Best Local Summer Festivals in Salt Lake City and Ogden Valley, UT

The Utah Arts Festival is the largest local festival of it's kind, and one of my favorite summer events. The 33^rd annual event takes place from Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28, 2009, from noon to 11 p.m. at Salt Lake City's Library Square. Featuring hundreds of visual, performing, and literary artists, the family-friendly summer event draws 80,000 visitors each year.

The main attraction is the Artist's Marketplace, which showcases art from almost every conceivable medium. From drawing, painting, and sculpture to ceramics, woodwork, and jewelry to mixed media, digital art and photography, there's something for everyone. But the entertainment doesn't stop with visual artists: there are also dozens of performances by musicians, poets, storytellers, theater groups, dancers and more.

Kids can contribute to a large-scale community art project or create their own masterpieces at the fun Target Art Yard. There's also a Toddler Zone, with scaled-down playground equipment, creative instruments made from ordinary objects, and a convenient diaper-changing tent. The Target Art Yard and Toddler Zone are open from noon to 8 p.m.

The Utah Arts Festival is hugely popular, so be prepared to brave the crowds and wait in lines. Bring cash for edibles, as no outside food or drink is allowed.

Tickets can be purchased at the festival or online in advance. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under.

For more information: http://www.uaf.org/how-to-festival

UTAH FOSTER CARE FOUNDATION ANNUAL CHALK ART FESTIVAL, Salt Lake City:

Another favorite local summer event is the Utah Foster Care Foundation's Annual Chalk Art Festival. The 7th annual summer event will be held June 19-20, 2009 at the Gateway Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City. For two days, Rio Grande Street will be transformed into an ephemeral art gallery as more than 100 volunteer artists create extraordinary, temporary works of art. Some artists are professionals, some are amateurs, but all have one goal: to benefit the 2,600 children in Utah's foster care system.

The Utah Foster Care Foundation raises money from the "sale" of pavement squares which serve as the artist's canvas. Part fine art, part performance art, festival-goers have the opportunity to watch the creative process from start to finish. In addition to the artists, there are food vendors, live music, and activities. Kids can even have a go at creating their own masterpiece with chalk provided by the Utah Foster Care Foundation.

Chalk art has its origins in 16th century Italy, when itinerant street artists known as madonnari made their living by traveling from town to town, creating chalk paintings of the Virgin Mary (Madonna).

The festival is outdoors with little shade, so bring water and sunscreen. Admission is free.

Friday, June 19 (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Saturday, June 20 (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

For more information: http://www.utahfostercare.org/chalkartfestival.html

OGDEN VALLEY HOT-AIR BALLOON AND ARTIST FESTIVAL, Ogden Valley / Eden, UT:

If you've never attended a hot-air balloon launch, the Ogden Valley Hot Air Balloon Launch and Festival is the summer event you won't want to miss. The 2009 festival will be held August 14-16 in Eden, UT.

Balloon Launch: Watch the field explode in a kaleidoscope of color as dozens of enormous, colorful balloons inflate, accompanied by the roar and hiss of propane burners. In a matter of minutes, the balloons stand upright, straining against their leads. It's a breathtaking sight as they lift off one by one into the early morning sun. Vibrant balloons, uplifting music, and a palpable energy fill the air for an unforgettable experience.

Tips for attending the balloon launch: Launch is at sunrise so arrive early, dress in layers, and wear comfortable, closed shoes. Balloon rides are available for a fee. Admission and parking are free. Don't forget your camera!

Festival: After the launch, the festivities continue at Wolf Creek Resort with an outdoor summer festival which begins at 9 a.m. There are arts, crafts, and food vendors, live music, a vintage car exhibit, and activities for the kids, including a bounce house, climbing wall, and train rides.

Tips: The landscape at Wolf Creek isn't very wheelchair or stroller-friendly. The bottom level is paved, but the upper level is rocky, which may limit accessibility for some. Bring cash for food, games, and other purchases.

Night Glow: The night glow is the most popular event of the day, drawing thousands of balloon-gazers. The balloons don't launch, but are inflated and kept tethered to the ground while the propane burners light the balloons from within.

Tips: Pack a picnic, arrive at dusk, enjoy the live music, and be dazzled by dozens of brilliant, glowing hot-air balloons!

For details and directions: http://www.ogdenvalleyballoonfestival.com/