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JUMP START SUMMER

Your SLC 2018 guide to a summer filled with fun, food, festivals, fireworks and more.

By University of Utah Communications

Summer is upon us, bringing longer days that need to be filled with fun outings, and of course, food. Get the most out of your summer by checking out some of the events happening around Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas this year.

‘Tis the season to enjoy the array of outdoor activities that Salt Lake City and Utah have to offer. Last year, we covered four hikes around the city that could be completed in under four hours. This year, we’re cranking up the trails and highlighting some of the best mountain bike rides near campus.

[bs_well size=”sm”]SHORELINE

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is perfect for beginners, or someone just trying to get in a quick ride on a short time frame. Enter at the many points located between the Hogle Zoo and the Jewish Community Center, and ride for however long you desire. Temperatures could still be quite hot down in the valley, so make sure to grab your favorite mountain bike T-shirt to ride in.

Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate riders.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]BOBSLED

This trail, located right above the Block U, is a great trail that every student should know and ride. With the name of the trail resembling the berms that are throughout the entire length, a good time is sure to be had. There are even old cars that have been turned into jumps and drops.

Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced riders.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]I STREET

If you’re an air and/or adrenaline junkie, I Street is the destination for you. Located at the top of the Avenues neighborhood, local bikers have been building jumps and evolving the area for years. Whether you’re just learning to jump or trying to learn new tricks, there are features of every size for every rider.

Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced riders.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]WASATCH CREST TRAIL

Needing a car or setting up a shuttle is required to ride the Crest, but it is worth all the effort. With many options of where you end up, there is over 30 miles of beautiful single track at your fingertips. Make sure to go with someone who knows where they are going the first time, since finding your way can get a bit confusing. Bring a jacket or a mountain bike jersey, since in the fall it can get cold at high elevations.

Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced riders.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”] CORNER CANYON

The Corner Canyon trail system is on the south end of the valley in Draper. It features rolling and raucous rides for all levels under the watchful eye of Lone Peak with trails connecting to Alpine in neighboring Utah County.

Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]THE FOOD TRUCK LEAGUE
Various dates, times and locations

If you are looking for a locally made, one of a kind meal, check out thefoodtruckleague.com to track down where your food trucks will be this summer. The Food Truck League partners with over 100 of Utah’s best food trucks, so no matter what cuisine you are in the mood for, you can find it. The Food Truck League also coordinates hundreds of food truck round-ups, corporate lunches and private events.

Download their app on iOS and Android or visit thefoodtruckleague.com.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Food Truck Thursdays
Thursdays | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Gallivan Avenue, 239 Main St.

Every Thursday, head to Gallivan Avenue for a round-up of Salt Lake City’s food trucks. Check out their Facebook page each week for a list of vendors participating that Thursday with new and favorite food trucks from around the state.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Friday Night Flicks
Friday nights June 1-July 13, 2018 | Booths open at 8 p.m., movie begins around 9:15 p.m.
Various SLC parks

Enjoy free family friendly movies and food trucks at various parks throughout the summer. This year’s theme is “Family Favorites That Are Out of This World.”

For a list of movies and locations, go here.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]FOOD TRUCK FACE OFF
June 30, 2018 | 4-10 p.m.
Liberty Park, 600 E. 900 S.

Do good while having fun at Utah’s largest food truck rally for charity as over 30 local food trucks face off in the 4th annual Food Truck Face Off for Charity.

A portion of every ticket sold goes to support four local charities: Utah Community Action, Fourth Street Clinic, YWCA Utah and Volunteers of America-Utah.

Pre-order your meal tickets for $5 each or buy them at the event for $6 each. Redeem your tickets at the truck of your choice. Menu items will be priced in terms of 1-5 tickets with most meals costing between 2-4 tickets.

You can purchase tickets online here.

For more information, go here.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Utah Pride Festival and Parade
June 1-3, 2018
Parade: Sunday, June 3, 2018 | 10 a.m.
Admission: $10
Washington Square and Library Plaza

The Festival empowers the LGBTQ+ community of Salt Lake, as well as the state of Utah as a whole, to come together and celebrate. Pride Elevated 2018 is excited to offer additional celebratory events, extended festival hours, diversified food and business vendors, venue upgrades and even greater entertainment.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”] juneteenth heritage festival & holiday observance
June 4, 2018
Gallivan Center

Juneteenth celebrates Utah’s African & African American history and culture and includes live entertainment from some of the state’s finest bands and artist, spoken word, poetry, ethnic cuisine, arts and crafts, business and resource vendors, health screening and games for all ages.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]UTAH SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES
June 8-10, 2018
Utah State Fairgrounds

With three days of heart-thumping competitions and foot-tapping entertainment, the 2018 Utah Scottish Festival is not to be missed. The festival will also feature piping competitions, dancing competitions and heavy athletics.

Festival hours:

  • Friday, June 8: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Featuring A Tattoo at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 9: 9am – 10 p.m.: Featuring opening ceremonies at 12 p.m. and a concert at 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 10: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Featuring a Kirkin’ ‘O the Tartan at 11a.m. and the closing ceremonies at 4 p.m.

For more information on scheduling please visit our website at utahscots.org. This year’s entertainment will feature festival favorites Molly’s Revenge, & the Wicked Tinkers. 

Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and teens 12 – 18 years old. Children 11 and younger are free. Tickets will be good for the entire weekend. Pre-sale tickets are no longer on sale.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]UTAH FOSTER CARE CHALK ART FESTIVAL
June 15-17, 2018
The Gateway,18 North Rio Grande Street

For 15 years, Utah Foster Care has presented this free community art event that turns Rio Grande Street into a gallery of vibrant street murals.

Events include Kids Korner packed with new activities, such as “The Foster Parent is In” booth and lots of art projects for kids.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]WESTSIDE FESTIVAL
June 16, 2018 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sugar Space Arts Warehouse, 132 S 800 W Salt Lake City

Restore North Temple and the River District Chamber presents the 2018 Westside Festival. Art, food and music come together from across SLC’s west side communities and across the city. This event is free and kid friendly with activities and a bar garden for adults.

Art booths open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with local music phenomenon Changing Lanes headlining from 7-9 p.m.

Entertainment line-up and featured artists coming soon. Check here for updates.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Utah Arts Festival
June 21-24, 2018
Admission: $10-$12

Washington Square and Library Plaza

Enjoy everything that is art in Utah with music, food, artist booths, cultural performances and more.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]SALT LAKE CITY TACO FEST
August 11, 2018 | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $5
Mexican Civic Center, 155 S 600 W

The day will be filled with live entertainment, face painting, special giveaways and some of the region’s best taco-centric restaurants competing for Best Taco Awards in four different categories. All proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]PERUVIAN FESTIVAL
July 27-28, 2018
Library Square, 500 S. 300 E.

The biggest celebration among the Peruvian Community in Utah, a showcase of the best traditional Peruvian food, folklore, dances and international artists.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]SALT LAKE CITY TACO FEST
Aug. 5, 2017
155 S. 600 West

We are excited to announce that Utah’s first annual Tacofest will be held Aug. 5, 2017, at the Mexican Civic Center. There will be live music, children’s activities, and the best tacos Utah has to offer.

We will be donating a part of the proceeds to Meals on Wheels to recognize their services to the community. This event is ALL AGES and will be free to the public.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]CRAFT LAKE CITY
Aug. 10–12, 2018

Gallivan Plaza

The DIY Festival prides itself on presenting all things indigenous to the state from entertainment to craft food. [/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]GREEK FESTIVAL
Sept. 7-10, 2018
Admission: $3

Holy Trinity Cathedral Greek Orthodox Church, 279 300 W, Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake City Greek Festival is considered to be one of the finest cultural events in Utah and is the largest Greek festival of the western United States. Enjoy the food, dance and culture of Greece at the Salt Lake Greek Festival hosted by the Greek Orthodox Community of Greater Salt Lake.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]UTAH STATE FAIR
Sept. 6-16, 2018
Utah State Fair Park, 155 N 1000 West

The Utah State Fair promotes Utah and its products with events by the Utah Dairy Council, Utah Beef Council, Utah Wool Growers Association and the Utah Farm Bureau. “Utah’s Own” Food Court features locally grown and prepared foods from around the state. The Utah State Fair strives to blend the best of Utah tradition and heritage with new technology and modern ideals.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]9th and 9th Street Fair
Sept. 15, 2018| 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
900 S. 900 E.

Held at the intersection of 900 South and 900 East in Salt Lake City, the 9th and 9th Street Festival has become an annual event where everyone from the city converges to enjoy food, fun and music.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2018 | 10 p.m.
Jordan Park, 1060 S. 900 West, Salt Lake City

July 4, 2017, at 10 p.m. Salt Lake City’s annual 4th of July celebration will celebrate Independence Day in style with FIREWORKS. As always it will be a patriotic neighborhood party on Salt Lake City’s west-side. The firework display will be located near the north part of Jordan Park. Go here for more info.

*This event may be canceled this year. Check local news for updates* [/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]SALT LAKE BEES GAMES
Various dates
Smith’s Ballpark

Join the Salt Lake Bee’s in May, June and July for fireworks after the game. Click here for a list of all promotional games and to see the fireworks schedule.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”] SLC’S ANNUAL FIREWORKS SHOW
July 24, 2018 | 10 p.m.
Liberty Park/Herman Franks Park

Join us for Salt Lake City’s annual Firework Show at Herman Franks Park near Liberty Park.  Bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy the firework display that will be located in the center of Herman Franks Park.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]FAMILY FLICKS
Fridays, June 22-Aug. 10, 2018
Snowbird

Free movies every Friday on the Snowbird Center Plaza Deck at dusk (approx. 30 minutes after sunset). Lawn chairs and coolers welcome. The Birdfeeder will be open, selling popcorn, cotton candy, frozen cheesecake, root beer floats and more.

A list of movies and dates can be found here.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Monday Night Movies
Mondays, July 9-30, 2018 | Approximately 9 p.m.
Gallivan Center Plaza

Thrills…Chills…and Aliens!?! Free movies during the month of July in downtown Salt Lake at the Gallivan Center. Enjoy classic 70s disaster films as they were meant to be seen: Outdoors and under the stars. Movies start at dusk. Low back chairs, blankets, pillows and food are allowed. Gallivan Eats, the Gallivan Center’s concessions stand will be open for snacks.

Click here for dates and list of movies.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Friday Night Flicks — SALT LAKE CITY
Friday nights June 1-July 13, 2018 | Opens at 7:30 p.m.; movie begins around 9 p.m.
Various Salt Lake City parks

Family favorites that are out of this world. Free family friendly movies at different Salt Lake City parks each week will be shown on a large inflatable screen with free popcorn. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a neighborhood party under the stars.

Plus, the Food Truck League will be at each movie and food will be available to purchase on site.

For a list of movies and locations, go here.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]MOVIES IN THE PARK — MURRAY
Specific Saturdays and Fridays June 2-Aug. 3, 2018 | 9 p.m.
Various locations in Murray

Family friendly movies outdoors. Picnics are encouraged. Food options available for purchase at the onsite food trucks. Blankets and lawn chairs allowed. No dogs allowed.

For a list of movies and locations, go here.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]FAMILY NIGHT SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT AND BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES — DRAPER
Friday, June 15 and Thursday, July 12, 2018 | Pre-movie entertainment at 8 p.m.; movie begins at 9:15 p.m.
Draper Amphitheater, 944 E. Vestry Road, Draper

Giant 32-foot screen with terraced grass seating. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. Concessions are available: hot dogs, drinks, ice cream, popcorn and candy.

All summer movies and pre-movie entertainment are free. Show up early, get a good seat and listen to some great, live music.

For a list of movies and locations, go here.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]MOVIES IN THE PARK — SANDY
Fridays, June 15-Aug. 3, 2018 | At dusk (approx. 9 p.m.)
Various Sandy city parks

Come join Sandy city in filling the summer with awesome movies. All movies start at dusk. Popcorn, candy and drinks will be sold for $1. Bring family, friends, blankets and chairs.

For a list of movies and locations, go here.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]MOVIES IN THE PARK AND FOOD TRUCK FRENZY— RIVERTON
Fridays, July 13-Aug. 24, 2018 | At dusk (approx. 9 p.m.)
Riverton City Park

Food, fun and a free movie the entire family will love. With a trio of events, Home, Hand & Harvest Market, Food Truck Frenzy and the movies will prove to be a spectacular evening. Bring your blankets and join us on the event lawn at the Riverton City Park beginning at 6 p.m. when a variety of food truck vendors and market vendors will be on hand for a tasty meal and products to browse before the movie.

For a list of movies and locations, go here.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series
May-September
Admission: Varies
Red Butte Amphitheatre

Grab your picnic basket and blanket and head over to the gorgeous Red Butte Garden Amphitheater for an eclectic lineup of musical artists from Ryan Adams to The Counting Crows, The Avett Brothers to Indigo Girls.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]OGDEN TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES
Every Thursday night in June

Admission: $5-$10
Ogden Amphitheater

Come see an incredible lineup of artists from the Flaming Lips to Chromeo.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]HEART & SOUL MUSIC STROLL
June 9, 2018 | 3-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Filmore and Glenmore streets between 2700 South and Zenith Ave.

Local bands will be bringing their talents to the streets of the greater Salt Lake community, playing from neighborhood porches and yards. A free community event, enjoy an afternoon strolling from house to house, yard to yard, band to band, through the tree-lined streets of a Salt Lake neighborhood. Click here for more info.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]UTAH BLUES FESTIVAL
June 16, 2018

Admission: Varies
Gallivan Center Plaza

The festival connects people to a musical genre that has used the American experience as its voice: the Blues. Showcasing national and local Blues artists, as well as a youth showcase and workshops, the Utah Blues Festival has something for everyone. [/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Twilight Concert Series
Thursdays starting July 20, 2017 | Gates open at 5 p.m.
Admission: Varies

Gallivan Center

The 2018 series returns to The Gallivan Center. Artist line up to be announced soon. All shows will have a national act and one local act.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]SLC Jazz Festival
July 6-7, 2018
Admission: $10
Gallivan Center

The Salt Lake City Jazz Festival is the premier jazz festival in Utah. Since 2001, the festival has featured some of the best jazz and musical guests that have delighted visitors throughout the Wasatch front and beyond. [/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Gallivan Center Lunch Bunch Concerts
Weekdays May-September | 12-1 p.m.
Gallivan Center

These lunch time concerts feature some of Salt Lake’s best local musical talent.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Snowbird Cool Air Concerts
Every Saturday from June 16-Aug. 11, 2018 | 6-9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Snowbird Plaza Deck

Pack a picnic and head up to the outdoor concerts at Snowbird featuring top bands from around the nation.[/bs_well]

Note that all outdoor markets are accessible via public transportation.

[bs_well size=”sm”]Downtown Farmer’s Market
Saturdays June 9-Oct. 20, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Pioneer Park

The Downtown Farmers Market is proud to enter its 27th year as Salt Lake City’s most beloved summer tradition for residents and visitors.

The Downtown Farmers Market exists to strengthen and support small local farms and businesses as they bring their products directly to the public. Our farmers and producers offer the freshest local fruits and vegetables as well as a wide variety of grass-fed meats, eggs, dairy, honey and flora, along with the region’s best locally made sauces, spreads, baked goods and culinary accouterments. Easily accessible via TRAX.[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]Liberty Park Farmer’s Market
Fridays June-October | 4 p.m. to dusk
Liberty Park

The Farmer’s Market is held at a beautiful park in Salt Lake City on Friday evenings.  The Liberty Park Farmers Market helps support local farms and businesses by bringing fresh local produce directly to the Liberty Wells community.

The Liberty Wells Community Council is a nonprofit organization made of all volunteers that identified a need for fresh local produce in the Liberty Wells area. The Community Council wanted to create an ongoing event to bring neighbors together to help strengthen the community and support local farms and business.

The Market has been very successful, with 40-50 vendors and hundreds of patrons each week.  Additionally, the Market was approved to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT).[/bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]9th West Farmers Market
Sundays June-October | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
International Peace Gardens, 1000 S. 900 W.

Visit with local artisans, enjoy fresh prepared food, purchase some of the best produce to be found locally, and enjoy the live performances by local musicians. There are different special events throughout the season, including Book Day where you can swap books with others at the market, and Pet Day when we promote the many rescue organizations who bring out wonderful animals who are in need of good homes. We also promote the talented youth of the community to come: to learn arts and crafts, sell items that they have made themselves, or even perform musically during open mic sessions at the market.[bs_well]

[bs_well size=”sm”]URBAN FLEA MARKET 
Select Sundays May-October | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Gateway, 12 S. Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City

The Urban Flea Market is a year-round market that offers the opportunity to shop, browse and enjoy the experience of a Sunday in downtown Salt Lake City. It also provides a great community outlet for vendors to sell items that will be treasures for others.

$2 admission per person. Kids under 12 are free. Free parking in The Gateway ‘NORTH’ parking garage at 100 South 400 West. Plenty of free parking on surrounding neighborhood streets.[bs_well]