Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the longest days of the year sure do fly by quickly. Between the camping, hiking, boating, swimming, barbecuing and vacationing, it can seem like the shortest season of the year. There just never seems to be enough time to scratch everything off that bucket list of adventures you planned to take.
Since no one can do everything, it makes sense to whittle down your list to the essentials — the things you absolutely can't miss. To help you get the most out of the beautiful, sunny weather, here are seven things you should definitely do in Utah before the summer ends.
Downtown Salt Lake Farmers Market
If you like shopping close to home and supporting local artisans, this one's for you! Now through Oct. 21, don't miss the Downtown Salt Lake Farmers Market that runs every Saturday in Pioneer Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. With fresh local food and unique, handmade gifts in the same place, you can do your grocery and gift shopping simultaneously.
Days of '47 Rodeo
One of the longest-running traditions in Utah, the Days of '47 Rodeo offers several fun events at the Utah State Fairpark in celebration of the pioneers entering the valley on July 24, 1847. Aside from the rodeo itself, there are several fun and free activities starting at 4:30 p.m. each night. Learn about Native American history from Lakota Tribe members, take a walk through the Pioneer Camp, let your kids enjoy a free pony ride and enjoy some live music and food. Find out more at utahdaysof47rodeo.com.
Wasatch Wildflower Festival
Nature lovers of all ages will enjoy the Wasatch Wildflower Festival. Hosted by local ski resorts, the festival takes you on a guided walk through the flowers and includes kids' crafts, music and food. Snowbird is hosting the festival on July 15, and Alta will host on July 16. The festival is free and open to anyone, but registration is required in advance. Visit the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation to learn more!
Utah Shakespeare Festival
It's funny to think that the Utah Shakespeare Festival came about because Cedar City leaders were "desperate to find a way to attract people" to the city over 60 years ago. Today, this Tony Award-winning festival draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
The 2023 lineup includes Shakespearean classics such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," as well as a few non-Shakespeare favorites you might recognize. There's also "The Greenshow," which is a free, family-friendly, 30-minute show with singing, dancing, storytelling, music and audience participation if you're a first-timer who wants a taste of what the festival offers.
Twilight Concert Series
There's no better way to enjoy those long, warm summer nights than with a little outdoor music. The Twilight Concert Series has been a summer staple for 36 years, connecting audiences with nationally-recognized names and local or upcoming artists. Aside from the location in Salt Lake, Ogden has its own Twilight Concert Series with a whole different lineup of performers. See who's coming and get your tickets before they're gone!
Lagoon Amusement Park
"It's what fun is!" That's been Lagoon's slogan for years and the Farmington-based amusement park still stands by it. It's an obvious option for summer fun because it's the perfect blend of thrills and nostalgia for young and old alike.
"Lagoon is one of the only family owned amusement parks left in the country," TripAdvisor states. "With over 60 thrilling rides, 40 challenging games, live entertainment, a beautiful water park, the largest 'kiddie land' of any amusement park in the nation, Pioneer Village, and the Campground, Lagoon offers something for everyone to enjoy."
THE BLOCKS Public Art and Mural Trail
Get in touch with your artistic side — and burn some calories along the way — by downloading THE BLOCKS Public Art and Mural Trail app. This self-led, immersive experience will point you toward all of Salt Lake City's best murals, sculptures and other public works of art that are definitely Instagram-worthy. THE BLOCKS invites you to view it as "your own public art gallery."
Aside from snapping selfies with your favorite works, you can scan its accompanying QR code to learn more about the artist's motivation and a behind-the-scenes video of how they made it.
You'll deepen your appreciation for downtown — and maybe even discover a new favorite restaurant or bar while you're at it.
More ideas
Soak up every last ounce of summer fun this year! This list only includes a handful of the activities you can enjoy. For more ideas, visit the Salt Lake Chamber events webpage.
