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Avrey Evans

Avrey Evans is the Digital and the Nightlife Editor of Salt Lake Magazine. She has been writing for city publications for six years and enjoys covering the faces and places of our salty city, especially when a boozy libation is concerned.

Jul 15
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Utah’s Newest Wellness Destination Offers Over 50 Geothermal Pools

By Lifestyle

The country’s largest hot springs operator, WorldSprings, opened their newest location in La Verkin, Utah on Tuesday, July 16th. Hopping on the latest wellness trend, contrast therapy, Zion Canyon Hot Springs comprises 50 geothermal pools—including cold plunges and freshwater family pools. The destination also showcases specially formulated mineral waters, sourced from both local springs and crafted to emulate the therapeutic properties of renowned international waters like the Dead Sea, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, and Japan’s Hokkaido Hot Springs.

While hydrotherapy is experiencing a resurgence in Western wellness circles, the practice of soaking in mineral baths—known as balneotherapy—has deep roots in cultures around the world. Water has long been used for cleansing, spiritual purification, and therapeutic healing. The Ancient Egyptians developed elaborate bathhouses featuring steam rooms and soaking pools, and used water in religious ceremonies to connect with the spirit world. The Ancient Romans built grand thermae, where bathing in mineral-rich waters became central to hygiene and healing rituals. Japan’s onsen culture is deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs and the country’s unique geothermal landscape. Onsen bathing was popular among nobility, monks and even samurai warriors, before the therapeutic practice spread to the common people. And here, in the U.S., indigenous Native American communities regarded hot springs as sacred places for physical and spiritual rejuvenation—long before founding father George Washington established a public mineral water spa in what is now called Bath County in West Virginia. 

Photo courtesy of Zion Canyon Hot Springs.

All that’s to say—humans have always had an intrinsic connection to water, it is our life source after all. Now, Zion Canyon Hot Springs offers a modern approach to balneotherapy in a stunning redrock setting. Just minutes from Zion National Park, the wellness retreat comprises two freshwater pools, natural spring pools and worldspring inspired pools (there are even pools marked 21+ for the ultimate promise of respite). Partnering with the Utah Water Conservancy District, the mineral pools utilize water from the legendary La Verkin Sulphur Springs (Pah Tempe)—a source used for centuries by the Ute tribe, and later discovered by Mormon settlers.

Zion Canyon Hot Springs also integrates WorldSprings’ signature mineral pool formulas  designed to mimic some of the world’s most iconic waters. Their Dead Sea pool, for example, offers a high salt and mineral concentration that has been known to provide psoriasis and eczema relief, not to mention hydration and exfoliation. The property’s Blue Lagoon pools emulate Iceland’s iconic azure waters and utilize geothermal seawater to promote relaxation and improved skin conditions. 

The addition of Zion Canyon Hot Springs to Utah’s wellness culture marks a new dawn for balneotherapy in our community. Visit their website for more information on pricing and amenities. 


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Jul 10
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Giddy Up—Rodeo Roundup in Utah

By Community

Saddle up, Utah—rodeo season is officially here! From high-speed barrel racing to heart-pounding bronc riding, local cowboys and cowgirls are showcasing serious skill in the arena. Whether you’re headed out for a night of classic fair food and family fun or dressing the part in honor of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour (Her closest show is in Las Vegas on July 25 and 26), these rodeos promise an unforgettable show.

What: Draper Days Rodeo
Where:Andy Ballard Arena & Equestrian Center, Draper
When: July 11-12
Draper’s much-attended rodeo is sold out this year, and ticketholders can expect an action-packed weekend of classic rodeo events. Make sure to snap a pic with the 2025 rodeo royalty, and visit the wild cow milking competition (huh?) in which teams of three attempt to catch and milk a wild cow. 

What: Ogden Showdown 
Where: Golden Spike Outdoor Stadium, Ogden
When: July 12 
Adrenaline seeking cowboys will go head to head with bucking bulls, the winners may go on to the World Finals in Las Vegas. Enjoy food, drinks, local vendors, live music and a mechanical bull along with the main event. 

What: Draper Days Horse Pull & Activities 
Where: Ballard Arena, Draper
When: July 14 
Horse Pulling originated in Amish communities, whose draft horses are used for everything from farm work to transportation. Prone to the same competitive whims of outsiders, Amish farmers began challenging their neighbors to see which of their horses could pull the most weight in the 1860s. In today’s arenas, equine athletes are trained specifically for strength and teamwork, competing to pull the most weight for the required distance. The event will also feature kids activities like a petting zoo, climbing wall and free cowboy hats. 

What: Bluffdale OWD Rodeo 
Where: Bluffdale Rodeo Arena
When: July 17-19
Take in the sights at Bluffdale’s recently updated arena for an action-packed weekend of barrel racing, horse shows, dancing and fireworks. 

What: Spanish Fork Fiesta Days 
Where: Spanish Fork Fairgrounds
When: July 18-24
A mid-July celebration with parades, live entertainment, craft fairs, firework shows and a PRCA Rodeo. The rodeo takes place on the 19, 21-24. 

What: Miss Rodeo Utah 
Where: Various Venues in Ogden
When: July 19-24
Miss Rodeo is a pageant for young women to promote the sport of rodeo and the values aligned with it. Contestants will participate in horsemanship competitions, speeches, fashion shows and more until a winner is crowned on Thursday, July 24. 

What: Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo 
Where: Ogden Pioneer Stadium
When: July 29-24
Utah’s largest rodeo event, the Ogden Pioneer Days rodeo is also recognized as one of the top PRCA rodeos in the country. Join 50,000 fans for a weekend of electrifying events like saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling and mutton busting. 

What: Days of ‘47 Rodeo
Where: Days of 47 Arena
When: July 22-26
A destination rodeo with over 10,000 stadium seats, the Days of ‘47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest standing traditions. Featured rodeo events include team roping, bareback riding, women’s breakaway roping, barrel racing and more. Stop by the frontier fun zone between events for cultural displays of life as a Pioneer, and as a Lakota tribe member. 

What: Marysvale Town Biggest Little Rodeo in the World 
Where: Marysvale, Utah
When: July 23-24
A family-friendly Pioneer day celebration with a parade, sack races, fish roundups and rodeo events. 

What: Panguitch Invitational 
Where: Triple C Arena, Panguitch
When: July 24-27
An invitational rodeo showcase for young cowgirls and boys. 

What: Alpine Rodeo 
Where: Alpine Rodeo Grounds
When: Aug 7-9
Part of the 2025 Alpine Days programming, the Alpine rodeo includes eight classic rodeo events. The event is sold out to non-residents, Alpine residents may still acquire tickets through City Hall. 

What: Peach Days Rodeo 
Where: American Legion Equestrian Park, Hurricane
When: Aug 29-30
Two action-filled days of classic rodeo events, and family-friendly activities like mini bull riding, mutton busting and a professional rodeo clown. Visit the nearby Brigham City for their annual Peach Days celebration, a street festival bustling with vendor and food booths, contests, parades and more. 

What: Bryce Canyon Rodeo 
Where: Ruby’s Inn Rodeo Grounds, Bryce Canyon
When: May 28-Aug. 23
Held four times a week, the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo pays homage to the area’s wild west past. The largest rodeos of the year are the Jackpot rodeos, where contestants compete for cash prizes. Jackpot rodeo dates: 7/24, 8/09, 08/23. 

What: Utah’s Own PRCA Rodeo
Where: Utah State Fairgrounds 
When: Sept. 5, 6 and 8
Cheer on top cowgirls and boys as they face off against bucking broncos and fierce bulls. The event coincides with the annual Utah State Fair, so make sure to fill up on funnel cakes and corn dogs before you hit the stadium. 

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Jul 08
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Alpine Distilling Whiskey

Alpine Distilling’s Triple Oak Whiskey Awarded 98 Platinum in Global Competition

By After Dark

Just about every spirit company claims to have the “Best.” “Best Triple Distilled Vodka,” “Best Single Barrel Bourbon,” how about “Best Tequila That Definitely Won’t Give You a Hangover, We Promise.” But how many of those brands can back up their claim with a panel of impartial industry experts who have tasted and rated their products on a rigid rubric? One such spirit vanguard that can proudly proclaim its “Bestness” with conviction is Alpine Distilling, whose Triple Oak Whiskey recently received a stellar 98 Platinum rating in the Enthusiast Reports International Spirit Competition. 

“In my 15-year career in the spirits industry, we’ve only had three other instances of a 98 rating that came in from our panelists,” says Enthusiast Report CEO and publisher Lincoln Salazar. The rating is derived from a group of expert panelists with a combined over 100 years of industry experience. And they take their judging roles extremely seriously. During the blind tasting, judges appraise thousands of spirits submitted from across the globe. To ensure an unbiased rating, judges are restricted from eating or drinking hours prior, and roaming proctors ensure they keep from conferring with each other. It’s like an SAT, but with booze.  

Alpine Distilling Whiskey

Triple Oak is available through special order on the DABS website. abs.utah.gov. $179.99 . Photo courtesy of Alpine Distilling | Jess Gruneisen.

Alpine is no stranger to international accolades. Master Distiller Sara Sergent was recently inducted into the London Gin Guild as “Warden Rectifier”—only the second woman in U.S. history to do so. Their Elevated Gin was named “Gin of the Year” in 2021 and continues to shine in local and national competitions. While Alpine’s botanical brilliance is derived from Sara, founder and husband Rob Sergent leans into his roots—Kentucky roots to be exact. The Bluegrass State native comes from generations of distillers and has honed his process to perfect award-winning whiskey in Utah, a locale known for its elevational challenges and stringent spirit laws. 

Alpine’s Triple Oak is a feat of distilling ingenuity, starting with locally sourced mountain water fed from a subterranean aquifer and grain imported from Rob’s home state. Each production stage is tedious and hyper-monitored, from the open-fermentation stage to secondary aging in double-toasted oak barrels. The latter process, artisanal aging in hand-crafted barrels, is in itself a signal to Alpine’s pursuit of perfection. The distiller tapped Chris Hansen to craft barrels with wood that could counteract Utah’s low humidity with faster lignin extraction, allowing hemicellulose to release from the oak and dissolve into the spirit. For all you non-master distillers: these are the yummy sugars that create caramel, toffee, and honey-like notes in your bourbon. The additional year spent aging in hand-crafted barrels of quarter-sawn American Oak with hand-split French Oak heads results in a sophisticated flavor profile. 

All of that painstaking labor pays off in a whiskey that is rich and creamy on the palate, with a luxurious finish of roasted nuts and molasses. It’s a delightfully smooth sipper, and we can attest, Triple Oak is truly greatness in a glass.  


See more stories like this and all of our Food and Drink coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best life in Utah?

Jul 03
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Layoffs, Landgrabs and the Fight for National Parks in Utah

By City Watch

Your summer trips to the Mighty Five may look a bit different this year, as the National Park Services face staffing shortages, protection rollbacks and structural upheavals within the Department of the Interior. As NPS leadership braces for the surge of high season, employee morale—and the future of public land preservation—sink deeper into uncertainty.

National Parks in Utah

The loss of expert personnel is not just a detriment to visitors, but to the ecosystems these parks exist to protect. Photo courtesy of NPS.gov

In February, the White House Department of Government Efficiency laid off nearly 1,000 NPS employees as part of a larger plan to reduce the federal workforce. Those targeted by the layoffs included probationary employees, but also a range of specialized positions, including emergency rescue, park guides, exhibit specialists, biologists and more. To further strain the already-thinned ranks, nearly 5,000 offers to seasonal employees—vital to maintaining park access and safety during the busy summer months—were
also rescinded. 

Among those hit hardest by layoffs were Florida’s Everglades National Park, New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Closer to home, Utah’s own Zion National Park lost 13 employees, according to the Executive Director of the Association of National Park Rangers, Bill Wade. The impact was immediate. Visitors and staff alike encountered trail closures, reduced visitor center hours and long entrance lines—cars entering Zion stacked more than a half mile into Springdale over the last Presidents Day weekend.

National Parks in Utah

The crown jewel of Utah’s Mighty Five, Zion National Park sees a surge of visitors during the summer. Last year the park reported 4.9 million visitors and was the second-most visited National Park in the country. Photo credit Unsplash

The long-term consequences of NPS instability include much more than just visitor inconveniences. Stretched-thin rescue services make national parks inherently more dangerous, forcing some park managers to close high-risk trails altogether. At Arches National Park, the beloved Fiery Furnace hiking area was closed indefinitely on March 27 due to a shortage of available rescue personnel. Arches spokesperson Karen Hanker says the closure was a direct response to a the cuts. “Should something happen to someone in the Fiery Furnace, we would need to provide support,” Hanker said in a statement to the Moab Times-Independent. “Rescues are incredibly staff-intensive anywhere in the park, let alone a place as geologically complex as the Fiery Furnace.” 

The loss of expert personnel is not just a detriment to visitors, but to the ecosystems these parks exist to protect. Land stewards engage in ecological monitoring, long-term wildlife health, water quality, night-sky preservation and more—all of which are at risk with the drastic structural changes occurring under the current administration. “Land managers do incredibly important work,” said Outdoor Alliance VP for Policy and Government Relations Louis Geltman. “They are at the front line for stewarding the resources we all care so much about, and the loss of these workers will have real, tangible impacts on our public lands.” Predicting the full extent of the fallout remains difficult, as new directives continue to emerge almost daily from the Supreme Court and the Department of the Interior.

National Parks in Utah

Protestors gather at Zion National Park to advocate for public lands. Photo credit Nature Needs Us | natureneeds.us.

Efforts to reverse the damage have met resistance. In late March, two U.S. District Court judges ruled to reinstate the 16,000 laid-off employees across the federal government, including those within the NPS. The whiplash continued when the Supreme Court placed a hold on the order on April 8, creating a hiring freeze and further confusion. Just a week later, on April 17, Interior Secretary Doug Burghum signed a sweeping order transferring staffing and structural authority for the Department of the Interior to Tyler Hassen, former oil executive at Basin Energy. The appointed official is now acting chief for policy, management and budget across the National Park Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Bureau of Land Management and other Interior bureaus. The secretarial order has raised alarm bells for conservation groups and environmental advocates, who view it as a significant step toward a full DOGE-led reorganization of the DOI.  “This order shows what it looks like when leaders abdicate their jobs and let unqualified outsiders fire thousands of civil servants who are working on behalf of all Americans and their public lands,” said Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala in a statement. 

Amid sweeping layoffs and shifting leadership, the National Park Service stands at a crossroads—undermined by uncertainty, stretched thin by politics, and struggling to protect the lands it was built to serve.  

More Policy Endangering Public Lands 

In the first weeks of his presidency, Trump declared a National Energy Emergency, citing an insufficient energy supply, grid instability, and notably, the need to tap into “unrealized energy resources” across the country. The executive order has serious consequences for public lands, whose protections are in danger of being rolled back to open up for extraction projects. In late April, the Interior Department announced that it would begin fast-tracking permits for fossil fuels and mining operations, slashing the approval timeline from years to just 28 days. Expedited permitting will more than likely override environmental safeguards, which could mean some of our favorite natural landscapes will become riddled with drilling rigs. Ongoing efforts to shrink national monuments like Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears, along with pushes to privatize public lands, further darken the outlook for America’s natural spaces.

More Than Maintenance 

Beyond their many external-facing duties, NPS employees research, survey and develop plans to protect and preserve our public lands.

  • Scientists at the NPS Air Resources Division monitor smog, smoke and visibility to reduce air pollution. 
  • NPS Climate Change response program helps parks plan for ongoing sea level rise, increasing wildfires and extreme weather
  • NPS Natural Sounds + Night Skies Division preserves our Dark Skies by studying baseline light and noise levels to help mitigate sources of pollution 
  • NPS Youth + Young Adult Programs partner with service organizations to place young people in parks across the country, shaping the next generation of public lands advocates 
  • NPS Office of Native American Affairs supports the US’s Trust and Treaty responsibilities to tribal nations 
  • NPS Tribal Historic Preservation Officers ensure cultural, religious, and spiritual sites are protected as required by federal law.

Action Items

Public lands belong to all of us. The fight to protect them is now. 

See more stories like this and all of our City Watch coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best of life in Utah?

Jun 11
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Expect Thrills and Spills at the SLC Red Bull Soapbox Race 

By Adventures

The cheers of a crowd reach a fever pitch as a flamboyant group of contestants step onto a stage. All smiles and pomp, the team makes an offering to the feral spectators in the form of a choreographed routine. The pre-show display comes to a close as a single brave team member dons a helmet and climbs into an extravagantly adorned soapbox car. With one final show of camaraderie, the team shoves the engineless contraption down a steep obstacle-laden course and prays to the powers-that-be that no injury befalls the driver. Wielding a combination of skill and dumb luck, it’s up to the pilot to navigate jumps, hay bales and general hazards of the road. In an ideal world, they’ll meet the finish line with all four wheels and legendary status. But just as many attempts end in epic crashes and brutal face plants—not without their own brand of glory, of course. This is the scene Salt Lakers will soon experience as the Red Bull Soapbox Race makes its very first appearance in Utah on Saturday, June 14 2025. 

About the Race 

The event, which first took place in Belgium 25 years ago, makes a visit to major cities each year. Salt Lake is one of only three soapbox races hosted by Red Bull in 2025, and the local adrenaline junkies, engineers and showmen responded in droves to participate. Over 400 applicants—the most of any U.S. Red Bull Soapbox event so far—submitted mock-up car designs, team narratives and general dream-big motivations. 40 teams from Utah and across the country were selected for a chance to conquer the soapbox course, which will take place at the top of Main Street near the State Capitol. In a nod to the Beehive state, track obstacles for this race include The BFGoodrich Rock Garden: a bumpy obstacle course fashioned after Moab’s iconic red rock. More challenges drivers will face are The Sticky Steps, the Smith’s Speedometer and the piece de resistance—a massive jump near the finish line appropriately named The Ski Jump. 

Participants have eight weeks to create handmade soapbox cars with plenty of flair. Photo courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool.

Part extravagance and part skill, contestants are also judged on showmanship and creativity. Their handmade motorless vehicles must have steering and braking capabilities, but teams are encouraged to push their cart design to outrageous levels. This year’s cart lineup includes a rainbow snail, a delicate arch, Grandma Sickamore’s white bread, and of course, a technicolor whale. Team members will match their thematic carts with costumes and a 30-second pre-show routine, both of which factor into their overall score. 

Meet the Teams 

Exactly who you might ask is brave enough to test their mettle, melodrama and engineering aptitude at such an event? I sat down with Utah-based team Dad’s Rat Finks to see how they plan on sweeping the race this Saturday. 

Jon Farrington (sumo suit) and his team win first place at the 2024 Red Bull Flugtag event in Tampa.

“We definitely have a triple threat of expertise to bring to this year’s Soapbox event.” Jon Farrington is competing with his family, which includes professional float builder, alumni soap box competitor, and most importantly, his dad—Mike Farrington. Mike raced in local soapbox events throughout his childhood, races that were judged on speed and agility rather than flair. Combined with his award-winning float builds, Mike has applied all his specialized expertise to design a light weight Rat Fink-inspired cart with plenty of panache. 

Mike Farrington competed in soapbox races in his youth. Photo courtesy of Jon Farrington.

The family is also well-versed in Red Bull-branded events, as Jon is just coming off a win at a recent Flugtag competition in Tampa—in which participants attempt to fly home-made, human-powered flying machines across bodies of water. “I definitely think I’ve learned some tricks from Flugtag that I’ll be able to apply to Soapbox,” Jon says with a knowing smirk. Though his Flugtag team comprised NASA employees, he’s more excited to compete at Soapbox with his family this weekend. The all-hands endeavor also includes pilot Patrick Farrington, co-driver Ryan Farrington, Pusher Candice Jones and professional choreographer Kaylene Farrington—the latter of which Jon’s believes brings extra star quality to the team. “One thing I’ve learned from Red Bull events is that showmanship gets the most points,” he says. 

Dad’s Rat Finks will be donning 3D printed Rat Fink masks. Photo courtesy of Jon Farrington.

Rat Fink is the creation of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth.

Dad’s Rat Finks are looking forward to honoring their family’s patriarch with another shot at soapbox history. When asked about their racing goals, three separate answers sum up their approach to the race perfectly. The ever humble champion, Jon is content with bringing home “the memories, to be able to compete with our entire family is something I’ll never forget. It’s been so fun to work together with our partners and even our kids are so excited about it.” Alumni soapbox competitor Mike Farrington has a more pragmatic goal: “I’d like to have a good track time getting down.” And for driver Patrick, it’s more about walking off the track in one piece, “I hope my helmet stays in place…Maybe I’ll add some motorcross gear to go the full measure.” 

Salt Lakers can see Dad’s Rat Finks for themselves this Saturday, June 18 at the Capitol Grounds! The Farringtons will take their shot at the course in the middle of the event, with more participant highlights including Dave Kindig and Kevin Scheiel from the hit show Bitchin’ Rides, Red Bull Airforce and World Champion Skydiver Mike Brewer, and Secret Live of Mormon Wives castmember Mayci J. Neeley. The event is free to attend, but event organizers are expecting thousands of spectators, so plan travel accordingly. 

What: Red Bull Soapbox Race
Where: Utah State Capitol | Main Street
When: Gates open at 10 a.m., races begin at 12 p.m. 

Discover more outdoor inspiration, and find all our Adventure coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best of life in Utah? 

Jun 09
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Aperol Spritz Salt Lake

Get Your Aperol Spritz Fix at Spritz! In Salt Lake

By After Dark

Temperatures are finally warming up in Salt Lake City, which can only mean one thing: It’s spritzer season baby. Although, we never stopped enjoying our Aperol Spritz and tall pours of prosecco because we know that spritz season isn’t confined to a calendar; it’s a state of mind. The folks at Spritz! understand this and the bubbles flow year round at this adorable bar inside The Peery Hotel.

Wife duo Lizzie and Cailee Jacobs were inspired by their international travels when they constructed a splashy European lounge in the heart of Salt Lake. “I knew I wanted it to be small, super cozy and girly,” says Lizzie. “I wanted people to walk in and feel that someone took time to design the space, not just slap 10 TVs on the walls and call it a day.” Drawn to bold patterns, mid-century maximalism and intimate atmospheres, the couple was elated to discover an open space inside the historic Peery Hotel downtown. Lizzie wasted no time dressing the compact space in a swath of eclectic furnishings and striking patterns, including a hot pink hallway, a wall of mirrors and a personal gallery collage. While others might view the small square footage as a detriment, Lizzie saw it as an opportunity for serendipitous connections—between single travelers or locals looking to share a spritz. “There’s something so exciting about strangers sitting side by side and sparking up a conversation,” she says. “That’s the magic of a hotel bar.”

Aperol Spritz Salt Lake
Spritz! keeps their cocktail menu fresh and rotating with seasonal bubbly beverages. Photo by Adam Finkle.

The drinks at Spritz! match the interior’s sunny disposition, focusing on bubbly cocktails that are as crushable as they are cute. “We want to keep up with the trends, so our menu will include rotating spritz options and fan favorites like espresso and matcha martinis.” The bar’s mix-and-match Spritz options include the foundational Aperol Spritz, along with other bright variations like the Midori and Limoncello Spritz. Inclusivity is key at Spritz!, which is why the menu also boasts an array of mocktails, all served in elegant wine glasses and adorned with garnishes that are as visually appealing as they are refreshing.

Having been open for just over a year, Lizzie has been elated with the response from the community. “It’s been so rewarding, it’s so fulfilling to have found our people.” And, having dialed in the bar’s cocktail approach, the Spritz! team is excited to work in more weekly events and special gatherings. Hosted each Friday, Spritz! screens an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race and invites local drag queens for commentary. The camp-meets-Campari viewing party is a perfect weekend activity to add to your summer lineup, follow their socials to stay up-to-date with themed parties and meet-ups. 

With their playful approach to summer sipping and interiors brimming with personality, Spritz! is a welcome addition to Salt Lake’s nightlife scene. So, the next time you’re craving an Aperol Spritz (which, let’s be honest, is always), make your wya to Spritz!—where every season feels like spritz season.

When You Go

110 W. 300 South (located inside the Peery Hotel)
spritz.com | @spritzslc

See more stories like this and all of our Food and Drink coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best life in Utah?

Jun 03
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Food Festivals and Events this Summer in Utah 

By Eat & Drink

Utah foodies rejoice! Between mountainside culinary experiences and cultural celebrations, there’s plenty of opportunities to treat your tastebuds this summer. Here’s our top picks for food festivals and events this summer in the Beehive State! 

Strawberry Days in Pleasant Grove—June 14-22, 2025

Now in its 104th year, the theme for 2025 Strawberry Days is “Something for Everyone.” Festivalgoers gather at the foot of Mount Timpanogos in Pleasant Grove for a week of parades, rodeos, carnivals and of course, all the strawberries your heart desires. 

Big Cottonwood Canyon Brew Fest— June 14-15, 2025 

A free festival showcasing the best local brews at Solitude Mountain Resort. Enjoy beer from Bewilder, Epic, Roosters, Salt Fire, TF and more while soaking up tunes from live bands. This event is all ages with beer available for purchase. Learn more. 

Savor the Summit—June 28, 2025

Park City’s Main Street transforms into a plein air dinner party for one delicious night this summer. Seating up to 2,500 guests, each section of the dining table is hosted by a different restaurant, which have prepared an exclusive Savor the Summit menu. This year’s participating restaurants include: Bangkok Thai on Main, Eating Establishment, KANEO, Riverhorse on Main, Purple Sage and more. Reserve your seat and explore all Summit menus, here! 

Montage Resort Taste of Montage—Select Fridays this Summer

Explore everything the Montage culinary team has to offer at this ongoing mountainside festival. On select Fridays this summer, Montage restaurants like Yama Sushi, Daly’s Pub & Rec, Slope Stream and Apex serve up signature dishes alongside specialty cocktails and alpine views. Ticket price includes a complimentary glass of champagne, a caviar bump, guaranteed seating and a $50 dining credit for use at any of the seven participating Montage restaurants. See all dates here. 

Indian Food Fair—Aug. 2, 2025

Experience the vibrancy of Indian culture through food and fun at Liberty Park’s sixth Indian Food Fair. Explore authentic textiles and jewelry at the bazaar, and learn more about India’s cultural heritage through captivating live performances. The festival also brings together dozens of skilled food vendors, so you can travel with your tastebuds without ever leaving the Beehive State. 

Bear Lake Raspberry Days—Aug. 7-9, 2025

Ring in harvest season for Bear Lake’s world-famous Raspberries at this three-day celebration. Shop all things summer berry, from raspberry-topped baked goods to themed clothing and crafts. More weekend activities include bingo, parades, talent shows, and pie eating contests. 

Utah Beer Festival—Aug.16-17, 2025

Find your new favorite ale at Utah’s largest beer event—with over 200 beers and ciders, you’re sure to find something to meet your fancy. Featuring local, regional and international breweries, this hopp-ing showcase is a can’t-miss event this summer. Buy your tickets here. 

Utah Wine Fest—Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2025

Southern Utah’s premier wine festival returns for its seventh year. As a cornerstone of the festival, education plays a big part in this year’s programming with tours and tastings that encourage attendees to learn more about Utah vintners. Of course, festival goers will get plenty of chances to sip and celebrate at Terroir to Table Dinners and spirited socials. See the full schedule, here. 

Eat Drink SLC—Sept. 10-11, 2025 

This chef-driven event brings together SLC’s finest purveyors, restaurateurs and beverage experts for a weekend of nosh, nibbles and networking. Hosted in partnership with Vine Lore, Tracy Aviary and SB Dance, patrons will also enjoy a variety of performances and artwork as they peruse the Aviary. 

Festa Italiana—Sept. 13-14, 2025

Immerse yourself in Utah’s thriving Italian community at this two-day street festival at The Gateway. Enjoy authentic cuisine from 15 Italian restaurants from across the valley, and hand-selected imported wine showcasing the best pours from the homeland. Pair your meal with some live music, an Italian car show and historical displays. 

SLC VegFest—Sept. 13, 2025

An all-vegan food fair with live music, a beer garden, kids are and more. Organized by the Utah Animal Rights Coalition, the VegFest is free to attend and invites all community members (vegan or not) to enjoy a day of healthy eating. 

See more stories like this and all of our food and drink coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best life in Utah?

Jun 02
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VSL Pride_SLM MJ25_Austen Diamond Photography

Your Guide to Pride in Utah 2025

By After Dark

Where to sip and celebrate the entire month of June. 

For Post Parade Festivities

Bar X & Beer Bar 

The Utah Pride Parade, taking place on June 8 this year, will be a shorter procession than previous years. Beginning on 100 S and West Temple, onlookers will pack seven blocks downtown in a sea of rainbow and glitter. After cheering and snapping to your heart’s content (please, no fan clacking this year), pop over to Bar X and Beer Bar for some post-parade libations. The brew-focused pub decorates its spaces with flags and fanfare the entire month of June and has hosted its own Pride parties in years past.

When you go: 
Beer Bar: 161 E. 200 South  |  beerbarslc.com 
Bar X: 155 E. 200 South  |  barxslc.com 

Utah Pride 2025
Photo courtesy of HK Brewing.

For Clubbing 

MILK+ 

The folks at MILK+ know how to throw a party. Their annual Pride block parties have brought in world-renowned performers like Violet Chachki, Gottmik and Latrice Royale, alongside local legends and DJs. Opening weekend revelry is typically packed with club kids, fashionistas and Swifties so prepare for a crowd and cover fee— though MILK does make full use of their two indoor dancefloors and outdoor space with additional stages. The celebrations continue all June long with special burlesque performances, gogo dancers and drag artists. Check their site for the latest schedule. 

When you go: 
MILK+: 49 E. 900 South  |  milkslc.com

For Drag Brunch 

Utah Pride 2025
Why Kiki? turns its already fabulous drag brunches and shows up to to “Absolutely Fabulous” level during Pride. Photo credit Vudoo Whorror.

HK Brewing & Why Kiki

Queer and woman-owned HK Brewing specializes in kombucha-based bevvys, crushable cocktails, N/A beverages and vibes. Their desert-chic taproom holds a monthly Sip & Slay Drag Brunch featuring host Ivy Dior Stephens and a rotating cast of stunning kings and queens. Order up a Basic B*tch Spritz or HK Mule and practice how you’ll respectfully tip performers after a death drop. 

Downtown tiki bar Why Kiki has become a hot commodity for its weekend silent disco and fishbowl concoctions, but they pull out all the stops come Pride month. The Sunday drag brunch brings in a large colorful crowd who snap and shout for a lineup of queens, and snack on an explicitly-shaped waffle—naturally. The bar hosts a variety of women-only comedy shows, national drag acts, and themed events paying homage to queer icons throughout the summer; the full schedule is on their site. 

When you go: 
HK Brewing:  370 Aspen Ave. | hkbrewing.com
Why Kiki: 69 W. 100 South  |  whykikibar.com

For Themed Nights and Shows 

Metro Music Hall & Try-Angles

You aren’t regarded as a classic gay bar without putting in the work. Metro Music Hall and Try-Angles have earned their stripes through consistently great programming and community-focused events. More of a live music venue than a nightlife hub, Metro offers its stage to a range of local and touring drag artists throughout the year. Expect to see some 

RuPaul legends and talented Salt Lake queens grace their halls through Pride month. 

In the central ninth district, Try-Angles puts on themed events throughout the week catering to niche queer subcultures. The late-night spot also boasts the “cheapest and biggest drinks in town,” so you won’t break the bank in your efforts to celebrate the most prideful month of the year. 

When you go: 
Metro Music Hall: 615 W. 100 South metromusichall.com
Try-Angles: 251 W. Harvey Milk Blvd. clubtryangles.com

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May 23
Love0

Your Summer Arts Lineup in Utah 

By Arts & Culture

It’s finally summer in the Beehive State—the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the arts! From fine art festivals to narrative art celebrations, there are plenty of events to fill your calendar this season. 

End of May 

Feathered Tides—A Wake the Great Salt Lake Public Art Project

Feathered Tides is the latest installment in Wake The Great Salt Lake—a public art initiative supported by the Salt Lake Arts Council and the SLC Mayor’s Office.  In a one-of-a-kind performance, internationally acclaimed artist Mitsu Salmon has woven together themes of dance, soundscape and storytelling. Intimate groups of nine will meander along the Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park, guided by six dancers embodying the movements of migratory birds inherent to the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Performances are free to attend but require an RSVP; do so here.
Performances on 5/24, 5/25, 5/30 and 5/31, 2025

Brigham City’s Art on Main 

During Memorial Day weekend, Brigham City’s historic downtown hosts a celebration of Veterans and Gold Star Families with a spirited artistic showcase. The weekend features visual art performers, local vendor booths, fine art exhibitions and even a chalk art contest.
May 23–24, 2025

Wizard of Oz at Tuacahn Theatre

Southern Utah’s Tuacahn Theatre celebrates 30 years with incredible performances all year long. Now through October 23, Tuacahn presents The Wizard of Oz, complete with special effects, flying maneuvers and dazzling pyrotechnics. Don’t miss more beloved shows throughout the summer, including Newsies (7/12–10/24) and The Little Mermaid (5/2–10/25). The amphitheater also hosts free year-round Saturday markets, featuring an abundance of local craftspeople and artisans.
Wizard of Oz performances throughout the week through 10/23/25)

Red Butte Concert Series 

Snuggled against the Foothills in the state’s botanical garden, the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre offers the perfect outdoor concert experience. Generations of Salt Lakers continue to enjoy the stellar mountain and valley views, a lush setting and unparalleled sound, and an easygoing, picnic-with-friends energy. Music just feels better here. See their entire 30-concert lineup here!
May 19–Sept.16, 2025

Busker Fest

Have you ever wanted to witness a death-defying unicycler jump through hoops of fire? Or how about engage in a dance battle with a life-size robot DJ? The SLC Busker Fest has it all, with performers traveling in from all over the country to showcase their odd and wonderful talents. This year’s free festival takes place on multiple sidewalks and city blocks around Regent Street.
May 30–31, 2025

June 

Utah Arts Festival 

Get ready for one of Utah’s legacy events celebrating its 49th year: the Utah Arts Festival! Returning to Library Square in Salt Lake City, “The Great Utah Get-Together” is a community celebration of any artistic medium: visual, music, dance, film, literary, culinary arts, and more. The four-day event features 170 artist booths and over 125 performing arts shows, including headliners Leftover Salmon, Robert Randolph, Souls of Mischief and MV Caldera.
June 19–22, 2025

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Each year Cedar City welcomes over 100,000 global theater lovers to one of the oldest and largest Shakespeare festivals in North America. Spanning four months and three theaters, festival organizers have produced eight magnificent productions, including Shakespearean classics Macbeth and As You Like It.
June 16–Oct. 4, 2025

Blues and Brews at Snowbasin

Blues lovers of all ages, genders and species are welcome at this outdoor summer festival. The dog-friendly event takes place every Sunday through August 24, featuring acts like Canyon Lights, Andy Frasco, Hot Buttered Rum and Dog in a Pile. Don’t forget to enjoy a cold brewski from one of over 10 local breweries in attendance.
Sundays June 15–Aug. 24, 2025

Mt. Majestic Music Series at Brighton 

Mountain views and good tunes unite every Saturday and Sunday this summer at Brighton Resort. Catch bands like Swingin Lights, Ridgeliners, Elderblossoms, Nothin’ Good and more. The full lineup is available here.
June 15–Sept. 1, 2025

Millcreek Summer Jam Concert Series

Enjoy more free tunes from a diverse range of bands at Canyon Rim Park. Produced by Millcreek Arts Council, the concert series take place in a shaded outdoor amphitheatre every Monday in June through August. Full lineup forthcoming.
Mondays, June 2–Aug. 11, 2025

Silent Films In Utah series

As part of Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre’s 2025 programming, the Buster Keaton Silent Film Series gives viewers a unique peek into cinema’s past. Each Monday, the Utah Theatre (18 West Center Street in Logan) will screen a silent film from American actor, comedian and filmmaker Buster Keaton. Tickets are $10. Mondays, June 9–Aug. 11, 2025 

Ogden Twilight

Summer nights in Ogden are marked by cheap beer, good friends and outdoor concerts. The beloved Ogden Twilight Series returns with a star-studded lineup of national acts Disclosure, Kaskade, Band of Horses, Modest Mouse and more. Season ticket packages are sold out but you can still find single-day tickets on their site. And if you need any more reason to make the trek up to Ogden this summer, check out our guide on riding the frontrunner from SLC to Ogden Station and all the magic that awaits you in Junction City!
June 1–Sept. 25, 2025

July

Deer Valley Concert Series 

Deer Valley is embracing the soundwaves this summer with a robust schedule of live music. Produced in partnership with The State Room and Utah Symphony, Deer Valley’s Snow Park Amphitheater is hosting an array of local and national acts for their summer concert series. More live tunes can be found across the resort at Silver Lake lawn, where live bands, food trucks and local brews pair perfectly with mountain views.
July–September, 2025

Urban Arts Festival

Utah’s largest free art festival returns to The Gateway with 90 artist booths, live mural paintings and a pop up skate park. One day only this year, the festival focuses on cultural arts, music and performances, culminating in a high-energy showcase of rap, breakdancing, graffiti art and DJ performances. Learn more!
Aug. 30, 2025

Forum Fest Park City Canyons Village 

Enjoy a free family-friendly festival over the fourth of July weekend in Park City Canyons Village. The festivities begin with music from Nik Parr and the Selfless Lovers, DJ Nate Wyatt and March Fourth Marching Band—ending with a dazzling firework show, naturally. More live music, drone shows and fourth of July frivolity to come throughout the weekend!
July 3–5, 2025

Ogden Arts Festival

The Ogden Downtown Alliance presents the 19th Annual Ogden Arts Festival, taking place at Ogden’s historic Union Station. Shop over 100 regional artist booths while enjoying entertainment from musicians, street buskers and live muralists.
July 19–20, 2025

SLC Twilight Concert Series 

For 38 years the Twilight Concert Series has offered a stage to acclaimed artists and up-and-coming performers, this year’s summer lineup promises another vibrant showcase. Earthgang, Sierra Ferrell, Big Thief and Japanese Breakfast are just a few names on the 2025 Twilight calendar, find the full lineup here.
July 12–Sept. 22, 2025 

August 

Kimball Arts Festival

Park City’s historic Main Street is a hub for fine art purveyors and craftsmanship every summer during the Kimball Arts Festival. The festival showcases a collection of jury-selected artists for a top-notch experience.
Aug. 1–3, 2025

Craft Lake City DIY Fest 

Utah’s largest local-centric art festival will take over the fairgrounds once again this August. The three-day festival brings 500 artisan vendors from all over the country, alongside talented musicians, local eats and DIY craft stations. Bring your fur babies, and your real babies, to the designated dog park and kids corner for maximum entertainment.
Aug. 8–9, 2025 

Das Energi 

Ravers unite! EDM vanguards V2 Productions have brought in another stellar DJ lineup with headliners Illenium, Svdden Death and Chris Lake. Good vibes, deep bass and a saltflats sunset—what more could a kandi kid want?
Aug. 8–9, 2025 

Grid City Music Fest

Grid City is a free three-day festival taking place at various venues in South Salt Lake dubbed “Creative Industries Zone.” Seven stages are popping up at Grid City Beer Works, Pat’s BBQ, Level Crossing Brewing, Commonwealth Room, Egg Break, Chappel Brewing and Salt Fire Brewing Co. Attendees can access all locations via a free ‘Fun Bus’ sponsored by the Salt Lake Arts Council, with a pick-up location at the Central Point trax station. Find 54 local acts here!
Aug. 23–25, 2025

Park City Song Summit

Utah’s only wellness-meets-music festival prioritizes mental health, recovery and inclusivity for both audience members and musicians. Along with live tunes from local and touring acts, the festival offers various wellness activities like guided meditation, sound baths and recovery hangs. Another festival cornerstone is the free-to-attend Summit Labs. These panel discussions feature industry leaders talking about the challenges faced by modern musicians, the social impact of songwriting, harmful stereotypes in the music world, and much, much more. Read about last year’s fest, here!
Aug. 14–16, 2025

September 

Timanogos Storytelling Festival

“A Gathering of the Best Yarn Spinners in the World,” the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival draws thousands of visitors to Thanksgiving Point’s Ashton Gardens. For two days and three nights, listeners of all ages gather to hear the magical tales of professional storytellers.
Sept. 4–6, 2025

Zion Canyon Music Festival

The last weekend of September, Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon in Springdale hosts a vibrant festival of music, food, arts, crafts and fun. This year’s musical lineup includes Whograss, Grovesession, Lacy Williams, Yesouisi, Shangalu and more.
Sept. 26–27, 2025

Read more of our music coverage and get the latest on the arts and culture scene in and around Utah. And while you’re here, subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine, your curated guide to the best of life in Utah.