Urban Arts Festival returns to Salt Lake City this weekend

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — This weekend, you’ll find The Gateway filled with vibrant colors and activities as the Utah Arts Alliance hosts its 14th annual Urban Arts Festival.

The two-day festival, going from July 27-28, will feature hundreds of artists, live music and performances, muralists painting live, a skate deck show, pop-up skate park, lowrider hop and more. There will also be a kid’s zone with activities, such as button-making and coloring.

“We are thrilled to present this vibrant celebration and highlight the rich diversity of
our community,” said Derek Dyer, Executive Director of Utah Arts Alliance in a press release. “Urban Arts Festival is a dynamic platform for emerging and established artists, performers, and musicians to showcase their talents and connect with audiences.”

Dyer said the Utah Arts Alliance believes in fostering creativity and inclusion, which this event works to do as the community comes together to experience the transformative power of the arts.

According to the press release, the festival is meant to provide a platform for cultural art, music, and performance at no cost to the community.

“Urban Arts Festival is not just about showcasing creativity; it’s about celebrating a vibrant community where art, music and culture thrives,” said Kat Aleman, Utah Arts Alliance’s Event Manager. “I’m proud to be part of this wonderful event that unites diverse talents and inspires artists and patrons to participate in their beautiful city and the art that surrounds it.”

The festival will run from 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 28.

A full list of events is available online , below are a few of the highlights:

Live Music and Performances
Saturday & Sunday, July 27-28, festival hours
“This year’s festival line up boasts an incredible range of local entertainment, from rap
to the blues and everything in between. Prepare to be dazzled by dancers, drag
artists, and other non-musical performers both on and off the stages. Saturday
night’s grand finale will be a celebration of the art of hip-hop, showcasing the
elements of hip hop on which this festival is built on. “

Skate Deck Show
Show hanging at Urban Arts Gallery July 2 – August 4
Voting from July 19 – July 27, winners announced July 28
“ Urban Arts Gallery’s most popular show returns for the 14th year in a row! Any local
artist is encouraged to submit work, the only requirement is that it’s made with a
blank skate deck as the base. Come vote for your favorite decks and see the diversity
and creativity of Salt Lake artists. Five prizes are available to artists: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
place, Utah Arts Alliance’s Executive Director’s choice, and Urban Arts GalleryManager’s choice. Winners will be announced Sunday, July 28 on the KUAA stage. “

Lowriders Custom Car Exhibit
Sunday, July 28, festival hours
“Always a crowd favorite, come take a look under and over the hood of these custom
lowriders, hoppers and bikes. Hop-off time to be announced. “

URBEEZ Kids’ Zone
Saturday & Sunday, July 27-28, festival hours
“Discovery Gateway will have a variety of children’s arts and crafts activities including
coloring pages featuring all the URBEEZ characters. Stop by with your kids and
participate in the creativity of the festival. “

Artist Marketplace
Saturday & Sunday, July 27-28, festival hours
“Featuring over 90 artists practicing a variety of mediums, this open-air market shows
off the skills and creativity of local artists and makers. Shop for one-of-a-kind pieces
for yourself or others while supporting local artists. “

Live Mural Painting
Saturday & Sunday, July 27-28, festival hour
“See art come to life before your eyes. Over 20 local muralists and graffiti artists will
come together for a live painting exhibition. Muralists will be scattered throughout
the festival to allow for casual and focused viewing of these artists at work. “

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