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Salt Lake Magazine

Salt Lake is your best guide to the Utah lifestyle. From food to fashion, travel and the arts, Salt Lake magazine has something for everyone. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @SLmag.

Aug 28
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Labor Day Fun in Utah for the Whole Family

By Community

School might be back in session but there is still time to make some last-minute summer memories with your family this Labor Day weekend!

Snowbird has a myriad of family-friendly outdoor activities such as the Alpine slide, a mountain coaster, and scenic gondola rides. All-day activity passes start at $18 for toddlers and go up to $70 for adults during peak days of operation. Buy passes here.

Drive-Ins aren’t extinct yet! Redwood Drive-In is open every Friday and Saturday through the fall. Share the nostalgia with your kids and watch popular new releases such as ‘Barbie’. Kids between the ages of 5-9 get in for just a dollar and adult tickets are only 10$!

Spring City Arts is hosting its annual Plein Air Competition. Plein Air is the practice of painting outside in the open, generally done with the intention of capturing the surrounding landscape. The competition takes place between August 26th – September 1st. While the art show and sale will be held on Saturday, September 2nd between 10 am and 5 pm. Spring City Arts Gallery, 779 South Main Street, Spring City, Utah 84662, United States.

Midway Swiss Days will be returning Friday, September 1st and Saturday, September 2nd. This festival was originally a harvest festival intended to celebrate the community farmers but has quickly evolved into a different type of cultural celebration influenced by the Swiss pioneers who came to Midway and the Heber Valley. For a complete schedule of events click here.

Payson City’s Golden Onion Days is taking place on August 31st- September 4th. This annual celebration started in 1929 and honors the city’s history as an agricultural district known for its outstanding production of onions. For a full schedule of events click here.

The Iron County Fair is taking place between August 31st- September 4th. Events include a demolition derby, a junior rodeo, Mud Bog Races, and a carnival that runs for the entirety of the fair. For tickets and more information click here.

Labor Day Luau in Lehi. Take a break and escape the desert at the Labor Day Luau! Bring a picnic blanket, chairs, and your Ohana for this festive celebration. Start your evening off with some Kalua pork, POG, and other ‘ono (delicious) beverages and eats. When you’re full, watch authentic performances that showcase Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, transporting you back to the beaches of ancient kings and queens. Ticket prices vary from 27$-40$. Discounts are applied to tickets bought in advance. Buy your tickets here.

Sunday Live Music Series at Solitude. Artist Meghan Blue will be performing at the Village Green in Solitude. This outdoor concert is free and starts at 5 pm on Sept.3rd. Village Green, Solitude Mountain Resort, 12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Solitude, UT 84121

Husband and wife Country Duo Thompson Square will be performing on Sept.4 at 8 pm at the SCERA Outdoor Theatre. Tickets start at 30$. 600 S 400 E, Orem, UT 84058

Take the kids to the iconic Heber Valley Train. The Hot Summer Night Train is a fun and family-friendly 90-minute evening train ride through the Heber Valley and along the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir. This ride includes sing-a-longs, fiddlers, and other fun! A great date night or family group activity. Be sure and arrive by 6:30 to enjoy the Old West gunfight show prior to boarding. Prices start at 10$ for individuals, family passes include up to 6 people and cost 48$.

Labor Day Specials in Park City

Close out summer and enjoy the long weekend with members of the Park City Area Restaurant Association (PCARA). Labor Day weekend specials, some of which are already available, include:

Alpine Distilling

 The Alpine Lounge will be open Labor Day weekend for cocktails, light bites and retail spirit bottle sales Friday, Sept. 1 & Saturday, Sept. 2, from 4 – 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 3, from noon – 5 p.m.

Collie’s BBQ

Bring in a new or used blanket or towel donation for the Humane Society of Utah and receive a free appetizer with the purchase of at least one entrée (excluding wings). Guests can also make a donation via the Amazon link, and dog or cat food in original containers, doggie poop bags, and soft training treats will also be accepted. Donations for this special will be accepted now through Monday, Sept. 4.

Cuisine Unlimited

Book your Labor Day event by August 31, and receive up to 10% off. Offer is valid for events with 5% off up to $3,000 or 10% off above $3,000 total food and beverage. The promotion is applicable to food and beverage items only (excluding alcoholic beverages, rentals, staffing, service charges, and service staff.) Mention “summer sale” at booking. 

No Name Saloon | Annex Burger | Boneyard Saloon | Butcher’s

Choose from any Diversified Bars & Restaurant Group locations throughout Labor Day weekend, all of which will be open for their normal hours.   

Pendry Park City

Don’t miss the delicious cookout at The Pool House on Sunday, Sept. 3, from noon – 7 p.m. featuring hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers, veggie burgers, cold sweet treats and more.

Aug 21
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The Witches of Salt Lake City Meet at Pleiadian Altar

By Community

Salt lake city has become known for its thriving community of witches recently. Perhaps you’ve seen one of the viral TikToks joking about it by local Utah band @nosuchanimal, where members of the band look out over the city, saying, “What a nice state. Certainly, there are no witches here.” Of course, here be witches.

Local witch and owner of The Pleiadian Altar, Julia Gates, defines a witch as “anyone who’s using their own self-power to make their lives better.” Gates’ shop opened its doors in July of last year as a hub for Salt Lake witches of all cultures and creeds. Gates made an effort to make her shop “baby witch” friendly, with easy DIY bundles for beginners.

Julia Gates, the owner of The Pleiadian Altar. Photo by Adam Finkle.

And you don’t need to be religious in order to be a witch. “We’re not like a pagan or Wiccan store or anything like that. So anyone of any religion could come in. You could come in and be super LDS and find something that you like,” says Gates. Gates grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and became interested in the metaphysical at the age of 12. She got her first pendulum at 16 and from there began to fall in love with the effects of crystals.  

Once Gates discovered her passion for witchcraft, she quickly discovered a growing community of like-minded Utahns.

“There are a lot of very similar things between LDS or Christianity and witchcraft—like belief in an afterlife. So a lot of people might turn to witchcraft as something they might resonate with.  We aren’t bound by any rules, per se, but still believe in something…There are a lot of people who are into witchcraft, the metaphysical and healing, you just wouldn’t know it.”  

Events at The Pleiadian Altar

Every week the shop hosts Witchy Wednesdays from 6 p.m.–9 p.m., where anyone can participate in witchy crafts such as making spell jars from an open “herb-bar” or painting glass jars for moonwater. With instructions from Gates and her staff, everyone of all levels and interests can join in on the fun. 

Check their instagram:

@the.pleiadian.altar for their monthly event schedule. 917 Vine St., Unit B, Murray (Located behind Garden Espresso.)  utahcrystals.com 

Aug 18
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Reimagine Your Backyard With Tips from Designer Daryl Lindsey

By Lifestyle

Daryl Lindsey, who formally launched her Yardfarmer.co sustainable landscape design venture in the fall of 2022, wants you to think about your yard differently. Totally differently.

Photo by Jackelin Slack

That fence-to-fence lawn in need of weekly mowing and thirsty for hundreds of dollars worth of water each month could become an outdoor kitchen, dining room or  cozy reading nook surrounded by native plants, grasses and flowers.

“Reimagine your yard as a floor plan, the same way you would look at a floor plan of your house,” says Lindsey, who founded sustainable landscape design company Yardfarmer.co last fall. “Think about walking out of your home into the next room—an outdoor kitchen area where you’ll use the smoker for a pizza night, and then beyond that is the patio dining area, followed by a more casual living room where you’ll lounge with a glass of wine or a spritz and talk about life with friends.” 

Follow Lindsey’s Tips to Reimagine Your Outdoor Space

Tip #1: Look at your yard from the top down. Think about the ways you want to spend time outside, whether it’s playing soccer with the kids or reading a book in a shaded hammock during the summer. “Those are important things to nail down first,” Lindsey says. “Then build your layout around that.”

Tip #2: Make your yard work for you. Lindsey suggests thinking about ways to reduce maintenance so being outside doesn’t feel like a chore. Converting lawn space to include eco blends or native turf, like buffalo grass, requires less mowing and watering. “You can be in your yard doing things you actually like.”

Tip #3: Go beyond the aesthetics. There’s nothing quite like walking outside to clip herbs or harvest vegetables to go with dinner. “It creates this sense of your yard doing something for you that can be really fun and special.”

Tip #4: Create an ecosystem that gives back. Lindsey explains that your yard can also do good for the planet. Think about what wildlife—like native bees, butterflies and birds—can get from your garden. “Pollinators are desperate for food sources, and they’ll start thriving in your yard,” she says.

Learn more about making the most of your outdoor space from our sister publication, Utah Style and Design magazine!

Aug 10
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How to Prepare for the Annular Eclipse in Southern Utah this October

By Adventures, Travel

This year, October is bringing more than candy and insensitive costumes. An annular solar eclipse is set to occur on Saturday, Oct. 14th and will pass through seven states and thirty national parks, including most of southern Utah. City folks are gearing up for the trip and small, southern towns are skeptical about the tourists that might trash their public parks and national monuments. Here’s how to prepare for the solar event, where to see it, and a few stargazing events to attend.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse, like a total solar eclipse, occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. However, when an annular eclipse occurs the moon is in orbit farther away from the Earth and is unable to block the sun completely leaving a burning outline around the moon’s silhouette which is why this type of eclipse is nicknamed “Ring of Fire.” Not only is this event extremely rare, but it will be the second solar eclipse of the year.

When and Where

Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Glen Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante, Bears Ears, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, and Rainbow Bridge will all experience the full eclipse.

Capitol Reef: 

9:10 am MDT: Partial solar eclipse begins

10:27 am MDT: Annularity begins.

10:32 am MDT: Annularity ends. Partial solar eclipse resumes.

11:57 am MDT: Partial solar eclipse ends

Check out NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio for a complete map and timeline of the eclipse. For weather updates in the area go to eclipsophile.com

Lodging

No need to plan your lodgings ahead of time! With thousands of people pouring into small towns that are ill-equipped to handle such a sudden and large influx of tourists, you can be sure that they have reserved a space for you. 

However, if you do wish to book your stay in advance, hotels are available in many towns surrounding Capitol Reef. Please visit the Wayne County, Utah Office of Tourism page for more information.

Camping

Camping reservations at Capitol Reef are fully booked. Check out camping alternatives in the area. Neighboring Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Forest Service (USFS) lands do permit dispersed camping, please inquire locally for dispersed camping rules and ethics.

Special Events

Snow College in Richfield, UT is hosting an eclipse event. There will be science experiments, telescopes, and more. Visit the Snow College website for more information.

Visitors can also hike any of the frontcountry or backcountry trails for a unique perspective amongst the rock outcrops of Capitol Reef National Park. Any overnight backpacking trips do require a free backcountry permit which can be obtained at the visitor center.

Ranger programs at Capitol Reef

October 9 – 13:

Daily astronomy activities at 11 am; 30 minutes at Ripple Rock Nature Center lawn.

Daily solar scope viewing outside the visitor center, stop by to look safely at the sun. Times to be determined.

October 12, special eclipse evening program at 7:30 pm at the campground amphitheater.

Safety and Impact

Remember, it is NEVER safe to view an eclipse without certified eyewear. But don’t worry about properly disposing of your glasses. The good residents of Torrey and other small towns will be THRILLED to watch as city-dwellers leave their paper glasses all over parks and public spaces.

Utah boasts the highest density of certified dark sky parks in the world! Learn more.

Aug 07
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Evo Is Not a Regular Hotel

By Community

In the heart of Salt Lake’s ever-growing Granary District, Evo Hotel contains a skatepark. Yes, a skatepark. (Oh also, a climbing gym, hotel, cafe, retail store, bar and rooftop deck.) Evo is eclectic and that’s the point, says manager Garret Clements, “Evo is a chaotic, high-energy place, and we want it that way.” 

‘All Together’ Skatepark at Evo Hotel

Utah’s skating community is riding the revival of the sport into the future. After its debut in the 2020 Olympics, the number of people who got into skateboarding rose from 6.4 million to 8.8 million and they are trading make-shift backyard half pipes for professional parks. Enter Evo, a non-traditional space that embraces the new skate scene with its 5,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor skatepark.

As you enter Evo, you are greeted by ramps and rails and usually you’ll see some skaters on them. SJ Johnson, head of the All Together skatepark, says all are welcome. “Unlike a regular hotel, we want to be non-traditional and show that everyone is welcome to do whatever they want,” they say. “It’s such a tight-knit community that it feels more at home than any other regular skatepark would.” 

All Together skatepark hosts events, fundraisers and runs drop boxes for Coconut Hut, Utah Pride Center and the homeless shelters. The park offers camps for youth and adults every week in the summer, and seasonal parties and rollerblading nights during the winter. There’s also a weekly after-hours gathering for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The skate scene + hotel has attracted skating legends like Amelia Bordka and Tony Hawk, who have both stayed (and skated there). On sunny days, All Together opens its garage doors to offer skaters a chance to shred some natural terrain. With a tight-knit group of skaters of all ages and skill levels, and a commitment to giving back to marginalized communities, the All Together skatepark offers more than just a place to skate. 

Evo Hotel has become a magnet for all ages of skateboarding enthusiasts who are drawn to a first in Utah, a skatepark within a boutique hotel. Photo courtesy of Evo Hotel

Evohotel.com, @evohotelsaltlake, 660 S. 300 West, SLC

Aug 07
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Evo Is Not a Regular Hotel

By Community

In the heart of Salt Lake’s ever-growing Granary District, the Evo Hotel contains a skatepark. Yes, a skatepark. (Oh, also, a climbing gym, hotel, cafe, retail store, bar and rooftop deck.) Evo is eclectic, and that’s the point says manager Garret Clements, “Evo is a chaotic, high-energy place, and we want it that way.” 

Photo courtesy of Evo Hotel

‘All Together’ Skatepark at Evo Hotel

Utah’s skating community is riding the revival of the sport into the future. After its debut in the 2020 Olympics, the number of people who got into skateboarding rose from 6.4 million to 8.8 million and are trading make-shift backyard half pipes for professional parks. Enter Evo, a non-traditional space that embraces the new skate scene with its 5,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor skatepark.

As you enter Evo, you are greeted by ramps and rails and usually you’ll see some skaters on them. SJ Johnson, head of the All Together skatepark, says all are welcome. “Unlike a regular hotel, we want to be non-traditional and show that everyone is welcome to do whatever they want,” they say. “It’s such a tight-knit community that it feels more at home than any other regular skatepark would.” 

All Together skatepark hosts events, fundraisers and runs drop boxes for Coconut Hut, Utah Pride Center and the homeless shelters. The park offers camps for youth and adults every week in the summer, and seasonal parties and rollerblading nights during the winter. There’s also a weekly after-hours gathering for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The skate scene + hotel has attracted skating legends like Amelia Bordka and Tony Hawk, who have both stayed (and skated there). On sunny days, All Together opens its garage doors to offer skaters a chance to shred some natural terrain. With a tight-knit group of skaters of all ages and skill levels, and a commitment to giving back to marginalized communities, the All Together skatepark offers more than just a place to skate. 

Evo Hotel has become a magnet for all ages of skateboarding enthusiasts who are drawn to a first in Utah, a skatepark within a boutique hotel. Photo courtesy of Evo Hotel

Evohotel.com, @evohotelsaltlake, 660 S. 300 West, SLC

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 26
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A Recipe for Success at the Farmers’ Market: Summer Pesto Pasta and Steak Recipe

By Eat & Drink

Do you ever walk around a farmer’s market in Utah and admire all of the hard work that went into growing and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables? For example, consider the effort that goes into zucchini: Planting the seeds in nutrient-rich soil, watering, waiting for the flowering process, tending to the plants, protecting them from pests and wild animals and (finally!) harvesting after more than 50 days. And then you think, “What can I make from this beautiful harvest?” (Other than letting those beautiful zucchini wilt on your countertop, that is.) Yes, it can be a little intimidating. So here’s some help. Everything for this Loaded Vegetable Pesto Pasta with Steak can be found at your local Utah Farmer’s Market. When you pick out your ingredients be sure to say “hello” and thank these passionate farmers.

Loaded Vegetable Pesto Pasta with Steak 

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 small zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices lengthwise

2 small yellow squash, cut into 1/4-inch slices lengthwise

1 small white or yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices 

2 medium bell peppers, any color, cored, seeds removed, quartered

2 corn on the cob, husk and silks removed 

1/2 lb. asparagus, trimmed

1 lb. flat iron or sirloin steaks

12 oz. penne pasta

1/2 cup parmesan or asiago cheese, grated

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Pesto

1 large cilantro or basil bunch (about 4 loose cups)

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded

1/4 cup pine nuts, almonds, walnuts or pecans, toasted

1/3 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.

2. Brush oil onto the first six ingredients (through asparagus) on all sides. Season with salt and pepper. Grill veggies (except asparagus) for 6-8 minutes or until slightly softened, turning once. (Note: Rotate corn, when kernels deepen in color- usually 2-3 minutes.) Add asparagus to grill for 2-3 minutes. Place vegetables on a platter. Once cool enough to handle, chop vegetables and remove corn kernels from the cob. 

3. Season steaks with salt and pepper. On a greased grill over medium-high heat, cook steaks to the desired doneness. Let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Thinly slice. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain. Set aside.

4. For the pesto: In a food processor or blender, add the cilantro or basil (reserve some for garnish), garlic, parmesan cheese, nuts, oil, salt and pepper. Blend to desired consistency. (Note: Add additional oil for a smoother version.)

5. In a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add cooked pesto, the cut-up veggies and corn kernels. (Note: Store any remaining pesto in a sealed container and refrigerate.) Mix well. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and tomatoes. For each serving, place the desired amount of the pesto pasta and veggie mixture on plates, and top with sliced steak. Garnish with basil or cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.


Jul 25
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Tiny Homes: The Other Side Village

By City Watch

Salt Lake City’s novel approach to curbing the city’s issues with homelessness

You can’t create a community with just tiny homes,” says Joseph Grenny, founder of The Other Side Academy (TOSA). “You can’t create the variety of resources, opportunities and rich growth experiences that human beings need by sticking them on an island somewhere.” For Grenny, creating a community means creating the right culture, and that is what he and his organization hope to do with their newest project, The Other Side Village.

TOSA has successfully been helping individuals with criminal records and issues with substance abuse turn their lives around since 2015. With The Other Side Village, they want to help chronically homeless individuals (those who have been continuously homeless for more than a year). The Village will eventually provide 430 tiny homes to over 600 individuals facing chronic homelessness. It will be built on a 37-acre lot located at 1850 W. Indiana Ave. in Salt Lake City. But to get the Village started, TOSA is focusing on the Village’s pilot project, which they hope to have ready this summer. It will consist of 60 tiny homes on an 8-acre portion of the 37-acre lot. The parcel is being leased to the organization by the city for $1 a year. It will cost $13.8 million to get the pilot project off the ground, with funding coming from TOSA itself, as well as a $5 million grant from the city. However, TOSA hopes the Village will be self-sustaining in a few short years after being fully built.

SOURCES: 2022 State-Wide Point-in-Time Count; The Crossroads Urban Center 2023 Report on Child Homelessness in Utah

The idea for the Village originated at City Hall as they were looking for ways to curb homelessness in the city, which saw a 7% increase from 2020 to 2022. “I was seeing that these tiny home villages were having a lot of success with [homeless] populations that we were not having success with here in Utah,” says Salt Lake City Mayor, Erin Mendenhall. Preexisting tiny home villages, like the Community First! Village in Austin, Texas, inspired Mendenhall to campaign for a similar project in Salt Lake City. She announced her plans for the Village in January of 2021. Within two years, the project had approval from the City Council, a property to build on and patronage from TOSA.

How Will the Project Work?

tiny home

While the project is philanthropic and charitable in nature, Grenny emphasizes that they aren’t just giving tiny homes away. “Our belief is that the focus of The Other Side Village needs to be not on homes, but on culture,” he says. “It needs to be on creating a community that helps people look at themselves honestly, supports someone changing their life and holds them accountable to changing their life.” Part of making residents accountable is by charging low rent and giving them a role in the community, such as working at TOSA’s doughnut shop or the organization’s moving company. Residents will also be required to follow community rules that include no drug use and keeping a clean home.

To make sure these individuals are ready to live in the Village and become a healthy part of the community, they will first be initiated through something Grenny calls the “Welcome Neighborhood.” It will help individuals transition from a homeless lifestyle to a community-compatible lifestyle. “You learn how to keep your room clean, how to cooperate with others,” says Grenny. It’s in the “Welcome Neighborhood” that individuals learn to, not only be accountable for themselves, but accountable for the community as a whole. “If somebody is stealing something from the community that isn’t theirs,” explains Grenny, “you’ll learn over time that you’re responsible to notice that and to bring that to the person’s attention or to somebody else’s attention.”

Proof of Concept

tiny homes
A 3D rendering of the proposed community.

For anyone looking at the project with concern about the effect the Village could have on surrounding communities, Grenny understands where they are coming from. “I think we’ve seen in Utah many promises made about similar projects—how they won’t have negative effects on a community,” says Grenny. “But then they do.” However, he wants people to see the Village as bringing assets, not problems. Not only will the Village bring TOSA’s thriving businesses to the area, but it also hopes to hold cultural events, such as music festivals and markets. “People will come and learn to recognize the Village isn’t some cast-off place for the people we don’t want to think about,” he says. “It’s a cool spot.”

The pilot project may be a small start for The Other Side Village, but TOSA hopes it will translate to bigger ambitions. “Our hope is to prove a model,” says Grenny. “The goal is to try to open source [the model] to any city in the world that wants to do something similar. We can teach, we can train, we can share and we’ll promote the diffusion of the idea as much as we possibly can.” Pending the success of the Village, Utah could start to see similar communities being built in other parts of Utah. “I’m that excited that more organizations will be inspired to take on tiny homes as an approach,” says Mendenhall. “I think that tiny homes aren’t only for those who are living unsheltered today, but we should have tiny home villages and communities for people at all points of life.”

The Other Side Academy

Joseph Grenny, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board

  • Other Side Movers: One of several training schools at The Other Side Academy that provides residential moving services to the public.

  • Other Side Thrift Boutique: A high-end, second-hand store that offers gently used furniture, brand-name clothing, housewares, and much more.

  • Other Side Builders: A General Contractor specializing in residential interior remodels.

All proceeds go directly to the Other Side home, to feed and clothe residents who are rebuilding their lives at The Other Side Academy. 

For more info, visit: theothersideacademy.com

Jul 19
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Utah’s Best Water Attractions to Stay Cool this Summer

By Outdoors

With Pioneer day approaching and the temperature on the rise, summer is at its peak in Utah. You might be wondering how you are going to be beating the heat this year; but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled list of the best water attractions in Utah, no matter if you prefer waterslides or waterfalls.

Waterparks

Seven Peaks Water Park

Seven Peaks Water Park has all the slippery slides to inspire screeches from happy kids. You can take a vertical plunge from the top of a 70-foot tower, then travel more than 30 mph down a 244-foot-long headfirst slide to the bottom. Or—you can choose an inner tube, kick back and float your day away on a 5 mph current of a meandering 1,200-foot-long river.
sevenpeaks.com/locations/salt-lake-city-utah/, 801-972-3300

Classic Waterslides

Boasting an array of steep and mellow waterslides, cabanas, food options and private party space, Classic Waterslides is perfect for escaping the city heat. With day passes starting at just $11.95, this Riverdale waterpark is a great options for all ages.
classicwaterslides.com, 801-394-0822

Lagoon A Beach

Inside Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington is a bustling oasis of fountains, waterfalls, rapids and lazy rivers. Admission to Lagoon A Beach is included in your Lagoon ticket, and is worth a few hours to cool off during the afternoon.
lagoonpark.com

Waterfall Swims

water attractions Utah
Courtesy of utah.com

Calf Creek Falls

Just down the roller coaster road from the tiny town of Boulder lies the trail to paradise. It can be a hot trek, but don’t be discouraged; Pack a book and a cool drink and spend all day at this oasis. Fed by a waterfall, the pool is always cool.
utah.com/hiking/calf-creek-falls-lower

Mill Creek Waterfall

Ever the popular tourist destination, Moab is teeming with people looking to cool off after a long day in the sun mountain biking or hiking through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The Mill Creek Waterfall Trail is less than a mile from downtown Moab. The full trail is a 7.5 mile out and back, but if you just want to make it to the waterfall for a swim it’s shy of two miles total.
hikingproject.com

Hot Springs

water attractions Utah
Courtesy of utah.com

Fifth Water Hot Springs

 It’s a bit of a hike–but what isn’t in Utah? And the destination is totes worth it: A series of hot springs of varying depths and degrees of heat. The springs do not smell sulfurous, and there’s a waterfall at the top.
utah.com/hiking/fifth-waterfalls-trail

Crystal Hot Springs

About an hour north of SLC are the Crystal Hot Springs, a popular water attraction for Utah swimmers throughout history. Many groups, including Native Americans, Chinese railroad workers and injured WWII soldiers, have historically frequented Crystal Hot Springs. These hot springs also contain the highest mineral content found in any hot spring in the world. There are hot pools, but a few cool springs range from 65-75 degrees.
crystalhotsprings.com

Lakes/Reservoirs

water attractions Utah
Courtesy of utah.com

Pineview Reservoir

About two miles north of Huntsville, Pineview Reservoir is the summer lake of your dreams with calm and serene waters good for just about anything you want to do. There are paid and free areas, boat ramps, good fishing and good swimming and sandy beaches for doing nothing.
utah.com/pineview-reservoir

Bear Lake

Bear Lake’s 109 square-miles of turquoise water—the color, caused by suspended limestone, has earned Bear Lake the moniker “Caribbean of the Rockies”. Rent a Sea-Doo from Marina Rentals to see a lot of it, very quickly. If you can’t have fun zipping across Bear Lake aboard a personal watercraft, I don’t know what to tell you.
stateparks.utah.gov/bear-lake

Tibble Fork Reservoir and Silver Lake

These two fresh water lakes up American Fork Canyon are popular water attractions in Utah for paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming. The reservoirs are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and require a small fee to access.
utahvalley.com/tibble-fork-reservoir

Best Swimming Hole

water attractions Utah
Courtesy of hikestgeorge.com

Toquerville Falls.

Just outside Zion National Park, at the end of a 5.8-mile scenic drive on a barren, bumpy dirt road, water tumbles over stepped red rock ledges. The series of three cascades ends in a pristine pool. This is where you want to be.
hikestgeorge.com/toquerville-falls-toquerville-utah

If you’re looking for something with a bit more adrenaline, consider our top picks for river rafting adventures.

Jul 18
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Your 2023 Pioneer Day Event Guide

By Community

One of Utah’s most unique holidays is Pioneer Day, which can either be a cultural day of remembrance for some or Pie and Beer Day, the best day of the year to relax and support local pizzerias and breweries! Regardless of what you call it, here are some ways to celebrate 2023 Pioneer Day.

Salt Lake Bees vs Las Vegas Aviators Game

July 21st, 22nd, 23rd 6:35 p.m.

Smith’s Ballpark

The Salt Lake Bees will be playing the Las Vegas Aviators all week and into Pioneer Day weekend. Complete with Farr Better Ice Cream giveaways, swag tosses, and fireworks, a Bees game is the perfect way to kick off Pioneer Day festivities!

SLC Drone Show

July 24th 10 p.m.

Liberty Park

Visit Liberty Park on the evening of July 24th for live music and local food trucks just before the SLC Pioneer Day Drone Show! Admission is free and outside food and drinks (non-alcoholic) are permitted. 

Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo

July 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 24th 4:30 p.m.

Utah State Fairpark 

The Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo is here! Come to the Utah State Fairpark for live music, drone and fireworks shows, local food trucks, vendors, exhibits and more. You won’t want to miss the final day of the rodeo, Gold Medal Night, featuring the only Gold Medal Rodeo in the world!

A Pioneer Day Concert

July 22nd 8:00 p.m.

This Is the Place Heritage Park

In a unique celebration of Pioneer Day, Deseret Books will be inviting multiple performers and groups to share their beautiful legacies and to expand our definition of what a pioneer is! Join us in celebrating our collective history. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. and performances begin at 8:00 p.m.

Utah Film Center – Summer Film Series

Fridays at 8:00 p.m.

Liberty Park

Who doesn’t love movies? Spend your Friday nights at Liberty Park for a special outdoor film series this summer. Over Pioneer Day weekend, Utah Film Center  will be deep diving into Blueback, a story highlighting marine biologist Abby, her life, and her journey in understanding the heartbreaking coral reef destruction.  Admission is free. 

Native American Celebration in the Park

July 24th 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Liberty Park

Stop by Liberty Park on the 24th for a fun-filled Native American Celebration featuring an intertribal Powwow, food, arts and crafts booths, and even a childrens’ play area! There will also be a laser light show beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Beer Bar Pie & Beer Day Celebration

July 24th 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Beer Bar

Run to the world’s largest pie and beer day celebration, Beer Bar’s! Featuring 25 breweries and restaurants, Beer Bar’s Pie and Beer Day Celebration has something for everyone! The event will also feature live, local musicians. Admission is $40.

Pie and Beer day at Bower Lodge

July 24th 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Powder Mountain 

Spend Pie & Beer day in Powder Mountain’s picturesque Bower Lodge where they will be serving hot pizza pies and brews to pair. The lodge is the perfect stop after a hike in the crisp mountain air, or a tasty option for fueling up between mountain biking sessions. 

Pie & Beer Day Go-To’s

For most Utahns, Pioneer Day is also known as Pie and Beer Day, and is regaled as the best day of the year to indulge in a sweet or savory pie and wash it down with a beer, much preferred over loud parades and hazardous fireworks shows. Here are some of Salt Lake’s best!

LOCAL PIZZA PIES, BAKERIES, AND BREWERIES

PIZZA

Harmons

Pie Hole

Este Pizzeria

Bricks Corner

Snowmobile Pizza

BAKERIES

Tradition

Pie Fight

Flake Pie Co

Fillings & Emulsions

Lone Pine Bakery

BREWERIES

Epic Brewing Company

Red Rock Brewing

Proper Brewing Co

Grid City Beer Works

Hopkins Brewery

Kiitos Brewing

SaltFire Brewing Company

Fisher Brewing Company

RoHa Brewing