Looking to feel cultured and artsy? Search no further than Utah's ski resorts in the summer. There are plenty of events, activities, concerts, and workshops to fire up your inner creative.
ALTA COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
For a wide variety of events set amid the breathtaking scenery of Alta Ski Area in summer, be sure to sign up for the emails and follow the non-profit Alta Community Enrichment (ACE) organization. There is a weekly lineup of fun and unique events that take place around Alta on a year-round basis. Summer workshops include woodcarving a wooden utensil, leathercraft, artsy avian adventures for kids, watercolor workshops, square dancing, live music, and more. Visit ACE's website to view their stacked event calendar and access registration.
ART FESTIVALS
UTAH ARTS FESTIVAL
A local institution, the Utah Arts Festival, stationed at Library Square in Downtown Salt Lake City, will span THREE days with over 200 performances on six stages and 170 local, regional, and global artists. This ticketed event will run June 28-30, 2024.
URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL
Utah's largest free arts festival, the Urban Arts Festival, is a jam-packed celebration of culture, art, music and performance. Taking place July 27-28, 2024 at the Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City, the festival will feature 90+ artists, 20 local muralists, a pop-up skate park and live music. Discovery Gateway provides a number of children's art and craft booths, so this festival is kid-friendly!
KIMBALL ARTS FESTIVAL
Park City's biggest summer event will be the 55th annual Kimball Arts Festival on Main Street. Over 180 artists travel to Park City from 28 states and 3 countries to showcase their talent and handmade crafts. Mountain Town Music will keep the atmosphere lively with musical acts on two outdoor stages. Food trucks and artisan tasting tents will accompany outdoor dining decks to make this a festival for patrons of the arts and foodies alike. Tickets are on sale now, and the festival runs August 2-4, 2024.
BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON FLEA MARKET
Brighton on a summer Sunday has been the place to be ever since the Big Cottonwood Canyon Flea Market appeared in 2017. Featuring a little bit of everything from vintage clothing and home decor to tie-die to vinyl records to jewelry and handmade goods, the BCC Flea Market is an awesome way to connect with fellow mountain lovers and support the local crafters and small businesses in our community. As one of the most approachable markets for new vendors, it's also an awesome place to discover new and emerging artists and local businesses. Grab brunch, take a hike and enjoy Brighton's gorgeous summer vibes.
CONCERTS & LIVE MUSIC
BRIAN HEAD
Set amongst the beautiful red rock of Southern Utah and the Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head will host several events this summer for concert fans. The August 3rd Festival of Flavors will feature classic rock, vendors and food and bev. For those who love to belt out tunes the Country Music Festival will debut on August 24 with a dance floor and multiple live bands. Their annual Oktoberfest celebration on September 14 will also feature live music, vendors, great food, and flowing steins of beer.
BRIGHTON
Each weekend between the hours of 12:30 and 5PM, Brighton will host the Mt. Majestic Music Series. Expect to groove out to the region's best local artists on the patio and lawn near the Alpine Rose. Concerts are free to attend on Saturdays and Sundays.
CHERRY PEAK
The Cherry Peak Summer Concert Series is a staple in Northern Utah featuring headlining bands, acts and national tour dates in the genres of country, rock, and pop. Get comfy on the huge lawn and watch the sunset while grooving to your favorite tunes. Early bird ticketing prices are available, and it's best to purchase tickets early, as many concerts do sell out. This summer Cherry Peak will be hosting the Lonely Hearts Club Band, Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four, Glenn Rawson: Pioneer Stories & Dinner and more. Click here for series schedule and ticketing.
DEER VALLEY
The Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheatre is Deer Valley's summer concert home. Here you'll find the Deer Valley Concert Series and the Deer Valley Music Festival. Reserved hillside seating and a spacious general admission area on the lawn makes for a special night in the mountains. Bring your blankets and a picnic, or sample Deer Valley's delicious cuisine onsite. Even grab a succulent Deer Valley Gourmet Picnic. Acts include the Patriotic Pops with the Utah Symphony, Ziggy Marley, The Rascals, Disney in Concert, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Gregory Allen Isakov and more. Click here for ticketing, dates, and info.
PARK CITY
Live music is always echoing around the peaks at Park City Mountain. The free Forum Fest takes place at Canyons Village on the Forum with live music, nightly concerts, drone shows, fireworks, and kid crafts (July 3-6, 2024). The free Canyons Village Summer Concert Series takes place on select Thursday nights throughout the summer at 5:30PM (Calendar here). The Concert on the Slopes Series features affordable tickets to headlining acts like Blitzen Trapper, UB40, Guster, Spoon, and more. (Dates vary, check the event calendar for details and to reserve tickets).
SNOWBASIN
The popular Blues & Brews concert series on the Snowbasin lawn will return with its stunning backdrop of the Ogden Valley, complimented by great food and locally brewed beer from over 10 breweries. The fun will drop each Sunday from 12–6PM from July 15 through August 4, 2024. Tickets are $10, and dogs and kiddos are welcome. The German-themed Oktoberfest fall festival, SnowWiesen, will run Saturdays and Sundays from 12–6PM between August 17 and October 6. Patrons can enjoy live music, craft beer, Bavarian food, a local craft market, and Snowbasin's mountain activities.
SNOWBIRD
The longest-running Oktoberfest in Utah can be found at Snowbird. A highlight is listening to the haunting sounds of the alphorns atop the resort's 11,000-foot Hidden Peak. Admission is free (there is a parking charge), and guests can groove to live music on two stages and quaff over 50 varieties of beer. The festival runs Saturdays and Sundays from August 10 through October 13 (plus Labor Day). Oktoberfest lodging specials are the way to go for beer fans who want to make the most of a festive weekend.
SOLITUDE
Solitude Mountain Resort hosts live music each Sunday on the Moonbeam Lawn or the Village Green. The concerts are free, and food and drink will be flowing from 5–7PM each week. Food will be available from Little Dollie's the Stone Haus, Honeycomb Grill, and the Thirsty Squirrel.
SUNDANCE
Sundance's summer calendar is crafted especially with music lovers in mind. Their premiere events include a collaboration with Nashville's revered Bluebird Cafe. The Bluebird Bands series features the best of Nashville's established and emerging musicians. Tickets to the July and August dates will sell out quickly! The Sounds of Summer series offers complimentary music on select Sunday evenings. Finally, the Low Key Vibes pop-up music series will feature local and emerging artists. Click here for more info about music at Sundance.
STARGAZING & MOON WORSHIP
BRIAN HEAD
Brian Head is just steps away from the Cedar Breaks National Monument, a certified Dark Sky Park. Throughout the summer months, park rangers will offer Dark Sky Tours every Friday-Sunday at the North View Overlook at 6:30PM. The evening will begin with solar viewing, an astronomy talk at 8PM, and telescope viewing from 8:30–10PM. Make a weekend of things and book lodging at Brian Head, and enjoy their numerous activities and downhill mountain bike park. Click here for the Dark Sky Tour schedule.
SNOWBIRD
Dive into a unique experience on the eve of a full or new moon at Snowbird. The Lunar Sound Bath series unfolds at the stunning Cliff Spa on the top floors of Snowbird's Cliff Hotel. Connect with the moon, set intentions and revel in the haunting beauty of crystal singing bowls and the spa's experienced instructors. Access to the spa and light refreshments are provided from 8–10PM; the cost is $75 and reservations are required.
New Moon Dates
July 5
August 4
September 2
Full Moon Dates
July 21
August 19
September 17
SOLITUDE
Solitude will host two Stargazing nights (August 3 & September 7) to gaze through several moderately large telescopes and discover the secrets of the cosmos. Meet in the Moonbeam parking lot to spy Jupiter, Saturn, and other deep-sky objects. A star talk will be provided by the director of the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex around dusk. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and binoculars.
SUNDANCE
Under the silhouette of Mount Timpanogos, night lovers can take advantage of a couple of exciting adventures. Full Moon Lift Rides are perfect for date nights or family fun. The ride spans 30-45 minutes on the Outlaw Express chairlift and rides are free for season passholders or ticketed for the general public. Be sure to bundle up, as it can be chilly at Sundance in the evening. There are also Full Moon ZipTours on Sundance's impressive zip line which features 65 mph sections and a 2,100-foot vertical drop.
Dates for both activities are:
June 21 + 22
July 23 + 24
August 20 + 21
September 19, 20 + 21
THEATRE
Since 1970, summertime at Sundance means the Summer Theatre is keeping guests entertained under the cool mountain air accompanied by starlight. In partnership with Utah Valley University, the resort hosts a family-friendly theatre production each summer amid the area's stunning natural splendor. This summer features a run of the beloved play Newsies. The outdoor theatre provides an incredible atmosphere, and patrons can enjoy a savory BBQ menu perfect for summer evenings. Click here for info, dates, and tickets.
THE ARTS AT SUNDANCE
Thanks to the dedicated work of former owner, Robert Redford, Sundance has long cultivated an appreciation for culture and arts. It's evident the moment you step on the property and there are abundant opportunities to unleash your inner artist or find a little inspiration. The Sundance Art Studio and Gallery offers a host of diverse mediums, art classes and events. Options include wheel-thrown pottery, soap-making, journal crafting, painting, printmaking, drawing and jewelry making.
The Sundance Glassblowing Studio is a place where artisans transform the resort's used and discarded glassware into art, dinner plates, pitchers, vases, glasses and more. Stop by the studio to watch this mesmerizing dance between glass, artist, fire, and water.
The Sundance Gallery rotates through artwork every four weeks to highlight the work of Utah artists. The Visiting Artist Program takes place on the first Saturday of each new exhibition where visitors can meet the artist.
