Memorial Day has come and gone and Snowbird announced the last ski day of the season. It’s finally safe to say that summer is here. And you know what that means: Summer concert season is in full swing.
Salt Lake magazine is here to help you navigate the ever-growing list of outdoor venues—each comes with benefits and negatives—and must-see shows, so that you can focus on getting on with the get-down, all summer long.
A Guide to Summer Music Venues
Red Butte Garden—Pros: Located close to downtown, can bring in picnics and beverages (including alcohol), nearly every seat is close to the stage. Cons: Tickets are a little bit more, unless you’re a sponsor you’ll stand in line all day for a close spot.
Usana—Pros: Bookings can be fun, especially if you like hair metal or new country (Oh yes. We’re judging you a little bit). Cons: Lawn seats are far away, no shade, the beer is expensive, located waaaaaay west of Salt Lake proper.
Pioneer Park/Twilight Concerts: Pros: Party atmosphere. Cons: Party atmosphere.
Venues Outside of Salt Lake Valley
Deer Valley— Both contemporary acts and the Utah Symphony play here, BYOB and picnic.
Ogden Twilight— On Thursdays in June, your ticket includes Frontrunner fare.
Snowbasin Resort— Free shows every Sunday, BBQ and a beer garden.
Best Concert Bets For Summer 2017, by Month
June: Carlos Santana, June 28, Red Butte Garden Ryan Adams, Eccles Theater, June 18; Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Kingsbury Hall, June 19; La La Land with the Utah Symphony, June 24, Usana
July: Leslie Odom, Jr. with the Utah Symphony, Deer Valley, July 15; Lyle Lovett, July 21, Red Butte Garden; Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Red Butte Garden, July 6
August: Drive-By Truckers, Red Butte Garden, August 4; Old 97’s, Snowbasin, August 6/Urban Lounge August 11; Trombone Shorty, Red Butte, August 17; American Acoustic, Deer Valley, August 15; Herbie Hancock, Red Butte, August 20; Depeche Mode, Usana, August 23; ZZ Top, Red Butte, August 31; Willie Nelson, August 13, Usana; Green Day, August 7, Usana
September: Los Lobos, Snowbasin, September 3; Jason Isbell, Red Butte Garden, September 8; Sheryl Crow, Red Butte, September 13
