Prepare for a season of adventure around Utah with City Weekly's annual guide to summer concerts, festivals, markets and more. 

Page 2 of 3

• Courtesy photo
• Ephraim’s Scandinavian Festival brings old-world charm to Utah.

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

• Courtesy photo
• Metric performs at the ‘23 Ogden Twilight Series

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/

• Courtesy photo
• Catch Movies in the Moonlight every Friday in South Jordan.

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.

• Courtesy photo
• Ogden’s Union Station bookends Historic 25th Street.

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.