Things To Do in Salt Lake City

Arts and Entertainment

Events

Ballet West - Ballet West's annual schedule includes 100 performances in Salt Lake City and Utah, and a rigorous out of state touring program.

Capitol Theatre - Capitol Theatre is home to the Utah Opera Company, Ballet West, and Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company.  Other touring live performances and Broadway plays are also performed at the Capitol Theatre.

Cultural Celebration Center - The Center is dedicated to enriching and strengthening communities by promoting the expression of the arts, education, opportunities for economic development and the celebration of human diversity.

Desert Star Playhouse - Desert Star specializes in family-friendly entertainment.  Original musical melodramas are characterized by audience interaction.  Cheer the hero!  Boo the villain.  Laugh your head off!

Grand Theatre - The Grand Theatre is located at the Salt Lake Community College.  The Theatre offers various musicals, comedies and plays throughout the year.

Hale Centre Theatre - The Hale Centre Theatre produces family oriented comedies and musicals.  

Off Broadway Theater - The Off Broadway Theatre (OBT) is Salt Lake's downtown hot spot for comedy. From great Broadway-style shows to wild and wacky spoofs and parodies, to amazing improv comedy, there's one thing you can count on with OBT, something funny is always going on!

Pioneer Theatre - Pioneer Theatre Company produces a seven-play season running from September through May, including a mixture of classics, large-scale musicals and contemporary dramas and comedies.

Repertory Dance Theatre - Repertory Dance Theatre is dedicated to the creation, performance, perpetuation, and appreciation of American modern dance.

The Utah Symphony - Founded in 1940, the Utah Symphony has become a vital presence on the American music scene through its distinctive performances worldwide and its well-known recording legacy.  The Symphony performs in the Abravanel Hall.

 

Points of Interest

Cathedral of the Madeleine - Historic gothic-inspired building, with delicate stained-glass windows and paintings that have been preserved and restored.  Free tours are given on Sundays at 12:15 pm.

Church Office Building - The Church Office Building is the world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Visitors can take an elevator to the 26th floor of the building and catch amazing views of the Salt Lake Valley from the observation deck.

Eagle Gate and Brigham Young Monument - Both of these monument are located near Temple Square in the heart of Salt Lake.  Eagle Gate spans between State Street and South Temple and once marked the entrance to Brigham Young's estate.  The Brigham Young Monument honors the great Mormon pioneer leader.

Family History Library - The Family History Library system of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides access to the world's largest collection of genealogical records, including the names of more than 2 billion deceased people. 

Utah's Historic Governor's Mansion - This elegant 1902 building was once owned by the late Thomas Kearns, a U.S. senator who made millions in the mining industry. The building now houses the current governor, and features a three-story staircase, domed ceiling, and the famous upstairs ballroom. The governor's mansion is open for public tours Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. at no cost.

The Joseph Smith Memorial Building - The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is home to the Legacy Theater where visitors can enjoy a featured premier film.  The Family Search Center and two restaurants are also located within the building.

Relief Society Building - The Relief Society Building is the world headquarters to three of the LDS Church's auxiliary organizations.  Visitors can get ideas and  see displays focused on strengthening families.

Temple Square - This 10-acre block located in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City is one of the most popular tourist spots in Utah. Temple Square features two visitor centers, the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and several monuments and statues. Forty-five-minute free tours of the square begin every 5 to 10 minutes at the 100-foot flagpole in the center of the block.

Utah State Capitol - The Utah State Capitol building on its hilly perch can be seen from far away. The main floor houses interesting exhibits, including pioneer exhibits and a race car that once set a land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Welfare Square - Welfare Square is a modern facility comprised of a towering, 178-foot-tall grain elevator, a large storehouse, a bakery, a cannery, a milk processing operation, a thrift store, and an employment center—all designed to help people help themselves. Free, one-hour tours explaining the history and purpose of Church welfare are conducted Monday through Friday.

 

Activities

Boondocks Fun Center - Boondocks Fun Center offers something for everyone including Go-Karts, Rookie Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, Miniature Golf, Batting Cages, Laser Tag, Kiddie Cove, a huge arcade and more.

Brigham Young Historic Park - The park is located at the southeast corner of State Street and North Temple (Second Avenue). Home of the summer Concerts in the Park. Listen to beautiful music in beautiful surroundings.

FastKart Indoor Speedway - Race wheel-to-wheel with up to 8 of your friends at speeds in excess of 40mph. 40, 60 & 100 lap races available with computerized timing & scoring on multiple track configurations.

Hogle Zoo - Visitors can enjoy beautiful landscapes, amazing animal habitats, a train ride, gift shops,  concession stands and a playground dedicated for kids.  Hogle Zoo is guaranteed to be entertaining for the whole family.

Hollywood Connection - State-of-the-art indoor entertainment center featuring amusement rides, minigolf, roller skating, a '50s style diner, games, laser tag and a 15 screen theater.  3217 Decker Lake Dr., West Valley. (801) 973-4386.

International Peace Gardens - The International Peace Gardens in Salt Lake City offer botanical displays representing 25 countries.  The Gardens are located at 1060 S 900 West in Salt Lake City.

Gallivan Center - The John W. Gallivan Utah Center is furnished with an array of unique art projects, an amphitheater, an ice rink and pond, a huge outdoor chess board, and an aviary. Its inviting atmosphere is complemented with performance areas of all sizes, lots of seating, intimate spaces and vantage points that make the Center a comfortable and fun place to enjoy the activities, casual strolling or "people watching."

Mulligan’s Golf and Games - Mulligan’s offers two 9-hole courses to challenge you, a lighted driving range and practice areas to improve you, two miniature golf courses to thrill you, batting cages and more.

Raging Waters - Utah's most exhilarating family-fun water park.  Catch a wave, soak in the sun, and quench your thirst for high-speed, heart-stopping wild water slide action in the middle of this waterpark paradise.

Red Butte Gardens - Nestled away in the foothills, the Garden has a breathtaking panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley, and boasts 150-acres of natural area, spectacular floral displays, fountains, waterfalls and walking paths.

Salt Lake City Public Parks

Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Cauldron Park - The spirit of Salt Lake 2002 lives on at Olympic Cauldron Park, a stunning new space set high on a city hillside.  Adjacent to Rice-Eccles Stadium, site of Opening and Closing Ceremonies.  The park features the cauldron itself, the striking Hoberman Arch, a visitor center, and a theater.

Thanksgiving Point - Located 20 minutes south of Salt Lake, Thanksgiving point offers great entertainment for the entire family.  Enjoy magical gardens, a dinosaur museum, play a round of golf or enjoy a nice walk through the agricultural center.

This Is The Place Heritage Park - Take a walk into the past at This Is The Place Heritage Park. Old Deseret is a living historic village that recreates a typical community between 1847 and 1869. See the sights of daily pioneer life and visit adobe houses, shops, schools, churches and sites of cultural activities.

Tracy Aviary - Located on 7.5 acres of land in Liberty Park, Tracy Aviary is America's oldest and largest bird park.  The Aviary currently maintains a population of about 500 birds representing 150 species, 21 of which are listed as endangered or threatened.

Utah Olympic Oval - 2002 Olympic Winter Games speed skating site. Athlete training center. Public skating sessions, soccer, hockey leagues. Speed skating, curling, and figure skating instruction. Special events.

Wheeler Historic Farm - Tour a Historic Farmhouse and visit with animals, take a tractor drawn wagon ride, enjoy special events year round, picnic areas and more.

EnergySolutions Arena - EnergySolutions Arena is home to the Utah Jazz, and the Utah Blaze.  It also serves as a location for concerts and other special events.

Rio Tinto Stadium - Opening in October 2008, Rio Tinto Stadium is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility in Sandy, Utah that provides a stunning new home for the Real Salt Lake soccer team. It is also host to several concerts throughout the summer months.

Salt Lake Bees - The Bees are Salt Lake's Minor League Baseball team. Come enjoy a night out at the ball game at Spring Mobile Ballpark with the Salt Lake Bees.

Salt Lake Community College Athletics - Visit the official athletics site of the SLCC Bruins.  Find information on all the sport teams, schedule information, athlete and coach profiles and ticket information.

Salt Lake County Fair - Held at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park and Event Center in South Jordan, festivities include demolition derbys, live entertainment, horse Shows, 4-H exhibits and demos, children's activities, and much more!

Salt Palace Convention Center - The Salt Palace Convention Center is used for conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, consumer shows, concerts, dances, sporting events and other special activities.

South Towne Exposition Center - Conventions, trade shows, meetings, consumer shows, and more.

University of Utah Athletics - Visit the official athletics site of the University of Utah Utes.  Find information on all the sport teams, schedule information, athlete and coach highlights and ticket information.

USANA Amphitheatre - Outdoor venue for shows and concerts with spectacular views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake City lights.

Utah Arts Festival - The Utah Arts Festival offers incredible visual, performing and language arts.  Visitors can enjoy regional art, music, dance, entertainment and great food.  The festival is held every year during the month of June.

Utah State Fair - Encompassing a spacious 65-acres, the fair is Utah's largest single event, attracts more than 300,000 fairgoers.

Westminster College Athletics

More events

Tanger Outlet Mall - Offering 60 factory outlet stores sure to please with a great selection of designer names and national brands, including Banana Republic Outlet, GAP Outlet, Old Navy Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Nike Factory Store.

Fashion Place Mall - Find your signature style at Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Sears and throughout our collection of upscale retailers, and more than 150 shops.

Foothill Village - Discover an eclectic mix of restaurants, services, entertainment, and over thirty specialty shops.  Located ten minutes from downtown.

Gardner Village - Gardner Village contains the outlines of the once bustling early Utah mill industry and history. What remains today is a cluster of specialty shops located in restored cabins, houses and buildings.  1100 West 7800 South.

The Gateway - Salt Lake City's only open-air contemporary destination that delivers the ultimate in shopping, dining and entertainment.  Enjoy the Olympic Legacy Plaza featuring the "dancing waters" of the Olympic Snowflake Fountain.

South Towne Center -Nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains, South Towne Center is Utah’s largest shopping destination. This includes the property’s two-level, 957,000-square-foot enclosed regional mall, encompassing 150 specialty shops, services and restaurants, and the adjacent Marketplace.

Trolley Square - Utah’s premiere destination for an incomparable shopping, dining and entertainment experience! You’ll find a multitude of shops, services and eateries in the converted trolley carbarns and adjoining buildings. Scheduled events and activities frequent our campus.

Valley Fair Mall - Valley Fair Mall is a regional shopping center, conveniently located to meet the needs of families along the Wasatch Front. More than 100 stores and restaurants provide a wonderful shopping and eating experience in this west side mall.

Beehive House - The Beehive House served as the official residence of Brigham Young when he was president of the LDS Church and Governor of the Utah Territory.  Tours of the house  are available every 30 minutes.

Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Art - The only state museum of its kind in the country, the Chase Home has become the place where traditional art and artists from Utah's ethnic, native, occupational and rural communities share their craft, music and dance with their own communities, their Utah neighbors and with tourists from around the world.

Discovery Gateway Children's Museum - Discovery Gateway children's museum is located in the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City. Discovery Gateway offers 60,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on fun. Come explore our engaging workshops, programs, and exhibits that invite the whole family to create, learn, and play together!

Clark Planetarium - The Clark Planetarium offers a number of star shows.  Displays in the planetarium also teach people of the the universe and other astronomy facts.

Finch Lane Gallery / Art Barn - The Art Barn is the home of the Salt Lake City Arts Council. Located in Reservoir Park, near the University of Utah, the Art Barn has served as a community arts center since its doors opened in the early 1930s. The building features the Finch Lane Gallery, the Park Gallery and the offices of the City Arts Council.

Fort Douglas Military Museum - The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Utah National Guard are represented in the exhibits and dioramas that depict military history in Utah. Museum exhibits feature the history of the founding of Fort Douglas, military exploration of the Utah Territory and early Mormon military organizations.

Hellenic Cultural Museum - The Hellenic Cultural Museum, sponsored by the Hellenic Cultural Association, emphasizes the personal aspect of the Greek immigrants to Utah and their descendants.

The Living Planet Aquarium - The Living Planet Aquarium highlights animal habitats in Utah waters, Earth's oceans and South American rainforests. Learn about our interdependence with the fragile ecosystems of our planet through entertaining, interactive, educational exhibits and programs.   

Church History Museum - Peek into a covered wagon like those used by thousands of pioneers. Climb into an immigrant's ship bunk. View an 1847 log home to discover what frontier living quarters were like. Relive Brigham Young's 1847 pioneer trek, see an original 1830 Book of Mormon, and enjoy fine art from around the world.

Museum of Utah Art & History -Utah’s cultural history represents a distinctly diverse blend of people, places and events. The non-profit Museum of Utah Art & History defines that remarkable history through those who created it and the art that reflects it. Opening December 2004.

The National Model Car Builders' Museum - The National Model Car Builders' Museum wants to introduce you to the wonderful world of the history of the model car hobby. The Museum, established in 1990, has gathered into one place thousands of items of memorabilia about the hobby of constructing scale miniatures of automobiles.

Pioneer Memorial Museum - The Pioneer Memorial Museum is noted as the world's largest collection of artifacts on one particular subject, and features displays and collections of memorabilia from the time the earliest settlers entered the Valley of the Great Salt Lake until the joining of the railroads at a location known as Promontory Point, Utah, May 10, 1869.

Salt Lake Art Center - Since its inception in 1931, the Salt Lake Art Center has been an independent voice for contemporary visual art in the State and region. The center presents approximately twelve visual arts exhibitions annually, a full complement of educational programs for a general adult audience, and focused arts education programs for elementary and high-school age youth—all FREE of charge.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts - The Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah is the only general art museum in Utah, where it is a major and unique public institution and its 'constituency' is the state and region.

Natural History Museum of Utah - A visit to the Museum allows visitors to explore nature and science in ten themed galleries, and to also step outdoors to experience nature as it's revealed just outside the building. The exhibits and the Trailhead to Utah encourage visitors to explore nature and science.