Outdoor festival with tents and mountains

Utah's Craft Lake City DIY Fest: A Celebration of Creativity and Community

August 15, 2024

Utah's Craft Lake City DIY Fest celebrated its 16th birthday with a vibrant display of local talent, drawing an estimated 20,000 attendees to the Utah State Fairpark. The festival featured over 500 artisans, performers, and young entrepreneurs, making it a hub of creativity and community spirit.

Key Takeaways

Event: Craft Lake City DIY Fest
Location: Utah State Fairpark, Salt Lake City
Attendance: Approximately 20,000
Features: Over 500 artisans, vintage vendors, food vendors, youth entrepreneurs, performers, and STEM exhibitors
Admission: $15 for humans, $7 for dogs

Local Artists Take the Stage

The festival kicked off with performances from local musicians and dancers. The Allegiant Dance Crew, known for promoting empowerment and self-expression through dance, especially in low-income communities, was a highlight. Their interactive performance encouraged audience participation, making it a memorable experience for all.

Kid Row: The Future of Utah Art

Kid Row, a special section dedicated to young artists, was a standout feature. Nine-year-old Mei and her six-year-old brother Ren showcased their newspaper, "Kid News," which included a fashion edition and a "Harry Potter" edition. Kid Row is supported by Craft Lake City's Youth Artisan Entrepreneur Program, which provides art instruction and mentoring to young creators.

Inside the DIY Festival

The festival extended from outdoor stages and booths to indoor areas showcasing art and technology. Graphic designer Trent Miller displayed his upcycled sketchbooks made from brown paper grocery bags. The STEM building featured interactive booths with robots, model cars, and virtual reality games. Attendees could even get a tattoo from Dark Arts, a Midvale-based shop offering flash designs.

The Craft Lake City DIY Fest continues to be a cornerstone event, offering something new and exciting for everyone. As festival director Angela Brown stated, the event "offers something new to be experienced by all."