Utah’s largest free art event returns on September 3 – 5 at The Gateway—an urban destination for shopping, dining and entertainment in Downtown Salt Lake City. In 2021, the Urban Arts Festival is expanding by adding a third day to the Festival schedule. Spend the weekend exploring a myriad of art forms at this award-winning community event.
“We are proud to celebrate the 11th anniversary of Utah Arts Alliance’s first festival in our programming roster. The Urban Arts Festival has been and continues to be a catalyst for change in our community. Over the past decade, the festival has helped to usher in a new era of art and artists in Utah. We shine a light on underrepresented artists and art styles and continue to expand the definition of art,” said Derek Dyer, Executive Director of the Utah Arts Alliance and Founder of the Urban Arts Festival.
Festival hours:
Friday, September 3, 5 – 10 pm
Saturday, September 4, noon – 10 pm
Sunday, September 5, 10 am – 6 pm
Visit urbanartsfest.org for a complete schedule of festival activities.
Signature events outlined below:
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 3, 4 & 5, festival hours
Live Entertainment
This year’s festival line up boasts an incredible range of local entertainment, from rap to the blues and everything in between. Additionally, prepare to be dazzled by aerialists, cirque, stilt walkers and the Busker Theater Bus as our festival performers bring their unique brand of magic to the streets for all ages to enjoy.
Friday and Saturday, September 3 & 4
Art Market
Artists practicing any and all mediums are invited to sell their handmade artworks at this open-air street market with 80+ vendors. Shop for one-of-a-kind pieces to add to your collection or for amazing gift giving. Support local artists!
Saturday and Sunday, September 4-5
Live Mural Painting & Augmented Reality Mural Experiences
30 local muralists and graffiti artists come together for a live painting exhibition interspersed throughout The Gateway. The exhibition is curated by Salt Lake City artist Josh Scheuerman with support from the BLOCKS.
New this year, Download a free app and have an interactive experience with augmented reality enhancements on many of the murals throughout The Gateway.
Sunday, September 5, noon – 4 pm
Hard-N-Paint Street Basketball
Hard-N-Paint is a Salt Lake City basketball league for the youth and adults, bringing authentic basketball to the community since 2012. This exhibition includes a 3-point shootout, slam dunk contest, pick up game (open to the public) and the Hard-N-Paint Street Fashion booth.
Sunday, September 5, noon – 6 pm
Lowrider Custom Car Culture Exhibit
Take a look under and over the hood of these custom lowriders, hoppers and bikes. Awards will be given for Best in Show, Best Engine, Best Display and more.
September, all month
11th Annual Skate Deck Challenge at Urban Arts Gallery, 116 S Rio Grande St.
The 11th Annual Skate Deck Challenge is a vibrant and diverse collection of artwork made using blank skate decks. Local artists are invited to submit artwork—the only rule is that it must be made with a blank skate deck! The result is a colorful and delightful glimpse into the endless creativity of Salt Lake City.
Media Folder: Photo Credit Utah Arts Alliance
COVID Protocols for Urban Arts Fest:
We care about the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and patrons. Urban Arts Festival will be following the most current CDC and State of Utah Guidelines for COVID-19 protocols. Events will be held in outdoor spaces with ample room for physical distancing. If you are attending any of the Urban Arts Fest, adhere to the following policies:
- If you are feeling unwell, stay home
- We recommend wearing a mask or face covering in crowd-dense areas
- Wash or sanitize hands often. Bathrooms and hand sanitizer stations will be provided and maintained.
- Use a credit card, debit card or cashless app