Festivals And Events
Must-Attend Festivals & Events in Salt Lake City — By Design Stays Picks
When you stay with By Design Stays, you’re just moments away from some of the most exciting festivals, concerts, and cultural events in Salt Lake City. From indie music fests to cultural celebrations, here’s a curated list of attractions worth timing your trip around.
1. Kilby Block Party
An annual indie music festival celebrating Salt Lake City’s local music scene.
What to expect:
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Multi-day festival (usually mid-May) featuring indie rock, alternative acts, and emerging artists.
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Art installations, food vendors, and immersive music environments.
Why guests love it: High energy, fresh talent, and a real “local music scene” vibe just a short ride from central Salt Lake.
2. FanX (Salt Lake Comic / Pop Convention)
A major pop culture expo drawing fans from across the region.
What to expect:
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Panels with comic, film, and TV stars, exhibitors, cosplay contests.
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Multiple-day event with a wide audience and strong local/international draw.
Why guests love it: Fun, interactive, and perfect for families or pop culture fans staying in the city.
3. Utah State Fair
A long-standing state fair with a mix of entertainment, food, and culture.
What to expect:
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Runs ~11 days starting right after Labor Day.
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Grandstand concerts, rodeo, agricultural displays, carnival rides, exhibits.
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Held at the Fairpark in Salt Lake City.
Why guests love it: A broad appeal event — good for families, locals, and travelers seeking “fair” atmosphere and evening entertainment.
4. Utah Pride Festival
One of the largest Pride celebrations in the state.
What to expect:
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Parade through downtown Salt Lake City in June.
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Music, booths, community events, march, and related festivities.
Why guests love it: Vibrant, inclusive, and with street-level energy — a way to experience the city’s diversity and community spirit.
5. Days of ’47 Parade & Celebrations
A historic parade and community celebration tied to Pioneer Day (July 24).
What to expect:
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Colorful parade reenacting the arrival of Mormon pioneers.
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Floats, marching groups, Native American pre-parade elements, live performances.
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Ends with fair activities at Liberty Park.
Why guests love it: A deeply local tradition with pageantry, cultural significance, and free public access.
6. Seasonal & Cultural Festivals
Beyond the big names, Salt Lake hosts many arts, heritage, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Examples & highlights:
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Utah Arts Festival — art, music, dance, food (often late June)
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Fall festivals & Halloween events — harvest fairs, pumpkin patches, Monster Block Party in October.
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Film festivals & markets — e.g. Indigenous Art Market, film screenings, cultural markets.
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Downtown / Blocks arts events — concert nights, weekend street fairs, pop-up art events.
Why guests love it: These smaller, recurring events let travelers plug in local flavor any time of year.
How to Experience Festivals During Your Stay
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Check the calendar before booking — time your stay around major events like Kilby Block Party, State Fair, or Pride.
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Book early — accommodations, festival tickets, and transport get expensive during big event weekends.
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Ask your host — By Design Stays hosts can guide you to parking, transit, and lesser-known event entrances.
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Mix with local life — pair a festival day with walking tours, cafés, and neighborhood discovery.