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

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• Bear Lake Raspberry Days

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

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• Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Competition

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/

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• Swiss Days

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/

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• Tooele Arts Festival

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/

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• Vernal’s Dinah “Soar” Days

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

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• Arches National Park, one of Utah’s Mighty Five.

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.

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• Antelope Island State Park

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.

• Gabriella Santos Photography
• The menu at Gracie’s Farm is sourced fresh on site.

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.

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• High Valley Transit offers a free-fare bus connection between Salt Lake City and Park City.

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.