Summer in Salt Lake changes the whole mood of the area. Once the weather starts cooperating, people head outside fast. Parks get busier, patios stay packed late into the evening, and weekends fill up with local events. When I’m out showing homes during the summer, my clients and I always end up talking about the fun events going on around Salt Lake.
These are the summer events and festivals that I genuinely look forward to every year. They’re easy to work into your weekend, fun without feeling overhyped, and a big part of what makes living in Salt Lake enjoyable during the summer months.
Venture Out Friday Festivals
Fridays, 6:30-9:30pm through August
These Friday night festivals run every week at Millcreek Common. I love that it’s a rotating lineup of live bands, food trucks, and local vendors. The crowd is mostly families with kids running around, dogs on leashes, people bringing blankets and lawn chairs. You can grab dinner from the food trucks (there’s usually at least one plant-based option, which I appreciate), sit on the grass, and just hang out while the band plays. It’s free, which is great. The whole thing feels super low-key… nobody’s in a rush.
I go to at least a few of these every summer because it’s the easiest way to spend a Friday night without planning anything. If you have kids or dogs, this is perfect for you. The vibe is super chill and you can leave whenever you want. Pro tip: get there around 6:00 if you want a good spot close to the stage. The lawn fills up fast on nights when the weather’s nice.
Millcreek Summer Jam Concert Series
Thursdays, 7:00-9:00pm through August
The Summer Jam series is Thursday nights at Millcreek Common. Same basic setup as the Friday festivals but the music lineup skews a little different. Different genres each week, sometimes jazz, sometimes rock, sometimes bluegrass. I’ve seen people dancing, people sitting in camp chairs with coolers, couples on dates. You bring whatever you want to eat and drink (or hit the food trucks if they’re there). It’s outdoors, it’s free, and the sound system is actually pretty good for a park concert.
I like these because they’re more music-focused than the Friday festivals. If you actually want to listen to the band instead of just having background music while your kids play, Thursday nights are better. The crowd tends to be a little older, fewer families with young kids. If you’re into live music and want a free outdoor show, this is the move. Parking can be tight so I usually just walk or bike if I can.
Independence Eve Big Air Show
July 3rd, 9:30pm
This is the big fireworks show the night before the 4th of July at Millcreek Common. I’m talking a full aerial fireworks display with live music beforehand. People start showing up in the afternoon to claim their spots on the lawn. There’s usually food trucks, sometimes vendors, and a lot of people bring picnic setups. The fireworks start after dark and honestly, it’s one of the better shows in the valley. The crowd is huge… like thousands of people huge.
I go almost every year because it’s close to home and the fireworks are legitimately impressive. If you want to avoid the downtown crowds on the 4th but still see a great show, this is it. Get there early if you want parking anywhere nearby. I mean early, like 5:00 PM. Or just walk if you live close enough. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and prepare to sit in the grass for a while. It’s worth it though.
Millcreek Arts Fest
August 22nd-24th
The Arts Fest takes over Millcreek Common for the whole Labor Day weekend. It’s a full-on art market with booths from local artists, live music on multiple stages, food vendors, and activities for kids. I love walking through and checking out the paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography… all kinds of stuff. Some of it’s for sale, some of it’s just for show. The crowd is pretty diverse. Families, couples, people just browsing. There’s usually a beer garden too if that’s your thing (not mine, but it’s there).
I try to go every year because it’s one of the best ways to support local artists and find unique stuff you won’t see anywhere else. If you’re into art or just want something to do over Labor Day weekend that’s not hiking or sitting at home, this is great. I’ve bought a couple pieces of pottery from artists there and they’re still some of my favorite things in my house. Go on Saturday if you want the full experience. Sunday is usually a little less crowded if you prefer that.
Holladay Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, 7:00pm through August
These concerts happen Thursday nights at Holladay City Park through the summer. The setup is pretty straightforward… stage, lawn, bring your own chairs and blankets. The music varies week to week. Sometimes it’s local bands, sometimes it’s tribute acts, sometimes it’s something totally different. The crowd skews a little older than the Millcreek shows. Lots of families but also just couples or groups of friends hanging out. No food trucks usually, so bring your own snacks or eat dinner before you go.
I like these because Holladay City Park is smaller and quieter than Millcreek Common. If you want a more low-key concert experience without massive crowds, this is better. The sound isn’t as loud, the vibe is more relaxed. If you live in Holladay or Olympus, this is basically in your backyard. Parking is easier than at Millcreek too. Just a solid, chill way to spend a Thursday night.
Murray Lunch Concert Series
Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00pm through August
This is a lunchtime concert series on Wednesdays at Murray Park. It’s during the middle of the day, so the crowd is mostly people on lunch breaks, parents with kids, retirees. The concerts are short, like an hour, and it’s all different genres. You can bring your lunch and sit on the grass or grab something nearby and come back. It’s super casual. People show up, listen for a bit, leave when they need to. No big production, just live music in the park.
I’ll be honest, I don’t go to these as much as the evening concerts just because I’m usually working during the day. But if you work nearby or have a flexible schedule, this is a great way to break up your week. I’ve gone a couple times when I had a light day and it was perfect. Just grab lunch, sit in the shade, listen to music for an hour. If you’re in Murray during the summer and have a free Wednesday lunch, check it out.
Make the Most of Summer in Salt Lake
Once the weather improves, the city gets noticeably more active, and these festivals become a big part of everyday life around town. They’re a good excuse to explore different neighborhoods, try local food spots, and spend more time outside before fall shows up again.
If you’re looking for the best summer events and festivals in Salt Lake, start with one or two from this list and build a weekend around them. And if you’re thinking about moving around Salt Lake, I’m already out in these neighborhoods every day showing homes and meeting clients, so I’m always happy to share more local recommendations.
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