SLC closing portions of Main Street to boost local business

(KUTV) — Parts of Salt Lake City's downtown will soon be opening up to eager consumers.

"Open Streets SLC" is coming back, closing off portions of Main Street to traffic and turning the area into a pedestrian promenade every weekend during the summer.

Beginning May 27, Open Streets will welcome people to restaurants, bars, and retailers from 400 S. to South Temple.

A mix of musicians, buskers and artists will line the public space on Main from Exchange Place to City Creek Center.

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From noon to midnight, the stretch of Main Street will be closed to traffic every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the summer.

Opening weekend will be augmented by the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Busker Fest which will program 30 nightly performances on Main, Regent Street, Gallivan and Exchange Place.

“We are excited to bring back Open Streets for Salt Lake City residents and visitors alike this summer,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall.

Main Street Salt Lake City is an incredible gathering place and we hope people will take this unique opportunity to experience our downtown in a new way, with more space to explore, shop and dine at some of our City's locally owned businesses.

Last fall, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, event organizers tested the Open Streets concept. Several businesses reported a 30% increase in sales during that time.

Masks are welcome but not required while outside, but businesses can still require visitors to wear masks while inside.

“Salt Lake City is filled with energy — a steady hum of activity from shopping and dining to arts and entertainment,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance.

Open Streets will help revitalize our city’s ecosystem, and we are pleased to welcome people back to the heart of our community.