Summer 2026 Events Guide: The Best Things to Do Around Salt Lake City & Park City
If you're visiting the Wasatch Front this summer—or you're a local looking to make the most of Utah's incredible season—you'll find no shortage of festivals, concerts, sporting events, food experiences, and outdoor adventures. From nationally recognized music festivals in Park City to neighborhood celebrations tucked away in Salt Lake's suburbs, here's your month-by-month guide to the best paid events, free experiences, and hidden gems.
Best Paid Events
Deer Valley Music Festival (Park City)
One of the country's premier outdoor classical music festivals, featuring the Utah Symphony alongside artists like Lyle Lovett, Chris Botti, and Idina Menzel in the spectacular Snow Park Amphitheater. Bring a picnic, blanket, and enjoy mountain evenings under the stars.
Twilight Concert Series (Salt Lake City)
One of the nation's longest-running outdoor concert series featuring nationally touring indie, alternative, electronic, hip-hop, and folk artists in an energetic downtown atmosphere.
Bees Baseball
Nothing says summer like an evening baseball game with fireworks, family entertainment, and mountain sunsets.
Best Free Events
Holladay 4th of July Celebration
Bike parade, community breakfast, family activities, and neighborhood festivities—one of the area's most charming Independence Day traditions.
Draper Days
A week-long celebration featuring concerts, carnival rides, parades, food vendors, and fireworks.
Butlerville Days (Cottonwood Heights)
A favorite among locals with live entertainment, carnival rides, races, and one of Utah's best neighborhood celebrations.
Days of '47 Parade
Utah's signature Pioneer Day celebration fills downtown Salt Lake City with floats, marching bands, and western heritage.
AUGUST
Best Paid Events
Kimball Arts Festival (Park City)
One of the West's premier art festivals with more than 200 artists, live music, gourmet food, and Main Street transformed into an outdoor gallery.
Park City Song Summit
An intimate music festival blending nationally known artists with wellness programming, outdoor recreation, and community conversations.
Deer Valley Concert Series
Broadway, film music, pop, and orchestral performances continue throughout August.
Best Free Events
Jefferson Jams
Neighborhood concerts held in Jefferson Park featuring local musicians and family-friendly activities.
Park Silly Sunday Market
Every Sunday on historic Main Street, browse local artists, food trucks, live music, vintage finds, and handmade goods.
Midvale Harvest Days
Carnival, concerts, fireworks, parade, and community celebrations.
Hidden Gems
Albion Basin wildflowers near the end of bloom
Floating the Provo River
Outdoor yoga in Salt Lake parks.
Friday night food trucks at Millcreek Common
Outdoor movie nights in local parks
Best Family Activities All Summer
Natural History Museum rooftop evenings
Red Butte Garden outdoor concerts
Hogle Zoo after-hours events
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Olympic Park summer activities
Alpine Slide and Mountain Coaster in Park City
Snowbird Scenic Tram
Lagoon amusement park
Jordanelle Reservoir boating
Big Cottonwood Canyon picnics
Best Date Nights
Rooftop dining downtown
Deer Valley outdoor concerts with picnic baskets
Sunset chairlift rides
Main Street Park City after dark
Evening strolls through Red Butte Garden
Twilight Concert Series
Paddleboarding at sunset
Food Festivals & Markets
Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park
Wheeler Sunday Farmers Market
Park Silly Sunday Market
Local brewery patios with live music
Food truck nights throughout Salt Lake County
