Utah Events

Utah has a few annual events that are worth planning your trip around, so mark your calendars and make reservations early.

Sundance Film Festival takes place annually over 11 days at the end of January (Jan. 20-30, 2011). Park City and its crowds get the limelight, but you can catch films (and their stars) in Salt Lake City as well.

The largest outdoor recreation trade show in the country, the Outdoor Retailer Expo, makes winter (Jan. 20-24, 2010) and summer (July 22-25, 2010) stops in Salt Lake City. It's closed to the public, but often rents every hotel room in the valley.

Utah's Pioneer Day celebrations mark Brigham Young's arrival on July 24, 1847. Statewide, you will find fireworks, rodeos, parades, and fairs that often dwarf Independence Day celebrations.

Ski season traditionally begins Thanksgiving week at many resorts. Plan to ski in November, March, or April to avoid the biggest crowds.