The Living Traditions Festival is preparing to celebrate 40 years of presenting multicultural customs through a three-day event at the Civic Center in Salt Lake City. Scheduled for Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, the festival showcases historical and contemporary traditions including music, dance, crafts, and food.
The event will take place from 5–10pm on Friday, 12–10pm on Saturday, and 12–7pm on Sunday.
Produced by the Salt Lake City Arts Council in partnership with the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, the festival aims to facilitate understanding and belonging through Utah-based programming. The event supports the preservation of diverse perspectives and communities.
Programming for the 2026 festival includes performances, craft artists, a food market, food demonstrations, workshops, and activities for kids. The festival also features school day registration and local partnership programming.
The 2026 Living Traditions Festival is an America 250 event. It received funding and support from several programs, including the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 initiative, the National Endowment for the Arts’ Freedom 250 initiative, and Utah Humanities’ By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 program.
