Urban Arts Festival 2025: A Celebration of Salt Lake City's Creative Spirit

Salt Lake City's vibrant urban culture will take center stage this Saturday, August 30, 2025, as the Urban Arts Festival returns to The Gateway from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Organized by the Utah Arts Alliance, this free, all-ages event offers a diverse array of activities celebrating art, music, and community.

The festival's Artist Marketplace will feature local artists across various mediums, providing attendees the opportunity to purchase unique pieces and support the local art scene. Live music and performances will span genres from rap to blues, complemented by dance and drag acts, ensuring entertainment for a wide range of tastes.

A highlight of the festival is the live mural painting, where over a dozen local muralists and graffiti artists will create art in real-time throughout the venue. The 15th annual Skate Deck Show at the Urban Arts Gallery will display creatively designed skate decks, with attendees invited to vote for their favorites. Additionally, the Lowriders Custom Car Exhibit will showcase custom lowriders, hoppers, and bikes, adding a dynamic visual element to the festivities.

The festival also offers a variety of food and beverage options, with a food court and multiple bars serving a range of drinks. Additional programs include the Busking Bus Theatre Company, featuring on-the-hour theatrical, puppet, and vocal performances from a converted school bus with a built-in fold-down stage. Attendees can also explore the impact of urban light on night skies with Clark Planetarium's "Exploring the Skies" program, and participate in "Let's Roller Skate Now!"—four hours of open roller skating with rental options available.

The Utah Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization founded over 20 years ago, is dedicated to fostering the arts in all forms to create an aware, empowered, and connected community. The Urban Arts Festival serves as a platform for cultural art, music, and performance, aiming to foster creativity and inclusion within the community.

The festival has evolved over the years, continually introducing new elements and expanding its offerings. The 2025 edition continues this tradition by incorporating additional programs like the Busking Bus Theatre Company and collaborations with organizations such as Clark Planetarium.

The Urban Arts Festival 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of Salt Lake City's urban culture, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expressions and community engagement opportunities. Whether you're an art enthusiast, music lover, or simply looking for a family-friendly event, the festival has something to offer everyone.