School is only weeks away, so make the most of what’s left of the kids’ summer break with family time. Since you’ll be putting your money down on school supplies and back-to-school clothes pretty soon, you should probably make sure that family fun is free, too. Here are six of our favorite local free family events before school starts.
Bubble Bash at Valley Fair
Aug. 17, 2019 — Bubbles have made it beyond the wands and tubes you’re used to as primary ingredients for big family events. Last weekend, The Bubble Run came to SLC. Next, Valley Fair hosts its Bubble Bash (pictured above), featuring bubble art, bubble science, opportunities to go inside bubbles, and, of course, millions of bubbles to play in. The bubbles will be popping at Valley Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Valley Fair Mall
3601 S. Constitution Blvd., West Valley
Bubble Bash Details
Big Cottonwood Canyon Flea Market
Aug. 18 & 25, Sept. 1 & 8, 2019 — Every weekend since June, vendors have set up shop at Brighton Resort to sell art, food, clothing, outdoor gear and more at the Big Cottonwood Canyon Flea Market. Of course, the best thing about the market isn’t for sale; it’s the stunning mountain views. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Brighton Ski Resort
8302 S. Brighton Loop Rd., Brighton
Flea Market Details
Movies on the Plaza
Aug. 14, 2019 — The Gateway has shown a mix of new hits and old favorites for its outdoor movie series this summer, and it all culminates with 10 Things I Hate About You, a late-90s teen romance based on The Taming of the Shrew, starring Julia Styles and Heath Ledger. Bring food and a blanket. Beer is available for purchase; popcorn is on the house. Plaza opens at 7:30 p.m.; film begins at 9ish. (See our big list of even more outdoor movies.)
The Gateway Olympic Legacy Plaza
10 N. Rio Grande St., SLC
Movie Details
Blue Moon Festival
Aug. 24, 2019 — The Blue Moon Fest is a perfect last hurrah for family fun before the kids are back in school. Go for the wide range of art and food vendors, and stay for music by street jazz band Salt Lake City 7, and the Caleb Chapman Super Crescent Band, featuring vocalist Ryan Innes. The fest runs from 4 to 10 p.m.
Holladay City Hall Park
4580 S. 2300 East, Holladay
Festival Details
Art on the Trails
Aug. 24, 2019 — Take an easy hike on the shaded McLeod Creek Trail, and enjoy performances along the way. Hikes start every 20 minutes, starting at 3 p.m., at Copper Moose Farms Stand and run for 1.5 hours. On the trail, you’ll see dance, spoken word poetry, music and more. The last tour starts at 5 p.m.
McLeod Creek Trailhead
1285 Old Ranch Rd., Park City
Art on the Trails Details
Midway Swiss Days
Aug. 30–31, 2019 — Swiss Days has been a Midway tradition since the 1940s, featuring a wide range of family events, including live entertainment, street vendors, Swiss foods, a 10K and kids race and, of course, a parade. The Swiss Market opens at 8 a.m. on both days. The races will be held at 7 a.m., and the parade starts at 10 a.m. on Aug. 31.
Main Street, Midway
Swiss Days Details
For more family events, news and advice, visit our Kid-friendly blog roll.
