or plain) before watching the festival parade. Later in the day, festival-goers can listen to an ABBA tribute band, watch demonstrations from local artisans and participate in a few viking-approved contests—including pickleball, beard-growing and wife-carrying.
May 23-24, 150 E College Avenue, Ephraim, scandinavianfestival.org
America's Freedom Festival
Looking to stretch your July 4 celebrations into a three-day party? Check out Freedom Days at America's Freedom Festival in Provo. Each day of the festival kicks off at 6 a.m. with a hot air balloon show. Later in the day, you can find carnival rides and classic carnival fare from snow cones to turkey legs. On July 4, catch the Grand Parade starting at 9 a.m. and then head to LaVell Edwards Stadium in the evening for fireworks, a flyover and Rascal Flatts.
July 3-5, Center Street, Provo, freedomfestival.org/event/freedom-days/
The Great Saltair
This iconic venue has entertained generations of Utahns from its unique perch on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. And for the ravers out there, take note of the events by local production company V2 Presents. Back to back weekends bring Subtronics on June 13 and 14, followed by this year's Get Funky on June 20 and 21, with headliners Sidepiece and Soffi Tukker. Cool off from the heat at Foam Wonderland on July 11 with heavy metal dubstep royalty, Sullivan King. On August 8 and 9, Das Energi returns—Utah's biggest electronic dance music (EDM) event.
12408 W. Saltair Drive, Magna, thesaltair.com
SaltCON Gaming Convention
Get together with fellow gamers—board gamers, that is—for three days of non-stop gaming at the SaltCON Gaming Convention. The convention has a massive library of board games (2,538 to be exact, according to its online catalog) for attendees to choose from. Play with friends or strangers; sign-up for a scheduled game in advance or grab an open table; bring games to swap and shop at the flea market. And if you're a convention newb, don't be intimidated. Sign up for a first-timer tour to learn about all there is to explore.
June 6-8, Davis Conference Center, 1651 N 700 W, Layton, saltcon.com
Latino Arts Festival
If you've ever wished you could enjoy a Tacos Don Rafa burrito somewhere more scenic than the shores of Sears Lake, head to the other side of the mountains, where you'll find them at Park City's Latino Arts Festival. The three-day event will feature musicians and dancers from across the Americas. In between performances, check out the other artists and vendors who will be displaying their work. If you're looking to explore more cuisines, Tacos Don Rafa will be joined by Peruvian, Brazilian, Paraguayan, Columbian and Argentinian eateries.
June 13-15, Canyons Village, 4000 Canyons Resort Dr, Park City, pcscarts.org/latino-arts-festival
Springville World Folkfest
Since 1986, dancers and musicians from 81 countries have gathered in Springville to share their traditions and cultures. This year, the festival kicks off on July 29 at Orem's University Place Mall with a parade and dance party. The rest of the festival, at Springville's Arts Park, transports attendees to places all over the globe with performances, scavenger hunts, performer meet-and-greets and food trucks dishing up international cuisines.
July 29 - August 2, Spring Acres Arts Park, 700 S 1300 E, Springville, worldfolkfest.org
Park City Kimball Arts Festival
For three days, Park City's Main Street will overflow with booths displaying and selling jury-selected art. Artists will travel from around the country to show off their photography, painting, pottery, woodwork, sculpture and more. Once you've seen the art, the festival invites you to exercise your own creative muscle at the outdoor studio. Stick around for live music at two stages and food trucks dishing up their own kind of art.
August 1-3, Main Street, Park City, kimballartsfestival.org
Ogden Pride
If you're looking to celebrate Pride all summer long, the Ogden Pride Festival will give you another opportunity during the first weekend of August. Grab your dancing shoes and head to The Monarch on Friday night to kick off the festival with Queer Prom for All. Saturday's event schedule was not available at press time, but Sunday's will feature food, vendors and resources for LGBTQ Utahns. Organizers expect this growing festival to draw more than 6,000 attendees to celebrate this year's theme: Pride Cannot Be Silenced.
August 1-3, Ogden Amphitheater, 343 E 25th St, Ogden, ogdenpride.org/ogden-pride-festival
Summit County Fair
If you can't wait for the Utah State Fair in September, head up to Coalville for some classic fair fun. Expect carnival games and fair food, but buckle up for some real country entertainment. Watch brave cowboys tame beasts mechanical and animal during the demolition derby and rodeo. Watch smaller (but just as brave) cowboys and cowgirls compete in mutton busting, chicken chasing, and popsicle eating. If you want to sign your kids up for a more laid back event, try the contest for cutest kid-pet combo—there won't be losers.
August 2-9, Summit County Fairgrounds, 202 E Park Rd, Coalville, summitcountyfair.org
Bountiful Davis Art Center Summerfest
Make the short drive up to Bountiful City Park for a two-day celebration of art from around the world and discover traditions from Peru, Ireland, Tonga, Hong Kong, Spain, Tahiti and more. BDAC's Summerfest offers music and dance performances, food trucks serving global cuisine, and crafty activities to help kids learn about the cultures represented at the festival. Keep an eye out for sign-ups for cultural workshops from Native American beading to Ukrainian egg painting.
August 8-9, Bountiful City Park, 400 N 200 W, Bountiful, bdac.org/summerfest
Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
Thirty-five years ago, the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival began as a backyard fundraiser for a new children's library in Orem. Today, thousands come to see storytellers weave tales—sometimes accompanied by music or a friendly puppet. There will be stories for all ages, including bedtime stories on Friday evening. Bring blankets or chairs and your own food for a budget-friendly day out or reserve seating and enjoy snacks from the festival's vendors.
September 4-6, Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, 3900 Garden Dr, Lehi, timpfest.org
Markets in the Beehive
If flea markets, craft fairs and farmers markets are your jam, Utah's summer calendar will not disappoint. Whether you're shopping for vintage clothes or fresh veggies, and whether you're looking for a recurring weekend activity or a way to unwind on a weeknight, there is a market nearby for you.
Here's a roundup of just some of the summer markets along the Wasatch Front and Back:
Craft Lake City Makers Mart, Daily until May 26, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., craftlakecity.com/makers-mart
Farmers Market Ogden, Saturdays, May 24 to September 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., farmersmarketogden.com/summer/
Wheeler Historic Farm, Sundays, May 18 to October 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., saltlakecounty.gov/wheeler-farm/
Park Silly Sunday Market, Certain Sundays between June 1 and September 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., parksillysundaymarket.com/
Millcreek Common Summer Bazaar Flea Market, Sundays, May 18 to September 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., millcreekcommon.org/publicmarket
Draper Farmers Market and Food Truck Night, Tuesdays, July 1 to October 28, 5 to 9 p.m., draperutah.gov/events-programs/community-events/farmers-market-and-food-truck-night
Bountiful Farmers Market, Thursdays, June 19 to October 16, 4 to 8 p.m., bountifulutah.gov/Farmers-Market
Mountain Sounds
Take in the vibes at these summer concert venues outside Salt Lake City
By Aimee L. Cook
It's time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the rhythms of summer! Here's your guide to music events happening just outside Salt Lake. Whether you're craving acoustic performances under the stars or lively festivals packed with energy, this calendar has something for everyone.
Deer Valley Music Festival
Where: Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, Park City
When: July thru August
Kick off your summer with an enchanting evening of classical music or popular artists like Common, Lindsey Stirling and The Beach Boys in one of Utah's most beautiful mountain-side outdoor settings. Be sure to bring a blanket, low-back chair and picnic, and settle in for an enjoyable experience.
deervalleymusicfestival.org
Ogden Twilight Series
Where: Ogden Amphitheater
When: June thru September
Featuring an incredible lineup of indie and alternative artists—including The Head and the Heart, The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse—this concert series is a can't-miss for music lovers. Grab tickets early—they sell out fast!
ogdentwilight.com
Sandy Amphitheater
Where: 1300 E. 9400 South, Sandy
When: May thru October
Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this venue brings the best of country, jazz and Americana acts. This year's sechedule includes Lee Brice, Lord Huron and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
sandyamp.com
Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater
Where: 5150 Upper Ridge Road, West Valley
When: May thru October
Formally known as USANA, this venue attracts some major names in the biz, so celebrate summer with the biggest touring acts to stop in the Wasatch Front, like Halsey, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean and Hozier, just to name a few.
livenation.com
Ogden Music Festival
Where: Fort Buenaventura, 2450 A Ave, Ogden
When: May 30 thru June 1
If you're a fan of bluegrass, folk and acoustic music, this festival is a must-attend event. Set in the scenic Fort Buenaventura, the Ogden Music Festival brings together talented musicians and a welcoming community for three days of unforgettable performances and fun. Set to perform this year is Cimafunk, Sister Sadie and East Nash Grass.
ofoam.org
Canyons Village Concert on the Slopes
Where: Park City Mountain, Canyons Village
When: July thru August
Perched in the mountains above Park City, this concert series featuring a mix of national bands and singers, including Mike Posner and an '80s Night Out featuring A Flock of Seagulls, Naked Eyes and Men Without Hats. Enjoy live music with spectacular sunset views!
parkcityinstitute.org/bsbn
Sundance Bluebird Café Concert Series
Where: Sundance Resort, Provo Canyon
When: June thru August
Inspired by Nashville's famous Bluebird Café, this intimate series showcases a full roster of incredible singer-songwriters, who will be sharing their stories and songs. Featured artists this year include Erik Dylan, Adam James and Kelly Archer.
sundanceresort.com/bluebird-cafe-concert-series/
Heber Valley Free Concerts at the Depot
Where: Heber Valley Railroad Depot,
Heber City
When: June thru July 25
Rock out with the Legends of Rock at the Heber railroad depot. This free concert series brings the hits of the '70s and '80s to the stage. Plan to arrive early to secure a good seat, and check the depot schedule for summer trips on the pictureseque Heber Valley Railroad.
hebertrain.com
Midway Music on the Square
Where: Midway Town Square
When: June thru August
Happening Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the charming town of Midway, bring a blanket or lawn chair and the entire family. Food trucks are scheduled to be on site for noshing. The event is free to the public.
midwaycityut.gov
Daybreak Summer Concert Series
Where: America First Square, 11111 Ballpark Dr, South Jordan
When: May thru September
Enjoy local cover bands playing some of the old-time favorites—like Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, and the Bee Gees—at the recently-constructed Rio Tinto Kennecott Stage at America First Square. Located next to the new home of the Salt Lake Bees in South Jordan, and accessible via the Trax Red Line to Downtown Daybreak Station, bring your chairs and blankets for a fun-filled evening!
mydaybreak.com/summer_concert_series/
Harvest Moon Celebration
Where: Historic 25th Street, Ogden
When: September 21, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
As summer winds down, celebrate the changing season with a downtown block party in Ogden featuring live bands, a kids zone, food trucks, artisan vendors and family-friendly fun. This is the 22nd year for this popular fall event, which is free to the public.
ogdendowntown.com/harvestmoonogden/
Summer Spotlight
Bundle up for a big-screen movie under the stars.
By: Brandi Christoffersen
Whether it's date night, family night, friends' night or you just need some "me" time, an outdoor movie screening is the perfect way to spend the evening. Bring along your favorite blanket, picnic basket and cooler and find a comfortable space on the lawn. Then, just lay back and enjoy the show.
This summer, outdoor movies are being shown throughout the Salt Lake area. One of the most popular is Movies in the Moonlight, which has a new location at South Jordan's Highland Park (6050 W. Lake Ave). Shows are every Friday night from June 20 through August 15—except July 4—and there are pre-movie activities and food trucks at 7 p.m.
"Showings are free and we sell concessions for $1.25 each, including candy, drinks, and small popcorn." Says Natalie Domino, South Jordan's Special Events Coordinator. "We try to make it easy for families by having affordable options at the event."
This season the line-up includes The Princess Bride, The Wild Robot and Wicked. For a full list of showings visit sjc.utah.gov/201/Movies-in-the-Moonlight.
Another favorite screening event is hosted by the Utah Film Center and takes place at Liberty Park from July through August. According to Jenn Blum, the center's marketing director, The Summer Outdoor Film Series brings community, connection and summer vibes to Friday nights in Salt Lake City.
"This year, Sweet Hazel will have treats and gourmet concessions available to purchase," Blum reported.
The series kicks off on July 11, with the Oscar-winning adventure Flow. This animated masterpiece tells the story of a courageous cat that teams up with a capybara, lemur, bird and dog as they search for dry land after a great flood. Additional screenings this year include: The Apollo, a documentary about the legendary Harlem theater; Riddle of Fire, a mischievous fairy tale-like adventure; and Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, which documents the origins of South Chicago's creation of house music.
Films start at dusk and are free to the public. To learn more about The Summer Film Series at Liberty Park go to utahfilmcenter.org/outdoor/
For our readers in Utah County, the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem (600 S. 400 East) provides an exceptional viewing experience with a big screen and professional sound system. Family-friendly movies start as the sun sets on June 11 with Disney's Moana 2. Shows continue on June 18 with Shrek, on July 9 with Disney's Inside Out 2, on July 16 with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and on August 13 with Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone.
Additionally, a special sing-along showing of The Greatest Showman will be held on Wednesday, August 6, where you can share your singing talents.
General admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3 to 11 and $3 for seniors over 65. Visit scera.org/event-category/outdoor-movies/, for more details.
Finally, if you enjoy live music as much as film screenings, the city of Magna shares your passion. Each Friday, from June 13 to the 27, is Movie and Music in the Park. It all starts at 8 p.m. at Pleasant Green Park with a featured band, followed by a different movie each week. On June 13, the rock-and-roll band Runaway Fire will entertain the crowd with their original, melodic sound. June 20 features a Magna favorite, Buster—founded by locals Karl Gilchrist and Wes Furgason, the band blends Hardrock, Grunge and Punk.
The month finishes out with Ghost of Spring, two singer-songwriters and a drummer playing bluegrass inspired tunes.
This event is free to the public, and more shows may be added. Full details can be found at magnaarts.org/events.
A Car-Free Day in the 'Burbs
Let Frontrunner be your friend on day trips to Ogden, Provo and everything in between.
By Benjamin Wood
Due to a complex layering of multi-generational policy failures, most of Utah is not realistically accessible by transit. Sure, anything is "walkable" if you try hard enough—and believe me, I have—but even those of us who live car-lite have our limits, let alone well-meaning folks who are dipping their toes into the water of multi-modal travel.
This is a major—but less-understood—component of why "everyone" drives. It's not because Americans uniquely love cars, it is because most Americans have little choice but to drive due to the car-first investment strategies of their city, county, state and federal governments. But many areas of Utah are much more transit-accessible than people realize, and particularly those areas that predate the proliferation of the automobile.
Ogden's downtown attractions are clustered a short walk from the city's Frontrunner station—because the city originally grew up around the Union Pacific Depot that bookends Ogden's Historic 25th Street. And there are city plans to eventually restore direct passenger services at Union Station—similar to Salt Lake City's citizen-led Rio Grande Plan—bolstering the efficiency of transit for things like the Ogden Twilight Series, for which tickets already double as Frontrunner fare.
Headed to Weber State University or McCay Dee Hospital? Utah's newest bus rapid transit service, OGX, was recently completed and departs every few minutes from the Ogden Frontrunner station, with train-style boarding platforms on Washington Boulevard and express transit-only lanes to cut through vehicle congestion on Harrison Boulevard.
Down south in Utah County, Provo's Frontrunner station isn't quite as conveniently situated, but a recently-completed bridge means pedestrians and cyclists are no longer trapped on the wrong side of stopped freight trains (similar to the new pedestrian bridge on 300 North in Salt Lake City), and the surrounding area is rapidly undergoing redevelopment to capitalize on transit-oriented density and foot traffic. And if you think Ogden's OGX is impressive, just wait until you get a look at UVX, which runs a lightning-fast BRT route between Provo and Orem, with connections through Brigham Young University.
For a different kind of train-based adventure, grab a bike (perhaps an electric GreenBike?) and use Frontrunner or Trax to drop onto the Jordan River Parkway in Lehi, Draper, West Jordan or West Valley. Then, let gravity help you get back into the city, passing several community parks, restaurants and businesses along the way downriver.
SUMMER in the WILD
From the bone-dry west desert and Colorado Plateau to the clear waters of Bear Lake and the Uinta mountain range, Utah offers a buffet of natural landscapes to sample, explore and travel between. Mark these offerings on the map when you hit the road, reserve your seat at the state's premiere al fresco tables, or simply choose a direction and chase the horizon.
Head for the Hills
Break free of the hustle and bustle with these Utah summer classics.
By Brandi Christoffersen
Utahns love summertime and mark the season with festivals and galas across the state. Check out these local favorites and plan a day or weekend trip:
Summerfest Arts Faire
Over Father's Day Weekend, 160 artists gather together to showcase their work and talents at the Cache County Fairgrounds. This includes the popular Plein Art Paint Out and Photography competition, where art lovers can engage in a silent auction featuring the creations.
Mom and dad can explore fine art and curated gifts while the little ones will be entertained at the Creation Station, which features imaginative and interactive craft projects. Everyone will enjoy the live entertainment and large variety of food vendors. Best of all, admission is free to all patrons.
June 12-14, Cache County Fairgrounds, 490 S. 500 West, Logan
logansummerfest.org/
Bear Lake Raspberry Days
Starting around the third week of July, the world famous Bear Lake raspberries are ripe for the picking. And for three fun-filled days at the beginning of August, Raspberry Days honors this annual harvest and the sweet, delicate fruit it reaps.
Not only will you find the most amazing raspberry shakes in the state, but other incredible berry creations like jams and salsa. The family-friendly events include a pie-eating competition, pickleball matchups, a cornhole championship, and a kids' fishing tournament. An added bonus is you can take a dip in the clear, turquoise waters of Bear Lake as you enjoy the festivities.
August 7-9, Garden City
gardencityutah.gov/raspberrydays
Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship
In 1873, the first sheepdog trial was run in a field near Bala, Wales. Since that time, the competition has spread to every major sheep producing country in the world.
Today, one of the most renowned trials is located at Soldier Hollow in Midway. The hillside of the 2002 Olympic Venue provides the perfect view of the sheep and dogs as they travel through the course. And when guests are not actively watching the sheepdog match, there are a variety of merchandise and food vendors, plus a host of children's activities. There are also duck herding and dog agility demos, where you can watch these amazing dogs in action.
May 23-26, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, 2002 Soldier Hollow Lane, Midway
soldierhollowclassic.com
Park City Song Summit
This unique music festival blends songwriting, storytelling and performing together to create an immersive experience. Set in the beautiful Park City mountains, the Summit aims to connect the audience with the musician, and to bring normalcy to common mental health and dependency struggles.
In addition to the live performances, the Summit also features intimate labs and mental health forums. Guests can take part in recovery hangs, yoga sessions and wellness activities—the Park City Song Summit runs during the day, throughout the evening and into the night. Tickets include individual show, single day or multi-day options.
August 14-16, Main Street, Park City
parkcitysongsummit.com/
Swiss Days
Taking place in the charming and picturesque town of Midway, this two-day-long event celebrates the Swiss pioneers who founded Heber Valley in the 1860s and 1870s. With yodeling and alphorns filling the air, the popular festival draws more than 180 local and national vendors, who display their arts, crafts and food at the outdoor fair.
Swiss Days regularly draws crowds over 60,000 people and is an annual tradition for many locals. The festivities include a 10k race, live entertainment and a hometown parade.
August 29-30, 75 N. 100 West, Midway
midwayswissdays.org/
Draper Days
Every July, the city of Draper sponsors an impressive community celebration featuring a parade, 5k race, sports tournaments, car show, concerts and movie nights. Popular activities include the Horse Pull, Rodeo and pancake breakfast.
Draper Days is also known for its many family fun activities which includes the children's parade. Kids decorate their bikes, skateboards, scooters, wagons, wheelchairs and roller skates and show off their creative sides. Every event is centered around connecting and enjoying time with others.
July 11-19, Draper Park, 12500 S 1300 East, Draper
draperutah.gov/events-programs/community-events/draper-days/
Tooele Arts Festival
Celebrating its 40th year, the Tooele Arts Festival began in 1985 and still reflects a small town flair. With its rugged terrain and wide open spaces, Tooele offers a unique backdrop for artists and their work.
The festival highlights one-of-a-kind paintings, ceramics, photographs and sculptures. There are also amazing food vendors and live performances. Additionally, the children's art yard encourages young artists to discover and express their talents with hands-on activities and projects. Located at the Tooele City Park, the festival is surrounded by amazing, large trees that provide plenty of shade throughout the day.
June 20-22, Tooele City Park, 200 W. Vine Street, Tooele
tooeleartsfestival.org/
Dinah "Soar" Days Hot Air Balloon Festival
One of the most amazing and epic sights is a sky full of colorful, hot air balloons. Set up your lawn chairs and blankets and watch dozens of hot air balloons and their pilots as they launch each morning from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
The young and young-at-heart will appreciate the dinosaur-themed decorations, activities and costumes. Spend the rest of your day enjoying live music, craft fairs, hand-painted store windows and astonishing sidewalk chalk art.
August 22-24, 721 W 100 South, Vernal
dinahdays.com/
45th Annual Paiute Restoration Gathering Pow-Wow
Each year the Paiute Indian Tribe celebrates the anniversary of its restored federal recognition, which occurred on April 10, 1980. This annual Pow-Wow also recognizes the Paiute's culture and heritage and their connection to the local land.
The festivities include a softball competition, the Spirit Run and Handgame tournament—a Native American guessing game, in which marked "bones" are concealed in the hands of one team while another team guesses their location. The Restoration Gathering Parade will start on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Gathering Pow-Wow is free and open to everyone.
June 13-15, 440 N Paiute Dr, Cedar City,
visitcedarcity.com/event/45th-annual-paiute-restoration-gathering-pow-wow/83/
Utah Shakespeare Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival begins its summer season on June 16. Founded in 1961 to attract visitors to Cedar City, the plays of William Shakespeare are a natural choice for southern Utah and its admiration for drama and art.
In May of 2000, the Festival received the coveted Tony Award for America's Outstanding Regional Theatre. The event now plays to more than 100,000 annual patrons and produces up to seven plays each season. For 2025, the calendar includes the classics of Macbeth, As You Like It and Antony and Cleopatra. Plus, more contemporary favorites like Steel Magnolias and Dear Jack, Dear Louise.
If you're a theatre lover, plan a three- to four-day trip and fully immerse yourself in this exceptional experience.
June 16 - October 4, Southern Utah University, 195 W Center Street, Cedar City
bard.org
Parks and Recreation
Gear up for adventure in the Mighty Five, great state parks or Utah's endless acres of wilderness
By Zach Abend
As Utahns we are lucky enough to have five national parks in our state as well as a slew of monuments, lakes, and state parks to visit.
Arches National Park
Hunter-gatherers reportedly started coming to what is now Arches about 10,000 years ago. Later, ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont called this area home. Today, the park is about five miles north of Moab and with more than 2,000 stone arches (including the famous Delicate Arch), Arches certainly lives up to its name. As one of Utah's most popular parks, reservations are a must.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Sitting atop a plateau above the Grand Staircase and characterized by its striking Hoodoos set within amphitheaters of stone, Bryce Canyon is arguably one of Utah's most distinctive parks. It is typically not as popular as Zion or Arches, so the crowds will be ever-so-slightly more manageable. More than 150 species of birds call the park home, as do elk and pronghorn. The park doesn't require reservations to enter but campgrounds and lodging do require a reservation.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is 20 miles south of Moab and comprises 337,598 acres. The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, which is the most accessible part of the park; the Needles, which requires hiking or four-wheel drive vehicles; the Maze, which is even further backcountry than the Needles and requires significant planning to access; and the Rivers, which include the Green and Colorado rivers. The park packs a serious wallop when it comes to aesthetic beauty and you can't go wrong no matter what section you pick.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is only three hours away from Salt Lake but is home to geological wonders like the Waterpocket Fold (a wrinkle on the earth). The park comprises almost a quarter million acres and has canyons, buttes and arches just waiting to be discovered. No reservations are required to enter the park but they are required for canyoneering, camping, rock climbing, or backpacking. Compared to the other four national parks in Utah, Capitol Reef is the least visited of the bunch.
Zion National Park
Averaging almost five million visitors a year, Zion is very crowded but well worth a visit (spring and fall provide some easing of the crowds). With its towering sandstone cliffs and slot canyons, Zion is awe-inspiring and otherworldly. Reservations are required for many activities including hiking the legendary Angel's Landing.
Bears Ears National Monument
Bears Ears (the name comes from a pair of buttes that look like a bear's ears) is one our newest monuments (declared a national monument in December 2016 by President Obama) and covers 1.35 million acres in San Juan County. It contains red rock formations, forests and over 100,000 archeological sites sacred to the Navajo and Ute tribes. Visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and river rafting.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Located near Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument sits atop the Grand Staircase and covers over 6100 acres. The monument attains a 10,000-foot elevation and overlooks a stone amphitheater that is almost half a mile deep. Visitors can hike lush forests and deep canyons. Given the altitude, keep an eye out for dehydration, altitude sickness and sun exposure—pack lots of water and sunscreen.
Dinosaur National Monument
Are your kids obsessed with dinosaurs? Then this is the place for you. Dinosaur National Monument is on a stretch of desert located at the border between Colorado and Utah near the Green and Yampa Rivers. The monument covers 210,000 acres and over 800 paleontological sites, numerous well-preserved petroglyphs and pictographs, and is sacred to the Fremont peoples. The Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to view over 1500 dinosaur bones including remains of Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus and Stegosaurus.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Administered by Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area stretches from the high deserts in Wyoming to the Uinta Mountains in Utah and is home to the 91-mile-long Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The reservoir has myriad coves, islands and inlets to explore. The Green River and Blue Ribbon fisheries offer excellent angling opportunities. For those who don't fish, there is hiking, biking, camping and hunting available as well.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers 1.25 million acres and stretches from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah. It boasts the beautiful Horseshoe Bend, Rainbow Bridge, super blooms at Lone Rock and, of course, Lake Powell.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers 1.87 million acres and is jaw-droppingly beautiful. It's got spires, buttes, mesas, slickrock, sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and open desert. The Fremont, Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, Paiute and Ute nations all called this place home for thousands of years and there is ample evidence of their homes, art and granaries. The area also has one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils in the world. Check out Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, the Slot Canyons of Lower Calf Creek, Devil's Garden, Highway 12 for a gorgeous scenic drive and the always-inspiring Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (bestfriends.org/sanctuary).
Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument has six Puebloan archeological sites dating back hundreds of years. Hiking is the only way to see these magnificent structures that would be right at home in a Tolkien story. The spring is a great time to see the wildflowers bloom at Hovenweep, but be aware that weather at Hovenweep in the spring and fall is unpredictable, so come prepared. Hovenweep is also an International Dark Sky Park, which makes it ideal for stargazing.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which spans more than 91,000 acres, is one of the most filmed and photographed places in the country. Its multiple sandstone towers (some reaching 1,000 feet high) surrounded by mesas, buttes, shrubs and sand are truly gorgeous. You can also take a guided tour from Navajo tour operators to learn more about these incredible spots. There is a 17-mile loop drive for a view of some really spectacular natural formations.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument is located about 50 miles from the Four Corners region and was Utah's first national monument. It has three natural bridges named "Kachina," "Owachomo" and "Sipapu" in honor of the Puebloans who once lived here. While you're there, make sure to see Horse Collar Ruin, which is an ancient Puebloan archeological site.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is only 160 square miles, but its namesake is one of the world's largest natural bridges. To access the bridge, you can either rent a boat (seven hours round trip) or go by land. It's a 14 mile hike around Navajo Mountain and you will need a permit from the Navajo Nation before doing so. Note: there is no mid-lake marina for fuel or supplies; camping is not allowed within the monument and, there are no trash cans, so pack out what you bring in.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
The Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest covers 2.2 million acres in the states of Utah and Wyoming. It's one of the most visited forests in the United States, with about nine million visitors a year. Recreation opportunities in the forest include: hundreds of miles of roads for biking; 1,700 miles of trails for hiking; ample equestrian trails; fishing (with a state license); hunting (with rifle or bow); wildlife viewing (the forest has elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes and moose, to name a few); wildflower viewing; and water activities.
Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park is a short trip from Salt Lake City and it's gorgeous. There are beaches, hills, valleys and lots of wildlife (bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, antelope and millions of birds). Note: the visitor center is temporarily closed for renovations. There is no water on the island, so bring your own.
East Canyon State Park
East Canyon State Park is located in the mountains of northeastern Utah and is well known among bikers, boaters, fishers and campers as a beautiful area adjacent to Salt Lake City. The park has a variety of camping facilities, from tent sites to RV hookups.
Jordanelle State Park
Jordanelle State Park sits above Heber Valley and along the Jordanelle Reservoir. The Jordanelle Reservoir has three recreation areas, Hailstone, Rock Cliff and Ross Creek. No matter how long you are visiting, Jordanelle offers some excellent hiking, camping and boating.
Note: Construction is currently taking place outside of park boundaries. Construction noise will likely be audible inside the park. Refunds will not be issued.
This is the Place Heritage Park
This is the Place Heritage Park is a celebration of the 1847 arrival of Latter-day Saint pioneer immigrants in the Great Salt Lake Valley. The park includes more than 450 acres of land, Heritage Village, Pioneer Center, a memorial to pioneer children who lost their lives coming to Utah and a replica Native American village.
Utah Lake State Park
Opened in 1967 to the public, Utah Lake State Park is Utah's largest freshwater lake and covers about 148 square miles. There is fishing access, swimming, boating and paddleboarding, as well as an RV campground with 31 sites (includes all hookups). Note: the rental slip season begins April 1 and runs through October 31.
Wasatch Mountain State Park
Located in the northern part of the state near the City of Midway, Wasatch Mountain State Park is more than 21,500 acres large and sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet. It is popular with people who want to camp, picnic, hike, ride horses, ski, or snow tube. It is also near the Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses.
Summer Spotlight
Savor the outdoors with an open-air dining experience.
By Aimee L. Cook
There's nothing quite like dining al fresco during the summer months. The combination of fresh air, stunning landscapes and locally-inspired cuisine creates an experience that tantalizes all the senses.
Whether you're a Utah local or just passing through, add these four incredible outdoor dining spots to your must-try list this summer.
WildKitchen, The Lodge at Blue Sky—Auberge Resorts Collection
Launching Memorial Day Weekend and running through October, filmmaker Guy Ritchie's WildKitchen returns with an open-air, live-cooking experience, bringing you closer to nature as you enjoy dishes prepared by rotating guest chefs and wine-focused weekends in collaboration with renowned wineries.
The WildKitchen collaboration will welcome notable chefs, such as James Beard Award-winning Dan Kluger (New York City's Loring Place) on August 15-16, James Beard Semifinalist Kim Canteenwalla (Las Vegas's Honey Salt) on August 22-23, and Utah local Seth Adams, executive chef and owner of Riverhorse on Main, on September 26-27.
This year's lineup also features a series of wine weekends, when guests can explore perfect pairings alongside open-fire, ingredient-focused cuisine. Featured wineries include Sonoma County's Reeve Wines (June 27-28), known for its dynamic, small-lot creations that reflect California's terroir, and Napa Valley's acclaimed Realm Cellars (July 18-19), celebrated for its bold, collectible wines. These expertly curated pairings promise to bring each winery's story and philosophy to life.
With an intimate, 24-seat, communal dining table—and just one seating per night—WildKitchen offers an experience, where each bite tells a story and every moment creates a sense of community. General reservations are available at $225 per adult and $112 per child (under 12). Tickets for the Guest Chef Series will be available via the Tock app at $250 per adult and $125 per child (under 12). Optional wine pairings can be added for $95, with non-alcoholic pairings available for $75.
Hops on the Hill at Stein Eriksen Lodge
This highly anticipated series will take place every Tuesday evening at Deer Valley from July 15 through August 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Exclusively for guests aged 21 and older, the event offers an incredible opportunity to savor locally crafted brews and hard ciders while taking in the breathtaking views from Stein Eriksen's scenic Flagstaff Deck.
Each evening, at least two craft breweries or cider producers will be featured, accompanied by exceptional culinary creations from Chef Zane Holmquist, including smoked meats and other summertime delights. Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure your spot at this unforgettable summer experience.
Dining and Music at Brighton Resort
Brighton Resort has elevated outdoor dining to a whole new level with its chef-driven dining experiences. Here, the magic of cooking outdoors meets the art of fine dining with Chef Jeff Sanich at the helm.
The hands-on, interactive "Cooking with Chef Jeff" series will return this summer, offering a culinary experience that pairs education with a bit of adventure as guests cook their way through a monthly themed menu. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and themes—this is an opportunity to sharpen your cooking skills and enjoy incredible food in the process.
Returning for its third summer, the Mount Majestic Music Series promises weekends filled with vibrant entertainment and savory bites. Showcasing a lineup of local and national music acts, this series is a celebration of talent and flavor!
Brighton Pitmaster Dan McAllister and the esteemed Brighton Smoking Team will be serving up world-class BBQ that rivals the best anywhere—a claim they confidently stand behind. The series happens every Saturday and Sunday, starting on Father's Day and running weekly through October. Entry is free for the public, but please note that outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Also returning this summer is Campfire Cookouts—highlighting premium local and regional proteins, sourced from providers like Snake River Farms, Riverence Trout Farms, Niman Ranch and Wasatch Meats. These proteins will be cooked live over an open fire and served family-style in courses, creating an interactive and communal dining experience that is sure to be a delicious time.
Farm-to-Table at Gracie's Farm
For true farm-to-table enthusiasts, Gracie's Farm is the perfect summer destination. Located a short trip from Park City, this stunning farm invites guests to dine among the fields that grow the produce featured on their menu.
Each dish tells a story of sustainability and local pride, featuring ingredients like heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs that showcase seasonality and the collaboration between farmers and chefs.
Upcoming dates will feature baby spring veggies on June 19, garlic on July 10, tomatoes on August 21, and a special Harvest Dinner on September 18 and 19.
Deer Valley Beer Festival
The Deer Valley Beer Festival is an annual celebration of Utah's local craft beer industry, set against the breathtaking backdrop of vibrant fall foliage. Held at Deer Valley Resort's mid-mountain location, this family-friendly event invites you to savor an extensive selection of exceptional beers crafted by over a dozen local breweries.
Scheduled for September 13 and 14—and typically running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—guests can reach the venue via a scenic chairlift ride on the Silver Lake Express, which offers stunning mountain views along the way.
Each pint that guests sip at the event is a taste of Utah's thriving craft brewing scene, with previous years highlighting breweries like UTOG Brewing, Talisman Brewing, Moab Brewery and TF Brewing.
But the festival is more than just beer. Families can enjoy a variety of fun activities and food for purchase (including great BBQ, as part of the Imperial Package) while live music fills the air, creating an uplifting and festive atmosphere for all.
Whether you're a dedicated beer enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable fall outing in the Wasatch Front, the Deer Valley Beer Festival is a vibrant community event that combines great drinks, good company and the beauty of the mountains.
A Car-free Day in the Mountains
The free bus to Park City is the life hack you've been waiting for.
By Benjamin Wood
Salt Lakers love an excuse to get to Park City, and it's easy to see why. It's just not built like the rest of the state, with its network of off-street biking and walking trails, its robust transit services offered free of charge and its ripped-from-the-postcards Old Town core that has largely retained its human-scale bones despite the relentless invasion of suburban commuter traffic. It doesn't hurt that you occasionally run into a celebrity while you're there, though that probably won't be as true in the future as Sundance decamps for Colorado.
While Parkites endlessly wrestle with whether or not to jettison cars from Main Street (editor's note: do it) the rest of the state has ever-so-slowly started to copy and build upon Park City's successes, adding trails alongside city streets and state highways, allowing buses to use highway shoulders as a placeholder BRT service and, in the case of Summit/Wasatch County's High Valley Transit, offering a zero-fare bus service between downtown Salt Lake City and Kimball Junction.
Every 90 minutes, the HVTransit 107 departs from Salt Lake Central, travels up 200 South with a stop on Main Street, passes through the University of Utah and then up Parley's Canyon. It ties into an impressive transit hub near the outlet malls, where riders can transfer buses and access the ski resorts or Park City's Main Street, all free of charge.
It sounds complicated—and it is the first couple of tries—but it's also a competitive service when compared honestly with the full experience of driving through Parley's Canyon and into Park City (and everything that entails). Particularly during the winter ski season—when gridlock is at its most unbearable—the experience of slipping past standstill car traffic on the bus-only shoulder of Highway 224 (again, FOR FREE) really changes the car vs. transit calculus.
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