Salt Lake is famous for its picturesque landscapes, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. But there's another realm to explore that’s just as thrilling. The vibrant urban scene is a life force of its own. Restaurants, concerts, festivals and out-of-the-box events make for nonstop adventures. When it comes to vibrancy, Salt Lake doesn't just talk the talk, it walks the walk like no other destination.

It seems like every week there’s a new restaurant opening in the city. From gastropubs to specialty restaurants, like Pretty Bird (by Iron Chef winner Viet Pham), there's an eatery that satisfies any craving. Many local chefs base their dishes on traditional recipes and then add their own personal flair. It's this ingenuity that has drawn the attention of the James Beard Foundation. A James Beard Award means a restaurant has achieved excellence of the highest levels in food, atmosphere and service. It's no small feat, and it's also no surprise that several Salt Lake restaurants have been nominated. Manoli's, an upscale Greek restaurant with incredible reinvented classic dishes, and Mazza, a delectable Middle Eastern cuisine restaurant serving Salt Lake for more than twenty years, are just two examples of Salt Lake's diverse offerings that earned semi-finalist status for James Beard Awards. No matter your taste, you'll find a restaurant or bar that proves to be unforgettably rewarding.

Not only can you get a taste of Salt Lake (literally), you can also hear it. The city hosts a wide variety of concerts year-round. The acts range from rock to classical music, so there's a performance for every live music lover. The Red Butte Outdoor Concert Series is undeniable proof. In 2022 it offered 31 different concerts and they'll be announcing their summer 2023 line up on April 11th, so you can sing and dance against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wasatch Range. Attendees can bring their own coolers, making it easy to sip their favorite beverages while soaking in the sounds. The Red Butte Outdoor Concert Series is the perfect way to experience music and culture in Salt Lake.

Dancers at The Utah Arts Festival
Dancers at the Utah Arts Festival

Festival season in Salt Lake truly comes alive in the spring and summer. The Sunflower Festival showcases 16 acres of sunflowers perfect for exploring and photographing. The Utah Pride Festival takes place in the first part of June, and includes a march to the capitol, a downtown festival with multiple performers, food and drinks, and the second largest parade event in Utah. The Utah Arts Festival is an annual family-friendly event at the end of June that brings artists of all stripes from around the world to showcase their creations and display their talents, with paintings, sculpture, photography, performance art, film, and more. The Utah Blues Festival is June 16-17 this year, and is the 7th of this fine collection of blues talent performing on an outdoor stage. Additionally, there are plenty of events that celebrate culture, like the Hispanic Heritage Parade and Festival, Afro Utah Festival and the 4th Annual Indian Food Fair. Festivals are the perfect way to experience the eclectic “West of Conventional” atmosphere of Salt Lake.

Salt Lake Brewery Pass

Salt Lake's vibrant urban scene becomes more exciting, dynamic and irresistible every day. The city is known for celebrating community, culture and creativity all year long. Grab a bite to eat, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to make some memories.

Get access to some of the city's most exciting attractions. Check out the Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass (2-day pass) or the Salt Lake Brewery Pass (3-day pass), to experience the best of Salt Lake.