Just because summer is technically over doesn’t mean that there’s not fun to be had in the City of Salt. Here’s eight reasons to keep on summering. Don’t let the calendar be the boss of you. And we promise not to tell, or judge, if you wear white pants.
Thursday, September 6 – Saturday, September 9
Jeff Goldblum, Tim Curry and Chuck Norris walk into a convention center… It’s time for Fan X—which we definitely do not call Comic Con anymore—the place where a very specific Utah culture sub-set convenes to dress in costume (or not) and to collectively, and literally, geek out (there’s even speed dating). If cosplay isn’t your thing, we recommend drinks or dinner anywhere downtown—the closer to The Salt Palace, the better—because the people-watching is A++.
Thursday, September 6
Snoop Dogg has changed his name—he’s DJ Snoopalicious now. And no, I did not that make that up. He’s apparently taking a break from crafting with Martha Stewart and narrating nature videos to actually do the thing that made him a household name—rap. And he’s doing it at the resurrected Twilight Concert Series at Gallivan. And given the rappers affinity for a certain plant, your lungs will probably be glad it’s outside.
If you’re looking for something very, very different than Snoop—Lyle Lovett and His Large Band at Eccles Theater may be just the thing. Lovett and his band swing through every summer, bringing a mix of country, gospel and southern charm.
Also happening Thursday night: Hogle Zoo’s Zoo Rendezvous—an annual fundraiser. The adults-only event is western themed, features local performance artists and animals, catered by local restaurants and is one of the few occasions at which it’s appropriate to gawk at the new baby leopards with a drink in your hand.
Friday, September 7
It’s not exactly a hometown show, but it’s darn close when Idaho-native Josh Ritter comes to Salt Lake. He’s a singer, songwriter, novelist and seemingly all-around good guy. Check out this interview Salt Lake magazine did with him a few years ago. His show at The Commonwealth Room is sure to be an infectiously joyous 90-or-so-minutes of music.
If classical music and movement is more your thing, Ballet West’s Beer and Ballet fundraiser at Rose Wagner is the first look at the pieces being considered by the dance company for the Choreographic Festival in May 2019 and includes light refreshments, dance and, obviously, beer!
Saturday, September 8
Welcome to Jurassic Park! Well, sort of. As part of the Utah Symphony’s Films in Concert Series, they’ll be playing the score to the dinosaur action movie while it plays on a screen above them. And in an interesting change in location from Abravenel Hall, this time they’re doing it at West Valley City’s Usana Amphitheater.
Vendors! Snacks! Live music! It’s all happening in the Avenues, on 11th Avenue between D and I Streets, on Saturday during the annual Avenues Street Fair. You don’t need to live in the Aves to participate—but it’s a fun opportunity to pretend you do.
