For the past four summers Salt Lake City residents and business-owners have become acquainted with a concept known as Open Streets on Main, when the bustling street is closed down to become a pedestrian-only promenade. Originally created in 2020 to combat socio-economic effects of the pandemic, the summertime experience has been slowly diminishing in relevance and support until Open Streets was paused in 2023.
In its earliest iteration, Open Streets on Main saw extreme success with both residents and business owners. In some cases boosting revenue up to 19%, according to The Department of Economic Development. However, now that Covid-era emergency orders have ended, the popular event found itself strung up in red tape and did not return for the summer in 2023.
Despite the hiatus, members of the Downtown Alliance and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall still view Open Streets as a positive community activity and have returned in 2024 with a fresh take on the summer event. “I am pleased to announce the return of Downtown Open Streets,” said Mendenhall. “Open Streets fosters community in the heart of the city with an electric atmosphere that prioritizes pedestrians and families while supporting our small businesses. I am grateful for our city staff and the Downtown Alliance, who make this possible and help us showcase a Main Street pedestrian promenade that is walkable, small business-focused, and inviting to all.” Now taking place during two July weekends, Open Streets have collaborated with artist organizations like The Blocks Art District and Alleyways Amplified to present two headline events. Kicking off the month of art and fun, “Main Street: A Fashion and Music Experience” will transform the Eccles lobby into an immersive experience on July 13 from 8 to 10 p.m. The following weekend on July 19 from 6 to 10 p.m., the Eccles Theatre, The Blocks and the Mexican Consulate of Salt Lake City presents four local mariachi bands and renowned Mexican classical guitarist Sergio Fuentes Oseguera.
In addition to invigorating local businesses and celebrating our Downtown community, Open Streets has served as a demonstration of what a permanent pedestrian-only Main Street could look like in the coming years. In 2023, the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City announced it was interested in the concept of a vehicle-free Main Street shopping district. While the plan is still in its earliest stage, the success of Open Streets has proven the possibilities of a people-over-cars mentality. “Main Street and downtown are at their best when people are prioritized over cars. The programming we have planned will surprise and delight everyone who comes downtown for the fun,” said Dee Brewer, executive director of the Downtown Alliance. “We are grateful for the City’s commitment to this demonstration project and their study of permanent improvements to Main Street to enable more public space and programming on this historic Corridor.”
See the full Open Streets programming below
- Friday, July 12 6-10 p.m. Salt Lake County Arts & Culture presents: Salt Lake Speaks Poetry Slam on the Eccles Front Steps
- Saturday, July 13 8-10p.m. Alleyways Amplified Presents “Main Street: A Fashion and Music Experience” on the Eccles Front Steps
- Friday, July 19 6-10 p.m. Steppin’ on Main presents in partnership with SLCo Arts, The Blocks and Consulado de Mexico en Salt Lake City Mariachi Festival on Eccles Theater Front Steps
- Friday, July 19 6-10 p.m. Twilight Concert Series presents Watchhouse at Gallivan Plaza
- Saturday, July 20 8-11 p.m. Bandah Presents Back to Back DJ’s on Exchange Place Plaza
- Friday, July 19 9-10:30 p.m SB Dance and Curbside Theater presents “Tarotville,” 9-10:30 p.m. on Eccles Theater Front Steps
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