The Westside Music Arts and Food Festival is returning to Sugar Space on June 16th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Featuring many of the same musicians that made last year such a hit, the 2018 Festival has expanded hours and will feature Changing Lanes Experience as its headline act. Besides longer hours, Festival organizers also received a permit to close 800 West in front of Sugar Space. Over 50 art and information booths will line the street and multiple food trucks will be showcasing their menus. This is an all ages event with free admission.

Conceived last year as a way to showcase positive elements of the Westside, the Festival was a surprise success with multiple vendors and artists who attracted over 500 people in just four hours. With only weeks to prepare last year, this year’s organizers Restore North Temple and the River District Chamber decided to expand both the hours and the venue for 2018. Advanced planning allowed the organizers to receive a grant from Salt Lake City to help fund the 2018 event. “Generous support from Rocky Mountain Power has helped us immensely both years,” said Aaron Ernst of Restore North Temple. Andeavor is the main stage sponsor for 2018. Fairpark Community Council is a proud sponsor of the event providing accounting, logistical and marketing support.

2017’s Festival was a blur of activity with performers ranging from Polynesian drummers to bluesman Danny Weldon to the jazz quartet K-Tones. Dancers, aerialists and magicians entertained the crowd on three different stages while food trucks kept the crowd fed with a variety of delicious food. One attendee remarked last year he had the best tacos he’d ever tasted.

Traditions have to start somewhere and event organizers envisioned last year’s festival to be the start of something that would take place many times over the coming years. It’s telling that all the artists and musicians who were invited back jumped at the opportunity. 2018’s upcoming festival is the next step in the journey. It looks to be bigger, better and more fun than ever before.

Westside Music Art and Food Festival

Free admission!

Saturday June 16th – 11 am to 9 pm

Headline show – 7 pm – Changing Lanes Experience

132 S. 800 W. at Sugar Space

Parking – 200 S.

Take TRAX to Jackson/Euclid stop

Bike valet available