January in Salt Lake City — Winter Fun, Festivals & Culture
January in Salt Lake City — Winter Fun, Festivals & Culture
January in the Salt Lake City area is a great mix of winter adventure, cultural events, performances, and special happenings to start the new year. From family-friendly festivals and conventions to live music and film, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your January 2026 event calendar and guide to making the most of the month! Visit Salt Lake+1
❄️ January 2026 Event Calendar — Salt Lake City Area
|
Date |
Event |
Description / Location |
|
Jan 1–4 |
Monster Jam |
Family-friendly monster truck spectacular at the Delta Center — shows and Pit Party fun for all ages. Delta Center |
|
Jan 3 |
RDT’s Dance Center Open House |
Dance studio open house and dance community showcase at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. Salt Lake Magazine |
|
Jan 3 |
Swing Into the New Year Bootcamp |
Beginner dance bootcamp — no partner needed — at DF Dance Studio in downtown SLC. Salt Lake Magazine |
|
Jan 9–11 |
Salt Lake Home Show |
Home design, renovation trends, and live demos at the Mountain America Expo Center. Salt Lake Home Show |
|
Jan 9–10 |
EMERGE 2026 (Dance) |
Repertory Dance Theatre performance at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. Salt Lake County Arts |
|
Jan 9–10 |
Summit Dance Project – The Fifth Element |
Dance performance at Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Salt Lake County Arts |
|
Jan 9 |
Utah Festival Ballet – Echoes in Motion |
Ballet performance featuring original and classical works. Salt Lake County Arts |
|
Jan 10 |
BENISE – Fiesta! |
Guitar-driven concert and world music production at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. Salt Lake County Arts |
|
Jan 10 |
Utah Dance Artists – Sleeping Beauty Excerpts |
Dance performance at Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Salt Lake County Arts |
|
Jan 14 |
Fearless Dance Company – Winter Benefit Show |
Annual dance performance and benefit at Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Salt Lake County Arts |
|
Jan 14 |
Codefendants Event |
Interactive evening at Metro Music Hall combining entertainment and community energy. AllEvents |
|
Jan 15–17 |
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company – Traverse |
Dance concert series at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. Salt Lake County Arts |
|
Jan 20 |
Perspectives Over Pints: Why the Great Salt Lake Matters |
Community lecture and discussion event at Fisher Brewing Company (21+). Eventbrite |
|
Jan 22–Feb 1 |
Sundance Film Festival (in Park City & Salt Lake City) |
World-renowned independent film festival showcasing films, panels, and special screenings. sundance.org - sundance.org |
|
Jan 30–31 |
Bear Lake Monster Winterfest |
Winter celebration near Bear Lake with family activities and festivities. Visit Salt Lake |
🎉 Highlights & Things to Do
🎪 Major Shows & Performances
Salt Lake City’s performing arts venues are active in January with dance, music, and cultural programming — from EMERGE 2026 to Summit Dance Project and Benise – Fiesta! concerts. Salt Lake County Arts
🎬 Sundance Film Festival
One of the season’s biggest draws, the 2026 Sundance Film Festival runs January 22–February 1. It brings independent films, premieres, talks, and special events to venues across Park City and Salt Lake City, making it a cultural magnet for locals and visitors alike. sundance.org - sundance.org
🏠 Home & Lifestyle
The Salt Lake Home Show (Jan 9–11) offers design ideas, reno tips, and live demonstrations — great for homeowners and dreamers alike. Salt Lake Home Show
🍺 Community & Learning
Local gatherings like Perspectives Over Pints offer engaging talks on issues like the Great Salt Lake’s environmental importance — perfect for curious minds. Eventbrite
❄️ Winter Festivals & Outdoor Fun
The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest at month’s end brings winter fun to life with activities and family celebration. Visit Salt Lake
And don’t forget: January is peak winter activity season — skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating are all popular in and around SLC and nearby canyons. Visit Utah
🏙️ Week-by-Week View
Week 1 (Jan 1-7): Monster Jam thrills, early dance & community activities.
Week 2 (Jan 8-14): Salt Lake Home Show, dance & music showcases.
Week 3 (Jan 15-21): Winter festivals, community talks, ensemble performances.
Week 4 (Jan 22-31): Sundance Film Festival action + Bear Lake Winterfest.
❄️ Winter Tips for January
- Dress warm: This is deep winter in Utah — mornings and evenings are cold, with snowy conditions common.
- Check schedules: Many performances and Sundance screenings require advance tickets.
- Mix indoor/outdoor: Combine cultural events with winter sports and light outdoor adventures.
- Explore beyond SLC: Park City’s snowy streets and nearby resorts are perfect day trips for skiing, après-ski, and cozy dining. Visit Utah
January in Salt Lake City is a blend of winter wonder, artistic energy, community moments, and big cultural draws like Sundance. Whether you’re a snow lover, film fan, or music and arts enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to fill your month with memorable experiences!
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