Planning your upcoming Salt Lake vacation and looking for some unique things to do? Well if you’re visiting from May 17-19, 2024, you’re in for a treat with the Living Traditions Festival. This one-of-a-kind long-running festival takes place annually in May and is full of diverse artistic traditions, both historical and contemporary. It includes performing artists, culinary artists, food demos and tastings, film screenings, and more. There are also workshops and panel discussions to facilitate thoughtful conversations across various cultures and the similarities of the human experience. The festival is a great way to get out and do something fun, enriching, tasty, entertaining, and truly out of the ordinary.
Living Traditions Festival
What is the Festival?
The Living Traditions Festival is approaching its 38th year and is a beloved annual event by Salt Lake locals—many view it as the kickoff to summer. Originally the festival was the brainchild of Carol Edison, Craig Miller, and Casey Jarman who partnered with the Salt Lake City Arts Council to bring this spectacular festival to life and has now been a Salt Lake staple for decades. Salt Lake truly views art as a public service, just like our parks, water, etc. Art is fundamental to the fabric of our community and what it means to be a Salt Laker. This festival is special in showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Salt Lake, with such a wide array of backgrounds and cultures right in our own backyard. It reminds us all that we are more alike than we are different and builds connections amongst local communities.
Enjoy Experiences from Around the World Here in Salt Lake
This vibrant festival will take you all over the world. It is an experience unlike any other that will fully engage all five senses. Your nostrils will be met with exotic spices, your eyes with colorful fabrics, your ears with lively music, your fingertips with handmade art, and your tastebuds left feeling satiated and alive. You’ll learn about customs and traditions from across the globe and have an amazing time doing so. Even better, the festival is completely free to the event attendee. You’ll get to hear stories of over 90 different cultures and why they chose to make Salt Lake home.
Put It on Your Calendar Today
So what are you waiting for? Come check out this eclectic festival and see what Salt Lake is all about—a city where tradition is celebrated and open minds are embraced, where kind open-hearted people welcome differences and new perspectives.
COST: FREE
LOCATION: Washington Square at the Salt Lake City & County Building (450 S. 200 E.)
2024 DATES: Friday, May 17th - Sunday, May 19th
Living Traditions Events All Summer Long with Mondays in the Park
Another exciting extension of the Living Traditions Festival is called Mondays in the Park, which are free performances on select Mondays throughout the summer. These performances take place at Liberty Park featuring entertainment from various multicultural communities in Utah, including concerts, cultural dance, and more. Mondays in the Park begin at 7 pm in front of the Chase Home Museum in the middle of the park (enter from 900 South or 1300 South at about 600 East in Salt Lake). It is an event for all ages, where you can bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. For dates and the full lineup, visit the Salt Lake City Arts Council website here: Mondays in the Park.