Salt Lake City Events and Festivals

(Salt Lake City, Utah - UT, USA)

Most of Salt Lake City's major festivals and events take place in the summer months of June, July and August, while the approach of Christmas sees an early start to the winter celebrations and festivities. With some unique events that can only be witnessed in Salt Lake City, such as performances by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and basketball games featuring the Utah Jazz, the city's calendar of events is varied and exhilarating. There are always plenty of things to do in Salt Lake City.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Salt Lake City Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• First Night on New Year's Eve - held around Salt Lake City's downtown area, this New Year's celebration includes everything from fireworks and children's activities to musical and dance performances
• Sundance Film Festival - this 10-day event held at City Park was founded by actor Robert Redford in 1981 and continues to attract hopeful newcomers to the movie industry and their fans

February

• IFMA Freestyle Motocross - this annual motorcycle jumping event at the Delta Center stadium attracts thousands who come to watch daredevils and stuntmen perform tricks and terrifying jumps

March

• St. Patrick's Day Parade - sponsored by the Hibernian Society of Utah, this event promises fun for the whole family and some warm celebrations after the parade

April

• Mormon Tabernacle Choir Easter Concerts - the world famous choir performs Leroy Jasper Robertson's Book of Mormon Oratorio at the Conference Center as part of the Easter celebrations

May

• LocoMotion International Film Festival - late May, come and choose from over thirty screenings of various genre of films by newcomers from around the world who try their luck in this film making and screenplay writing competition

June

• Utah Arts Festival - mid-June, celebrated in different locations around the city each year, the festival celebrates a different section of the city annually. With a focus on contemporary art, the event includes artwork competitions, live music and other visual performances
• An Evening in the Garden Gala - mid-June, an elegant evening of fine dining and sophisticated entertainment in the naturally beautiful surroundings of Red Butte Garden
• Swiss Singing and Yodeling Festival - over 1,000 American professional yodelers gather together to put on an outstanding performance for curious spectators
• Concerts in the Park - June, July and August, this series of summer concerts held every Tuesday and Friday evening throughout the summer take place at Salt Lake City's Temple Square, providing visitors with the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy a variety of musical styles

July

• SLC International Jazz Festival - held at Symphony Hall, this free festival features jazz music from around the world as well as regional favorites
• Days of '47 - late July, otherwise known as Pioneer Day, this event commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in Utah in 1847. The lively parade along with a rodeo and other festivities makes it a fantastic family occasion

August

• Annual Belly Dance Festival - late August, held at Salt Lake City's Liberty Park, this unique festival is the largest of its kind in the US. Come and enjoy over 500 dancers performing as well as live music, costumes and drums
• Two of a Kind Concert - early August, this family concert held at Hogle Zoo features the popular husband-wife duo, Two of Kind, with an emphasis on audience interaction

September

• Greek Festival - held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, this is the largest ethnic festival in Utah, featuring Greek music, food and much more
• Utah State Fair - mid-September, with a focus on the agricultural heritage of Salt Lake City, this annual week long fair includes rodeos, livestock shows and carnival rides that will please the kids

October

• Kirkin' O' Th' Tartan Scottish Festival - held at the First Presbyterian Church on South Temple Street, this vibrant Scottish celebration includes bagpipe bands, food, dancing and more

Salt Lake City and Festivals in November - Salt Lake City, Utah UT, USA

• Feast with the Beasts - at Hogle Zoo you can join in the Thanksgiving celebrations by watching the animals receive and enjoy their special thanksgiving feasts
• NBA: Utah Jazz - early November to late April, the basketball season begins with games being held at Salt Lake City's Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz

December

• Festival of Trees - early December, held at Salt Lake City's South Towne Exposition Center, this event celebrates Christmas and the festive spirit in all its forms, including gingerbread castles, holiday crafts, Santa's grotto and over 600 decorated trees
• Winter Solstice Festival - mid-December, an interesting combination of storytellers, musical and dance performances, and pleasant walks among some of Salt Lake City's most beautifully kept flora and fauna at Red Butte Gardens