The Gateway is Set to Sizzle with a Full Program of Summer Festivals and Events
for the Community
Salt Lake City’s vibrant hub for free events that engage the community announces its summer line up of festivals and events. These are in addition to re-occurring events like the weekly Sunset Yoga series and markets such as Outdoor Urban Flea Market, The Maker’s Hive Market, Bohemian Bum Farmer’s Market, and Market & Craft Fair.
“There is no better time that summer to visit The Gateway and celebrate this beautiful season with a wide array of events that celebrate culture, heritage, food, and more,” says Julissa Breslin, Marketing Director of The Gateway. “Our program caters to a wide variety of interests and is family friendly.”
Below is a list of happenings.
Juneteenth
Thursday, June 19
Celebrate Juneteenth, now a recognized US and Utah State holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This family-friendly community celebration is open to the public. It will feature a Black-Owned Business Expo as vendors for the event, art exhibit, food, music, entertainment, kids’ corner, storytelling, and more.
Fafa Fest
Saturday, June 21, 2:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Fafa Fest is a free event that welcomes people of all backgrounds to engage with the richness of Indigenous and LGBTQ+ identities in an interactive, family-friendly environment. The event honors the gender and cultural diversity that has existed for generations across Oceania and Indigenous communities.
SLC Pride
Saturday, June 28, Noon to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 29, 10:00 a.m .to 7:00 p.m.
SLC Pride will host its second annual SLC Pride Festival throughout The Gateway. Attendees can expect a vibrant and inclusive celebration of the Queer community and its diversity, where visibility, belonging, support and equity are at the heart.
4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Holistic Spirits Co. will sponsor Salt Lake City’s biggest, annual celebration of independence on the Olympic Plaza. Two stages will feature DJs and bands, and karaoke. The family-friendly event will also include yard games, face painting, photo opps, and contests throughout the day on the main stage. Enjoy classic American holiday cuisine at bars and restaurants throughout The Gateway. A vibrant fireworks display closes the night at 10:00 p.m.
Coolers, outside food/beverages, large canopies or large bags are not allowed.
Utah Beer Festival
Saturday and Sunday, August 16 to 17, 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The 15th annual Utah Beer Festival, hosted by Salt Lake City Weekly, will feature a record number of 70 vendors pouring more the 250 different beers. This is a celebration of Utah’s beer culture that has emerged as an increasingly vital segment of the state’s economy, from selling beer, to creating local jobs, and to broadly supporting the many local farmers who supply the industry. VIP, weekend passes, and early beer tickets allow for entry at 1:00 p.m.
Urban Arts Festival
Saturday, August 30, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Rooted in the social and cultural life of the community, Urban Arts Festival provides a platform for cultural art, music, and performance. The festival will also feature skating, an artist market, live mural painting, Urban Arts Gallery’s Skate Deck Show, and more.
Festa Italiana
Saturday, September 13, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 14, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Founded by members of the Italian American Civic League, Festa Italiana SLC is a two-day cultural festival. Highlights include live Italian entertainment, food booths featuring Italian cuisine from various regions, Italian beer and wine, arts and crafts, historical displays, children’s activities, exotic cars, street performers, and more. Proceeds from the festival are donated to local and national non-profit charitable organizations supported by the Italian American Civic League of Utah.
