The Salt Lake Valley
Thursday Β· Weekend Plans Issue #5 Β· June 18, 2026
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This weekend, from art festivals to live music around the valley.

The Utah Arts Festival, live concerts, the Saturday farmers market, and more. Your weekend rundown.

Good morning, Salt Lake Valley.

This week, we're looking ahead to the weekend to bring you a curated list of events and activities happening right here in the Salt Lake Valley. From major festivals to intimate concerts and opportunities to get outdoors, there's plenty to explore.

We've scoured local calendars and confirmed the details so you can plan your time with confidence. Here is what's worth your time this weekend.

πŸ“ 30 seconds in the valley⏱️ 3 min read

🎢 What's On

Utah Arts Festival Worth it

Utah Arts Festival

A four-day celebration of visual, performing, and literary arts, featuring hundreds of artists, multiple music stages, film screenings, workshops, and food vendors.
πŸ•Hours: Thursday, June 18 - Sunday, June 21, 2026. Friday - Sunday: Noon - 11:00 PM.
πŸ“Address: Library Square, East 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT. Β· Downtown, easily accessible by TRAX
πŸ’΅Cost: Friday - Sunday tickets are $22. Kids 12 and under are free.
⏰Timing: Plan to spend several hours exploring the diverse offerings. Evening headliners add to the experience.
Our take
This major festival transforms downtown into a vibrant hub of creativity, offering something for every artistic taste and a lively community atmosphere.
⚠️ Heads up: Check the festival's official website for daily schedules and specific performance times for each stage.
$$ familyartsmusicdowntownweekend
Details β†’
Worth it

Rod Stewart at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

The legendary Rod Stewart performs live, bringing his timeless hits to the outdoor amphitheater.
πŸ•Hours: Friday, June 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM.
πŸ“Address: Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, 5150 Upper Ridge Rd, West Valley City, UT 84118. Β· West Valley City
πŸ’΅Cost: Ticketed event
⏰Timing: Arrive early to find parking and settle in before the show begins.
Our take
Kick off your weekend with a night of classic rock and pop from an iconic performer under the open sky.
⚠️ Heads up: This is an outdoor venue, so dress for the weather. Confirm ticket details and entry requirements through official vendors.
$$$ date nightmusicconcert
Details β†’
Worth it

Watchhouse at Sandy Amphitheater

An evening of live music with the acclaimed folk duo Watchhouse, formerly Mandolin Orange, with opening act Two Runner.
πŸ•Hours: Saturday, June 20, 2026. Show at 7:00 PM. Gates open at 6:00 PM.
πŸ“Address: Sandy Amphitheater, 9400 S 1300 E, Sandy, UT. Β· Sandy
πŸ’΅Cost: Ticketed event
⏰Timing: Parking at the amphitheater is free but limited; arrive early to secure a spot.
Our take
Enjoy an outdoor concert under the stars in Sandy, featuring a blend of Americana and bluegrass music.
⚠️ Heads up: Confirm ticket availability and purchase in advance through official vendors.
$$ date nightmusicconcert
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Worth it

4th Annual Mariachi Festival, Eccles Theater

A celebration of mariachi music and culture, bringing the sounds of Mexico to downtown Salt Lake City.
πŸ•Hours: Saturday, June 20, 2026.
πŸ“Address: George S. and Dolores DorΓ© Eccles Theater, 131 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Β· Downtown, on the TRAX line
πŸ’΅Cost: Ticketed event
⏰Timing: Check the Eccles Theater website for exact showtimes and plan for downtown parking.
Our take
Experience a vibrant cultural evening with traditional mariachi performances in a grand downtown setting.
⚠️ Heads up: Confirm showtimes and ticket information directly on the Eccles Theater website.
$$ familymusicdowntownculture
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Worth it

Downtown Farmers Market, Pioneer Park

The valley's flagship Saturday market, featuring local produce, artisan goods, prepared foods, and live music.
πŸ•Hours: Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. This weekend on June 20, 2026.
πŸ“Address: Pioneer Park, 350 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Β· Downtown, west of the city center
πŸ’΅Cost: Free to browse
⏰Timing: Go early for the best produce and shortest lines at popular food stalls.
Our take
A proper Saturday morning. Grab coffee, a pastry, and walk through the stalls before it gets hot.
⚠️ Heads up: The market layout may be adjusted due to ongoing park improvements. Check the market's site for current vendor information.
Free familyfreefoodweekend
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🌿 Get Outside

Worth it

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Clark Planetarium

The Clark Planetarium adjusts its lights and sounds in the free exhibit area, Dome, and IMAX theaters to create a welcoming environment for visitors with sensory needs.
πŸ•Hours: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM.
πŸ“Address: Clark Planetarium, 110 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT. Β· Downtown, near Vivint Arena
πŸ’΅Cost: Free for the exhibit area.
⏰Timing: Arrive at the beginning of the session for a calmer experience.
Our take
A thoughtful and inclusive opportunity to explore science exhibits in a calmer setting, perfect for families.
⚠️ Heads up: While the exhibit area is free, Dome and IMAX shows may have separate ticketing. Confirm details on their website.
Free familyfreeeducationdowntown
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Worth it

Millcreek Canyon

A close-in canyon east of the valley offering shaded trails, a creek, and a paved upper road, popular for hiking and dog walking.
πŸ•Hours: Open daily, seasonally.
πŸ“Address: Millcreek Canyon, east of Salt Lake City. Β· About 20 minutes from downtown
πŸ’΅Cost: Small canyon fee on exit
⏰Timing: Weekend mornings are ideal to beat the crowds and the summer heat. There is a fee station on the way out.
Our take
When the Cottonwoods are packed on a Saturday, Millcreek is a great alternative. Enjoy shade, water, and a trail for every level.
⚠️ Heads up: Dog rules alternate by day (on-leash vs. off-leash) and the upper gate is seasonal. Check the Forest Service status before you drive up.
$ outdoorsdogsfamilyhiking
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πŸ’™ Good Neighbor

Tell us who's making the valley better

Every issue we want to spotlight one neighbor, teacher, coach, or cause quietly making the Salt Lake Valley a better place to live. Know someone who deserves it? Send them our way.

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That's your guide to the weekend, from art festivals and live music to farmers markets and canyon hikes.

We're always looking for what makes the Salt Lake Valley special. Reply and tell us what you want to see: the news, the food, the trails, the deals, all of it.

Forward this to the neighbor who always asks what's going on this weekend. That's exactly who we're for.

β€” The Salt Lake Valley crew
Got a tip, a new opening, or an event? Just reply, we read everything.
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