Festivals are back! Here in Salt Lake, there's a festival for everyone - it's a great time to try not just something familiar but also something new. Check out some of the best festival happenings below.
Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival
April 8-May 7 (closed Sundays) - Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point - 3900 North Garden Drive, Lehi - Ticket prices vary
A low-key, meditative, beautiful and fragrant celebration of spring's return, the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival brings flowers in directly from Holland each year, making this truly one of the best festivals of it's kind. Admission is also available, along with a lot of other local attractions, by purchasing a Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass.
Queer Food FEASTival
May 6 - 6 pm-9 pm - 425 North 400 West - $35 in advance, $40 at the door
The Queer Food FEASTival, which is presented by the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with many local LGBTQ and ally-owned and operated food and drink businesses, is truly a taste of Queer Salt Lake. From their description, it will be an event featuring culinary creations, craft cocktails, and fabulous entertainment.
Living Traditions Festival
May 20-22 - Washington and Library Square - 200 East 400 South - Free
A festival that celebrates cultural diversity in the Salt Lake community, this free event gives two days of traditional music, dance, art, multicultural foods, and crafts. It brings together the vibrant and beautiful traditions and customs of the more than 90 cultures that call Salt Lake home.
Utah Pride Festival
June 4-5 - Washington Square - 451 S State Street - Admission varies
The western United States largest Pride celebration per capita, the Utah Pride Festival returns to Washington Square this year with plans to be the best Pride ever! Live entertainment on four stages, food trucks, drink stations, more than 300 exhibitor booths, and of course, the incredibly popular Sunday Pride Parade will welcome 60,000 attendees this year.
Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games
June 10-12 - Utah State Fair Park - 155 1000 W - Ticket prices vary
An annual event that celebrates all things Scottish, at the Utah Scottish Festival be prepared for buff athletes tossing cabers (heavy tapered poles, for the uninitiated) and other heavy objects, the playing of fifes, drums, and bagpipes, Scottish delicacies, and more.
Holi Festival of Colors
June 12, 11 am-5 pm - Krishna Temple - 965 East 3370 South - Prices beginning at $7 with pre-registration
Utah has at least three locations that observe the traditional Indian holiday of Holi, and the Salt Lake City Krishna Temple has an incredible event planned. It is color-filled, joyous, family-friendly event ushering in the beginning of spring. Billed as North America's Greatest Chant & Dance Party, it includes interactive Bollywood and Bhakti dance, live music, DJs, mantra bands, and other performances on the Namaste Stage, yoga, the Lakshmi Marketplace, and the popular color throws each hour.
Utah Arts Festival
June 23-26 - Library Square - 200 East 400 South - Prices vary
The Utah Arts Festival has been running strong since 1976, and hundreds of visual artists, performing artists, film makers, urban artists, and culinary artists turn downtown Salt Lake into a celebration of all things creative.
