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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Salt Lake

Terina Ria

Are you keeping up with Salt Lake news? See how much stuck with this week’s mini crossword.

Pssst: You’ll find the answers in recent 

Emily Means

Mark your calendars for a whale of a party: 801 Day 2026 is going to be the Salt Lake event of the year.

Expect a beer garden hosted by Neighbors Bar, live music sponsored by KRCL, a local marketplace, and a huge surprise: the unveiling of the new mural for "Out of the Blue" aka the 9th and 9th Whale! This is a party by locals, for locals. The City Cast Salt Lake team will be there, and we can't wait to celebrate with you!

801 Day is a new holiday honoring our favorite area code — but really, it’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of the quirks and delights that unite us as locals and make our community great. City Cast Salt Lake hosted our inaugural 801 Day event in 2023, and we're psyched to keep the party going.

Where: Milk Block (402-430 East Harvey Milk Blvd. Salt Lake City, UT 84111)

Cost: Free entry, but we encourage you to RSVP!

👉 RSVP here!

This event is made possible by our sponsors:

Keep an eye out for more details to come!

City Cast Salt Lake's 801 Day 2026

Everything You Need To Know About 801 Day 2026

Find the best of everything that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

Shelby Hintze

While Utah came to the U.S. of A. party a little later than some, there are some Salt Lake businesses that even pre-date Utah statehood. So while a 100-year-old business might seem like a startup to our friends across the pond, Salt Lake is home to plenty of local institutions that have stood the test of time.

Did you know Utah’s climate is ideal for making hard candies? The dry climate and cool winter temperatures brought British immigrant William Daw Startup and family to Utah and 158 years later, the Utah territory’s first candy shop is still selling confections today. You can buy their signature lollipops at 

 that Sterling Furniture Company is the latest Fun Time Kidz Kare, a place everyone seems to know but no one has actually been … or is ever seen coming or going. Sorry to ruin the fun, but it does seem to just be a furniture store. But not just any furniture store: one of the last bastions of 

. After several locations along the Wasatch Front, the iconic blue-awninged building opened its doors in 1941. The company’s longevity also isn’t hurt by the fact that the 

family owns and manages surrounding properties

 that house other small businesses and apartments. It may not sell the trendiest furniture but you will find quality, made-in-America pieces for a decent price. And you don’t have to put it together yourself.

A Sugar House business almost as old as the modern bicycle itself, Guthrie Bicycle is one of, if not THE, oldest bicycle shops in the country. The shop started in 1888 by two brothers, just a couple years after the modern “

” you and I would recognize as a bicycle, was invented. The business changed hands several times in the proceeding years but has been owned by the same family for the last 50 years. Guthrie Bicycle sells new bikes for all ages and terrains, as well as offers repair and fitting services, and all the accessories for your hobby.

I’ll be the first to admit that my knowledge of menswear begins and ends at the feed of writer 

. But UWM Men’s Shop, formerly Utah Woolen Mills, has been meeting the suiting and tailoring needs of Utahns since 1905. The business has 

that whole time, even as the focus shifted from textiles to high-quality menswear. 2020 was not the year for any of us, and the earthquake left the building on South Temple unsafe. After 119 years on the same block, the storefront recently reopened in Murray.

The Oldest Salt Lake Businesses

Salt Lake Businesses in It for the Long Haul

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Salt Lake

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the Fourth of July without lighting personal fireworks, you've got plenty of options. Between professional shows, drone displays, concerts, and community festivals, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the long holiday weekend.

Leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals this year and watch fireworks in 

Murray, West Valley City, West Jordan, Riverton, Magna, 

. Stadium of Fire will also feature Brad Paisley, Nitro Circus, and a drone show.

Drone shows are becoming a popular alternative to traditional fireworks. They're quieter, smoke-free, and a little easier on pets, wildlife, and people with sensory sensitivities. You can catch drone shows at:

, and a $15 food voucher for the first 1,500 attendees.

 with lucha libre wrestling, aerialists, fire performers, and ending with a drone show around 10 p.m.

, the drone show will follow a tribute to Toby Keith.

 around 10 p.m., synced to music on KPCW 91.7 FM.

Not every Fourth has to revolve around fireworks or drones for that matter. Here are a few ideas if you'd rather keep things low-key:

 for a free patriotic concert featuring American classics, Broadway favorites, and film music.

, one of the largest Independence Day parades in the West.

Spend the day at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. They’re 

Gather neighbors or friends for a backyard meal in the 

, a nationwide initiative encouraging people to connect over food on July 5.

 Personal fireworks are banned throughout Salt Lake County this year. If you spot someone setting them off you call the non-emergency line. If there's an immediate fire or emergency, call 911.

Utah is entering the holiday weekend under extremely dry conditions, and is already 

 Expect heavy traffic throughout the weekend. If you can, take TRAX or arrive early.

: This Fourth marks America's 250th birthday, which is why you may notice even more celebrations than usual.

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Utah with fireworks, drone shows, parades, concerts, and family-friendly events across Salt Lake City and beyond.

Where to Watch Fireworks in Utah Fourth of July 2026

Skip the Backyard Fireworks. Here's How To Celebrate the Fourth in Salt Lake.

Everything to know about Salt Lake City neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Salt Lake Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Look, I think every great diner should be owned by a former cabaret singer with an unfiltered-two-pack-a-day habit. That's exactly the kind of person I trust to make exceptional diner food. 

At 96 years old, Ruth's isn't the oldest spot on this list, but in restaurant years, it's practically prehistoric.

I'm genuinely disappointed Ruth didn't live forever, or at least write a memoir. She made it to 94 despite a legendary smoking habit, and by all accounts she had enough stories to fill several books.

She opened her first restaurant, Ruth's Hamburgers, across the street from a downtown "house of ill repute," where she became an unofficial confidante to the women who worked there and heard plenty about their 

 clientele. When the building was demolished, Ruth moved into an old trolley car before hauling the whole thing up Emigration Canyon, where it still serves as part of the restaurant today.

For decades, Ruth's was a favorite of University of Utah students, particularly fraternity brothers, thanks to its famously relaxed approach to smoking and drinking. Her chihuahuas also had a reputation for biting customers they didn't care for. It’s a good thing Yelp didn’t exist in those days.

After changing hands a few times, including to one of those former frat boys, the diner is now owned by a husband-and-wife team who both worked as Ruth's employees. They've carefully modernized the restaurant with a spacious patio, live music, and, much to the likely dismay of Ruth herself, actual enforcement of indoor smoking bans and ID checks.

Every meal begins with Ruth's famous Mile High Biscuits and raspberry jam, which are reason enough to make the drive into Emigration Canyon. I'm not much of a morning person, but I 

 a breakfast person, so I deeply appreciate that breakfast is served until 4 p.m. That means I can order the migas at a civilized hour, which, I choose to believe, is exactly what Ruth would have wanted.

The History of Ruth's Diner in Utah

Ruth's Diner: Burgers, Biscuits, and a Brothel

Summer has officially arrived, and we’re making the most of it. Use this guide to make your July even more interesting.

 where a former mining and railroad community is finding new life through art, small businesses, and historic preservation. Grab a pint at Helper Beer, stroll Main Street, and stop by 

July is Utah Museum Month. Did you know we have almost 300 museums statewide? See how many you can explore: visit at least five museums this month, download 

 so you can collect stamps, and claim a collectible sticker.

. Before Mack's Finest Gelato opens its first Salt Lake location, they’ll park their gelato bike outside their future shop at 313 E. 900 S. every Saturday starting July 4.

, a volunteer group that takes shelter dogs from Animal Care of Davis County on weekly runs. The outings help reduce the dogs’ stress, improve their behavior, and give them a chance to spend time outside their kennel.

What sounds more magical than an evening of ballet within the mountains of Park City? 

 concludes on July 17 at The Amphitheater at Canyons Village. Bring a blanket or low-back chair and settle in for a scenic performance by principal dancers.

Your Guide to Salt Lake in July 2026

It’s great to play tourist in your own city, but sometimes you want to go somewhere else entirely. If a plane ticket isn’t in the budget right now, food is a pretty good substitute. For less than the cost of gas to get to the airport, you can transport yourself to the islands with a visit to 

This mom and pop business (literally) started in 

, first in Hawaii and now in Utah. There, Jolene began making budda rolls to sell around the holidays. A budda roll, for the uninitiated, is a fluffy dinner roll packed with an almost irresponsible amount of butter. What started as a seasonal side hustle quickly grew into a devoted following, eventually leading to a brick-and-mortar location in Pleasant Grove and, most recently, a new outpost in Salt Lake City.

According to the Budda’s team, I wasn't the only one making the Utah County pilgrimage. In fact, the steady stream of Salt Lakers showing up for pastries and plate lunches helped convince the family that it was time to expand.

While the bakery case alone is worth the visit, don’t overlook the rest of the menu. Budda’s serves breakfast all day, including island favorites like Loco Moco, Spam musubi, and Portuguese sausage. On my visit, I ordered a breakfast sandwich and then exercised remarkable restraint by limiting myself to only ONE box full of pastries to take home. Everything was excellent. For lunch and dinner, you'll find burgers, teriyaki plates, bulgogi bento boxes, and other Hawaiian comfort-food staples that make it very difficult to decide on just one thing.

What makes Budda’s stand out, though, isn’t just the food. The Keli’iliki family has built community service into the business itself. At both locations, customers can prepay for a meal for someone who may be struggling. The receipt is posted on the wall, and anyone in need can simply take one to the counter and redeem it for a meal. It's a simple idea, but a powerful one.

When I asked about the program, the Budda’s team described it as a small way to give back to the communities that have supported them from a home kitchen to multiple locations. And honestly, that might be the sweetest thing on the menu.

Hawaiian Food to Try in Salt Lake

A Taste of Hawaii on a Staycation Budget

Recently on the City Cast Salt Lake podcast, the team shared their 

. While experiences are great, I also love a good trinket to remind me of a trip. So where should you shop for a Salt Lake souvenir, whether you're treating yourself or sending an out-of-towner home with a piece of Utah?

My favorite spot for the classic souvenir, but elevated. (Get it? 

 OK, moving on.) You'll find fine art and prints featuring Utah's natural beauty, locally made soaps and candles, and yes, the requisite magnet. The shop features work from more than 350 makers, most of them local, all of them small and independent. Wear your love for Salt Lake on your sleeve … or on your Stanley or your fridge.

Note: The 9th & 9th location is not wheelchair accessible, but the Fashion Place location in Murray is!

Another 9th & 9th favorite, Mochi Kids is packed with the funnest toys, clothes, games, and craft supplies to take back to the kids you're temporarily abandoning on your staycation. You may also end up with a sheet of stickers for yourself because vacation is about finding joy. And breaking news, 

You may recognize Mochi Kids from their screen-printed T-shirts at events like Craft Lake City. They've since grown into a full brick-and-mortar and online shop stocked with much more than tees, while continuing to support local printers and socially minded causes.

Think of it as the farmers market that never closes. With four locations across the valley, it's the easiest way to stock up on local favorites year-round: June Pie, Milk Honey yogurt, Cutler's Cookies (my personal champion in Utah's cookie wars, but that's a newsletter for another day), and dozens of other Utah-made treats.

If you want a souvenir you'll actually use, grab a bottle of Redmond Real Salt. It’s harvested from an 

 in Redmond, Utah, in Sevier County. Every pinch can transport you right back to your vacation.

Since 1997, Ken Sanders Rare Books has specialized in Utah history, Mormon studies, Western Americana, national parks, the Colorado River, and the literary West. Inside the old Leonardo Museum, browse three floors of new and used books, artwork, collectibles, and ephemera. Even if you leave empty-handed, it's worth wandering the stacks and imagining what treasures are hiding on the next shelf.

The Best Places to Buy Utah Souvenirs

Staycations Deserve Souvenirs, Too!

Ali Vallarta

The Utah Legislature is in its interim session, which means they’re already working on ideas for next year. And this month, 

, the lobbying group behind free period products in public schools, hosted a policy pitch competition to source ideas for making our state better and more affordable.

Of 115 submissions, I was delighted to see that all three winners shared ideas we’ve talked about on episodes of our 

🥇“The Utah Rehabilitation, Compliance, and Fair Collections Act”

Utah State University grad student Melaine Webster presented an idea to reform Utah’s criminal debt collection system. People leaving our justice system often see fines and fees piling up faster than they can keep up with, 

 as the debt becomes a barrier to housing and employment.

4 ideas to fund instead of more jail beds

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is when funds are drawn away from a taxing entity (such as the library or school district) to fund development projects. For example, the SLC School District lost 

 to TIF. SLC School Board member Ashley Anderson’s proposal would give the district more representation in these decisions.

The millions SLC schools lost to developers

🥉“The Utah Family Financial Protection Act”

I’ll never forget where I was when I learned that women (especially single mothers) are more likely to 

. Sophia Strong’s proposal would cap payday loan interest rates at 36% in Utah. Right now, they 

Why two local banks ended up on a watchlist

What’s your dream policy pitch to the Utah Legislature? Maybe we can look into it.

Utahns pitched their policy ideas to make the state more affordable. 

Utahns pitch policy ideas to make the state more affordable

A Competition to Make Utah Better

Local Civics

What's being decided in Salt Lake City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Salt Lake City Council. 

Salt Lake Election and City Hall News

Salt Lake February News Crossword Puzzle

What Salt Lakers have been wondering. We break down why things in Salt Lake City are the way they are and how they work.

Salt Lake, Explained

Only true local news nerds will ace this one. See how well you’re paying attention to the headlines. Every answer can be found in recent editions of the newsletter. 

Salt Lake June News Crossword Puzzle

Ice cream is a yearlong treat but especially satisfying when the weather gets warm. As we head into summer, put your knowledge to the test: Do you know where you can find these frozen delicacies?

Spring in Salt Lake means blooming trees, warmer days, and that unmistakable smell. Test your knowledge on the city’s most notorious tree. 

Test Your Salt Lake Knowledge

Name That Ice Cream

Test your memory with our mini news crossword. Every clue comes straight from a recent City Cast Salt Lake newsletter!

Salt Lake April News Crossword Puzzle

Think you know what it costs to live in Salt Lake City? Take our quiz and guess the rent on these local listings.

Guess the Rent in Salt Lake City

Maybe you skim the news, maybe you read everything: see how much stuck with this week’s mini news crossword.

Hint: Find the answers in recent City Cast Salt Lake newsletters.

Salt Lake March News Crossword Puzzle

Lately, I’ve seen a number of Australian-style coffee shops in Salt Lake City popping up on my feed. But what even is Australian coffee?

“Australian coffee” isn’t necessarily a specific bean or roast, it’s more about the culture. Instead of chains, Australia’s coffee culture evolved through neighborhood cafes, with baristas focusing on quality and craft. It’s no wonder they fit right into Salt Lake City’s independent coffee scene.

If there is one drink that represents Australian coffee the most, it’s the flat white (though Australia and New Zealand both claim to have invented it). A flat white is made with espresso and finely frothed milk for a signature silky texture. Compared to a typical American latte, it’s stronger and contains a lot less milk.

Generally, flavored syrups aren't as common. But if you want something sweet try an iced coffee, which is espresso, milk, and ice cream. And if you’re in Tyra Banks’ Australia (aka Sydney) you can get a 

Where To Find Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

: One of the newest coffee shops in Millcreek. They take the laid back approach to Aussie coffee culture. Plus, they have a sick kookaburra mural, so you know they’re legit.

An Australian-owned restaurant in Park City that serves Aussie-style iced coffee (cold brew nitro and ice cream).

: With locations in Salt Lake City and Sandy, the founder has over 20 years of coffee experience that started in Sydney. You’ll find flat whites and iced coffee here.

: An Australian-style coffee truck, on a brief hiatus while the owner (a professional rugby player) plays rugby in Boston. But they’re set to reopen in the summer. Bonus: They 

What Is Australian Coffee?

Where To Try Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

This winter has been the warmest in Salt Lake City history, but that’s not the only thing we have in the record books. Think you know what other records SLC holds? Test your knowledge in our mini crossword.

A Mini Crossword of Salt Lake’s Record-Breaking Moments

If you’re in the market for a furry addition to your home, check out some of the most irresistible pets up for adoption in Salt Lake.

A senior pit bull terrier mix with sweetest puppy dog eyes. At Best Friends Animal Society, adoption fees are waived for any senior dogs or cats over seven-years-old.

If you have space for two, consider this father-and-son duo at Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering.

: I can’t quite explain why, maybe it’s the gray beard, but Mavi the nine-year-old cat at Nuzzles & Co looks like Oscar Isaac.

. This zany two-year-old is litter box trained and good with dogs.

Salt Lake, Explained

Salt Lake February News Crossword Puzzle

Terina Ria

Share article

Salt Lake, Explained

Salt Lake June News Crossword Puzzle

Name That Ice Cream

Salt Lake April News Crossword Puzzle

Guess the Rent in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake March News Crossword Puzzle

Where To Try Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

A Mini Crossword of Salt Lake’s Record-Breaking Moments

The Cutest Pets for Adoption in Salt Lake Right Now

The latest in Salt Lake

Everything You Need To Know About 801 Day 2026

Salt Lake Businesses in It for the Long Haul

Skip the Backyard Fireworks. Here's How To Celebrate the Fourth in Salt Lake.

Ruth's Diner: Burgers, Biscuits, and a Brothel

Your Guide to Salt Lake in July 2026

A Taste of Hawaii on a Staycation Budget

Staycations Deserve Souvenirs, Too!

A Competition to Make Utah Better