Main Street to close to cars every weekend in June with music, art, dining and support for local businesses
Open Streets is back this summer, turning downtown Salt Lake City’s Main Street into a pedestrian-only celebration every Friday and Saturday in June, from 2 pm to 2 am. Visitors can enjoy live music, public art, outdoor dining and shopping—all to support local businesses and bring new energy to the heart of the city.
“There’s something special about watching Main Street come to life during Open Streets—a mix of people, music, food, and the unmistakable sense that downtown belongs to all of us,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “It reflects our values of connection and creativity, and it reminds us that when we design our streets for people, we create space for community to thrive.”
Open Streets will stretch from South Temple to 400 South, with four themed zones offering something for everyone:
- Family Commons (South Temple to 100 South) – Games and hands-on activities for kids and families.
- Arts Avenue (100-200 South) – A celebration of creativity, with live performances and public art.
- Village Market (200-300 South) – An open-air market featuring handmade goods, local vendors and nonprofits.
- Restaurant Row (300-400 South) – Outdoor dining and drink options from downtown favorites.
“Open Streets is a vital experience to reimagine family-friendly promenades and emphasize downtown’s energy,” said Salt Lake City Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez, who represents downtown. “There are a myriad of activities for all ages to enjoy and I know the spirit of Open Streets will continue to pave the way for more downtown activities and business development.”
This year’s event is made possible by community partners, including City Creek, City Weekly, Deseret News, Gallivan Center, Eccles Theater and many others. Each brings unique partnerships or key event activations to life throughout Main Street.
“It’s always exciting to see the city transform into a walkable celebration of the best in arts, culture and entertainment,” said Pete Saltas with City Weekly. “Events like this are what make downtown feel special.”
Main Street’s small businesses are the core of the Open Streets experience, with local shops, restaurants and bars helping to create the dynamic atmosphere that defines downtown.
“There’s nothing like seeing Main Street packed with people—the street feels alive, and we take pride in welcoming both familiar faces and new ones,” said Jason Lecates, owner of Whiskey Street and White Horse. “We’ll be here when you’re ready to stop by.”
Get Involved with Open Streets: Local businesses, artists, food vendors, and performers are invited to participate. Applications are now open at www.openstreets.slc.gov. Salt Lake City’s Open Streets program began in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to support local businesses and provide safe, outdoor spaces for residents to gather while maintaining social distance. What started as an emergency measure quickly became a popular seasonal event, helping to revitalize downtown and boost economic development in the heart of the capital city.
About Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development: Formed in 2016, Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development (SLCDED) is focused on building Salt Lake City as a vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, diverse, and authentic place that is economically accessible to everyone. Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is strategically located for businesses to succeed. SLCDED works to streamline processes, provide excellent customer service and offer an array of resources and services to recruit and retain businesses in the City and ensure they have the tools to thrive. Learn more at www.slc.gov/ed.