Did you know there are SO MANY free things to do in Salt Lake City in summer?
If you’re thinking about heading to Salt Lake City during the summer, I gotchu covered!
I’ve lived in Salt Lake City for the last 12 summers and am always excited for the fun, FREE, seasonal activities that the warmer nights and longer days bring.
There are TONS of free things to do in Salt Lake City year-round: checking out museums, hiking, scenic drives checking out street art and historic buildings, gardens, parks, and unique shopping centers.
But during the summer, there are even more fun activities and adventures to have.
I’ve hand-picked my TOP 6 FREE THINGS TO DO IN SALT LAKE CITY IN SUMMER! These activities and adventures are always the epitome of summer in my opinion, and always signal the start of the season for me.
Whether you’re a local to northern Utah or visiting for the first time, looking for something to do after work or a day of adventuring, there’s something for you on this list!
Free things to do in salt lake city in summer
I look forward to summer like a little kid looks forward to their birthday. It gets me excited and I love all the activities associated with the season. Let’s start this list of free things to do in Salt Lake City in summer with my favorite!
Downtown Alliance Farmers Market
Nothing screams SUMMER like a good farmers market. The Downtown Alliance hosts the summer farmers market every summer from early June through October, and is a local favorite.
Every Saturday morning like clockwork, I make my way downtown in the early hours to peruse the offerings of the day. I personally choose to arrive early and beat the crowds. The early-morning crowd tends to be made up of “serious” shoppers – customers who are there to purchase and talk to the vendors, and move quickly!
For more information, check out this article!
Location: Pioneer Park, 300 South 300 West, Salt Lake City
Mondays in the Park – Multicultural Events
Every year, the Salt Lake City Art’s Council hosts a Living Traditions Festival downtown in May. Performances, music, food, and cultural presentations highlight the multicultural mosaic that is Utah are on display. I love this festival.
Something that comes as a shock to most people visiting is how culturally diverse Utah is. And the Mondays in the Park help educate, entertain, and enlighten past the weekend festival.
This year (2022), the Mondays in the park will occur on every Monday in August and September 12th, starting at 7pm.
Enjoying concerts of traditional folk music and cultural dance are definitely one of the free things to do in Salt Lake City in summer I’m excited to experience this year! Bring your lawn chairs, friends, family, a picnic dinner and enjoy learning about a new culture through song and dance!
Location: Liberty Park (enter from 900 South or 1300 South at about 600 East in Salt Lake City), in front of the Chase Home Museum in the middle of the park.
Summer Film Series at Liberty Park
The newest adventure on this free things to do in Salt Lake City in summer list is the Summer Outdoor Film Series at Liberty Park, hosted by the Utah Film Center. I love watching movies outside, underneath the stars.
From their website: “We’re ready to take you on a journey that digs into the fertile soil of the imagination, takes your breath away with tales of the extraordinary, and explores the bonds of the human connections between us all. Whether you’re at home roaming our public lands, jamming at your local roller rink, or marching for equality, our soulful summer films will give you something to howl about!”
The films offered at this awesome outdoor series are typically award-winning films from festivals all around the world, and not something you’d find at your local cinema…which makes the experience that much more special.
Check out their website here for the schedule and links to reserve your spots!
Location: Liberty Park (enter from 900 South or 1300 South at about 600 East in Salt Lake City)
Yoga at the Capitol
Every summer, you can find hundreds of people stretched out on yoga mats on the lawn of the Utah State Capitol Building on Wednesday nights. It’s one of the most unique places to relax – a state capitol building of all places.
The best part of this summer activity is the view. If you’ve never been to the Utah State Capitol, you’re in for a treat. Perched high above the city, the Capitol building has a spectacular view of downtown Salt Lake City and the entire Salt Lake Valley. With sweeping lawns expanding the perimeter of the building, it’s a great place to bend over in front of Congress, so to speak.
Bring your yoga mat, some water, sunscreen (because, well, summer in Utah), and an open mind. Spend an hour each Wednesday meditating and doing yoga, no matter what your experience – this is for people of all skill level. And it’s a great way to meet others in the community.
Yoga nights typically run from mid-June through August. Check out their website for the exact dates and to reserve a spot!
Location: Utah State Capitol Building, 350 State Street, Salt Lake City
Excellence Concert Series at Gallivan Plaza
Excellence is a nonprofit organization in Utah dedicated to local musicians in an effort to provide better performance opportunities. Whether it’s a night of jazz, opera, or classical music, the vibe is always stellar.
Although the concert series runs longer than just the summer, those beautiful summer nights are when the concert runs outdoors under the starts and with the awesome dance floor.
Free concerts are on Wednesday nights starting at 7:30. Chairs are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own setup. If you’d rather sit on a blanket with your family, there’s plenty of room. Bring your dinner and get ready for a fun night filled with music.
PRO TIP: Parking downtown is terrible. Your best bet would be to park close to the Courthouse TRAX station and take the train 1 stop to the Gallivan Center station, both are located within the free zone, so no need to pay for a ticket. For more information, check out the UTA website here.
Location: The Gallivan Center, 239 S Main Street, Salt Lake City
City Festivals
No matter where you’re staying in Salt Lake City, you’ll be able to find a city festival during the summer. Food trucks, movies, chill spots to kick it with your friends and family – just great vibes during the summer nights.
My personal favorite city festival and something you need to add to your list of free things to do in Salt Lake City in summer is the Venture Out! series in the Millcreek neighborhood.
Not only do they show recent and critically acclaimed movies, but they partner with the local Food Truck League, promoting the support local movement.
Location: Vary by week – check city websites and Facebook groups for more information
Have you ever visited Salt Lake City? What would you add to this list of free things to do in Salt Lake City in summer?
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