Spring Arts Calendar: What to See in Utah
Spring traditionally marks one of the busiest periods for the performing and visual arts across the Salt Lake Valley and northern Utah. Theatre companies launch new productions, major classical organizations present season finales, galleries rotate exhibitions highlighting regional artists, and cultural festivals bring thousands of people into downtown public spaces.
The coming months feature everything from Tony-winning Broadway musicals and classic opera to contemporary dance premieres, visual art exhibitions exploring environmental themes, and community events celebrating the region’s diverse cultural traditions. For longtime arts patrons and newcomers alike, the calendar between late March and the end of June offers a broad range of performances, exhibitions, and festivals to explore.
Below is a guide to many of the season’s highlights.
Theatre
Pioneer Theatre Company
Located on the campus of the University of Utah, Pioneer Theatre Company remains Utah’s only fully professional resident theatre operating under a contract with Actors’ Equity Association. The company regularly produces Broadway-caliber musicals and contemporary plays, often presenting regional premieres shortly after they appear on major stages in New York or other cities.
King James
March 28 – April 11
Playwright Rajiv Joseph’s King James is a sharply written two-character play that explores friendship, loyalty, and identity through the lens of sports fandom. The story begins in Cleveland in 2004, where two strangers meet while waiting in line to buy season tickets for the Cavaliers. Their shared enthusiasm for rising NBA superstar LeBron James sparks an unlikely friendship that unfolds across more than a decade.
As the Cavaliers rise and fall and James’ career evolves, the play traces the ups and downs of the men’s personal lives and their relationship with each other. While basketball provides the backdrop, the heart of the play lies in its exploration of how friendships form in unexpected ways and how cultural icons can shape community identity.
Come From Away
April 24 – May 9
This Tony-nominated musical tells the remarkable true story of what happened when 38 airplanes were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. Nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers suddenly found themselves welcomed by a community of only about 9,000 residents.
Through an energetic score inspired by Celtic and folk traditions, Come From Away captures the generosity, humor, and compassion that emerged during those tense days when the town’s residents opened their homes, schools, and community centers to complete strangers. The show has become widely known for its ensemble storytelling and uplifting message about human connection during times of crisis.
Salt Lake Acting Company
Salt Lake Acting Company — or SLAC — has built a reputation for producing contemporary plays, regional premieres, and original works by Utah playwrights. The theatre’s intimate venue allows audiences to experience powerful storytelling in a close, immersive setting.
Murder Ballad
April 8 – May 3
This dark rock musical tells the story of Sara, a woman caught in a love triangle between two very different men. One represents stability and comfort, while the other embodies passion and danger. As the narrative unfolds, the characters find themselves pulled deeper into a cycle of desire, jealousy, and betrayal.
With a pulsing contemporary score and a gritty, emotionally intense story, Murder Ballad blends the structure of a traditional musical with the energy of a live rock concert. The show’s themes explore how past relationships and unresolved emotions can resurface in ways that dramatically alter people’s lives.
SLAC Summer Show
June 24 – August 16
The theatre’s long-running satirical summer revue returns with a fresh batch of sketches, songs, and comedic commentary about Utah culture and politics. First launched in the late 1990s, the annual show has become a beloved local tradition.
Each year, writers and performers collaborate to create new material lampooning everything from state politics and religious culture to local quirks and social trends. For many audiences, the production offers both comic relief and a reflection of the unique dynamics shaping life in Utah.
West Valley Arts
Lucky Stiff
May 1 – May 16
Utah Cultural Celebration Center
This fast-paced musical farce combines classic screwball comedy with clever musical numbers. The story centers on Harry Witherspoon, an unassuming English shoe salesman who learns he has inherited a fortune from an eccentric American uncle.
The inheritance, however, comes with a strange condition: Harry must escort the uncle’s embalmed body on a vacation to Monte Carlo. If he succeeds, he receives six million dollars. If he fails, the fortune goes to a dog home in Brooklyn.
As Harry attempts to fulfill the unusual requirement, he becomes entangled with shady relatives, mistaken identities, and a chaotic series of events that lead him across Europe. The musical’s humor and energetic pacing make it a favorite among fans of classic musical theatre farce.
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre has become one of the region’s most ambitious community theatre companies, known for elaborate sets, large casts, and professional-level production values. Located in Centerville, the theatre draws audiences from across Davis County and the broader Wasatch Front.
Finding Neverland
March 20 – April 23
This musical tells the story of playwright J.M. Barrie and the experiences that inspired him to create the beloved story of Peter Pan. When Barrie befriends a widowed mother and her four imaginative sons, their shared adventures awaken his creativity and help him rediscover the joy of childhood imagination.
The show combines theatrical spectacle with heartfelt storytelling, exploring themes of creativity, grief, and the importance of holding onto wonder even in adulthood.
Fiddler on the Roof
May 15 – June 18
Set in a Jewish village in early-20th-century Russia, the beloved musical follows Tevye, a poor milkman struggling to maintain tradition while his daughters pursue love and independence in a rapidly changing world.
Featuring iconic songs such as “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” the musical explores family bonds, cultural identity, and the tensions between tradition and change.
Disney’s Tarzan
June 5 – August 3
Based on the Disney animated film, Tarzan tells the story of a young man raised by gorillas in the African jungle who ultimately discovers his human origins. The musical features music by Phil Collins and often includes visually dynamic staging that incorporates aerial choreography and athletic movement to evoke the jungle environment.
The Ziegfeld Theater
The Ziegfeld Theater continues producing energetic musical theatre in downtown Ogden. The company’s productions often blend community performers with professional direction and design.
Later in the year, the theatre plans productions of “Avenue Q,” the irreverent puppet musical that humorously tackles adulthood and identity, and “Little Shop of Horrors,” the cult-favorite horror comedy about a man-eating plant that brings unexpected fame and chaos to a struggling florist.
Dance
Ballet West
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
March 27 – March 28
This narrated ballet adapts Washington Irving’s famous ghost story about Ichabod Crane and the mysterious Headless Horseman. Designed especially for families, the production condenses the classic tale into an accessible one-hour format combining dance, narration, and theatrical effects.
West Side Story Suite
April 3 – April 11
Featuring choreography originally created by Jerome Robbins, this ballet adaptation brings Leonard Bernstein’s iconic score to the stage through dynamic dance. The production captures the emotional tension and explosive energy of the original musical’s story of rival gangs and forbidden love.
Choreographic Festival
May 15 – May 23
This annual festival highlights new dance works created by Ballet West dancers themselves. By stepping into the role of choreographer, company members experiment with new movement styles and storytelling approaches, offering audiences a glimpse into the creative process behind contemporary dance.
Opera
Utah Opera
La traviata
May 9 – May 17
One of the most beloved works in the operatic repertoire, La traviata tells the tragic story of Violetta Valéry, a glamorous Parisian courtesan who falls deeply in love with the young nobleman Alfredo Germont.
Despite their genuine affection, societal expectations and family pressure force Violetta to sacrifice the relationship for Alfredo’s future. The opera’s emotionally powerful music—including the famous drinking song “Libiamo”—has made it a cornerstone of opera houses worldwide.
Classical Music
Utah Symphony
The Utah Symphony continues its concert season with several major programs at Abravanel Hall.
Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3
April 24 – 25
Internationally acclaimed pianist Simon Trpčeski joins the orchestra for Sergei Prokofiev’s virtuosic and rhythmically electrifying Third Piano Concerto.
Copland, Ives & Guitar Concerto
May 1 – May 2
This program celebrates American composers with music by Aaron Copland and Charles Ives alongside a contemporary guitar concerto.
Ben Folds with the Utah Symphony
May 12
Singer-songwriter Ben Folds performs with the orchestra in a genre-blending concert combining pop music and symphonic arrangements.
Bruckner Symphony No. 4
May 22 – 23
The season finale features Anton Bruckner’s sweeping Fourth Symphony, often referred to as the “Romantic” symphony.
Visual Arts
Finch Lane Gallery
The gallery’s rotating exhibitions highlight Utah artists exploring themes such as landscape, environment, and memory.
Jill Saxton Smith | Benjamin Childress
Through April 10
Susan Jacobsen Kirby | Hannah Vaughn
April 17 – May 29
Laura Hope Mason, Claire Tollstrup, Elizabeth Sanchez | Michelle Wentling
June 8 – July 17
Festivals and Community Arts
Living Traditions Festival
May 15 – May 17
Presented by the Salt Lake City Arts Council, this annual festival celebrates cultural traditions from communities across Utah through music, dance, crafts, storytelling, and food.
Busker Fest
May 29–30
Street performers—including musicians, magicians, comedians, and circus artists — transform downtown Salt Lake City into an outdoor performance space.
Utah Filmmaker Showcase: Gender Expansive Local Shorts
March 25
Presented by the Utah Film Center in partnership with Utah Women in Film & Television at Artist Foundry.
This special screening program highlights short films created by Utah filmmakers exploring gender identity, gender expression, and the experiences of gender-expansive communities. The showcase aims to elevate local voices working in independent cinema while providing a platform for storytelling that reflects the diversity of gender experiences within Utah and beyond.
Organizers describe the event as part of an ongoing effort to support filmmakers whose work addresses identity, representation, and social issues. Screenings such as this have become an important outlet for emerging filmmakers seeking opportunities to show their work outside traditional festival circuits.
In addition to the film program itself, events like this often encourage discussion among filmmakers and audiences about the challenges and possibilities facing independent cinema in Utah, particularly for LGBTQ+ creators and stories that have historically received limited representation.
The Harvey Milk Open Mic
March 26
Presented by MILK+.
Named in honor of pioneering gay rights activist Harvey Milk, this recurring open mic night offers a welcoming stage for LGBTQ+ performers and allies to share creative work in a supportive environment. The monthly showcase regularly features an eclectic mix of performers, including musicians, comedians, drag artists, poets, storytellers, and spoken-word performers.
The event has quickly grown into a lively gathering that celebrates queer creativity while encouraging emerging artists to try new material in front of a receptive audience. Organizers emphasize the importance of providing accessible performance opportunities that foster community connection and artistic experimentation.
Each edition of the open mic typically features both first-time performers and established local artists, making it an engaging evening for audiences interested in discovering new voices from Salt Lake City’s LGBTQ arts scene.
Amal El-Mohtar Book Release: Seasons of Glass & Iron
March 28
Hosted by Under the Umbrella Bookstore at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
Award-winning fantasy and science fiction writer Amal El‑Mohtar visits Salt Lake City to celebrate the release of her latest book, Seasons of Glass & Iron. The event will feature a reading from the new work followed by a conversation about the book’s themes, writing process, and literary influences.
El-Mohtar is widely recognized for her imaginative storytelling and lyrical prose. She previously co-authored the critically acclaimed novel This Is How You Lose the Time War, which received multiple awards in the science fiction and fantasy community.
The evening will also include discussion and moderation by members of The Legendarium Podcast, a group known for its deep explorations of speculative fiction. Literary events like this provide an opportunity for readers to interact directly with authors while highlighting the growing role of Salt Lake City’s independent bookstores in fostering literary culture.
Trans Day of Visibility Celebration
March 31
Hosted at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.
Each year on March 31, communities around the world observe the International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to celebrating transgender people while raising awareness about the challenges they continue to face.
The West Valley City event will include performances, speakers, community resources, and opportunities for attendees to connect with organizations serving transgender residents across Utah. Events marking the day often focus on both celebration and advocacy, highlighting the accomplishments of transgender individuals while emphasizing the importance of visibility and inclusion.
Organizers say gatherings like this create space for community support and dialogue at a time when transgender issues remain a central topic in political and cultural discussions nationwide.
Pride Ride Utah
April 4
Hosted at Brighton Ski Resort.
Pride Ride Utah returns to the slopes of Brighton Ski Resort for a day combining winter sports with LGBTQ community celebration. The event invites skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels to participate in a day of riding, socializing, and building community on the mountain.
Participants often decorate gear with rainbow flags and pride-themed apparel, creating a vibrant and visible gathering of LGBTQ outdoor enthusiasts and allies. Events such as Pride Ride highlight the growing presence of LGBTQ communities within outdoor recreation spaces traditionally viewed as less inclusive.
Organizers say the goal is to create an environment where LGBTQ athletes and outdoor lovers feel welcome while also encouraging greater visibility in Utah’s ski and snowboarding culture.
Sanctuary Film Screening and Q&A
April 15
Presented by the Utah Film Center.
This screening of Sanctuary will be followed by a panel discussion featuring the film’s co-directors, Autumn McAlpin and Vienna Boyes, along with architect Doug Staker, who contributed to the project’s design elements.
The film explores themes of safe space, identity, and community through both narrative and documentary storytelling approaches. Following the screening, the filmmakers and moderator from the Utah Queer Film Festival will discuss the creative process behind the project and its relevance to broader conversations about architecture, belonging, and the spaces communities build for themselves.
Events like this highlight Utah’s growing independent film scene and the collaborative relationships forming between filmmakers, artists, and community organizations.
Transgender Celebration Art Exhibition
March 9 – April 18
Presented by the Salt Lake City Public Library at the Main Branch.
This multi-week exhibition features visual artwork created by transgender artists and allies exploring themes of identity, resilience, and community. The show includes a range of media—from painting and photography to mixed-media installations—reflecting diverse artistic approaches to storytelling through visual art.
Organizers say the exhibition was designed both as an artistic showcase and as a platform for greater visibility of transgender voices within Utah’s arts community. Visitors to the exhibition can expect deeply personal works that address both the joys and challenges of gender identity while celebrating the creativity of artists whose perspectives are often underrepresented in mainstream gallery spaces.
By hosting the exhibition in a highly accessible public venue, the library hopes to encourage broader engagement with transgender artists and foster conversations about representation, visibility, and the power of art to share lived experiences.
