Salt Lake City July Events

AMERICAN IDOL LIVE! 2011 features Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Stefano Langone, and Thia Megia — all primed and pumped to give fans a night of unique and unforgettable performances.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 7 p.m.

The Maverik Center
3200 S. Decker Lake Dr. (2200 W.) in West Valley City
801-988-8800

Tickets: $47-$67, Parking $10-$25

The Utah Festival Opera features Don Giovanni, Oliver!, Boris Godunov and South Pacific, plus concerts and special performances from July 7-Aug. 6.

59 S. 100 W. in Logan
800-262-0074

Tickets $12-$62

Every early July since the inaugural Festival in 2001, the Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival has brought together electrifying jazz artists and enthusiastic jazz audiences for a three or four-day celebration of jazz.

Friday, July 8, 2011, 4:30-11 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10, 3-11 p.m.

Washington Square, Salt Lake City and County Building
State Street between 400 and 500 S.
801-277-2056 or slcjazzfestival@comcast.net

$16/day or $35 for all three days - children free with ticketed adult

The Outdoor Writers Association of America will kick off its 84th annual conference at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort by offering a free, half-day workshop titled "Becoming an Outdoors Communicator." The Becoming an Outdoors Communicator workshop is the perfect opportunity for anyone who thinks outdoor communications may be for them, but doesn't know where to start or how to be successful.

Friday, July 8, 2011, 3-6 p.m.

Cliff Lodge at Snowbird

406-728-7434

Following the free workshop, the Outdoor Writers Association of Americal convention will be held at Snowbird July 9-11.

Gardening classes at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District's Conservation Garden Park teach water-wise gardening and landscaping techniques, specifically for Utah. July classes include "Waterwise Plants for Summer" July 9, and "Improve Your Lawn" July 14.

8215 S. 1300 W. in West Jordan
801-565-4300

Classes are free, but online registration is required.

Monday Family Nights at Red Butte Garden feature music, dance, crafts and activities associated with the many cultures.

Shows start at 6 and 7 p.m.

Monday Family Night Rate $34 (Includes 2 adults and up to 4 children)

Red Butte Garden
300 Wakara Way
801-585-0556

The Salt Lake Convention and Visitor Bureau will host special guests from Hogle Zoo for a hands-on animal presentation July 14 at 5:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to enjoy, free of charge, a unique look at what Hogle Zoo has to offer, learn about the animals and discover additional fun activities to do in Salt Lake.

Thursday, July 14, 5:30 p.m.

Visit Salt Lake Visitors Center
90 South West Temple
801-534-4900, 801-534-4900

Free

The Utah Blaze of the AFL (Arena Football League) have just one home game this month:

Utah Blaze vs. New Orleans Voodoo - Saturday, July 16, 7 p.m.

EnergySolutions Arena
301 West South Temple
801-355-SEAT

Tickets: $10-$85, Parking $10-$25

Journey, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, is gearing up to unleash their latest album of brand new material, Eclipse. Journey's "Eclipse Tour" with special guests Foreigner and Night Ranger will feature a mix of new songs and old favorites.

Thursday, July 21, 2011 7 p.m.

Rio Tinto Stadium
9256 S. State St. in Sandy
801-727-2700

Tickets $25-$125

Pioneer Day, also known as Days of '47 or simply the 24th of July, marks the day in 1847 when Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. It's an extra summer holiday for most Utahns, celebrated in much the same way as the 4th of July with picnics, parades, rodeos, concerts and fireworks.