Major Events & Festivals in Salt Lake City, United States
1. Utah State Fair Park
A large fairground hosting various events like concerts, rodeos, and the Utah State Fair. Solves the need for an all-in-one entertainment venue in Salt Lake City.
- Music Festivals: Features a variety of music genres during annual events like the Salt Lake City Blues Festival and Utah Arts Festival.
- Cultural Exposure: Provides opportunities to learn about different cultures through international exhibits and food vendors at events like the Taste of the World.
- Family Entertainment: Offers family-friendly activities such as rides, games, and live performances at events like the Utah State Fair.
2. Daybreak Balloon & Music Festival
A two-day event featuring hot air balloons, live music, and food vendors in the Daybreak community. Provides a unique opportunity to see hot air balloons up close.
- Hot Air Balloons: Showcases vibrant hot air balloons in various shapes and sizes during morning launches and evening glows.
- Live Music: Features diverse musical acts on multiple stages throughout the festival.
- Community Spirit: Brings together locals and visitors for a fun-filled weekend of entertainment and camaraderie.
3. Salt Lake City Marathon
Annual marathon event with routes showcasing the city's beautiful landscapes. Offers runners a challenging yet rewarding experience.
- Scenic Routes: Routes take participants through iconic landmarks like Temple Square and Emigration Canyon.
- Various Distances: Offers races for different skill levels, including a full marathon, half marathon, relay teams, and a 5K fun run.
- Community Support: Receives tremendous support from local residents who cheer on participants along the route.
4. Temple Square Christmas Lighting
Annual event where Temple Square is decorated with millions of twinkling lights. Creates a magical holiday atmosphere in Salt Lake City.
- Light Displays: Features intricate and stunning light displays on the grounds of Temple Square.
- Live Performances: Offers daily musical performances, caroling groups, and storytelling events during the holiday season.
- Family Activities: Provides family-friendly activities like photos with Santa, craft workshops, and train rides around Temple Square.
5. Salt Lake City Pride Parade
Annual LGBTQ+ celebration featuring a parade, music, food, and vendors. Promotes inclusivity and equality in Salt Lake City.
- Supportive Community: Showcases the strong support for the LGBTQ+ community within Salt Lake City.
- Colorful Parade: Features bright and vibrant floats, costumes, and performances during the parade.
- Diverse Events: Offers a wide range of events throughout the week, including concerts, workshops, and dance parties.
6. Salt Lake City Gallivan Center Friday Fest
Weekly summer event offering food trucks, live music, and entertainment in downtown Salt Lake City. Provides a fun way to kick off the weekend.
- Live Music: Features diverse musical acts on the outdoor stage each week.
- Food Trucks: Offers a variety of local and international food options from rotating food trucks.
- Community Gathering: Brings together locals, tourists, and families for an enjoyable night out in the city.
7. Utah Arts Festival
Annual event showcasing visual and performing arts, workshops, and live music. Encourages creativity and self-expression in Salt Lake City.
- Artistic Showcase: Features works from local, national, and international artists across various mediums.
- Workshops: Offers hands-on workshops for attendees to learn new artistic techniques and skills.
- Live Performances: Features daily dance, theater, and musical performances on multiple stages throughout the festival.
8. Salt Lake City Dark Arts Festival
Annual event celebrating darker arts like gothic fashion, burlesque, and music. Offers a unique alternative culture experience in Salt Lake City.
- Alternative Culture: Showcases the local alternative subculture through music, fashion, and performance art.
- Darker Arts Exhibits: Features artists specializing in darker themes and mediums like tattooing, metalworking, and photography.
- Burlesque Performances: Offers risqué burlesque shows featuring local and international performers.
9. The Great Salt Lake Bird Festival
Annual event focusing on bird watching and conservation. Attracts bird enthusiasts from around the world to Utah's wetlands.
- Bird Watching Opportunities: Provides opportunities for attendees to observe various bird species in their natural habitats.
- Educational Workshops: Offers workshops and presentations on bird identification, migration patterns, and conservation efforts.
- Field Trips: Organizes guided field trips to local wetlands and wildlife refuges for attendees to observe birds in their natural habitat.
10. Salt Lake City Greek Festival
Annual event showcasing Greek culture, food, music, and dance. Offers a taste of Greece in the heart of Salt Lake City.
- Authentic Greek Food: Offers traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, gyro, and baklava.
- Live Music and Dance: Features live performances of traditional Greek music and dance throughout the festival.
- Cultural Workshops: Offers workshops on topics like pottery, cooking, and Greek history and mythology.
11. Dia de los Muertos Festival
Annual event celebrating Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead. Honors deceased loved ones through music, food, and art.
- Cultural Traditions: Showcases traditional Mexican cultural practices related to the Day of the Dead.
- Altars and Ofrendas: Features intricately decorated altars and ofrendas (offerings) honoring deceased loved ones.
- Live Music and Dance: Offers live performances of traditional Mexican music and dance throughout the festival.
12. Salt Lake City Korean Festival
Annual event showcasing Korean culture, food, music, and dance. Provides a taste of Korea in the heart of Salt Lake City.
- Authentic Korean Food: Offers traditional Korean dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap.
- Live Music and Dance: Features live performances of traditional Korean music and dance throughout the festival.
- Cultural Workshops: Offers workshops on topics like calligraphy, pottery, and Korean history and culture.
13. Taste of the Nation Salt Lake City
Annual event showcasing food from local restaurants to raise funds for No Kid Hungry. Supports a worthy cause while offering delicious food options.
- Local Restaurants: Features dishes from some of Salt Lake City's best restaurants.
- Fundraiser for No Kid Hungry: 100% of ticket sales benefit No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit organization focused on ending childhood hunger in the United States.
- Supporting Local Cause: Helps to raise funds for local organizations addressing food insecurity and hunger issues in Salt Lake City.
14. Salt Lake City Greek Independence Day Parade
Annual parade celebrating Greek independence. Honors the history and culture of Greece with music, dance, and traditional costumes.
- Cultural Traditions: Showcases traditional Greek cultural practices related to the celebration of Greek Independence Day.
- Live Music and Dance: Features live performances of traditional Greek music and dance throughout the parade.
- Honoring Greek Heritage: Celebrates the rich history and culture of Greece, promoting understanding and appreciation among locals and visitors.
15. Salt Lake City Dragon Boat Festival
Annual event showcasing dragon boat racing and Chinese culture. Offers a unique blend of competition and cultural celebration.
- Dragon Boat Racing: Features competitive dragon boat races on the waters of Salt Lake City.
- Chinese Cultural Exhibits: Offers exhibits showcasing Chinese art, music, and dance throughout the festival.
- Community Involvement: Brings together local teams from various organizations to compete in the dragon boat races while promoting camaraderie and teamwork.