Ali Francis is an Australian writer and journalist living in Salt Lake City, where she splits her time between chasing stories and fresh snow.
From Greek pastries and wiener-dog races to book fairs and medieval combat, these are the 2026 festivals worth building a weekend around.
A Local’s 2026 Guide to Salt Lake’s Best Fall Festivals
Come for the baklava, cider, and live music; stay to explore the neighborhoods that make Salt Lake feel like Salt Lake.
Here’s something I learned very quickly after moving to Salt Lake: We love a festival. As beating summer heat gives way to cool mornings and technicolor mountains, Salt Lake neighborhoods start closing their streets to traffic and filling them instead with a little something for everyone. The fall season blesses us all with music, art, dancing, books, wiener-dog races, medieval combat, and a whole lot of baklava.
These gatherings are also some of the best ways to get to know the city. If you’re wondering where to go and what to do in Salt Lake over the next few months, we’ve got you covered. The best festivals listed here will take you from the historic porches of the Avenues to the restaurants and shops of 9th & 9th, the breweries of the Granary, and south to Sandy. Consider this your ultimate festival guide to the fall Salt Lake scene.
September
Afro Utah Festival
If your September calendar doesn’t include Afrobeats, Caribbean food, Afro-inspired fashion, and dance, the Afro Utah Festival would like a word. Organized by the GK Folks Foundation, this free celebration brings Afro-descendant communities together for food, live performances, fashion, art, workshops, and family activities. This year, it unfolds at the Salt Lake City Public Library and Library Square, right in the heart of downtown.
When: September 5, from noon; end time TBA
Where: Salt Lake City Public Library, 210 E. 400 South, downtown
Getting there: Underground library parking; Library TRAX station is steps away
Tickets: Free; advance RSVP requested
Local tip: Family-friendly and walkable; pair it with a jaunt to the library’s rooftop terrace or a wander through downtown
Utah State Fair
This is the place to eat something enormous off stick. Part agricultural showcase, part carnival, the Utah State Fair has been doing its thing for 170 years. For 11 days, the Fairpark brims with livestock competitions, rides, concerts, creative-arts exhibits (read: giant butter sculptures), and all the candy floss you can handle.
When: September 10–20; daily hours vary
Where: Utah State Fairpark, 155 N. 1000 W., about 2 miles west of downtown
Getting there: On-site parking is $15–$20 and typically packed; TRAX Green Line stops at Fairpark Station
Tickets: Ticketed; admission starts at $5, with some concerts and attractions extra
Local tip: Very family-friendly, but leave pups at home (only service animals are allowed in)
Salt Lake City Greek Festival
This was my first Salt Lake festival after I moved here from New York in 2023. And a quick trawl of the camera roll reminds me why I love it so much. Celebrating its 50th year in 2026, the Greek Festival takes over Holy Trinity Cathedral, in the heart of what was once Salt Lake’s Greek Town, with dolmathes, gyros, a daunting pastry selection, live Greek music, and multigenerational folk dancing. What’s not to love?
When: September 11–13; Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 S. 300 W., just west of downtown
Getting there: Street parking in the surrounding area; with thousands typically attending, TRAX or walking is a smart move
Tickets: $5 general admission; children under 5 free
Local tip: Family-friendly; don’t skip the cathedral and Hellenic Cultural Museum while you’re there
Grillfest
Meat, metal, and medieval combat: Grillfest knows its audience. The all-day festival takes over Midvale’s historic Main Street with eight metal bands, food vendors, professional wrestling, and armored combat courtesy of the Order of the Silver Rose. It’s all centered around The Pearl on Main, an old-school neighborhood theater with big nostalgic vibes. (Craving a second dinner? You can’t skip one of my favorite pizza joints: The Bambino.)
When: September 12, noon–10:30 p.m.
Where: The Pearl on Main, 7711 S. Main St., Midvale
Getting there: Free street parking and a nearby public lot; Main Street itself is closed to cars and walkable during the festival
Tickets: From $40; advance tickets available online
Local tip: All ages; arrive hungry and plan to wander historic Main Street between sets
This vegetable lover personally cannot wait to eat an unreasonable amount of plant-based food in one afternoon. Whether you’re vegan, vegan-ish, or simply hungry, SLC VegFest is worth a wander. Now in its 10th year, the free festival fills downtown’s Library Square with vegan restaurants and bakeries, live music, speakers, a beer garden, and kids’ activities — all organized by the Utah Animal Rights Coalition.
When: September 12, noon–8 p.m.
Where: SLC VegFest, Library Square, 210 E. 400 South, downtown
Getting there: No dedicated festival parking; use nearby street/paid parking, bike, or take TRAX straight to Library Square
Tickets: Free; no ticket required
Local tip: Family-friendly; dogs are allowed outside, though organizers warn the heat, noise, and crowds may not be fun for them
Eat Drink SLC
It has long been my dream to “hike” around the city eating my favorite foods. Well, now those meals are all going to be in one place: The Tracy Aviary. Eat Drink SLC brings locally owned restaurants, craft beverages, artisans, live music, and dance to the leafy sanctuary for two evenings of wandering and tasting. Each night has a different lineup, and half of the proceeds support local nonprofits. Tickets are currently sold out for 2026 but try your luck on the waitlist.
When: September 16–17, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Tracy Aviary, 589 E. 1300 South, inside Liberty Park
Getting there: About 2 miles from downtown; limited on-site parking, with more parking around Liberty Park.
Tickets: Sold out for 2026; join the waitlist
Local tip: Strictly 21+ with ID; make an afternoon of it with a lap around Liberty Park before dinner
Every fall, Gardner Village dons a delightfully spooky fit. For six weeks, the historic West Jordan shopping village fills its brick pathways with larger-than-life witches, pumpkins, scavenger hunts, photo ops, and Halloween activities, all centered around an 1877 flour mill. The witch displays are free to wander; go deeper and there are wagon rides, shows, a petting zoo, and more.
When: September 18–October 31; closed Sundays; hours vary
Where: Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, West Jordan; 12 miles south of downtown
Getting there: On-site parking; free in September and Mon–Wed in October, $10 Thu– Sat in October. Historic Gardner TRAX station is across the street
Tickets: Entry and witch displays are free; some activities require paid advance reservations
Local tip: Family- and dog-friendly; leashed dogs are welcome outdoors
Festa Italiana SLC
Can’t summer in Italy this year? Mid spaghetti twirl, with live Italian music playing in the background, Festa Italiana might make you forget you’re still in Utah. More than 50,000 people descended on The Gateway for last year’s event; in 2026, the free two-day celebration returns with local Italian restaurants, imported wine, beer, cooking demos, music, Italian cars, and pizza and pasta eating contests.
When: September 19, noon–10 p.m.; September 20, noon–7 p.m.
Where: The Gateway, 18 N. Rio Grande St., on downtown’s west side
Getting there: Gateway garages; first hour free and Sunday parking free. TRAX stops nearby in the Free Fare Zone
Tickets: Free; no ticket required
Local tip: Family-friendly; pair it with Clark Planetarium or Discovery Gateway
Here is your chance to see why this little stretch of Salt Lake is so universally beloved. For its 33rd year, the walkable district just northeast of Liberty Park reroutes traffic and packs the street with local artists, food vendors, music, kids making art, and the beloved bike rodeo. Neighborhood shops and restaurants get involved too, making it dangerously easy to leave with a snack in one hand and a shopping bag in the other.
When: September 19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: 900 East & 900 South, about 2 miles from downtown
Getting there: No festival parking; walk, bike (there’s a GREENbike station nearby), scooter, or use neighborhood street parking
Tickets: Free; no ticket required
Local tip: Kid- and dog-friendly; stick around to browse the neighborhood shops or grab a bite
Backyard Film Bash
Movie buffs, mark your calendars. New for 2026, local youth-media nonprofit Spy Hop is turning the old Smith’s Ballpark into a giant theater. Twelve short films from emerging directors around the country, all riffing in some way on the theme “salt,” will compete for prizes. Expect live music, art showcases, local vendors, and food.
When: September 19, 3–10 p.m.
Where: Smith’s Ballpark, 77 W. 1300 South, in the Ballpark neighborhood
Getting there: About 2 miles south of downtown; Ballpark TRAX station is right beside the stadium
Tickets: Free
Local tip: Make a neighborhood day of it: Central 9th’s restaurants, bars, and shops are a short drive northeast
Maven Block Party
I used to work from Maven’s coworking space (and was regularly humbled at the nearby sister Pilates studio), so I’ve seen firsthand how much love goes into this annual bash. Now in its eighth year, the Block Party spills onto 900 South with food trucks, youth-entrepreneur booths, activities, and wiener-dog races (you did read that right). It’s a fitting snapshot of the Maven District itself: a buzzy little envelope of shops, restaurants, wellness studios, and women-owned businesses just south of downtown.
When: September 26, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Maven District, around 900 South & 200 East
Getting there: About 1 mile south of downtown; street closures center on 900 South and 200 East
Named for the fruit trees planted here by the neighborhood’s early residents, Marmalade is one of Salt Lake’s quaintest neighborhoods. And Jam Fest is a very good excuse to explore it. Now in its 12th year, the all-ages block party goes down beside the Marmalade Library with live music, local artists and makers, food, kids’ activities, and more. Fuel up with a coffee or end your day with a cocktail at the buzzy new Mono Tape Club, a Japanese-inspired listening bar.
When: September 26, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: 300 W. 500 North, beside Marmalade Branch
Getting there: Just north of downtown; free parking on surrounding streets.
Tickets: Free
Local tip: Family-friendly; pop into the library for its terrace and Capitol views while you’re here
Utah Beer Hop
After 15 years as the Utah Beer Festival, this hoppy local celebration is dispersing. The event spreads nine mini festivals across different brewery neighborhoods for over a month. Each stop has its own theme and lineup: expect games and competitions at Proper Brewing in the Granary, a retro ski-themed party across three downtown breweries, live music at Second Summit Cider in Millcreek, and a final November stop in Sugar House.
When: Sept. 26–Nov. 14; dates and hours vary by neighborhood
Where: Granary, downtown, Millcreek, South Salt Lake, and Sugar House
Getting there: Parking varies; organizers recommend transit, rideshare, or a designated driver
Salt Lake’s calendar gets a little boppier this year. Touring electronic-music festival Breakaway makes its Utah debut at America First Field in Sandy with two nights of dancing and a stacked lineup: John Summit, Tiësto, Chris Lake, Kaskade, Gorgon City, and more. Expect the typical festival frivolities, food and drink, and a silent disco for some “downtime."
When: October 2–3, 4 p.m.–midnight
Where: America First Field, 9256 S. State St., Sandy
Getting there: About 15 miles south of downtown; festival parking and rideshare details are still TBA. TRAX stations are within walking distance
Tickets: 18+; two-day GA starts at $169
Local tip: Leave the pup at home (service animals excepted); the festival is cashless and there’s no same-day re-entry
I must admit my editorial bias: this one happens in my neighborhood. Now in its 49th year, the Avenues Street Fair takes over six blocks of First Avenue, swapping traffic for hundreds of artists and makers, food stalls, live music, kids’ activities, and community groups. It’s also a great introduction to the leafy, historic neighborhood that trellises up the foothills just northeast of downtown, with top-tier porch-ogling opportunities along the way.
When: October 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: First Avenue, between I and O Streets, in the Avenues
Getting there: About 1.5 miles north of downtown; street parking is limited, so walk, bike (free valet!), or take public transit
Tickets: Free; no ticket required
Local tip: Family-friendly; wander the surrounding streets for historic homes and excellent valley views
Salt Lake was light on cideries until the immersive fantasy tavern, Thieves Guild, opened up in Central 9th in late 2024. Apples & Daggers amplifies the venue’s nerdy vibes (complimentary) with a 21+ Ren Faire style event. Come dressed as a rogue, mage, or knight to revel in some armored combat, live music, quests, artisan vendors, and plenty of mead.
When: October 10; noon–8 p.m.
Where: Thieves Guild Cidery, 117 W. 900 South, Central 9th
Getting there: About 1.5 miles south of downtown; parking is extremely limited, so take transit or rideshare
A recent line-dancing convert (go to the Westerner for a lesson!), my cowboy boots are at the ready for this one. REDWEST returns to the Utah State Fairpark for two days of country music against a pretty unforgettable mountain backdrop. More than 20 acts play across two stages, with Ella Langley, Shaboozey, and Koe Wetzel on Friday, followed by Sam Barber and Tucker Wetmore on Saturday. Between sets, nosh, hydrate, and peruse the local vendors.
When: October 16–17; performance times TBA
Where: Utah State Fairpark, 155 N. 1000 W., about 2 miles west of downtown
Getting there: Paid on-site parking is available from $60 for two days; Fairpark TRAX station is right outside
Tickets: Two-day GA from $244; kids 6 and under free with a ticketed adult
Local tip: Take TRAX to save yourself the festival-parking scrum
As someone who is rarely more than arm’s reach from a book, this is the fall newcomer I’m personally most excited about. Salt Lake’s inaugural citywide book festival takes over The Gateway with author conversations, panels, signings, storytimes, and a market full of books and art. The lineup is still growing, but already includes Jodi Picoult, Nghi Vo, Samantha Allen, and a host of local and national writers. Basically, clear the TBR pile accordingly.
When: October 17, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: The Gateway, 400 W. 200 South, downtown
Getting there: Gateway garages have one hour free; TRAX stops at Arena and Planetarium in the Free Fare Zone
Tickets: General festival and market are free; select talks and events require tickets
Local tip: Family-friendly, with a dedicated kids’ stage and storytimes; arrive with room in your tote bag
My husband took me on a date to the Great Saltair last year, and honestly, the place encapsulates so much of what I find weird and wonderful about Salt Lake: a century-old Moorish-style pavilion sitting somewhat surreally on the edge of the Great Salt Lake. Come Halloween, things become stranger still. Get Freaky fills the historic venue with costumes, electronic music, and enormous, spooky stage productions for one of Utah’s biggest raves.
When: From October 23; full 2026 schedule TBA (sign up here for early access)
Where: The Great Saltair, about 16 miles west of downtown
Getting there: Paid on-site parking or rideshare; there’s no nearby public transit, so plan ahead
Tickets: 18+; 2026 ticket details TBA
Local tip: Costumes very much encouraged; check V2’s festival-specific allowed-items rules before you go
Calling all crafters, aesthetes, and modern homesteaders. Pinners is basically a gigantic IRL mood board: more than 200 businesses to shop alongside 100+ classes where you can learn everything from sourdough and cake decorating to watercolor, calligraphy, sewing, and home DIY. Browse the market or build yourself a full day of classes — just don't blame me when you emerge with six new hobbies.
When: November 5–7; hours vary by day
Where: Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy
Getting there: About 15 miles south of downtown; ample on-site parking and Sandy Expo TRAX station is across the street
Tickets: General admission from $12; class passes from $22; kids 8 and under free
Local tip: Classes can fill up, so book your must-dos ahead
Got a kid who likes to build, code, experiment, or ask “but why?” approximately 400 times a day? Utah’s largest hands-on STEM festival brings more than 60 science and technology companies together for two days of interactive exhibits, experiments, demonstrations, and glimpses into some very cool future careers. Daytime programming is geared toward school groups, but Tuesday evening opens up for a free Family Night for all.
When: Family Night, November 10, 4–8 p.m.
Where: Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy
Getting there: About 15 miles south of downtown; ample on-site parking and Sandy Expo TRAX station is across the street
Tickets: Family Night is free; no registration required
Local tip: Best for families with curious kids; daytime field trips Nov. 10–11 are for registered school groups
The Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake’s two-day market celebrates Indigenous creativity with traditional and contemporary jewelry, pottery, paintings, and other handmade work from Native artists. Part of the Center’s broader Rebalancing Culture programming, it’s the place to find a one-of-a-kind gift — and an easy way to support Indigenous artists here in Salt Lake.
When: November 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; November 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake – Community Center, 120 W. 1300 South, in Ballpark
Getting there: About 2 miles south of downtown; neighborhood parking available
Tickets: Free
Local tip: Family-friendly; come ready to shop
While the mountains may get most of the glory around here, fall is a particularly good time to get to know Salt Lake at street level. Pick a festival, leave some room in your stomach (and tote bag), and spend a little time wandering a new neighborhood. Whether you’re local or passing through, you’ll certainly leave knowing the city a little better than you did before.
