When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Utah Pride Center
Why Utah Pride Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Utah Pride Center serves as a vital community hub in Salt Lake City, fostering an inclusive and affirming environment for Utah's diverse LGBTQ+ population. Established in 1991 and situated on the top floor of the McIntyre Building near City Creek Mall, it offers a wide range of programs and resources geared toward uniting, empowering, and celebrating queer identities. The center holds the annual Utah Pride Festival and Parade, a hallmark event that attracts broad participation to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and visibility. Beyond this flagship festival, the center organizes ongoing youth and community programs offering weekly social groups, peer support, and special events focused on promoting physical, emotional, and mental wellness for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. The center's inclusive vision emphasizes unity and collaboration, advocacy, empowerment, and joy through accessible social, educational, and wellness initiatives. It also supports elders, transgender individuals, and provides meeting space and financial assistance for affiliate organizations. Accessible resources include sober groups, trans-friendly barbers, and adult social groups, making it a comprehensive, welcoming place for people across all queer identities and experiences to connect and thrive.
Here's what people think of Utah Pride Center
As of recent, Utah Pride Center holds a 4.2-star rating based on 75 reviews.
Users generally rate the Utah Pride Center positively, reflected in an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 75 reviews. Positive reviews emphasize the center’s welcoming atmosphere, inclusive programming, and the vital role it plays in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. Visitors appreciate the diversity of events, from the grand Pride Festival to the many support groups and educational workshops. Many highlight the staff’s dedication and the center's ability to foster community spirit and provide valuable resources that empower attendees. However, some negative reviews point to occasional challenges such as limited operating hours (primarily late afternoons and early evenings during weekdays), which can impede access for some individuals. A few users mention the need for expanded facilities or additional programs to address growing community needs comprehensively. Despite these concerns, the center’s commitment to transparency, advocacy, and collaboration remains consistently praised. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong community endorsement of the Utah Pride Center as a cornerstone for LGBTQ+ support and celebration in Utah, with room for growth aligned to the evolving needs of its members.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jordan “Yordan” Wight
This is a good place to get resources for the community, and the library here is amazing. But they seem to have forgotten there’s a B in LGBTQ+; there are no services specific to the bi community here, and I felt like my identity was erased during the men’s support group, which explicitly says that bi men are allowed, but the participants (none of which are employees, thankfully) seem to forget that.
Cheryl Sneddon
This is always been a wonderful place to get information and to get resources. Now with their new location at the McIntyre building in downtown Salt Lake City they're open hours 4 to 8 make it easy to come in after school after work to enjoy the various programs that they have available. Great resources, they have arexin the form of Group meetings game night, craft class plusctheir library is open. It is a fantastic resource for not only non fiction works but also fiction.
Kaylee Anderson
They appreciate all people for they are not matter what I'm friends with some LGBTQ
Tim Brown
This place is a very strong support system for the gay community. I like the way they support their community. They just had a huge gay pride gathering this month, and the Utah Pride Center played a major role in organizing and presenting this to the public. I started going to their Wednesday lunch for older people. That my work schedule changed and I wasn't able to return. But I will be able to start going back now starting next week, and I look forward to it
Tyler Beauchamp
Volunteering here had to be one of the most impactful opportunities in my life. I’m a straight, white, male from Wyoming. In college I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Utah Pride Center, so i took them up on the offer. Since day one i felt overwhelmed with love and appreciation for our volunteer efforts. I didn’t realize the amount of scrutiny they deal with on a daily bases from the surrounding community. No matter who you are and no matter where you come from they will love and treat you as an equal the minute you step through those doors. I was asked to assist in the Pride festival on a larger scale and was amazed by the organization the LGBTQ+ ( 🏳️🌈) community has to pull off such an amazing festival every year. Thank you for all the great memories and friendships i made while volunteering there for two years!
How to reach Utah Pride Center
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Website: None
Why Utah Pride Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at the Utah Pride Center with your friends? Because it is much more than a meeting spot—it is a vibrant hub of community, support, and celebration specifically designed to embrace and uplift LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. Gathering here with your friends means stepping into a welcoming space where inclusivity is not just valued, but central to everything offered. The center’s positive atmosphere fosters connection and shared experiences, making it an ideal place to rally for causes close to your heart or simply enjoy each other’s company in an affirming environment. Located conveniently near City Creek Mall in Salt Lake City, this accessible venue beckons groups to come together for a wide array of events, discussions, and social opportunities. Whether you are looking to participate in advocacy, find support, engage in cultural celebrations like the renowned Utah Pride Festival, or just enjoy time with a diverse and accepting community, the Utah Pride Center provides a safe, affirming setting to do so. The chance to support each other while also deepening relationships makes it a perfect meetup destination for friend groups or families who share or wish to learn about LGBTQ+ experiences.
What types of activities can you do at the Utah Pride Center? The center offers an expansive range of programs and events tailored to meet the social, educational, health, and wellness needs of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Visitors can engage in health and wellness workshops that cover topics ranging from mental health to physical well-being, fostering holistic community care. The center is also a hub for social programs designed to create a sense of belonging, including support groups that welcome different identities and experiences. Advocacy and education are key pillars here—groups often meet to plan community actions, discuss policy issues, or attend lectures and training sessions that enhance awareness and allyship. There are dedicated programs for LGBTQ elders and transgender individuals, addressing specialized needs and empowering people across the lifespan. Youth programs extend support to young LGBTQ+ people and their families, making inclusion a multigenerational effort. The center frequently provides meeting spaces for affiliate organizations and frequently hosts community events like art shows, film screenings, and cultural celebrations. This variety ensures that every group meetup can be customized to the interests and comfort levels of its members, making it an enriching experience for everyone involved.
Why is the Utah Pride Center ideal for group meetups? Beyond its program diversity, the center’s physical environment and community spirit make it especially suited for group gatherings. The center’s location on the top floor of the McIntyre Building places it in a vibrant downtown area, facilitating easy access and the option for groups to explore the nearby City Creek Mall before or after their visit. Its welcoming staff and inclusive ethos create a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere where group members can relax and express themselves freely. For those seeking meaningful engagement, the center provides structured activities that foster teamwork, dialogue, and shared learning. It also provides a quiet, supportive space to host private discussions or celebrations, which is invaluable for groups that need both communal and intimate environments. Additionally, the center’s reputation and connections in the local LGBTQ+ network mean group meetups can tap into larger events like the Utah Pride Festival or joint advocacy efforts, amplifying their impact and enjoyment. Whether it’s a casual hangout, a family day, or an activist planning session, the Utah Pride Center’s combination of location, services, and welcoming energy crafts the perfect setting for memorable, meaningful group experiences.
What special features distinguish the Utah Pride Center’s youth and family programs? Recognizing the importance of nurturing younger generations, the Utah Pride Center offers dedicated youth and family programs that provide vital support to LGBTQ+ children and their relatives. These programs use age-appropriate activities to create spaces where LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, heard, and valued from infancy through adolescence. Families participating in these programs gain access to support groups and resources that guide them in fostering acceptance and understanding at home. The programs also facilitate socialization opportunities and education tailored for children and families, helping to build strong, resilient support networks early on. These sessions not only address the challenges young people might face but also celebrate their identities in a joyful, affirming manner. With programming designed specifically for different age groups and family dynamics, the center further establishes itself as a cornerstone for inclusive community-building that extends beyond individual participants to embrace entire families.
How does the Utah Pride Center support community advocacy and leadership? Advocacy is at the heart of the Utah Pride Center’s mission, with numerous initiatives aimed at driving social change and fostering leadership within Utah’s LGBTQ+ community. The center acts as an organizing hub for various task forces and coalitions that focus on mental health, transgender issues, and leadership development. Through these efforts, community members are encouraged to engage in civic dialogue, policy advocacy, and public education campaigns. The center also offers training and workshops to equip individuals with leadership skills and strategic communication capabilities. This empowerment approach helps ensure that those most affected by LGBTQ+ issues have platforms to influence legislation and social attitudes. Community rallies, pride celebrations, and fundraising events regularly hosted by the Utah Pride Center provide visible, powerful moments that bring people together to express solidarity and pride. Through these opportunities, the center reinforces its role not only as a service provider but also as a catalyst for long-term social transformation within Utah and beyond.
What practical amenities and services does the Utah Pride Center provide for visitors? To accommodate diverse needs and ensure a comfortable visit, the center offers practical amenities including flexible operating hours—open weekday afternoons and evenings with appointments available on mornings and weekends. This scheduling flexibility benefits busy groups and families. The center provides meeting spaces that can be reserved for community events, private gatherings, or affiliate organization use. Staff members are approachable and knowledgeable, ready to assist visitors in accessing resources ranging from financial aid to counseling referrals. The center’s free admission policy for many programs removes barriers, making participation accessible regardless of economic background. Additionally, the facility’s downtown location near public transportation and central city landmarks helps visitors combine their meetups with other outings. These thoughtful services and conveniences ensure that every visit to the Utah Pride Center is not only meaningful but also easy and welcoming for groups of various sizes and purposes.