Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre — Attraction in Salt Lake City

I recently attended a concert at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, and I cannot stress this enough: I strongly discourage anyone from going to this venue.

Let me start by saying I had already heard that parking was bad, so to avoid the uphill walk in 105-degree heat, I paid $30 for an Uber to be dropped off at the front. We arrived over an hour before gates opened, only to find a massive line stretching up a steep, asphalt hill in the direct sun. We had to stand there in the blistering heat for over an hour with zero shade or any visible effort to accommodate guests. I understand the venue can't control the weather, but they absolutely can control the organization of their lines—and they failed miserably.

Line-cutting was rampant, with people jumping in as the gates opened, including a chaotic moment when a parked car needed to leave. Staff made half the line move back so the car could get out, and dozens of people took that opportunity to jump ahead. Not only was this incredibly frustrating, but it was disorganized and unsafe.

Once the gates opened, it was pure chaos. Think Black Friday stampede. People literally ran, pushed, and trampled over others to claim spots on the lawn. And here lies another huge issue... While I knew it was lawn seating ahead of time, I did not anticipate the level of disarray it would cause. People packed in like sardines. Latecomers wedged themselves into non-existent gaps, basically sitting on top of other guests. It was so crowded that you could feel other people’s body heat next to you—and smell their body odor.

There are no aisles or designated rows, which made it nearly impossible to move around once everyone was seated. Trying to get to the restroom or concessions meant stepping on people’s blankets or begging them to move their legs. Many people were irritated and responded with rude, vulgar remarks. This could so easily be fixed with taped or painted lines to establish some order.

Concessions were a disaster—ridiculously long lines, overpriced food and drinks, and low quality. The merch table was the same story. Between waiting in line to enter, for food, and for merch, I spent more time standing in line than actually watching the show.

Bottom line: this venue is not equipped or organized to handle large crowds. I’ve attended many outdoor concerts, including at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater, and they are far more prepared and thoughtfully run. Red Butte Garden Amphitheater was, without question, the worst concert experience I’ve ever had.

I won’t be back—and I suggest others think twice...

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...

Red Butte Gardens Amphitheater is the best venue. If I can only go to one concert, I would choose Red Butte with a band I don't know, vs a band I like, at any other venue. First they treat you like a human being, because the crowd is chill. We can bring our own picnic, sit on a low chair, and drink our wine - it's absolutely the best way to enjoy a concert. It's also beautiful. Ample restrooms that are clean, water bottle filling station, recycling and waste bins. They do have meals if you order the day before, but I bring in my own food - which is nice because I have food allergies. We always arrive an hour early to get a good spot. It can be really hot on those 100 degree days, but we bring a UV umbrella and cooling towels while we wait. Then after the sunsets, it cools down fast, so always good to bring a jacket, may need a blanket too. I wouldn't change a thing at this venue. I love being treated like a human, instead of an animal at greedy corporate concert, where you are not allowed to bring in anything and charge high prices. This place is hands...