SLC’s Main Street goes pedestrians-only for two weekends in July as Open Streets returns

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Downtown Salt Lake City’s Main Street will be transformed into a pedestrian-only promenade for two weekends in July, bringing the street to life with live entertainment and sidewalk dining.

Main Street between 100 South and 200 South will be shut down to automobile traffic first on Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13, and again on July 19 and 20.

“I am pleased to announce the return of Downtown Open Streets,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Open Streets fosters community in the heart of the city with an electric atmosphere that prioritizes pedestrians and families while supporting our small businesses.”

The 2024 summer edition of Open Streets will be headlined by two events: a “Main Street: A Fashion and Music” immersive experience in the lobby of the Eccles Theater and a live presentation with local mariachi bands and Mexican classical guitarist Sergio Fuentes Oseguera.

Other events include a poetry slam, live music, a curbside theater, and more. A full schedule of events can be found online, here .

This year’s Open Streets event, which began in 2020, is significantly smaller than previous years. The 2023 Fall edition of the Open Streets promenade saw Main Street closed to vehicle traffic every weekend between September and October from 400 South to South Temple.

The event was created in part to foster a family-friendly activated downtown Salt Lake City and in part to study how effective a permanent walkable promenade would be in the heart of downtown. The City unveiled a concept for the idea earlier this year, featuring play areas, spots to rest, as well as integrated gardens and art pieces.

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