Events for Kids and Family

Receive FREE general admission to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah, September 5th–6th through Bank of America Museums on Us program!
Bank of America Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank credit and debit cardholders can receive FREE general admission to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah from Saturday through Sunday, September 5th–6th. Through the Museums on Us program, Bank of America is able to provide its cardholders with free access to more than 225 artistic and cultural experiences across the United States at celebrated institutions ranging from art, children’s, and history museums to aquariums, botanical gardens, and science centers.

Present your Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission.

Mark your calendars! September 5th, Ken Sanders Rare Books will be hosting Stephanie A. Dole, PhD at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Join us from 1-3 PM to hear about the incredible power of bugs and enjoy a Super Bug activity! The event is free and open to the public. Can’t wait to see you there. Stephanie A. Dole, PhD, known as the Beetlelady, is an entomologist who captivates audiences of all ages with her enthusiasm and knowledge of insects. She brings the world of bugs to life through engaging, hands-on educational classes and experiences, including a Pop-Up Bug Museum. She teaches programs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond at libraries, schools, and community events. Her new book Bug Power is out now! 

Welcome to Watercolor Painting at the Visual Art Institute!

Unleash the power of dynamic watercolor painting through regular practice in our beginner and intermediate teen and adult classes (ages 12+). Watercolor has a reputation for being a difficult medium to master and our courses are designed to debunk that myth! Classes will follow both guided and self-directed projects during the semester. They are great for people needing motivation to paint, those seeking community, artists wanting to hone their skills, and beginners.

Students will learn traditional watercolor techniques and explore alternative materials, such as color mixing, value, as well as both wet on wet and wet on dry techniques.

More information here

DIFFICULTY REGISTERING? Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796

Welcome to Drawing and Mixed Media at the Visual Art Institute!  In our drawing and mixed media classes, students are invited to learn and expand on the foundations of traditional art. We have classes for beginner and intermediate teens and adults (age 12+). Understanding the simplest forms of expression using fun and easy techniques allows endless possibilities to explore and create no matter how far you decide to go. Students will create a variety of drawings and images while they learn and grow artistically. Explore illustration, sketching, figure drawing, collage, and more! We also offer other adult art classes (painting, ceramics, stained glass, and more!) and kids (age 5-11) classes! For more information on our other classes, see our website at: https://www.visualartinstitute.org/salt-lake-art-classes  CLASS REGISTRATION (Please read through the specific description for the individual class before registering. Some classes have supply lists): Drop-in/Day pass registrations are also available! Price varies by class. Foundation Drawing: Mixed Media, Mondays, 12:00-2:00pm, 12-Week Class Starting September 14: https://visual-art-institute.jumbula.com/Fall2026/FoundationDrawingMixedMedia Drawing: Foundations for Beginners, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm, 12-Week Class Starting September 15: https://visual-art-institute.jumbula.com/Fall2026/DrawingFoundationsforBeginners Interactive Illustration: Paper Dolls, Puppets, & Pop-Ups, Thursdays, 4:00-6:00pm, 12-Week Class Starting September 10: https://visual-art-institute.jumbula.com/Fall2026/InteractiveIllustrationPaperDollsPuppetsPopupsBeginningIntermediate  Drawing: Back to Basics, Ages 12+, Saturdays, 10:30am-12:30pm, 8-Week Class Starting October 3: https://visual-art-institute.jumbula.com/Fall2026/DrawingSuperBeginningBacktoBasics  Figure Drawing: Materials and Methods, Ages 12+, Saturdays, 9:30am-12:30pm, 12-Week Class Starting September 12 LOCATION: Visual Art Institute 2900 S 300 W, South Salt Lake, Utah Please park on the NORTH side of the building and enter up the ramp to the front office. It is the really colorful side of the building. INSTRUCTORS: Our classes have multiple experienced instructors. You can find who is teaching each class through each of the registration links. Learn more about our instructors at https://www.visualartinstitute.org/art-faculty DROP-INS: Our drawing classes ARE open for drop-in students. Adult and teen students can register online for a specific date or purchase a Flex Pass. Everyone is responsible for bringing their supplies for the class.  OPEN STUDIO: If Open Studio is available for your class, the instructor will discuss the times and rules of using the studio and equipment during non-class hours during the first week of class. This is only available to students currently registered in the class. REFUND POLICY: We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds or credits or make-up classes to students who miss class. TRANSFER POLICY: We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability. CLASS CANCELLATION: We find that students learn better in larger groups. If we feel the number of registrations is too low to promote a good learning environment, we may cancel the class. In the event we cancel a class, we will reach out to you as soon as possible. TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: We try to make our classes as accessible to everyone as possible. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance applying. Applications are available in Spanish and English. MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNT: When you register for more than one class, you can receive a discount up to 10% per class! You must call and register through the front office for this discount. ADA ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS: Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, and sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs. DIFFICULTY REGISTERING? Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796

Guests are invited to explore the night sky by moving between various telescopes, each focused on different celestial objects throughout the evening. Our astronomers will highlight multiple points of interest, and due to the variety of scopes and eyepieces, even viewing the same object through different instruments will offer a unique perspective. We strongly encourage and welcome all questions. This is an all-ages event, and ladders will be provided to ensure smaller children can comfortably view through the telescopes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Snowpine Lodge. Enjoy live music by Aspen Anonda you journey from one viewing station to another. 
More information at https://events.humanitix.com/2026-star-gazing-party

SPRINGVILLE, Utah — The 6th Annual Springville Art Festival returns September 11–12, bringing artists, performers, filmmakers, and community members together for two days of creativity throughout historic downtown Springville, Utah’s “Art City.” Held at Civic Center Park, Festival Street, and the Rivoli Theater, the annual festival features artist booths, live performances, food trucks, hands-on art activities, plein air painting and sculpting, chalk art, a community art project, a film showcase, and a talent show. ARTISTS AND ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS More than 50 artists will participate in artist booths at Civic Center Park, offering original artwork in a variety of styles, mediums, and price points. Many artists will also demonstrate their creative processes or offer interactive activities throughout the festival. Artist booths will be open Friday, September 11, from 5:00–9:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE Live entertainment will fill Civic Center Park throughout the festival, with performances at the Main Stage Gazebo and buskers performing throughout the park. Friday performances run from 5:00–9:00 p.m., with Saturday performances from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. New this year, Festival Street will host headlining performances Saturday evening from 5:00–8:30 p.m., along with food trucks, extending the festival into downtown for an evening of music and entertainment. SPRINGVILLE’S GOT TALENT Local performers will take the stage Saturday at 6:00 p.m. for Springville’s Got Talent at the Main Stage Gazebo. The annual showcase celebrates the talent of the Springville community. PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT AND SCULPT-OUT On Saturday morning, artists will take to the streets of historic downtown Springville for the Plein Air Paint-Out and Sculpt-Out. From 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., artists of all ages and skill levels will paint and sculpt outdoors, drawing inspiration from the city and its surroundings. Completed works will be exhibited at the Springville Civic Center from 2:00–7:00 p.m., with Viewers’ Choice voting open until 4:00 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded, awards will be announced at 5:00 p.m. at the Main Stage Gazebo. To participate, find more information at: www.smofa.org/art-festival. CHALK THE WALK MOVES TO THE SPLASH PAD This year, Chalk the Walk moves from the Springville Library to the Springville Splash Pad at Civic Center Park. On Saturday, starting at 8:00 am artists of all ages and skill levels will transform sidewalks into temporary chalk masterpieces. Visitors can watch artists work and participate in Viewers’ Choice voting, which closes at 4:00 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded in various categories. Awards will be announced at 5:00 p.m. at the Main Stage Gazebo. To participate, find more information at: www.smofa.org/art-festival FILM SHOWCASE The festival weekend begins Friday evening with a Film Showcase at the Rivoli Theater. From 7:00–8:30 p.m., the showcase will feature family-friendly short films by local filmmakers. ART ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY ART Free art activities and projects for all ages will be offered at Civic Center Park Friday from 5:00–8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. A community art project led by Rebecca Pletsch, the current Teaching Artist Fellow for Youth (TAFY) Artist, will also invite festivalgoers to contribute to a shared creative experience. FESTIVAL SCHEDULE September 11–12, 2026 Friday, September 11 5:00–9:00 p.m. | Civic Center Park Artist booths, food trucks, community art project, live performances, and buskers 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Rivoli Theater Film Showcase Saturday, September 12 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. | Civic Center Park Artist booths, food trucks, performances, buskers, and art projects (until 5:00 pm) 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Civic Center Park Art activities 2:00–7:00 p.m. | Civic Center Park Plein Air and Chalk Art exhibitions Viewers’ Choice voting until 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. | Main Stage Gazebo at Civic Center Park Awards ceremony. 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Main Stage Gazebo at Civic Center Park Springville’s Got Talent 5:00–8:30 p.m. | Festival Street, 51 E. 200 S. Food trucks and headlining performances The Springville Art Festival brings art into the streets of Art City for a weekend of creativity, discovery, and community. For the complete festival schedule, artist lineup, participation information, and updates, visit www.smofa.org/2026-art-festival or www.instagram.com/springville_publicart The Springville Art Festival is an annual arts celebration in Utah’s “Art City,” presented by Springville Public Art, a program of the Springville Museum of Art and supported by Springville City and PAR.

This event is a celebration of community during Welcoming Week 2026. This event will include: -Film screenings -Workshops -Information sessions -Immigrant-owned marketplace -Cultural performances (dances, live music) -Volunteer opportunities

Women of the World (WoW) is excited to host our annual Welcoming Week Open House & Block Party on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This event brings neighbors of all backgrounds together to celebrate connection, inclusion, and community prosperity. Come tour our office, get to know WoW, and enjoy a fun, family friendly evening! 
Our free event will have Client Story Sharing, Food, Arts & Crafts, Vendors, Animal Ambassadors, Face Painting, Raffles and more! Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bTH6C2Lum/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Last year we set out to build Utah's premier jazz festival. This year we're raising the bar: ten straight hours of live music, eight acts spanning big band, western swing, soul, modern jazz, and music for the whole family — all in one of the best gathering spots right in the middle of Salt Lake and Utah Valley. And, the best part, we are making it free! Now the fun bit. Without further ado, here is our 2026 Lineup! 12:00 – Blue Note Big Band (Mountain Top Institute) 12:50 – The Western Stars 2:00 – The Jazz Trombone Collective 3:10 – Critical Hit Collective 4:20 – Mina Thomas Brett & Old Soul 5:30 – Alessandro Fadini Quartet feat. Josiah Boornazian 6:40 – Alicia Wrigley's Sesame Suite 8:00 – Hot House West Swing Orchestra & Special Guests From the first downbeat at noon to the Swing Orchestra closing the night, this is a full day built for music lovers, dancers, families, and anyone who wants to hear what Salt Lake's jazz scene has to offer. More Than a Stage The music is just the start. 
All day long you'll find: The Workshop & Jam Tent — Bring your horn, your questions, or just your curiosity. Hands-on workshops and open jams throughout the day. We are all about learning and growing together. Stay tuned for the full schedule. The Kids Zone — Jazz is for every age. Games, activities, instrument petting zoo, and probably bubbles. This is a place for the youngest music lovers to have the best time! Everything America First Square has to offer — Take a break between sets and go bowling, catch a movie, or grab a bite at Red Iguana, Hires Big H, Moena Cafe, Nomad Eatery, or Rockwell Ice Cream. Come for a set, stay for the whole day. Save Your Spot The festival is free — RSVP now so we know you're coming, and forward this to the friend who's always saying we should go hear more live music. We can't do this if you don't show up! 
RSVP here: https://hothousewest.org/jazz-fest 
The 2nd Annual Hot House West Jazz Fest is presented in partnership with Live Daybreak. 
Saturday, September 19 · 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM 
Rio Tinto Kennecott Stage, America First Square, Downtown Daybreak

Get ready to throw it back at Trolley Square’s "80’s Block Party" on the outdoors West Plaza! 
Join us Saturday, September 19 from 6–9 PM for a totally tubular night of free, family-friendly fun for all ages at historic Trolley Square. Come early to grab your seat, enjoy some food from local food trucks, and shop Trolley Square’s vendors before the entertainment kicks off at 6:30 PM! The night will feature high-flying aerialists and acrobatics from SLC Circus Center, live music from talented School of Rock bands, and an awesome dance performance from Millennium Dance. Then, once the show wraps up, we’re turning up the 80’s hits for a public 80’s dance party to close out the night! So grab your family, friends, leg warmers, and best 80’s look, and come party with us under the lights at Trolley Square. It’s gonna be totally rad! 
Saturday, September 19 6–9 PM | Entertainment begins at 6:30 PM Trolley Square – West Plaza FREE admission | All ages welcome