Discover emerging artists and unique performances at the Utah Arts Festival

Street theater performances will be back as a key spotlight at this year's Utah Arts Festival. Photo: Utah Arts Festival

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Art and music lovers, mark your calendars for the 48th annual Utah Arts Festival in Salt Lake City from June 28 to 30. This vibrant three-day event, held at Library Square, is known for bringing together over 50,000 attendees to celebrate an array of artistic expressions, including visual arts, music, dance, and film. The festival runs each day from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This year, the festival promises to be more dynamic than ever, with an exciting lineup of activities and performances. Aimee Dunsmore, the Executive Director of the Utah Arts Festival, shared her excitement about the return of street theater performances. “It’s been many years since we’ve incorporated performances like aerialists, sway pole artists, and stilt walkers,” she said. “We are working with Voodoo Productions to integrate these talented performers into the festival.”

Music for Every Taste

The festival’s diverse music lineup caters to various tastes, featuring funk, indie-pop, house, R&B, and more. Headliners include Steely Dead and Korean artist Seo Jungmin on Friday night, Cool Cool Cool and Andy Frasco and The U.N. on Saturday night, and The Plastic Cherries with future.exboyfriend on Sunday night. A special highlight is the performance by 14-year-old drumming prodigy Yoyoka with her family band on Sunday evening.

Activities for All Ages

– Artist Marketplace: Explore the work of over 175 visual artists showcasing a range of mediums from woodworking to painting.
– Visual Art Workshops: Learn new skills at workshops like DIY Paperback Journals and Abstract Ink Painting, offered by Workshop SLC. Advance registration is recommended.
– KidsFest: Young artists can participate in make-and-take projects and installations focused on the Great Salt Lake, including folding 10,000 origami pelicans.
– 100 Artists / ONE Image: Contribute to a giant interactive puzzle mural, with painting sessions available on Friday and Saturday.

Urban Arts and More

The Urban Arts area will feature live graffiti, DJs, and guest muralist Bill Louis. Additionally, festival-goers can witness the unique Dichroic Skull and enjoy custom Fat Caps. Writers can participate in the Wasatch IronPen Literary Marathon or submit works for the Great Salt Lake Anthology.

More Than Just Music

Beyond music, the festival includes:

– WordFest: Showcasing readings from local and regional literary talents, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and spoken word.
– Street Theater: Experience mesmerizing street performances by Voodoo Productions.
– Fear No Film: Enjoy free short film screenings featuring notable works like the Oscar-nominated “Ninety Five Sense” and Sundance Grand Jury winner “The Masterpiece.”
– Dance Performances: Featuring Utah’s talented dancers across various styles, from classical ballet to hip-hop.
– Culinary Delights: Savor festive fare from culinary artisans and beverage vendors on Food Row.

Download the App

Enhance your festival experience by downloading the new Utah Arts Festival app, available for iPhone and Android. The app offers easy navigation, exclusive coupons, and a scavenger hunt for prizes.

For more information, visit the Utah Arts Festival website.