The heat is on in Utah, and while we love summertime, the record-breaking temperatures aren’t our fave. Luckily there is no shortage of things to do around the state to seek reprieve — or at least a distraction — from the heatwave. We rounded up activities happening in July and August that are sure to lift your spirits. From comedy and music to books and art, these events are worth adding to your calendar.
Kick Back and Laugh
SLC comedian and podcaster Alexandra Davis brings her bits to the stage in July and August. Davis has been active in the local comedy scene for over four years, taking the stage to commentate on social behavior, her fascination with true crime and what it’s like to be dating these days.
- What: Crowdsourced Comedy presents Unproblematic: Stand Up—an all women-identifying stand-up show featuring improv in between acts.
- When: Saturday, July 25; 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Jade Room at Vertical Diner, 234 W 900 S
- Tickets*: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
*This is an 18+ show
- What: Crowdsourced Comedy presents T&B Comedy
- When: Saturday, August 29; 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Molly’s Gemini Room; 412 W 600 N
- Tickets*: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
*This is a 21+ show
Bring it Home with Alicia Stockman
Heber singer-songwriter celebrates the June 2026 release of her sophomore album, Homebound with family friendly shows in August. The folk singer has built a full-time career as a musician through lyrical storytelling and the ability to captivate audiences with her wry sense of humor.
- What: Davis Arts Council presents Davis Free Concert Series
- When: Sunday, August 9; 7 p.m.
- Where: The Kenley Amphitheatre, 503 N Wasatch Dr., Layton
- Tickets: Free admission
- What: Heber City Market on Main
- When: Thursday, August 20; 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Main Stage, 250 S Main Street, Heber
- Tickets: Free admission
Celebrate Music at Urban Arts
Musical duo Raffi & Ischa have been a staple on the local music scene for well over a decade. The powerhouse couple brings guitar and vocals to the streets during Utah’s largest free arts festival: Urban Arts Festival.
- What: Raffi & Ischai at Urban Arts Festival
- When: Saturday, August 22; noon–10 p.m.
- Where: Smith’s Ballpark, 77 W 1300 S
- Tickets: Free admission
Get Bookish
The King’s English hosts several author events this summer, and we’re particularly excited to hear from award-winning freelance writer Heather Hansman, who shares insight on her new novel, Fierce Country: The Untold Story of Three Women Who Ignited America’s Love for the Wild. Join Hansman as she talks about Georgie White, Anne LaBastille, and Dolores LaChappelle, who Hansman says did more to inspire our love for the great outdoors than just about anyone. In August, internationally bestselling author Natasha Pulley discusses her new dystopian novel, The Salt King.
- What: Heather Hansman at The King’s English
- When: Thursday, July 23; 6:30 p.m.
- Where: The King’s English, 1511 S 1500 E
- Tickets: $5; $30.99 (includes a copy of Fierce Country)
- What: Natasha Pulley at The King’s English
- When: Friday, August 21; 7:00 p.m.
- Where: The King’s English, 1511 S 1500 E
- Tickets: $5; $29.99 (includes a copy of The Salt King)
Indulge in the Unexpected
Voodoo Theatre Company invites audiences to get lost in the seductive game of power, desire and domination in the two-cast play and tour de force, Venus in Fur by David Ives. Local actress and morning host extraordinaire Deena Marie Manzanares teams up with Jaden Richards to embody the primal power of two characters who take you on journey laden with psychological drama and playful seduction.
- What: Voodoo Theatre Company’s production of Venus in Fur
- When: July 17–26
- Where: Studio 5400, Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, 2525 Taylorsville Blvd
- Tickets: Student: $17.50; Full/Adult: $30
Parade Through Homes
The Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes introduces exciting new building trends in the Northern Wasatch Utah area. The event kicks off on July 10 and runs through July 25.
- What: Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes
- When: July 10–25
- Where: Route map will be live July 10
- Tickets: $20
If you’re looking for foodie events, check out our July roundup here!
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