Queer Food Festival returns to Salt Lake City with expanded ‘progressive party’ format
One of the city’s most anticipated LGBTQ community events is back for another year, promising an evening of food, drink, film, and connection. The 2026 Queer Food Festival, organized by the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, will take place Friday, May 8, with an expanded format that transforms the celebration into a neighborhood-wide “progressive party.”
Running from 4 to 10 p.m., the festival will unfold across three venues in central Salt Lake City: Red Rock Brewing Beer Store, Mountain West Hard Cider, and Utah Film Center. Organizers say the new structure reflects both the growth of the event and the vibrancy of the city’s queer-owned and allied culinary scene.
“This is more than just a food festival — it’s about nourishing each other through community,” organizers said in promotional materials. “It’s a taste of Queer Salt Lake.”
A full evening of food and community
The evening kicks off with a Happy Hour from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Red Rock Brewing Beer Store, giving attendees a chance to mingle over drinks before heading next door for the main event.
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the festival’s centerpiece, dubbed “The Feast,” will take over Mountain West Hard Cider’s outdoor garten space. There, guests can sample offerings from a curated lineup of LGBTQ-owned and ally-operated restaurants, breweries, and beverage makers. Craft cocktails, small plates, and live entertainment are all part of the experience.
The night concludes with a private screening at Utah Film Center at 8:30 p.m., featuring Assembly, which adds a cultural dimension to an event already rooted in creativity and expression.
Building on a growing tradition
The Queer Food Festival has become a staple of Salt Lake City’s spring calendar, regularly selling out and drawing a diverse crowd from across the region. Coverage from QSaltLake in past years has highlighted how the event not only showcases local culinary talent but also creates meaningful economic opportunities for LGBTQ entrepreneurs.
Previous iterations of the festival have emphasized visibility for queer chefs, bakers, brewers, and restaurateurs, many of whom operate in an industry where LGBTQ representation has historically been underrecognized. By centering these creators, the festival functions as both a celebration and a form of community investment.
This year’s expanded format builds on that mission, encouraging attendees to move through multiple spaces and engage more deeply with participating businesses.
Tickets and participation
Tickets are now on sale, with pricing set at $45 for Chamber members and $65 for the general public. Organizers note that the event sells out every year and are encouraging early purchase. Group and accessible admission rates are also available.
Local food and beverage vendors interested in participating have until April 5 to apply, with organizers providing compensation details and participation guidelines through the Chamber.
For one night in May, organizers say, the invitation is simple: come hungry, come curious, and come ready to celebrate.
More info at utahlgbtqchamber.org
chamber
