The Utah Beer Festival is back and better than ever this upcoming Sunday, August 26^th from 2-7 PM. Switching venues from Washington Square to the newly remodeled Gallivan Center, this festival will feature craft brews from 17 Utah breweries as well as 6 regional breweries. Not only about beer, Utah Beer Festival also features several delicious food vendors and trucks and a great line up of local music talent. The regional breweries addition is new this year and adds 5 more breweries than last year’s festival for a total of 88 different flavors! Personally, I have no need for any regional brews this weekend. As a serious craft beer geek, I think Utah’s breweries deserve far more credit than they receive. Companies like Squatters, Wasatch, Uinta, Red Rock, and Desert Edge have consistently produced wonderful, tasty beers for over 20 years along the Wasatch Front. Relative newcomer Epic Brewing Company has also made waves as the only exclusive strong beer brewery in town.  Some favorites of mine to look out for at the festival as well as in stores are Squatters Big Cottonwood, Wasatch White Ale, Uinta Hop Notch, Red Rock Elephino, Desert Edge’s UPA, and Epic’s Imperial Stout.  $15 gets you admission into the festival, 5 pours, and a commemorative tasting cup. Buy tix at www.utahbeerfestival.com or at one of the breweries themselves.

On Sunday, September 2^nd, you can boogie down at the Salt Lake City Jazz Festival with local and national artists at the Gallivan Center. Artists including the SLC Jazz Orchestra, Emilee Floor, and Tower of Power are set to play from 1:00-11:00 PM. For more information on tickets, vendors, and additional artists, go to www.slcjazzfestival.org.

If there is one thing I know about SLC’s Greek Orthodox Community, they sure know how to throw a party. Anyone know the expression OPA? It will come in handy this September 6-9 in Downtown SLC. Greeks first came to Utah in the mid-late 19^th century and today remarkably preserve much of their tradition and sense of community. The Festival features great food, dancing, and entertainment for only $3 dollars: Ouzo not included. This is a great time for all ages and very interactive as well. Let loose and learn dances from Greece’s mainland and islands such as the Kalamatiano, Hassapiko, and Tsamiko or watch the talented Greek Orthodox youth showcase their heritage in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. For more information, go to www.saltlakegreekfestival.com.