20 Best Salt Lake Area Fairs and Festivals for Summer of 2023

The Salt Lake festival and fair line up for summer 2023 is in full swing! If you’re looking for kid-friendly events around the Salt Lake Valley area, you’ll find plenty to do.

Every summer, families head to Salt Lake City because of the mind-blowing number of things to do there. Salt Lake is the economic and cultural hub of Utah with a wonderful community. Throughout the summer months, most cities and towns in the valley have their own fairs and festivals.

Attending local Salt Lake family events is a great way to get a feel for the smaller communities that make up Salt Lake City. Some are just fun community events around local history while others support a Utah charity. They’re also a way to introduce children to the diverse and inclusive groups that live in the region.

Below, you’ll read about 20 of the best Salt Lake fairs and festivals geared towards families. I’m sure there’s something for everyone on my list, so keep reading for all the details!

Also Read: Best Things to do in Salt lake With Kids in the summer

Summer 2023 Utah Festivals and Fairs for the Whole Family

Below you’ll find a rundown on all the hottest 2023 Utah fairs and festivals in Salt Lake Valley. All events on this list are here with families in mind! I’ve included this years dates, as well as any important information you’ll need. And unless otherwise noted, all events are free.

SoJo SummerFest in South Jordan

Start your summer off with all the fun to be had at SoJo SummerFest in South Jordan. You’ll have a whole week of fun, beginning May 29^th when the SoJo SummerFest carnival kicks off! Enjoy classic carnival games and rides, as well as a petting zoo, bingo, and more.

There’s something for the whole family at this Salt Lake festival, including a car show, a 5k for adults, a vendor market, and even a kids run! In the middle of the week you can attend a free music festival or enjoy fireworks. Finally, the festival culminates in a fun parade on Saturday that you don’t want to miss.

Date: May 29-June 3, 2023
Address: South Jordan City Park, 11000 South Redwood Road, South Jordan, UT 84095

WestFest in West Valley City

Head to West Valley City’s Centennial Park for the 43^rd annual WestFest. The sprawling 78-acre park is the perfect setting for all the family-friendly things to do there! Take the kids to carnival and ride a carousel. Attend eating and cooking competitions, or sign up for the Family Fun Run on Saturday morning.

Throughout the week there are all kinds of free activities, like concerts, fireworks after dark, and movie nights. Festivities kick off Thursday at 5 PM and go till 11 PM. Friday has the same hours, while Saturday and Sunday run from 11 AM to 11 PM. The carnival is free to attend but you’ll have to purchase a wristband to ride most of the rides.

Date: June 15-18, 2023
Address: 5405 W 3100 S, West Valley City, UT 84120

Chalk Art Festival in SLC

The Chalk Art Festival at the Gateway shopping mall in Salt Lake is celebrating it’s 21^st year this year. Come support Utah foster care, see amazing chalk art, and vote on your favorite piece!

Kids 12 and up can register as youth artists at the event, or just stop by for all the fun. Besides impressive chalk art, there’s more fun to keep you entertained. Enjoy good food, a play area for younger children, and games and prizes.

Date: June 16-18, 2023
Address: The Gateway, 400 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Fort Herriman Towne Days in Herriman

Fort Herriman Towne Days are a big deal in Herriman. This is the town’s biggest event of the year, now covering 2 city parks! Starting on Monday afternoon, there’s a carnival and a weeklong lineup of free events. The kiddos can make crafts, enjoy water play, or see a talent show. Come for Touch-A-Truck with local law enforcement or attend youth softball games.

You can get to know local businesses on Friday at W & M Butterfield Park at the Local Stroll. Business owners will run booths where you can shop and sign up for raffles. And make sure to get a good spot along the parade route Saturday morning so you can see all the creative parade floats!

Date: June 19-24, 2023
Address: J. Lynn Crane Park and W & M Butterfield Park in Herriman

Taylorsville Dayzz in Taylorsville

If your family is a fan of tribute bands and nostalgic movies, you’ll love Taylorsville Dayzz. The 3-day Salt Lake festival packs a punch with a carnival, fireworks, free concerts every night, a petting zoo, craft vendors, and more.

Thursday and Friday, the carnival and free entertainment run from 4 PM to midnight. Saturday, you have a full day of fun starting with a 4k run at 7 AM. After a day packed with carnival games and rides, the big event that night includes fireworks and sky divers!

Date: June 22-24, 2023
Address: Valley Regional Park, 5100 S 2700 W, Taylorsville, UT 84129

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Utah Arts Festival in SLC

Salt Lake City has a strong arts scene and the annual Utah Arts Festival is a great way to experience it. All weekend, you can attend a variety of events and exhibitions spotlighting a variety of art mediums. Take the kids to see live painting demonstrations, see live music concerts, experience cultural presentations, and attend artist talks.

The Utah Arts Festival is held at Downtown Salt Lake’s Library Square and Washington Square Park next door. It starts every day at noon. This festival is ticketed with children under 5 being free. You can buy single-day tickets, multi-day tickets, or special VIP tickets with access to a private patio.

Admission: starting at $13 daily for adults (13 and up) and $8 daily for children (5-12)
Date: June 23-25, 2023
Address: Library Square, 200 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Riverton Town Days in Riverton

For a classically American good time, check out the Riverton Town Days. This festival is set across 2 weekends. The first weekend centers around the Riverton Rodeo Arena, with traditional bull riding, roping, and more!

But the week of Independence Day, things really take off. There’s a carnival, a car show, and an outdoor movie. It all happens in Riverton City Park with most events beginning in the evening. And on July 4^th, get ready for a full day of fun with contests, races, a cowboy breakfast, and free concerts. Stay till the end to finish off the holiday right with a traditional fireworks display.

Admission: Rodeo tickets cost $10 (kids under 3 are free)
Date: June 23-24, and June 30-July 4, 2023
Address: Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT 84065

West Jordan Western Stampede in West Jordan

For another great festival for families around the 4^th of July holiday, check out the West Jordan Western Stampede. Everything starts with the PRCA Western Stampede Rodeo on July 1 at 7:30PM. Every night except Sunday, it’ll go till 10 PM. Besides the tournament, there will be food and drink vendors, as well as a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids.

The rodeo arena is adjacent to the Veteran Memorial Park. This is where gates will open July 1-3 at 4 PM with a full carnival, local vendor fair, a mishmash of food trucks, and more. Independence Day, make sure to come for the Grand Parade that morning. After a full day of carnival fun, you’ll enjoy a fireworks show to end the night.

Admission: Rodeo tickets start at $8 each
Date: July 1-4, 2023
Address: Veteran Memorial Park, 1985 W 7800 S, West Jordan, UT 84088

Draper Days in Draper

Draper Days take place on July 7^th and 8^th, and then continue from the 10^th through the 15^th. If you’re looking for activities in Salt Lake City for families, this is a great place to start! Come for the rodeo on the 7^th and 8^th, or check out the kid-centric and community-focused events the rest of the week.

There’s a children’s bike parade, a dinner where you can get to know your neighbors, or free concerts. You can also enjoy a fair in the park on the 14^th and 15^th with inflatable slides, a petting zoo, a dunk tank, and more. Check out a variety of ball games during the week, and don’t forget about the Draper Days Parade on the morning of July 15^th.

Admission: Rodeo tickets cost $14 for adults (13 and up) and $8 for kids; Heritage Banquet tickets cost $15 a plate
Date: July 7-8, 10-15, 2023
Address: There are multiple locations across town; see website for details

Bountiful Handcart Days in Bountiful

In North Salt Lake’s Davis County, the town of Bountiful celebrates Handcart Days in July. For almost 75 years, this special event has honored Salt Lake City’s history has a community settled by pioneers and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bring the family to enjoy a wholesome time at Bountiful City Park on Friday. There will be good food, fun activities, live demonstrations, and characters in period costumes! On Saturday morning, come for the festive Handcart Days Parade at 9 AM. Spend the day back at the park and then enjoy the fireworks display at 10 PM.

Date: July 14-15, 2023
Address: Bountiful City Park, 400 N 200 W, Bountiful, UT 84010

Days of 47 in SLC

One of the best Salt Lake City festivals is the Days of 47 festival that centers around Pioneer Day in July. With such an important event for the community of Salt Lake, it should be no surprise that the things to do feel endless!

Starting things off, there’s the Utah Days of 47 Rodeo at Fairpark. Enjoy the rides and entertainment on the fairgrounds or attend the rodeo itself. There will be live music, hot food, and exciting exhibits to check out.

The weekend before the parade, you can bring the kids to the Mountain America Expo Center. Let them get a preview of the floats that will be in the Days of 47 Parade and vote for their favorites! And finally, everything culminates with the Days of 47 Parade through Downtown Salt Lake City on the morning of the 24^th!

Admission: Rodeo tickets start at $17 a seat
Date: July 19-22 and 24, 2023
Address: Utah State Fairpark, 155 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

NACIP Powwow & Festival in SLC

Another important even that takes place after the Pioneer Day Parade is the annual Native American Celebration in the Park (NACIP) Powwow and Festival. The event recognizes the indigenous people who called the Salt Lake Valley home for centuries before the LDS Church arrived.

An important part of Salt Lake’s community to this day, you can support the Native American community of Salt Lake by attend the festival in Liberty Park beginning at noon. There will be food vendors, craft stalls, children’s activities, powwow sessions, live entertainment, and more. The main event is a laser light show from 8 to 10 PM when the powwow ends.

Admission: Admission costs $5 per person (under 3 and over 65 are free)
Date: July 24^th, 2023
Address: Liberty Park, 600 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Butlerville Days in Cottonwood Heights

Butlerville Days is a wonderful Salt Lake festival that centers around Butler Park over a 3-day weekend in July. You can enjoy pickleball games, fireworks, a car show, a movie night in the park, and more!

There will be craft vendors to shop, fun games, and hands-on activities for the kids. Butlerville Days include a family-friendly carnival, as well as live entertainment. And on Saturday morning you can attend the Butlerville Days Parade, which honors the heritage of Cottonwood Heights.

Date: July 27-29, 2023
Address: Butler Park, 7500 S 2700 E, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

Utah TacoFest in SLC

Another fun Salt Lake festival is the Utah TacoFest that’s also held at the Utah State Fairpark. Peruse the dozens of Utah’s food vendors that offer Latin American cuisine, including a fun “tequila garden.” Not only is this festival all about every kind of taco you can think of, but it’s also a multicultural event!

Take the kids for fun finger food and live entertainment. There will be cultural dances, concerts, a competition for the best taco, and more. Plus, because you’re at the Fairpark grounds, the family can enjoy all the carnival rides and games the park has to offer.

Admission: General admission starts at $7 per person
Date: August 5, 2023
Address: Utah State Fairpark, 155 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Old West Days in Bluffdale

In Bluffdale, Old West Days kick off with the Bluffdale Rodeo on the last weekend in July. Come for authentic wild west fun with barrel racing, hog tying, and more! The rodeo queen and her court will be presenting, as well. You can enjoy BBQ and carnival food, and have fun with all kinds of family-friendly activities.

The following week, the city launches into Old West Days with a variety of events that lead up to the Bluffdale City Celebration Parade at the end of the week! The parade ends at the park for a full day of games, food, music, and more. At night there will be a movie in the park. And this year will include the ribbon cutting on Bluffdale’s newest park, Day Ranch Park.

Admission: Rodeo tickets cost TBD
Date: July 29-30, August 8-13, 2023
Address: Bluffdale City Park, 2400 14400 S, Bluffdale, UT 84065

DIY Fest in SLC

If your family is full of creatives, consider a trip to the DIY Fest! Held at the Utah State Fairpark mid-August, this is an especially unique Salt Lake festival. It features entrepreneurs in every field of art, science, technology, food, and more. You can shop vendors selling vintage and boutique clothing or attend a workshop to learn how rockets function!

This is a great opportunity to inspire your young people in whatever their interested in. Talk to artists and engineers, ask them questions, and sample their work. There will be live entertainment, art installations to walk through, delicious food to eat, and talks you can attend.

Admission: Tickets start at $7 each day (12 and under are free)
Date: August 11-13, 2023
Address: Utah State Fairpark, 155 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Sandy Balloon Festival

For a memorable experience, wake up early and enjoy the Sandy Balloon Festival! This 2-day event begins with a sunrise launch of colorful hot air balloons into the skies above Salt Lake Valley. Watch them get launched (or even offer to lend hand!) and you can stick around to see them land if you wish.

Saturday evening, there’s a 5k run, and then you can enjoy food trucks, free concerts, and more on the City Promenade! And after dark, you’ll finish off the balloon festival with a cool drone light show.

Date: August 11-12, 2023
Address: Storm Mountain Park, 980 E 11400 S, Sandy, UT 84094

Utah State Fair in SLC

One of the biggest Salt Lake City fairs for families is the Utah State Fair that’s held at Fairpark. Picture all the classic rides, games, and attractions you’d expect at a quintessential state fair! Think food eating contests, blue ribbon competitions, and live stock shows.

The kids will love the arts and crafts table. There will be arcade games, craft vendors, art exhibits, and more. And the 2023 Salt Lake City concert line-up is expected to sell out months in advance! Please note that tickets for concerts are separate from general admission to the fairgrounds.

Admission: General admission starts at $10 for adults and $8 for kids (6-12) with 5 and under being free; concert tickets vary
Date: September 7-17, 2023
Address: Utah State Fairpark, 155 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Hispanic Heritage Festival in SLC

If you’re looking for more Salt Lake fairs that will expose your children to different cultures, take them to the Hispanic Heritage Festival. September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and it’s a great time to learn about this small but important community in Salt Lake!

During the parade, you’ll see many Hispanic nations represented, like Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and more. This family-friendly event will involve cultural displays, including live music, traditional dances, traditional clothing, and local art vendors. You’ll have the opportunity to sample Hispanic food and pick up souvenirs.

Date: September 9, 2023
Address: The Gateway, 400 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Sandy Heritage Festival

Another great event in the historic town of Sandy is the Sandy Heritage Festival. This 1-day event begins with the Sandy Horse Parade in the morning. Bring the kids to see everything shape and size of horse drawn carriage in honor of Sandy’s pioneer past!

The parade will end at Main Street Park where families can enjoy a variety of festival activities. You can patron food vendors, play yard games, join a walking history tour of Sandy, or check out the car show. There are games, inflatable playgrounds, and face painting for the kids, too!

Date: September 10, 2023
Address: Main Street Park, 70 E 8760 S, Sandy, UT 84070