September 13, 2023

Today, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced the return of Open Streets on Friday, September 15, from noon to 1 a.m. The special Fall Edition of Open Streets will run September 15 through October 28, every Friday and Saturday from noon to 1 a.m.

“For three years, Salt Lakers have enjoyed Open Streets and the bustle of people, play, and commerce that it brings to Main Street,” said Mayor Mendenhall. “Salt Lake City leaders have envisioned a pedestrian playground on Main Street for decades, and I’m proud that along with our partners on City Council, we are making it happen for the fourth year in a row, this time during the cooler fall months. I’m also grateful for the hard work of our City teams who have worked tirelessly with the Downtown Alliance to bring imagination and joy to Salt Lake City’s ‘living room,’ and am excited for the benefit this expansive Open Streets activation will bring to residents and visitors alike.” 

During Open Streets, which was first established in 2020, Main Street will be closed to automobile traffic from 400 South to South Temple to create a promenade with entertainment and activation on each block, and social establishments are invited to extend their premises onto the sidewalks. Open Streets is made possible by funding and staff support from Salt Lake City and is activated by the Downtown Alliance.

“I love our Open Streets program and am thrilled we could make it a reality once again,” said Council Member Ana Valdemoros, who represents downtown. “Our consistent investment in downtown activations like this has helped us achieve one of the strongest downtown recoveries in the nation since initial lockdowns. As we study the permanence of this concept, I encourage all Salt Lakers to check it out and make it another successful year for our local businesses, artists and entertainers.”

“We believe Main Street and downtown are at their best when people are prioritized. We are excited about the surprises and delights we have created for downtown residents, workers and visitors,” said Dee Brewer, executive director of the Downtown Alliance. “And we are grateful for the City’s commitment to this demonstration and their study of permanent improvements to Main Street to enable a promenade and programming on this corridor.” 

This year, the Downtown Alliance and The Blocks will expand Open Streets programming with a mini-golf course cascading down Main Street, Disco Box—a silent disco in shipping containers, Basecamp, a pop-up park with yoga at Main Street and Gallivan, and, of course, lots of free music. See the full calendar of events at https://downtownslc.org/openstreets.

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About Downtown Alliance: The Downtown Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Salt Lake City’s Central Business District dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture, commerce and entertainment.

About Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development: Formed in 2016, Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development is focused on building Salt Lake City as a vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, diverse, and authentic place – a place that is economically accessible to everyone. Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is strategically located for businesses to succeed. SLCDED works to streamline processes, provide excellent customer service, and offer an array of resources and services to recruit and retain businesses in the City, and ensure they have the tools to thrive.  Learn more at www.slc.gov/ed.