By McKinsleigh Smith
The Utah Arts Festival has announced initial details for its 50th anniversary celebration, set to take place June 18–21, 2026, at Library Square in Salt Lake City. Last week, organizers revealed a lineup of headlining musical acts and the return of aerial dance company BANDALOOP as part of the milestone event.
For those unfamiliar with the Utah Arts Festival, it aims to celebrate arts of all types. The four-day festival will feature a range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, live music, dance, film, and literary programming. Additional performers and interactive experiences are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
BANDALOOP, known for its vertical dance performances on buildings and natural landscapes, will return to perform on the south-facing glass wall of the Salt Lake City Main Library. The company has previously performed at the site in 2008, 2013, and 2018. Their performances are scheduled daily from Thursday through Saturday, June 18–20.
The festival’s headlining musical acts span multiple genres. Hip-hop artist GZA will open the festival on Thursday, June 18. A founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, GZA is known for his 1995 album Liquid Swords and for incorporating scientific themes into his recent work.
Singer-songwriter Yola is scheduled to perform Friday, June 19. A six-time Grammy nominee, Yola has received critical recognition for her blend of soul, R&B, and Americana. Austin-based musician Shakey Graves will headline Saturday, June 20. The festival will conclude Sunday, June 21, with a performance by Say She She.
Organizers stated that the selected headliners reflect a broader commitment to diverse and innovative programming across the festival. They emphasized the goal of honoring the event’s 50-year legacy while continuing to introduce audiences to new artistic voices.
Festival hours are scheduled from 5 PM to 11 PM on June 18, and noon to 11 PM from June 19 through June 21. In addition to general admission, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available, offering access to a viewing area adjacent to the main stage.
The Utah Arts Festival is the state’s largest outdoor multidisciplinary arts event, drawing more than 42,000 attendees annually and featuring hundreds of artists, performers, and volunteers. The event is widely considered an unofficial start to the summer season in Salt Lake City.
Tickets are on sale now. Check out “Alter Ego” by 2025 Utah Arts Festival performer and Utah artist Love Juliet below!