Events & Festivals in Salt Lake City

This major international film festival brings independent cinema to Utah, with screenings, panels, and premieres across multiple venues. The atmosphere is energetic and creative, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema fans. It suits those interested in discovering new films and the filmmaking process. Many events require passes, but a limited number of individual tickets are also sold.

A seasonal attraction where artists hand-place thousands of icicles to form walkable tunnels, caves, and sculptures, often lit with colored lights in the evenings. It's a family-friendly activity, though the cold requires warm clothing. The experience is tactile and visually striking, changing nightly as the ice grows.

A preview exhibition showing artists who will participate in the main summer festival. It's held in a downtown gallery, offering a more intimate look at visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. It suits art collectors and those looking for a quieter cultural experience.

Professional basketball games at Vivint Arena during the heart of the NBA season. The energy is high, with passionate local fans creating a loud and supportive environment. It suits sports enthusiasts and families looking for a major league event. Games against rival teams are popular.

A lively downtown parade featuring marching bands, cultural groups, and community floats celebrating Irish heritage. The route is lined with families and participants often wear green. It's a casual, community-oriented event suitable for all ages, followed by activities at local pubs.

A festival celebrating local and regional craft breweries, with dozens of vendors offering tastings. The event often includes live music, food trucks, and brewing demonstrations. It's geared toward adults interested in the craft beer scene and trying new varieties.

A non-denominational Christian service held outdoors at dawn on Easter Sunday, often at the Utah State Capitol grounds. The service includes music and a message, welcoming people of all faiths. It's a peaceful, reflective event with views of the city waking up.

A multi-day celebration of Salt Lake City's varied ethnic communities through traditional music, dance, crafts, and food. Artists demonstrate folk arts like woodcarving and textile work. The event is family-friendly and educational, with many free performances and activities.

A large weekly market featuring local farmers, food artisans, and craft vendors. It's a social gathering place where you can buy fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods. The atmosphere is busy and community-focused, with street musicians often performing.

A major four-day event transforming downtown with hundreds of visual artists, multiple performance stages, film screenings, and culinary arts. It features everything from painting and sculpture to poetry slams and live music. It suits a wide audience, with dedicated areas for children's activities.

A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, festival grounds featuring live entertainment, vendors, and food. The parade is colorful and full of energy, drawing large crowds. The festival promotes inclusivity and support for local organizations.

A large morning parade celebrating Utah's pioneer heritage with floats, horse units, marching bands, and historical reenactments. It's one of the oldest parades in the United States. The event has a traditional, family-oriented atmosphere with many locals claiming their spots early.

Summer evenings here mean outdoor concerts mixing well-known and emerging acts across indie, rock, and hip-hop. The crowd skews young adult and adult. Bring a blanket. Pack a picnic. The vibe stays casual and social throughout.

The Greek Orthodox church hosts this large ethnic festival with authentic food, live music, traditional dancing, and church tours. Food lines run long. The wait pays off. Pastries and roasted meats deliver. Families feel welcome here.

This classic state fair blends agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, concert stages, and extensive food vendors. Utah's rural and urban communities share the spotlight. The mood feels festive and nostalgic. Families return year after year.

Little Cottonwood Canyon hosts this month-long German-style celebration with food, beer, live oompah music, and family activities. Cool mountain temperatures beat the valley heat. Alpine scenery surrounds you. Locals and visitors both make the day trip.

Local makers, engineers, and artists gather here, selling handmade goods from jewelry to tech projects. Interactive DIY zones and live science demonstrations run throughout. The crowd values creativity. Unique gifts abound. Support local talent here.

Rice-Eccles Stadium hosts college football during competitive conference season. Tailgating dominates the campus. School spirit runs high. Games become major social events. The crowd roars. Sports fans thrive on this energy.

Salt Lake City venues run elaborate haunted houses and family-friendly Halloween activities. Options range from high-intensity scares to pumpkin patches and trick-or-treating. Age groups vary. Scare tolerances differ. Choose your level.

This haunted house ranks among the city's largest and longest-running attractions, known for detailed sets and professional actors. The experience targets high-fright seekers. Teenagers and adults line up. Peak nights mean significant waits.

The farmers market moves indoors for winter, spotlighting winter produce, holiday gifts, baked goods, and artisan crafts. The shopping environment feels festive. Crowds stay lighter than big box stores. Local gifts and seasonal foods dominate here.

Ballet West performs this beloved holiday tradition at the historic Capitol Theatre. Lavish sets and costumes fill the stage. A live orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's score. The experience feels formal and memorable. Families attend. Couples date here.

Holiday lights wrap the downtown complex's trees and gardens, with nightly musical performances. The atmosphere stays serene and festive. Visitors of all faiths come. This ranks among Salt Lake City's most well-known winter experiences.

This alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration targets families with live music, interactive art, comedy, and dance performances across multiple downtown venues. An early-evening fireworks display caps the night. All ages access this event easily.