Nightlife & the Arts in Salt Lake City

The Arts

Salt Lake City's arts tradition officially started in 1847 with the Deseret Musical and Dramatic Society, founded by Brigham Young. The city has continued to give strong support for the arts, even voting for a special tax to support cultural organizations like the opera and symphony. Ballet West and the Utah Symphony have kept Utah on the nation's cultural map. The Capitol and Rose Wagner theaters host Broadway touring companies. The Pioneer Theatre Company is a well-regarded professional troupe. Lesser known and locally written plays are presented in small theaters throughout the valley.

Nightlife

An increasingly cosmopolitan atmosphere is spreading through downtown Salt Lake City. Bars and clubs serve up cocktails and live music to meet diverse tastes. The state's quirky liquor laws make for a few surprises to newcomers, however. First of all, don't expect to spend the night barhopping along a single street. Only two private clubs, requiring a membership to be purchased for admission, are allowed per block. Last call is 1 am, and some bars call it earlier. Cabs are not on hand at every bar or club, so you will probably have to call for one.