Skip to main content
All Posts By

Avrey Evans

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

Jul 23
Love0

Where to Get Your Pie & Beer Fix in Utah 

By Eat & Drink

A cheeky stand-in to Pioneer Day, Pie & Beer Day is a well-revered local tradition within Salt Lake subcultures. As is tradition, bars, breweries and bakeries are offering plenty of specials to fill your belly on July 24th, along with a few special events to attend around the city.

Pie & Beer Events 

Pie and Root Beer Day at Millcreek Common 
Millcreek Common is dishing out free pie and root beer floats from Shasta Soda and Blacksmith ice Cream, starting at 6 p.m. Stay for line dancing, music and cornhole competitions hosted by the Millcreek Community Council. 

1354 E Chambers Ave, Millcreek 

Pie and Beer Day at Smith’s Ballpark 
The largest celebration of pie and beer is moving over to the Smith’s Ball Park this year, where over 20 local breweries have paired up with eateries across town for unique pairings. Of course, the event will also feature over 9,600 slices of pie from ice cream to apple to… frito? GA tickets begin at $5 and are available on site the day of the event. 

77 W 1300 South, SLC 

Pie and Beer Day Comedy Extravaganza 
A night of comedy, carbs and charisma at the Clubhouse on South Temple. The 18+ variety show features stand-up comedians, drag performers, live music and delectable pies from Pie Fight. Get tickets here. 

850 E South Temple, SLC 

Breweries and Bars with Pie & Beer Specials 

Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club 
Indulge in a Pie & Beer Day tradition with a slice of apple, cherry or peach pie for just $7. The Gateway club is also serving up pie shooters, $5 select drafts and their Thursday “Triple 3 Deal”—an appetizer, entree and dessert for just $33. 

6 N. Rio Grande St., SLC 

Alpine Distilling 
Park City’s Main Street distillery and bar is celebrating July 24th right with a can of beer, a shot of Lafayette and a pie of your choosing for $20. Order up a pour of their Triple Oak Whiskey next, which recently scored a stellar 98 Platinum rating in an international spirit competition. 

364 Main St., Park City 

Chappell Brewing 
The South Salt Lake Nano Brewery is hosting an all-ages Pie & Beer Day block party from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday. Along with a dedicated housemade pie station, the event will also feature food trucks, three live bands, draft beer and even a hard slushie bar. 

2285 S Main St., South Salt Lake 

Epic Brewing Tasting Room 
Just in time for Pie & Beer Day, Epic Brewing has announced the release of their new Key Lime Pie Cream Ale! To celebrate, the brewer is handing our free slices of key lime pie with every pour of the new brew while supplies last. Stop by their tasting room anytime from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. to give it a taste. 

825 S State Street, SLC

HK Brewing 
Going the extra mile to celebrate Utah’s state holiday, HK Brewing is hosting a Pie, Beer and Booch day starring their brand new cherry pie booch and pie-inspired treats from pop-up bakery Little Bird. The festivities continue all-weekend-long with drink and dessert specials, check their socials for the most up-to-date schedule.  

370 Aspen Ave, SLC 

Shades Brewing
Embracing all-things pie and beer, Shades Brewing is serving up $5 peach cobbler brews, pumpkin pie beer, pie slices and pizza slices all day long. 

1388 S 300 W, SLC

Pie & Beer Bar Crawl 
Dress in your best pioneer garb and embark on a pub crawl to Salt Lake’s finest libation establishments. The route is mapped around Trax lines, beginning at Quarters Downtown with stops at Hopkins Brewing, Thieves Guild, Scion Cider, Water Witch and more. See the full route, and get tickets, here. 

Bakeries 

Enjoy grab-and-go pies from Utah’s many talented bakers 

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 21
Love0

Pioneer Day Parades, Fireworks Shows and Celebrations in Utah 

By Community

July is one of those extra-special summer months for Utahns. While the rest of the country receives just one day to shoot off fireworks, grill up a storm, and camp out overnight to stake their claim on the parade route, ancestors of the tenacious Mormon pioneers receive two days of office closures and festivities. Pioneer Day officially commemorates the day Brigham Young declared, “This is the place,” on July 24th, 1847. Unofficially, it’s another reason to bask in the slow days of summer and indulge in some “Pie & Beer.” From parades to fireworks displays and rodeos, here’s where to celebrate Pioneer Day in Utah. 

What: Days of ‘47 Parade 
Where: Route begins at South Temple and State Street
When: 7/24 at 9 a.m.
Join thousands of spectators at the annual Days of ‘47 parade, where floats, horses, performers and bands frolic through the streets. Veteran parade goers will camp out the night before to claim the best spots, so arrive early or be prepared to watch from a distance! The festivities continue all weekend long with a rodeo back at the Utah State Fair Park, learn more about that here. 

What: Orem Pioneer Day Celebration & Fireworks
Where: The Orchard at University Place
When: 7/24 at 5 p.m 
Let the kids get out all their wiggles at a short dance party with performances by Dj Paul Sleep, Music City Groove and more. Afterward, settle in on the grass for a breathtaking fireworks show set to lively music. The Pioneer Day celebration will also include a market of over 50 local vendors.  

What: Pioneer Day at This is the Place Heritage Park 
Where: This is the Place
When: 7/24 at 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Take a peek into Utah’s pioneer past at the very spot Brigham Young declared, “This is the right place. Drive on.” In a nod to tradition, This is the Place Heritage Park is hosting a day-long celebration featuring a handcart parade, watermelon eating contest and dancing. 

What: Ogden Pioneer Days
Where: Spencer Fox Eccles Pioneer Stadium and more 
When: 7/19-7/24
Ogden has been the home of the state’s biggest statehood celebration since 1934. For five nights, attendees enjoy parades, PRCA rodeos, pageants and more. The festivities come to a head on July 24th with a Horse & Hitch Parade, Miss Rodeo Utah Coronation and a drone show. Find the full schedule of events here. 

What: Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Grand Parade
Where: Center Street & Main Street
When: 7/24 at 9 a.m. 
Celebrate Utah County’s largest 24th of July Parade at Spanish Fork’s Fiesta Days. The lively procession will include marching bands, community groups, businesses, floats and a few waves from local royalty, of course. After the parade, head over to Sports Park for a spectacular fireworks show set to synchronized music. Fireworks start approximately at 10 p.m. 

What: Kamas Valley Fiesta Days
Where: Various Venues in Kamas
When: 7/19-7/26

Fiesta Days has been a tradition in the small mountain town of Kamas for nearly 80 years. The week of fun kicks off with car shows, bingo and casual sporting events, all leading up to Pioneer Day weekend. From July 24 through the 26th, the town is hosting a packed program of parades, does, live music and historic activities. Find the full schedule here.  

What: Salt Lake Bees v. Albuquerque Isotopes and Post-Game Fireworks
Where: The Ballpark at America First Square
When: 7/24 at 7:05 p.m. 
Honor Utah’s pioneer heritage, and America’s favorite pastime at the Salt Lake Bees’ new stadium in Daybreak. Although the team has moved across the valley, they are still keeping the same old July 24th traditions with a lively post-game fireworks show. 

What: Cottonwood Heights Butlerville Days 
Where: Butler Park, Cottonwood Heights 
When: 7/24-7/26
A neighborhood celebration for all ages featuring food trucks, carnival rides, classic car shows, drone shows and more. The Butlerville Days Parade begins at 9 a.m on Saturday, July 26th—arrive early for the best viewing areas. 

What: Bountiful Handcart Days
Where: Multiple locations in Bountiful
When:  7/25-7/26
Celebrate Pioneer Day in Bountiful City this year with a 75-year-old tradition. This year, the event includes food, games and activities, along with a concert, in Bountiful City Park on Friday, July 25; and 1K, 5K and half-marathon races and a parade on Saturday, July 26. 

What: Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Earthquakes and Firework Show
Where: America First Field, Sandy
When: 7/26 at 7:30 p.m. 
Cheer on the Real Salt Lake team as they take on the San Jose Earthquakes. The game ends with a firework display to commemorate Pioneer Day. 

Special Mention

What: 801 Days
Where: Gallivan Center
When: 8/01 at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrating the new holiday. 801 Day is a celebration of Utah’s favorite area code (sorry 385-ers). Hosted by City Cast Salt Lake, the free block party features a beer garden, live music, artisan marketplace, food trucks and more! This event is free to attend but requires a RSVP, do so here!  

Read more stories like this and all of our Community coverage. And while you’re here, subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine, your curated guide to the best of life in Utah.

Jul 16
Love0

Pizza Bar Opens on Regent Street in Downtown Salt Lake City 

By Eat & Drink

While the summer slips by in a haze of heat, a restaurant on Regent street in downtown Salt Lake City has undergone a quiet transformation. Pivoting to focus on Neo-Neapolitan pizza, Finca Pintxos bar is now operating at Pizza Bar under the Pago group. 

The decision to close Pintxos in favor of a full-service concept wasn’t easy, but restauranteur Scott Evans says plans for a pizzeria have long been in the works. “When Chef Phelix and I started working with Chef Brandon to assist with our pizza program at Emigration Cafe, it was clear to all of us we needed to do a pizzeria together,” Evans says. “As we considered locations we missed the elephant in front of us – the $40,000 Valoriani pizza oven inside of the Pintxos Bar that was barely getting use.” 

After teasing the menu at Sugar House Station, Pizza Bar collaborators Chef Brandon Price, Chef Phelix Gardner and Scott Evans knew they had baked something special. Instead of deep dish Chicago slices or ultra thin New York pizza, the pies at Pizza Bar feature two styles new to Utah: Pizza al Taglio/Grandma Slice and Neo-Neapolitan whole pies. The former is marked by crispy rectangular crust, layers of cheese and minimal toppings. Although exact origins have been lost to time, many speculate the name derives from Sicilian immigrants who developed a pizza that tasted like home, but could be made with standard American cooking equipment. The result is a simple and delicious olive oil-fried slice that showcases the foundational flavors of pizza in all their tasty glory. 

Pizza Bianca: House made bread, stracciatelle and olive oil. Photo courtesy of @pizzabaronregent
Supli Carbonara: Breaded and fried carbonara spaghetti. Photo courtesy of @pizzabaronregent

Pizza bar’s whole pie options are made in a Neo-Neapolitan style—which utilize Neopolitan-style dough with a few modifications to create a sturdier and chewier dough. The toppings tend to get more creative, and the options at Pizza Bar are no exception. The al-zass pie combines creme fraiche, speck and onion, while the n’duja pizza is piled high with ricotta, tomato, mozzarella and honey cured chilli. 

The chefs have also included a few additional plates for your feasting pleasure, like tender ricotta meatballs, fried carbonara sticks and a little gem caesar salad. And don’t forget the wine. Ever the vino aficionado, Evans has put together a lovely selection of pizza-friendly natural wines. The list showcases boutique producers from around the globe that are committed to sustainably grown grapes and organic farmings for clean, pure pours without all the fuss. There’s also a fair amount of craft beer, cider and boilermakers on their beverage menu. 

While Pizza Bar welcomes its first round of customers, Evans does acknowledge the end of an era for Pintxos. The Spanish tapas bar was a progressive concept, and maybe even a bit ahead of its time for Utah diners. “We were located on an undeniably challenging street, serving food that most Utahns have never heard of and can’t pronounce, in a downtown that is years away from growing into itself,” Evans reflects. “So although we had amazing 4.8 star reviews the rate of growth just didn’t make sense to continue to invest into that concept.” 

Luckily, unlike most restaurant closures, we aren’t just losing one great restaurant, but gaining another one. Evans, Gardner and Price are excited for what Pizza Bar can accomplish in this new era, and look forward to introducing Utahns to their new favorite slices.  

When You Go 

Pizza Bar 

126 Regent Street, SLC 
Mon–Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
Sunday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
pizzabarslc.com | @pizzabaronregent
Note: This is a 21+ Establishment

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 15
Love0

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. 


Find more of our lifestyle coverage. And while you’re here, subscribe to Salt Lake magazine to receive six beautiful print issues a year!

Jul 10
Love0

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. 

Read more stories like this and all of our Community coverage. And while you’re here, subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine, your curated guide to the best of life in Utah.

Jul 08
Love0
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
Love0

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
Love0

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
Love0
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?