An exhilarating state in the western portion of the United States, Utah is marked by expansive desert landscapes, the majestic Wasatch Range mountains, and the salty waters of the Great Salt Lake. The best outdoor adventures are only moments away in Utah. And it’s no surprise with the rugged state possessing what is known as The Mighty Five National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and the ultimate Zion. If you truly want to experience more of Utah’s local outdoor flavor then a great place to start is to check out one of their many awesome festivals. To see what all the fun is about, stay in one of the best cabin and camper rentals in the state, and read on to uncover the top festivals in Utah, the USA.
1. Heber Valley Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Nothing screams cowboy appreciate more than a night of country singing and tale-telling. Head over to mountainous Utah and join the festivities at Heber Valley Western & Cowboy Poetry Gathering. It is considered the largest cowboy poetry event in the US, and artists all over the country travel all the way to Utah to provide something special for the enthusiasts of Western life. Through music and guitar-playing, the poets detail the intricacies of the culture, reminding everyone why it is such a beloved way of life in the States. Also featured at the event are arts and crafts booths, cowboy gear shops, and many more.
Heber Valley Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Address: 930 South 500 East Heber, Utah 84032
Website: Heber Valley Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Takes place: October
2. Craft Lake City DIY Festival
Lovers of all things arts, crafts, and handmade creations are sure going to enjoy this Utah festival. Craft Lake City, a non-profit group that advocates for local makers in the state, hosts their annual flagship event—DIY Festival. The founding of the event was to support and commit to the success of the local creative community. The group strongly believes in supporting local businesses to provide more jobs for residents and help with extra revenue for the local government. DIY Festival is a celebration of local makers where they get to showcase and sell their crafts.
Craft Lake City DIY Festival
Address: 351 W Pierpont Ave Ste 4B, Salt Lake City, UT
Website: Craft Lake City DIY Festival
Takes place: August
3. Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is without a doubt one of the most well-known festivals in Utah and a movie lover’s dream venue. Formed in 1981 by Hollywood legend Robert Redford, this yearly film festival showcases up-and-coming filmmakers in the biggest independent film festival in the country. If you’re a fan of indie hits like the Cohen Brothers’ Fargo and Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, chances are it was screened first at Sundance. Held at three different locales: Park City, Salt Lake City, and the fabulous Sundance Resort, this event is a great opportunity to catch glimpses of high-profile celebrities.
Sundance Film Festival
Website: Sundance Film Festival
Takes place: January
Price: 25 USD
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4. Utah Arts Festival
To get a full spectrum of the state’s art scene, check out the Utah Arts Festival. A dynamic event in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah Arts Festival is the state’s largest outdoor festival and hosts a myriad of entertaining and exciting diversions: live music and dance performances, dramatic theater presentations, visual arts displays, captivating poetry readings, and must-see movie screenings. Kids can easily get in on the action with fun face painting, a substantial array of arts crafts booths, and a wonderful petting zoo to keep them busy.
Utah Arts Festival
Address: 200 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Website: Utah Arts Festival
Takes place: June
Price: 15 USD
5. Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point
Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point is any nature lover’s delight. Displaying tulips as far as the eye can see, visitors can view over 280,000 tulips of more than 100 varieties. All flowers are imported from Holland and informative garden tours are available. Residing on 55 acres (22.2 hectares) of beautiful gardens, The Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point is one of the central events in Utah and every year the tulip layout and design are different. This festival also features great music, expert vendors, children’s storytelling, and gracious amounts of delectable food.
Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point
Address: 3900 N. Garden Dr, Lehi, UT 84043
Website: Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point
Takes place: April to May
Price: 15 - 25 USD
6. St. George Art Festival
Found at the historic and charming St. George Town Square is the enjoyable St. George Art Festival. What began in 1980 as a simple showcase for local artists has blossomed into an event that hosts a plentitude of original artists’ work from all over the United States. This art festival in Utah provides live music performances on two stages so you’re sure to get your body grooving and there’s lots of delectable food to keep you satisfied. The setting is as inviting as the festival itself with a nearby park offering numerous water features, a nice collection of bronze sculptures, and the handsome St. George Carousel.
St. George Art Festival
Address: 50 South Main, St. George, UT 84770
Website: St. George Art Festival
Takes place: April
7. Moab Music Festival
Moab Music Festival is an annual outdoor concert festival in the most unforgettable setting. Visitors to this music festival in Utah are treated to a unique concert of classical masterpieces and more among the dazzling and dramatic red rock canyonlands of Moab! This is an award-winning festival known for its eclectic programming. Enjoy a blend of soothing sounds from traditional chamber music to lively jazz by renowned musical artists from around the United States. If you’re a fan of fine music and the beauty of Mother Nature, the Moab Music Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Moab Music Festival
Address: 58 E 300 S, Moab, UT 84532
Website: Moab Music Festival
Takes place: August to September
8. Days of '47 Parade
An annual celebration of Utah’s early pioneers, Days of ‘47 Parade is named for the settlers who came to the Salt Lake Valley area in 1847. This event showcases the history of Utah through an extravagant parade that’s one of the biggest and oldest processions in the country. Exuding a truly festive atmosphere, this annual festival in Utah is packed with vibrant handcrafted floats, energetic bands, fanciful-dressed horses, polished antique cars, and colorful clowns. A very popular parade, many spectators camp overnight to ensure a choice spot to watch the joyous presentation.
Days of '47 Parade
Address: Salt Lake City, UT
Website: Days of ‘47 Parade
Takes place: July
Price: Free
9. America's Freedom Festival - Stadium of Fire
Touted as one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the country, America’s Freedom Festival - Stadium of Fire is the go-to spot to celebrate America’s birthday. Entertaining audiences for more than 30 years. This popular concert event is located at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Brigham Young University’s lovely campus and headliners such as Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, and The Beach Boys have taken center stage at this fantastic event to celebrate America’s Independence Day. The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
America's Freedom Festival - Stadium of Fire
Address: 1700 N Canyon Rd, Provo, UT 84604
Website: America’s Freedom Festival - Stadium of Fire
Takes place: July
Price: 35 - 250 USD
10. Spanish Fork Festival of Lights
Located in tranquil Canyon View Park, the Spanish Fork Festival of Lights is a glorious feast for the eyes. Filled with a multitude of luminous lights and brilliantly lit animated structures such as a waving Santa, a sea serpent, and so much more, this fun event in Utah is a jaw-dropping display of holiday cheer. To truly get in the mood, tune into holiday music on 99.7 FM while you drive through the displays. If you’re feeling adventuresome ditch the car and take a thrilling hayride through the park instead. If you choose the hayride, be aware you must be a party of 20 or more.
Spanish Fork Festival of Lights
Address: 3300 E. Powerhouse Rd. Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Website: Spanish Fork Festival of Lights
Takes place: November to January
Price: From 8 USD
11. Deer Valley Music Festival
Residing in the breathtaking mountain venue of Deer Valley Resort, the Deer Valley Music Festival is an outdoor concert festival featuring the accomplished Utah Symphony. Celebrated special guest performers and artists along with world-class conductors share the stage with Utah’s best symphony orchestra giving patrons a genuinely memorable evening. The performance stage is top-notch with eye-catching lighting, amazing acoustics, and an attractive and unique architectural design. If you are an avid fan of symphonic music you can’t go wrong spending time at this amazing festival.
Deer Valley Music Festival
Address: 2250 Deer Valley Dr. S, Park City, UT 84060
Website: Deer Valley Music Festival
Takes place: July to August
12. Snowbird's Annual Oktoberfest
Though the majority of Utah’s citizens are not known as beer drinkers, that does not stop Snowbird’s Annual Oktoberfest from attracting over 60,000 visitors every year. Whether you come for the brews are not, Snowbird’s Annual Oktoberfest is still the ultimate spot to hang out. Boasting energetic live music and a selection of tasty German cuisine from soft pretzels to juicy bratwursts to scrumptious apple strudel, Snowbird’s Annual Oktoberfest is worth a visit. Even if you forgo the beer, you can still have an unforgettable good time riding a zip line, drinking in the incredible scenery, taking a heart-stopping ride on the quick-as-lightning Alpine Slide, and more!
Snowbird's Annual Oktoberfest
Address: 9385 S. Snowbird Center Dr. Snowbird, UT 84092
Website: Snowbird’s Annual Oktoberfest
Takes place: October
Price: Free
Top-notch Utah festivals
Whether you’re searching for a pretty handcrafted bracelet from an art fair or just want to listen to some soothing symphony melodies at a music festival, Utah is a state that happily shows off its artistic and historically rich community through a variety of fun-filled festivals. Don’t let your memories of this grand state be limited to national parks and tourist sites. Dive into local activities and discover an even deeper level of entertainment in Utah.