If you’re anything of a music connoisseur, then you know Salt Lake City’s music scene is booming with new sights to see and hear every week. From music festivals, tours and anniversaries, we’ve successfully brought people in from out of state and local musicians have only continued to add more to the market.
Audiences need to have a way to show up for the Utah local music scene and we have just the fix for you. Whether you’re into indie-pop or alternative rock, Salt Lake has the sound and stage for you. Here are some of our favorites to add to your next Friday night plans.
Kilby Court, 741 S Kilby Ct, Salt Lake City
First up is Utah’s favorite local venue — Kilby Court. Known across the Salt Lake Valley and beyond, Kilby is unlike any other space you’ll attend. Local bands love to play the Kilby stage; in fact, go to large measures to make it there. It’s like a rite of passage. Though this is a local hotspot, many travelling artists have made an appearance as well such as Ginger Root and Odie Leigh.
Kilby Court has made quite the name for itself by hosting Utah’s largest music festival: Kilby Block Party. Fans all over come out every summer to the biggest indie music festival, ongoing for five years now. They will definitely go down in the hall of fame, so be sure to check out a concert — you won’t regret it.
Garage On Beck, 1199 Beck St. Salt Lake City
The Garage is an already great landmark for tourists in the city. This Western-style venue creates the perfect atmosphere for live music. There is a performance planned each night every month. The venue supports bands long term allowing local bands to spend a month long residency playing music. One of these being Lapdog back in 2022.
Constant rock n’ roll with a good beer in hand is the only way to enjoy a night out with friends. Garage On Beck is the perfect place for that.
The Urban Lounge, 241 S 500 E, Salt Lake City
Next, take some time and unwind at The Urban Lounge, a place where big names and local names come to perform. This 21+ venue was founded in 2001 and is one of Salt Lake’s biggest support hubs of local music. Due to their long-term status, they even host an annual local music festival, Psych Lake City, where 10+ bands come to perform. It’s a definite not-to-miss event and these guys are sure not to let you down.
The Beehive, 666 S State St, Salt Lake City
Found within the vegan restaurant Mark of the Beastro, The Beehive is an intimate space where some of the most exciting, loud performances play out. One of my favorite spots in town, all ages are welcome to headbang all night long to these ferocious bands.
International, 342 S State St No. 69, Salt Lake City
The International is the place where the club classics are never-ending. Its startup is due in part to musicians themselves back in 2021 with the intent of sharing the music world with new faces. As an independent spot, they keep things rather affordable, hosting several free shows each week. Keep calm and party on at this 21+ venue.
Liquid Joe’s, 1249 E 3300 S, Millcreek
Mostly serving the music community on weekends, Liquid Joe’s is a highlight of Salt Lake’s market. This 21+ venue has been long standing since the early ’90s, keeping the SLC music scene alive. Along with concerts that feature bands like Oingo Boingo Former Members every month, Liquid Joe’s also provides open mic nights to musicians trying to make their mark in the scene.
Commonwealth Room, 195 W 2100 S Expy, South Salt Lake
Our final venue, but certainly not the last Salt Lake has to offer, is The Commonwealth Room. In cooperation with The State Room, this venue can be found just off the Central Pointe Trax station. Commonwealth also plays part in supporting local music festivals, one being Grid City Music Festival. Be sure to check it out and come back any time because the Commonwealth Room is home, sweet home.
Though the list goes on and on, there you have it. Salt Lake has grown a lot and has definitely become the place to be if you want to rock out to your favorite tunes. Now, get out there and support your local music scene!
