When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
Why Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers an exceptional outdoor venue that combines the beauty of botanical gardens with live performances. Nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, this venue is part of the larger Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, which spans over 100 acres of lush gardens and scenic hiking trails through native vegetation. The amphitheatre provides a stunning natural backdrop for concerts, making it a sought-after destination for music lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. With a capacity of up to 3,000 guests and ample parking, the venue is ideal for private performances, company events, reunions, or simply enjoying a summer concert series with friends. Beyond the music, visitors enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, beautiful outdoor setting, and the opportunity to explore the botanical garden's diverse plant collections. The garden’s proximity to Red Butte Creek adds to the serene environment, making any visit a refreshing escape from the urban experience. Open year-round, the amphitheatre and garden offer flexible hours that adjust seasonally to enhance visitor enjoyment and access.
Here's what people think of Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
As of recent, Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre holds a 4.8-star rating based on 635 reviews.
Reviews for Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre reflect an overall positive experience with a high rating of 4.8 from 635 reviews. Visitors appreciate the beautiful outdoor setting, the unique combination of music and nature, and the well-maintained garden surroundings that enhance the concert experience. Positive feedback often highlights the pleasant atmosphere, scenic views, and the venue's capacity to host a wide variety of concerts and events with adequate space and parking. However, some guests have noted issues with seating arrangements and ticketing policies, particularly regarding membership benefits and the limited comfortable seating options. A few reviewers mentioned that chairs can be restrictive and that standing during concerts can obstruct views, which affects the overall comfort during performances. Despite these concerns, many attendees recommend the venue for its ambiance and quality of performances. In conclusion, while minor logistical drawbacks exist, the amphitheatre’s charm, natural beauty, and excellent sound quality make it a favored destination for outdoor concerts and gatherings in Salt Lake City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Deborah DeKoff
Great location for concerts! Note: people will block your view while they dance to the music. Choose your location carefully! Food and drink available
Zakk High
Listen, I don’t know who designed the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, but they clearly consulted the gods. This place is an *out-of-body* experience. I mean, where else can you sip your own wine, nibble on homemade charcuterie, stare at dreamy mountain views, AND vibe to live music surrounded by trees and flowers that smell better than anything you’ve ever impulse-purchased at Bath & Body Works? Let’s talk location: you’re nestled right at the foothills of the Wasatch mountains like you're in a postcard. If the music doesn’t move you, the scenery will. I’ve seen people cry during soundcheck just because the golden hour light hit the lilacs just right. And the vibe? Immaculate. Picture this: a blanket, your best friends, some Trader Joe’s snacks you swore you'd share (you won’t), and the smooth, guiltless buzz of wine you didn’t have to sneak in because, yes, this magical place lets you bring your own food AND alcohol. It’s like a picnic and a concert had a baby and then sent it to therapy and yoga—because everything here just feels so emotionally healthy. The staff? Angels. Literal angels. They’re smiling, they’re helpful, they’ll even politely remind you which bin your fancy hummus container belongs in because, YES, they separate recycling and glass. That’s not just organization. That’s environmental love language. Honestly, summer isn’t summer without a Red Butte concert. If you haven’t been yet, go. If you have been, you’re probably already packing your Yeti backpack cooler. Bring your friends, bring your snacks, and bring your best dance moves.
Shelle Kautzman
It was the most beautiful venue I have ever been to. The mountains in the background and the city lights on the other side. The acoustics are perfect!
Darin Ferguson
We love this venue this was a date night I was able to take my wife and enjoy some music. If there is someone you like then this is an intimate and beautiful venue. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine and enjoy the finer things in life. Check out their schedule often and if you have a chance Go! Please get there early to grab a good spot.
Jim Reuter
Went to the Little Feat + Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert. Outstanding concert at an outstanding venue. The place was packed, the sound was great, and the weather was great (after it cooled off and the evening breezes came in). Bring your own food and drinks and concert chairs to sit on the lawn and have fun.
How to reach Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
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Why Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre with your friends? The Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre offers an exceptional venue that combines natural beauty, spaciousness, and versatility, making it an ideal gathering spot for friends and family. Nestled within the breathtaking Red Butte Garden and Arboretum in Salt Lake City, the amphitheatre boasts panoramic views of the valley and surrounding foothills, creating an inspiring atmosphere that elevates any meetup. Whether you're planning a lively concert outing, a peaceful picnic, or a special celebration, the seamless blend of outdoor space and garden serenity allows for unique shared experiences in stunning surroundings. The venue comfortably accommodates up to 3,000 people, so you and your entire group can meet without concerns about overcrowding or limited space. Its expansive lawns and multiple scenic spots—like the garden waterfall and charming footbridge over Red Butte Creek—provide perfect backdrops for memorable photos and moments. Moreover, the availability of amenities such as dedicated restrooms, serving areas, and ample parking ensures convenience and comfort for all attendees. In short, the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre represents a perfect harmony of natural splendor and practical facilities, making it the go-to place to rally your friends and create lasting memories.
What activities can you enjoy at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre?
Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre is far more than just a concert venue; it offers a variety of activities that cater to different group interests and foster quality time with friends and family. One of the venue’s highlights is its concert series, which features a diverse lineup of world-class musical performances under the open sky, providing an extraordinary auditory and visual experience. Besides concerts, the venue is perfectly suited for private performances, where your group can enjoy an exclusive event tailored for your interests. The spacious outdoor ambiance invites picnics, allowing visitors to bring food and settle comfortably on the lush lawns while soaking up nature’s tranquility. Additionally, the amphitheatre offers a great setting for reunions or corporate events, where teams can bond in a relaxed and inspiring environment. For those who appreciate nature, the wider Red Butte Garden includes more than 21 acres of display gardens and miles of hiking trails to explore before or after your gathering. These gardens showcase native and exotic plants alike, enriching your experience with opportunities for casual strolls, photography, and learning about local ecology. Whether your group seeks entertainment, relaxation, or education, the amphitheatre and surrounding gardens provide a rich variety of activities.
Why is Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre perfect for group meetups?
Hosting a meetup at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre guarantees a perfect blend of intimacy and space, crucial for any successful group gathering. The venue’s capacity to seat or accommodate up to 3,000 people standing means that groups of all sizes can comfortably gather without feeling cramped or restricted. The natural layout of open lawns combined with garden paths and water features creates numerous distinct areas where smaller clusters within your larger group can socialize or relax at their own pace. The presence of dedicated restrooms, serving areas, and patios adds layers of convenience that keep logistical concerns minimal, allowing guests to focus entirely on the joy of the event. Ample parking is another significant advantage, easing arrival and departure for everyone involved. The picturesque environment also encourages interaction and group activities, making it easier to organize games, group photos, or guided nature walks within the premises. The fact that the amphitheatre is embedded within a larger botanical garden and arboretum enhances the venue’s appeal, allowing meetups to seamlessly combine socializing with immersion in nature. All of these elements come together to create a gathering space that feels both special and worry-free.
What kind of amenities and services does the amphitheatre provide for group events?
Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre offers a comprehensive level of amenities designed to meet the diverse needs of group events, which ensures both hosts and guests have a seamless and enjoyable experience. The venue comes equipped with multiple dedicated restrooms, which is essential when hosting large groups to avoid congestion during events. For food and beverage needs, there are designated serving areas and patios, allowing caterers to efficiently provide services without interrupting the flow of the event. Parking is ample and easily accessible, removing a common headache for many outdoor venues. Beyond these physical amenities, the amphitheatre benefits from its location within Salt Lake City’s Red Butte Garden, which means professional management and support from an experienced team familiar with hosting a wide variety of functions such as concerts, reunions, and company gatherings. This professional approach ensures logistical challenges—like setup, cleanup, and coordination—are handled smoothly, making your event less stressful. Additionally, the venue supports both alcohol options and catering, giving hosts flexibility to customize their gathering to fit the vibe they want. These combined amenities make the amphitheatre ideal for anyone looking to host a well-organized, comfortable event in a breathtaking natural setting.
How accessible is Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre for visitors?
Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre is designed for easy access by all visitors, enhancing its appeal as a gathering spot for diverse groups. Located at 2188 Red Butte Canyon Road in Salt Lake City, the amphitheatre is conveniently reachable via major roads, ensuring visitors from around the city and surrounding areas can arrive without difficulty. The ample parking facilities make it straightforward for both individual vehicles and larger group transport such as buses or carpool vans to find spots quickly, minimizing time spent searching for parking. The venue is open year-round, although hours vary seasonally, with extended hours during warmer months making it suitable for evening events or longer day trips. Accessibility features within the amphitheatre and the wider garden area accommodate guests with mobility challenges, providing safer pathways and facilities adapted to various needs. These features ensure that no matter who you bring along—whether family, friends, or coworkers—everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably. The proximity to Salt Lake City’s urban amenities while being immersed in nature positions Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre as both convenient and refreshing.
What makes the atmosphere at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre unique?
The atmosphere at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre is uniquely characterized by its seamless integration into the natural beauty of the surrounding Wasatch foothills and the botanical gardens that envelop it. Unlike typical outdoor venues, this amphitheatre offers visitors a panoramic view of the city valley and natural landscapes, providing a spectacular visual backdrop that enhances any event. The sound of Red Butte Creek running nearby as well as the presence of native plants like cacti and wildflowers infuse the environment with a peaceful yet invigorating energy. The lush greenery and thoughtful garden design encourage visitors to feel connected to nature while enjoying modern amenities. This unmatched blend of natural serenity and vibrant openness creates a relaxed but celebratory mood that sets the stage for meaningful social interactions. Whether attending a concert or a casual picnic, the ambience invites guests to unwind, connect, and fully engage with both the environment and each other. This special atmosphere distinguishes Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre from other venues and makes meetups here especially memorable.