Generally speaking, Salt Lake City is the center of the state’s arts scene. The state’s Mormon heritage is reflected in the city’s love of and support for fine music. The glittering Abravanel Concert Hall is home to the noted Utah Symphony, and the tabernacle at Temple Square is often filled with concerts and recitals. The famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs here, as do various other church-related music groups. Best of all, all performances at Temple Square are free, making this a great opportunity for travelers to soak up culture at a good price.

Salt Lake City is also the state’s major venue for rock and alternative music. A number of lively clubs host both local bands and traveling acts from both coasts. In most cases, music clubs are private clubs and you’ll need to either buy a temporary membership or get sponsored by a member. Despite the rigmarole, the music’s usually good and the crowds are interesting.

Come summer, there’s fine music at more out-of-the-way places. Venues at Park City offer a full summer schedule ranging from rock concerts at The Canyons Ski Area to the Utah Symphony at classy Deer Valley Resort. In Logan’s sparkling Capitol Theatre, the Utah Festival Opera puts on a summer season of grand opera.