It’s hard to separate Salt Lake City from festivities. Throughout the year a variety of festivals are happening on all corners of this capital city of Utah. The themes are also varied, from culture, religion and spirituality, food, up to arts and pop culture. Some of them are even becoming sole travel destination purposes for people from all over the globe. Being the city that celebrates diversity and many interests is reason enough for Salt Lake City to be on your travelling bucket list. If you’re not sure when the right time to visit is, here we provide you with a list of several festivals that are held there. Keep on scrolling to get inspired and discover the perfect time to visit the top festivals in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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1. Salt Lake City Jazz Festival [Last event in 2019]
Posted by Salt Lake City Jazz Festival on Friday, 26 June 2015
What happens when two people with different political beliefs, yet having equal passion for jazz, have a discussion? A first-class, free-for-public jazz festival happens. Former Salt Lake City Mayor, Rocky Anderson, was introduced to a jazz musician, Jerry Floor, through his daughter when he was looking for a way to bring more jazz to Salt Lake City. Emilee Floor told the Mayor that her father was one of the founders of Park City Jazz Festival, and the Mayor was sold. One quick presentation from Jerry Floor, they both then came up with a collaboration that later became one of the most famous jazz festivals in the US, Salt Lake City Jazz Festival. Excitement for the event was so huge that they introduced a Road Show concept for two years in 2014 and 2015. After two years of hiatus, the festival returned to the public in 2017 with an even grander event, boasting world-class musical guests that are ready to entertain their fans. It’s been two years since the return and there’s no sign of stopping.
Salt Lake City Jazz Festival
Address: Varies each year
Website: Salt Lake City Jazz Festival
Takes place: June
Price: Free
2. Salt Lake City Greek Festival
Posted by Salt Lake City Greek Festival on Thursday, 17 September 2015
First held in 1935, Salt Lake City Greek Festival is considered as the most successful community-sponsored festival in introducing the ethnicity, culture, and heritage of Greek people. Started as a one-day bazaar at the basement of Holy Trinity Cathedral, it now hosts more than 50,000 people on 3 days of the event. Each year, the festival has additional activities that excite the attendees. For example, back in 2007, the festival had to add another day on Thursday to cater to a visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral and enjoy even more Greek food and cultural activities. With the success of the celebration, the Greek community also put aside some of the profit they made from the festival to support charities.
Salt Lake City Greek Festival
Address: Holy Trinity Cathedral 279 South 300 West, SLC, UT 84101
Website: Salt Lake City Greek Festival
Takes place: September
Price: 3 USD
3. Rose Park Festival [Last event in 2019]
As one of the most diverse communities in terms of religion and ethnicities in the Salt Lake City area, it’s understandable if the community in Rose Park promotes their area through a community festival. Held annually in springtime, the festival is something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages where they can experience a variety of food and entertainment.
Rose Park Festival
Address: Rose Park Elementary 1105 W 1000 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Website: Rose Park Festival
Takes place: May
Price: Free
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4. Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival
Do you want to see free Fringe shows? Do you want access to Fringe parties? Do you want to be a part of the party with...
Posted by Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival on Thursday, 13 July 2017
Originating in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Fringe Festival has influenced many cities in the world, including Salt Lake City in the US. It’s an event that spans two weekends, presenting original arts and performances in an inclusive environment. Everything from musical performance, stand-up comedy, to theatrical presentations are available for you to see. Several of the performances might be too niche for some people, but it shouldn’t be a reason that stops you from going and being entertained. Enjoy many entertaining performances that not many commercial platforms will offer. You might find a new favourite performer that is fresh and original.
Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival
Address: 2234 Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, United States
Website: Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival
Takes place: July to August
Price: Varies
5. Lights over America [Previously known as Sky Lantern Festival]
Posted by Jamie Jenkins on Sunday, 20 May 2018
If you want to experience Rapunzel’s enchantment in Tangled, then the Lights over America is for you. This fantastic event is something that can take your breath away once you see the jet black night sky covered in flying lanterns. Many people go to this festival to feel at peace seeing the beautiful view with their loved ones, however, it is said that there’s a spiritual aspect from participating in releasing a lantern at the festival. It can be a symbolism of letting go of a burden in your life or even letting go and moving on from someone who has been missing in your life. Then you will be walking back from the festival feeling lighter and ready to face a better and new tomorrow. Whatever your reason is to visit the Lights over America, you will still be in awe and feeling peaceful watching the brilliant sight in the sky.
Lights over America
Address: Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah 84083
Website: Lights over America
Takes place: Usually held in May
Price: 75 USD
6. Salt Lake Climbing Festival
2019 Salt Lake Climbing Festival.
Posted by Salt Lake Climbers Alliance on Monday, 26 August 2019
For the fans of outdoor activities, Salt Lake City has the perfect event for you - Salt Lake Climbing Festival. Here you can join the clinics for rock climbing, whether you’re a beginner or experienced one. You can participate in the clinic, dinner, and festivities that are held annually at Brighton Ski Camp. This festival is an inclusive event that also comes with the option of camping at Brighton’s Millicent Chalet.
Salt Lake Climbing Festival
Address: Brighton Ski Resort’s Millicent Chalet, 8183 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121
Website: Salt Lake Climbing Festival
Takes place: August
Price: From 30 USD
7. Great Salt Lake Bird Festival
Fun Friday Fact: Tundra swans--which will soon be migrating south through Utah in large numbers--prefer to sleep on the...
Posted by Great Salt Lake Bird Festival on Friday, 28 October 2016
This is a festival that calls out to all bird enthusiasts. This event revolves around the great bird migration to the north before summertime, and they make a quick stop at Salt Lake City to feed. Word on the streets says that it would be best for you to ride horseback at Antelope Island State Park to see the magnificent thousands of birds in one spot.
Great Salt Lake Bird Festival
Address: Davis County Legacy Events Center, 151 South 1100 West, Farmington, UT
Website: Great Salt Lake Bird Festival
Takes place: May
Price: Free
8. Utah Pride Festival
Want to be in the parade with us? Applications are due by April 1st - SIGN UP TODAY! http://bit.ly/UPparade
Posted by Utah Pride Festival on Sunday, 31 March 2019
The mother of inclusive festivals and the second largest festival or the state, Utah Pride Festival gathers the LGBT communities and allies in one fabulous celebration. When same-sex marriage became legal in the United States in 2014, the Mayor of Salt Lake City at the time, Ralph Becker, held a private wedding reception for same-sex couples who wished to get married legally. If you’re planning to visit the Utah Pride Festival soon, don’t forget to check out their annual themes and make sure you’re wearing the correct outfit and dress code to the theme provided.
Utah Pride Festival
Address: Utah Pride Center, 1380 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Website: Utah Pride Festival
Takes place: June
Price: Free
9. Sundance Film Festival
This is one of the many festivals the world waits for, especially for movie buffs. The festival hosts a competitive section for a wide range of genres sent from the US and international films as well. There’s also a non-competitive section that will entertain the guests with various film preferences. Check out the schedules on their website. Who knows, films from your origin country might be playing at this festival.
Sundance Film Festival
Address: Sundance Institute, 1500 Kearns Blv. Suite B110, Park City, UT 84060
Website: Sundance Film Festival
Takes place: Usually held in January
Price: From 25 USD
10. Utah Arts Festival
The festival is underway! Early shoppers are getting their art already. #utahartsfest
Posted by Utah Arts Festival on Thursday, 20 June 2019
Art lovers will love this summer festival in Salt Lake City. It’s held in an outdoor area of the Library Square, where it gathers more than 80,000 patrons of artists of visual arts, performing arts, music, and artists who work on a variety of mediums. This festival is also known to introduce new legends in music to its guests, such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Chris Robinson, and Bela Fleck. If you pay closer attention to the musical performances there, you might become a fan of the new artists who are ready to launch their career.
Utah Arts Festival
Address: Library Square, Salt Lake City
Website: Utah Arts Festival
Takes place: June
Price: Free
11. Salt Lake Food and Wine Festival [Last Event in 2018]
Food and Wine Festival!!
Posted by Emily Painter Driggers on Sunday, 9 July 2017
Time to satisfy your foodie self. Explore the delicious events that support this autumn festival and spoil yourself with the range of delicacy of cuisines and tastes of wine from all over the world. Local restaurants also participate in this festival to flaunt their best menus and wines to the guests. It’s a festival that will make you crave for more.
Salt Lake Food and Wine Festival
Address: Depends on individual supporting event
Website: Salt Lake Food and Wine Festival
Takes place: September
Price: Varies
12. Holi Festival of Colours Salt Lake City
We know that Indian celebrations can be vibrant and colourful and the Holi Festival of Colours in Utah manages to take it to the next level. Dubbed as the world’s largest Holi Festival in 2017, the Indian community in Utah keeps on creating the most exciting Holi Festival each year that it almost makes you believe that you’re in India. Make sure you’re wearing the most comfortable clothes and eye cover, since you won’t be safe from the colour powders being thrown around, and you will be having loads of fun from it.
Holi Festival of Colours Salt Lake City
Address: Krishna Temple, 8628 South State Road, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Website: Holi Festival of Colours Salt Lake City
Takes place: Usually held in June
Price: 3 USD (online purchase)
13. Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games
We can't wait for the chills that we will undoubtedly get from the Massed Bands at the festival. What are your your favorite moments from festivals in years past? Photo by HighlanderPhotography . Cody Hoagland
Posted by Utah Scottish Association on Wednesday, 16 May 2018
In a city that has diverse ethnicities, it’s only proper if there’s a festival to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture. Feast your eyes on the exciting and lively Scottish culture, from their music, dance, and Highlands sports. You can also try the famous haggis in this festival and you might want to keep your eyes peeled if you have a Scottish descent in your family because you might find your clan’s tartan while you’re there.
Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Address: PO Box 57476, Salt Lake City, Utah 84157
Website: Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Takes place: June
Price: Free
14. Living Traditions Festival
2018 Fall Garden Party Highlights
Posted by Living Traditions Festival on Friday, 13 September 2019
If you want to witness how diverse Salt Lake City is, then this is the festival that will attract your interest. Here you can enjoy many traditions and cultures from the ethnicities that live in Salt Lake, from arts, food, and dance to cultural traditions and language. The festival is held for three days and it’s free for everyone.
Living Traditions Festival
Address: 54 Finch Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Website: Living Traditions Festival
Takes place: May
Price: Free
15. Dickens Christmas Festival
Salt Lake City!! We are at the Dickens Christmas festival. Last chance before Christmas to get your aging barrels.
Posted by Bootleggers Barrels on Tuesday, 10 December 2013
It’s a shopping festival with a Dickensian touch. Attending this festival will bring you a different experience of Christmas shopping and entertainment, with its Victorian-era decoration and vendors and people wearing their Dickens-style costumes. Don’t forget to bring your children to meet Father Christmas.
Dickens Christmas Festival
Address: Salt Lake County, Equestrian Park, South Jordan, Utah
Website: Dickens Christmas Festival
Takes place: Usually held in November
Price: 8 USD (adult); 7 USD (senior 65+); 6 USD (children 4 - 12); Free (children 3 and under)
16. Downtown Yoga Festival [Last event in 2018]
Posted by Downtown Yoga Festival on Saturday, 12 January 2019
Find your inner peace and healthier self in the festival that carries the torch for a healthy lifestyle. Downtown Yoga Festival brings you unique and exciting activities, where you can do yoga, meditate, have a get-together, and even eat healthy food. It’s time to let your wellbeing shine.
Downtown Yoga Festival
Address: 239 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States
Website: Downtown Yoga Festival
Takes place: October
17. Craft Lake City DIY Festival
Posted by Craft Lake City on Thursday, 26 September 2019
The state of Utah is famous for the residents’ interest in hand-made crafts and in Salt Lake City, you can find a festival dedicated to their obsession with handicrafts. In this three-day festival, not only you can shop a wide range of hand made knick-knacks, but you can also join some handicraft workshops, then you can sit back and enjoy the art performances that will be presented on two separate stages.
Craft Lake City DIY Festival
Address: Utah State Fairpark, 155 N 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Website: Craft Lake City DIY Festival
Takes place: August
Price: 5 USD (general admission); Free (children 12 and under)
There's something fun and exciting for everyone in Salt Lake City
The variety of festivals in Salt Lake City will tickle your curiosity and wanderlust. So, let’s plan your trip carefully to make sure you can make the most of the festivals available in Salt Lake City, whichever month or season you decide to travel.
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