Utah
Grab the calendar – these are the major Utah food and drink events for the year ahead
The blustery start to this week’s weather might not indicate it, but stay strong, warmer temps are just around the corner; and with them – the Summer festival season. While we wait for the mercury to rise, now is the perfect time to pencil in a few dates for the months ahead. With that in mind, here’s a look ahead to a range of events with a strong food/drink component at their core:
Living Traditions 2024
May 17th – 19th
Washington Square / Library Park, downtown SLC
Free entrance
saltlakearts.org/programs/living-traditions-festival
This multi-day celebration of Utah’s cultural landscape always marks the start of festival season, and this year is no exception. As per usual, the event is anchored by a mix of food vendors showcasing the eclectic diversity of cuisine (pictured top) in our state. Here’s the complete press release on what to expect this year:
. . .
The Living Traditions Festival program has been announced and is now live at livingtraditionsfestival.com. Utahns are invited to enjoy the diverse multicultural offerings of food, live performances, and art from the many cultures that have made Utah their home. The event will be held on May 17-19 at Washington and Library Square. We will have hands-on workshops, food demos, kids activities, Sundance film screenings, and beer tastings by Bohemian Brewery. The program features live music, performing artists, craft artists, and food vendors, some of whom have been participating since the first festival in 1986! Admission is free for all event attendees.
On Friday, May 17th, festival headliner Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie will perform. A trailblazer in the genre, Delafose has pioneered the sound nouveau zydeco, blending traditional Creole music with influences from Cajun, country, and western genres. Notably, he received a Grammy Award nomination in the ‘Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album’ category for his acclaimed album, ‘Le Cowboy Creole.
The Living Traditions Festival supports diverse artistic traditions and perspectives through the presentation of both historical and contemporary customs. By facilitating thoughtful conversations around the unique qualities of various cultures and the similarities of the human experience, community bonds are created. Salt Lake City has supported Living Traditions for over 30 years. The contributions from the City and sponsors are essential to ensuring the festival remains free and accessible.
Summer Farmer’s Market
June 1st – October 19th, 8.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Pioneer Park, 300 South 300 West
Free
slcfarmersmarket.org/saturday-farmers-market
The Pioneer Park market is a showcase for “farmers and producers offer the freshest local fruits and vegetables as well as a wide variety of grass-fed meats, eggs, dairy, honey, and flora, along with the region’s best locally made sauces, spreads, baked goods and culinary accouterments.”
All vendors must operate within 250 miles of the market and alongside a mind-boggling slew of stalls – the market also offers a food alley of small businesses to help fuel your exploration. Here’s a look at what to expect when the market hits its stride.
Savor The Summit
June 22nd
Main Street, Park City
Price varies
parkcityrestaurants.com/savor-the-summit
One of the biggest Park City bashes of the year, this Main Street party of restaurants unfurls all along historic Main Street – top to bottom. Each business typically provided a unique menu for the evening with suitable drink pairings. To attend you’ll need to contact restaurants directly to reserve a seat at their al fresco table. Word to the wise: this one sells out exceptionally fast every year.
The following fifteen names are confirmed for 2024 so far: Bangkok Thai on Main, Courchevel Bistro, Deer Valley Resort, Dilécta Wines, Don Gallo, Firewood On Main, Flanagan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Fletcher’s Park City, KANEO, Purple Sage, Riverhorse On Main, Shabu, The Eating Establishment, The Mustang, Top of Main Brew Pub
Utah Asian Festival
June 8th, 11.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Utah State Fairpark
Free entrance
utahasianfestival.org
Back for the 47th year and headed back to last year’s venue. Here’s the full information from the organizers on what to expect.
. . .
Our event benefits all Utahns, offering a glimpse at how traditional practices have been preserved and upheld in our state. This festival not only connects new Americans, immigrants, and refugees to the more historic ethnic groups in our state, but also brings our diverse ethnic communities together.
Our celebration is an opportunity for all to reunite with old friends; build new friendships; meet our various communities, leaders, and elders; and seek new opportunities to be involved and support our diverse Utah Asian communities.
This year’s festival will honor our communities through traditional and modern performances, children’s activities, and spotlights on cultural, nonprofit, and commercial organizations. As always, food trucks and food booths featuring local businesses will be on site serving delicious food and refreshments. We’ve listened to your feedback and are actively working to bring you the best event possible!
Mega Peruvian Festival
July 26th – 27th
Millcreek Common
Free
facebook.com/fiestas.delperu
Back again, this year moving on from the downtown library location of last year. There’s little information on precise details beyond the date and destination as I write, but organizers confirm, “FREE ADMISSION!! The 2024 Peruvian Festival, Let’s celebrate the Peruvian Culture with folklore, arts, live music and arguably the best food in the world; The Peruvian cuisine is held in high esteem for their anomalous and complex dishes that give visitors a taste of this unique culture.”
Indian Food Fair
August 5th, 11.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Liberty Park Salt Lake City
Free admission
indianfoodfairs.com
2024 will be the fifth iteration of this particular event. Specific details have yet to be released but the event always features multiple food vendors to enjoy.
Greek Festival
September 6th – 8th
Holy Trinity Cathedral
$5 admission, kids 5 and under free
saltlakecitygreekfestival.com
A Utah institution, and of course, back again this year. The three-day festival has a solid food offering celebrating Greek culinary tradition, gyro through galaktoboureko. The organizers write:
. . .
The Salt Lake Greek Festival is the 2nd largest cultural festival in Utah and the largest Greek Festival West of the Mississippi. Experience Hellenism and Orthodoxy as we showcase our delicious food, spectacular dancers, hospitality and our Orthodox faith through beautifully guided tours of our amazing Cathedral and museum. It is my hope that this years festival will be the biggest and best ever! So, as we say in Greek, Kalos-orisate (welcome,) and Kali-dia-ske-tha-si, (have a great visit.)
City Weekly Beer Festival
August 17th – 18th, 2.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m.
The Gateway
Prices vary
utahbeerfestival.com
This one surely needs no introduction. Utah’s biggest beer bash heads to The Gateway again for 2024. This year’s event reprises its 2023 location over at The Gateway.
Eat Drink SLC
September 11th – 12th
Tracy Aviary
Price TBA
eatdrinkslc.com
This year will mark a decade for EDSLC, again being held over two different evenings (separate tickets required for each night), with each night featuring different local restaurants; ably supported by a raft of wine markers, brewers, and distillers. I don’t believe tickets are live for this one yet, but they typically sell out very quickly indeed. Be sure to join the email list on their site to avoid missing out.
. . .
Eat Drink SLC raises awareness about Salt Lake’s finest culinary and cultural opportunities. Our vision is to engage patrons with the marriage of food and drink, and share stories about how it evolves, adapts, and innovates. Filled with tastes, art, people, and joy, Eat Drink is a welcoming, inclusive event for all the senses.
Eat Drink is hosted by nonprofit partnership between Tracy Aviary and SB Dance. These two organizations represent, respectively, a place and an arts-maker that contribute to the unique character of our community. 33% of net proceeds supports these two organizations. 66% of proceeds is contributed to a third local nonprofit that works with underserved communities. This community beneficiary has included Women of the World, Neighborhood House, and Race Swami.
By supporting place, arts-making, and community service, Eat Drink SLC’s mission is to honor the entire industry, from customers, business owners, managers, and servers to purveyors and agricultural workers. Since inception, Eat Drink has contributed over $100,000 to Salt Lake County nonprofits.
Festa Italiana
Another Gateway-hosted event is back again this year. Vendors are still to be confirmed, but lovers of all things Italian won’t want to miss this September festival.
September 14th – 15th
The Gateway
Free entrance
festaitalianaslc.com
Park City Wine Festival
October 3rd – 5th
Park City
Price varies
parkcitywinefest.com
Bookmarking the end of the festival season, one for the wine lovers out there. Here’s the official presser from the organizers about the three-day extravaganza.
. . .
The highly anticipated Fifth Annual Park City Wine Festival, the ultimate food and wine festival that brings wine experts and epicurean lovers together every year in beautiful Park City, returns October 3-5. After its inaugural smash success last year, Wine is Blind is returning and the festival is introducing another brand new event – Rarities & Reserve – which brings exclusive, hard-to-find wines to attendees. Due to the popularity of the all-inclusive wine tastings, Park City Wine Festival is continuing to host a second Grand Tasting session on Saturday. Tickets for the Grand Tastings, Best of Fest, Wine Is Blind and Rarities & Reserve are on sale now via Eventbrite. Paired wine lunches and dinners, somm-led hikes, and other add-on experiences will be announced in June.
Park City Wine Festival allows imbibers to sip, swirl, and savor wine from more than 100 international wineries from California to France at the Grand Tastings, while taking in breathtaking views of Park City’s fall beauty. Mix and mingle with winemakers and vintners, immerse yourself in the world of wine during expertly paired lunches and dinners throughout the weekend, add some adventure with a paired wine hike, and participate in events like Wine Is Blind, a new collective experience that reveals your favorite wine without preconceived notions.
“Every year, visitors show off that they’re hungry – and thirsty – for more Park City Wine Festival activations. We’ve added on new sessions and large-scale events to accommodate the growing demand. As always, the event does sell out, so we recommend buying your tickets ASAP,” said Park City Wine Festival Events Director Kristen Slater.
Not happening this year?
Salt Lake City Wine & Dine – This Instgram post by the Tribune-backed food and wine explains the event has been postpooed until 2025.
Taco Fest 2024 – According to this Eventbrite listing, the 2024 edition of this one has been cancelled.
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- Food talk group – chew the fat with other likeminded Utah foodies
- Best of SLC 2024 – our ever updating list of what’s best in the Beehive
Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.
I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.
Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.
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SALT LAKE CITY — The Environmental Protection Agency awarded Utah and Salt Lake County a total of $3.5 million in grants to assess potentially polluted properties for eventual cleanup and redevelopment.
The agency announced a $2 million grant to Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality and $1.5 million to Salt Lake County to conduct environmental assessments and inventory brownfield sites for cleanup. Brownfields are sites that may be difficult to redevelop or expand because of “the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant,” according to the agency.
“These brownfields grants will help Utah communities clean up contaminated sites and unlock opportunities for redevelopment and investment,” EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western said in a news release announcing the grants earlier this week. “By transforming underused properties into community assets, EPA is helping create healthier neighborhoods and stronger local economies.”
The two grants awarded to Utah and Salt Lake County are among more than $248 million awarded to nearly 200 communities nationwide for brownfield assessment and cleanup. Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality plans to focus the resources on several areas in Ogden, Heber City and Fillmore, among others, according to Bill Rees, who leads Utah’s brownfield cleanup program.
“What we do is work to secure the funding and then begin to reach out to our communities across the state, say, ‘Listen, there’s opportunity to do some assessment work in your community if you’re interested,’ and then work with our rural partners, work with our urban partners to see if there are sites that will fit that bill,” he told KSL.
The state has received similar grants in the past, and Rees said the money can help local governments determine what to do with ailing properties such as old schools, hospitals or private property that have gone to waste.
“Is there asbestos in it, or is there hazardous material in it? Or could there be something that’s impacting the soil or the groundwater, and a policymaker needs to make a decision?” asked Rees. “Knowledge allows you to make good decisions.”
The $1.5 million awarded to Salt Lake County is the largest brownfields assessment grant the county has ever received, according to a county press release.
“This grant is a real win for our communities,” said Mayor Jenny Wilson. “This funding will let us do vital environmental work on a larger scale and in more neighborhoods. It reflects exactly the kind of partnership between local and federal government that gets results for residents.”
The county grant funds will be used to help create cleanup plans in three areas, including a vehicle storage yard in Salt Lake City’s Ballpark Neighborhood, a 4.26-acre vacant lot in Millcreek and a small commercial building in Magna that was damaged during an earthquake in March 2020, according to the EPA.
Contributing: Don Brinkherhoff
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued red flag warning Friday morning as emergency workers continued to battle one of the state’s largest wildfires in its history.
The red flag warning, issued when critical fire warnings are occurring or imminent, was to be in place through midnight Saturday.
“This is the FIRST Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning issued in NWS Salt Lake City history. This is an exceptionally rare event,” the federal agency said in its warning.
A map of the area under the warning covered much of central and southwest Utah, with an area of the southwest, central and southern mountains also outlined as “particularly dangerous red flag.”
The particularly dangerous area includes the Cottonwood Fire, near the town of Beaver, which started Monday and had grown to covering almost nearly 71,000 acres by Thursday, 15 News reported. The fire forced evacuations.
The NWS warned that gusty winds and dry conditions would lead to rapid fire growth.
Utah also was dealing with the Iron Fire, which started June 19, and nearly destroyed the town of Eureka. The fire was about 27% contained Friday morning.
The fire danger led Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to issue executive order restricting fireworks statewide during the July 4 holiday, which marks the nation’s 250th birthday this year. The ban is in effect through July 5.
“Nothing about this decision was easy,” Cox said in a statement issued by his office Thursday.
“This is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory. We’re seeing fires spread farther and faster under conditions that defy historical expectations” Jamie Barnes, Utah state forester and director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, added in the statement.
Cox allowed cities and local communities to set aside areas where fireworks could be safely used. The city of Provo announced it would enforce a citywide prohibition on fireworks and would not designate a safe area for fireworks.
“This year is different,” Provo Mayor Marsha Judkins said in a statement. “The wildfire danger facing our community is real, and protecting lives, homes, and our natural spaces must come first.”
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Earlier this month, 2News Investigates brought you a former inmate’s federal lawsuit alleging Utah Department of Corrections leaders failed to address reports of alleged sexual assault by correctional officers. Now, 2News Investigates examines another key claim in that lawsuit.
MORE: Federal lawsuit alleges Utah prison leaders covered up guards’ sexual assaults on inmates
The lawsuit alleges a mass cross-gender strip-search operation – women being viewed by men was intended to further silence female inmates.
Federal law generally prohibits cross-gender strip searches of female inmates except during emergencies or when conducted by medical personnel. UDC says that during body-search procedures, male correctional officers are not allowed in the immediate area and inmate privacy is maintained. Former inmates say that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Three former inmates agreed to speak with 2News Investigates but asked that their identities not be revealed.
“It was very traumatic.”
According to the lawsuit, on May 13, 2025, UDC carried out a large-scale operation known as a “reset” in women’s housing units at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City.
Wendy: “They call it a reset. What do you call it?”
“A violation.”
“It’s like a rape.”
The lawsuit alleges UDC Deputy Warden Derick Zorn and Warden Sharon D’Amico directed the operation, along with more than a dozen members of the Critical Incident Response Team, or CIRT.
According to the plaintiffs, officers stormed dormitories, shouted profanities, and issued conflicting commands.
The women say and the lawsuit states they were ordered to pack their belongings into totes and change into state-issued uniforms in front of male CIRT officers. They were then marched to the Emerald Building for processing.
“It felt almost like we were at a concentration camp.”
The lawsuit alleges the women were required to undergo body scans and then strip completely naked. Plaintiffs claim they were ordered to lift their breasts, spread their buttocks, and cough while visible to male staff.
Women who were menstruating allegedly were instructed to remove menstrual products in full view of others.
“Just use one hand to remove it. Hold it up in front of you.”
“I felt really small and worthless.”
The lawsuit alleges some women were forced to hold soiled menstrual pads while performing physical maneuvers.
“I just did what I was told. I just wanted to get it over with.”
The plaintiffs also claim they were required to sit on toilets or squat to provide urine samples while completely naked and visible to male officers.
“It was humiliating. It was degrading.”
The lawsuit further alleges cell doors were left open, exposing naked women to other inmates and male staff.
An overhead observation booth with reflective glass overlooked the strip-search area. Plaintiffs say they observed movement inside and believed they were being watched from above.
The lawsuit alleges the female inmates were being watched from above during a mass strip search on May 13, 2025
“I could see in the overhead, the two-way mirror. There were multiple men walking around up there who had direct vision inside those cells.”
The lawsuit alleges Captain Jared Beers and Lieutenant Matthew Coombs were inside the booth and that Deputy Warden Derick Zorn observed women in various states of undress.
“I made eye contact with Officer Arroyo, and I also saw Deputy Zorn.”
“I knew if I could see the male officers, they could see me.”
One former inmate described the experience as state-sanctioned sexual violence.
“When that happens, and you’ve gone through the same kind of thing as a child, it’s very traumatic.”
The lawsuit alleges Warden D’Amico knew male officers were viewing naked female inmates and “ratified, condoned, and failed to stop it.”
An allegation in the lawsuit filed on May 15, 2026
“You’re pretty much a hostage.”
UDC Executive Director Jared Garcia declined repeated requests for an on-camera interview. A letter sent said:
“During the body search process in female living areas, male correctional officers are not allowed in the immediate area, and privacy is maintained. In general, resets are conducted routinely, according to UDC policy and under strict protocols designed to ensure safety while also preserving the privacy and dignity of incarcerated individuals.”
“The manner matters.”
Walter Mason represents the plaintiffs.
He told 2News Investigates, “The law protects inmates from being exposed to members of the opposite sex viewing their naked bodies unless there’s an emergency. Unless there’s what the law calls an exigent circumstance, the prison can take necessary actions to protect safety. There was no emergency. There was no exigency.”
UDC says the reset involved approximately 150 trained staff members and was conducted according to department policy.
UDC’s letter goes on to say:
“Every effort was made to treat belongings with care and document confiscated items appropriately. UDC stands by our methods and policies, which are intended to maintain the highest standards of integrity, safety, and efficiency during the reset process.”
Written response from the Utah Department of Corrections regarding 2News investigations
I asked UDC whether any exigent circumstances existed on May 13, 2025, during the reset operation.
The response:
“No exigent circumstances occurred on May 13, 2025.”
I also requested information about what items were confiscated. UDC said it could not provide a specific list.
Response to questions posed by 2News Investigates to UDC regarding mass strip search and if exigent circumstances existed that day
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and accuses the defendants, all supervisors, of participating in a “coordinated effort to humiliate, mock, and psychologically degrade the plaintiffs … operating with a brazen and intentional disregard for clearly established law, fueled by an institutional custom of impunity.”
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