The Great Saltair - a black and white sign that says ballaton on it
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The Great Saltair

4.6
·491k reviews·Salt Lake City, United States

A historic pavilion on the Great Salt Lake, hosting concerts and events with stunning, unique vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings during events

Best for concerts & atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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The Great Saltair - a black and white sign that says ballaton on it

The Great Saltair

Best Time

Evenings during events

Best for concerts & atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic pavilion on the Great Salt Lake, hosting concerts and events with stunning, unique vistas.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Great Saltair offers a historic venue with otherworldly views, perfect for concerts and photography."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be a hassle for popular shows. Arrive early or consider pre-paying for parking to save time. :car:

🎶 Event Schedule

Check the official schedule for exact set times; headliners often play later than the listed start time. :musical_score:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Pavilion Architecture

Historic Pavilion Architecture

Main Venue

A stunning, century-old pavilion offering a unique backdrop for concerts and events with views of the Great Salt Lake.

Great Salt Lake Views

Great Salt Lake Views

Exterior

Experience otherworldly vistas, especially with atmospheric smoke, creating a surreal and photogenic environment.

Instagram
Concert Atmosphere

Concert Atmosphere

Main Stage Area

Feel the energy of live music in a historic setting, from EDM festivals to rock concerts.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Event Tickets & Timing

Book your tickets in advance, especially for popular shows! Gates often open an hour before the listed start time, but headliners usually hit the stage later. Check the venue's schedule for exact timings to catch your favorite acts. TikTok

Lake Levels & Access

The Great Saltair's proximity to the Great Salt Lake means lake levels can impact the surrounding landscape. While the venue itself is accessible, the receding water has changed the original shoreline experience. Instagram

Best Times

When
Evenings during events
Why
Best for concerts & atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

YES WE ARE 👏🏼 Don’t miss out on the amazing events we have planned for 2023 at saltair!!! #greatsaltair #utah #v2presents #utahtiktok #dreamon #getluckyslc #dasenergi #getfunkyslc #getfreakyslc #dasenergifestival
@v2presents
11.1K likes • 85.2K views

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be a hassle for popular shows. Arrive early or consider pre-paying for parking to save time. Reddit :car:

🎶 Event Schedule

Check the official schedule for exact set times; headliners often play later than the listed start time. TikTok :musical_score:

Jackpot 🎰 who’s ready for @subtronics night two?! 🔊🕌 #subtronics #v2presents #greatsaltair #edmtiktok #edmtok #subtronicstour
@v2presents
2.2K likes • 22K views
Take your friends to a concert here! The Great Saltair was built in 1893 and still stands today, even though the backdrop looks drastically different since The Great Salt Lake has receded. 💬 If you want more info, leave a comment or send me a message! • • • 👀 Don’t settle for an agent who doesn’t see you #utah #utahrealestate #thegreatsaltlake #thegreatsaltair #utahconcerts
joshutahrealtor
1.4K likes • 102K views

📸 Photo Ops

The unique landscape, especially with atmospheric smoke, offers incredible photo opportunities. Instagram :camerawithflash:

💧 Lake Proximity

The venue is on the shores of the Great Salt Lake; be prepared for potential salt residue. Instagram :salt:

The Great Saltair is a resort pavilion on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. It was originally built over the water in 1893, with stairs leading down to the water for swimming.   Fluctuating lake levels and the dramatic retreat of the water has left the current Great Saltair (Saltair III, which was built about a mile east of the original location) more than half a mile—about 2,640 feet—from the s...
growtheflowutah
405 likes • 16.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be a hassle for popular shows. Arrive early or consider pre-paying for parking to save time. Reddit :car:

🎶 Event Schedule

Check the official schedule for exact set times; headliners often play later than the listed start time. TikTok :musical_score:

📸 Photo Ops

The unique landscape, especially with atmospheric smoke, offers incredible photo opportunities. Instagram :camerawithflash:

💧 Lake Proximity

The venue is on the shores of the Great Salt Lake; be prepared for potential salt residue. Instagram :salt:

🎟️ Ticket Booking

Book tickets in advance, especially for sold-out or VIP packages. Instagram :ticket:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise The Great Saltair for its historic architecture and unique location on the Great Salt Lake, offering a memorable concert venue. The atmospheric views, especially with smoke, are frequently highlighted as a photographic draw. However, some attendees find the parking and traffic logistics challenging, and the venue's facilities can be basic.

What People Like

Historic pavilion
Unique lake views
Concert atmosphere

What People Dislike

Parking issues
Traffic congestion
Basic facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Great Saltair is located about 15 miles west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Driving is the most common way to get there. Parking is available on-site, but lines can get long for popular events. Some visitors suggest considering an Uber or Lyft, though this may also involve wait times. Reddit

Parking is available at the venue, but it can be a significant bottleneck for popular concerts. Arriving early and pre-paying for parking can help streamline the process. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to The Great Saltair are limited. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for any potential routes or connections that might be available. Reddit

The Great Saltair is approximately 15 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Instagram

For major events, some attendees recommend avoiding I-80 due to potential traffic congestion. Planning your route in advance and considering ride-sharing services can be helpful. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for concerts and events at The Great Saltair are typically available through authorized online vendors and sometimes at the venue box office. It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for high-demand shows, as VIP tickets can sell out quickly. Instagram

Doors usually open about an hour before the scheduled start time of the event. However, the main acts or headliners often perform later in the evening. Always check the specific event details for accurate timings. TikTok

Yes, VIP ticket options are often available for events at The Great Saltair, offering enhanced experiences. These can include premium seating or access to exclusive areas and often sell out quickly. Instagram

Generally, The Great Saltair has a strict no re-entry policy. Once you leave the venue, you will not be allowed back in. Plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

While it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day of the event, it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. Buying in advance is the safest bet to ensure you don't miss out. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Great Saltair primarily functions as a general admission venue for many concerts, meaning there are no assigned seats. Some events may offer reserved seating or VIP areas. It's best to check the specific event details when purchasing tickets. TikTok

Essentials include your ticket, ID, and comfortable shoes. Check the venue's bag policy beforehand. Given its location, consider sun protection if attending during daylight hours. Instagram

Yes, food and beverage concessions are typically available for purchase at The Great Saltair during events. Offerings can vary, so check the venue's website for specific details. TikTok

The Great Saltair strives to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the venue directly in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs and arrangements for your visit. Instagram

The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, especially during concerts. The historic architecture combined with the lake views creates a unique and memorable experience for attendees. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Personal photography is generally allowed, but professional equipment (like tripods or detachable lenses) may be restricted during concerts. Always check the venue's specific photography policy for the event you're attending. Instagram

Late afternoon and sunset offer beautiful lighting, especially with atmospheric conditions like smoke, which can create an otherworldly effect. Instagram+1

The pavilion itself, the expansive lake views, and the surrounding salt flats (often compared to the Bonneville Salt Flats) are prime photography locations. Instagram+1

Yes, the receding lake levels have changed the immediate shoreline. However, the vastness of the lake and the unique salt crust can still provide dramatic backdrops. Instagram+1

It's ideal for concert photography, engagement shoots, and landscape photography, offering a distinctive Utah backdrop. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Great Saltair is primarily an event venue, so family-friendliness depends heavily on the specific event. For concerts, it's best to consider the nature of the show and the age appropriateness. Some events, like certain festivals, might be more family-oriented than others. TikTok+1

If attending with children, be mindful of the open-air environment and potential for large crowds. Comfortable footwear is essential, and checking the venue's specific policies on items like strollers or bags is recommended. The unique landscape can be interesting for kids to explore, but supervision is key, especially near the lake. Instagram

🎶 Music Enthusiasts

For music lovers, The Great Saltair is a must-visit destination. It hosts a wide array of genres, from EDM festivals to rock concerts, attracting both local and international artists. TikTok+1 The historic pavilion adds a unique ambiance to any performance, making it more than just a concert venue. Instagram

To make the most of your concert experience, book tickets in advance, especially for popular acts, as they can sell out quickly. Instagram Plan your arrival to account for potential parking challenges and to enjoy the full atmosphere of the event. Reddit The unique setting offers a memorable backdrop for any live music experience. Instagram

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

The Great Saltair provides a visually stunning and unique backdrop for photographers and content creators. The historic pavilion, combined with the expansive Great Salt Lake and the surrounding salt flats, offers diverse shooting opportunities. Instagram+1

Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best light, and be prepared for the possibility of atmospheric conditions like smoke, which can create dramatic and otherworldly effects in your photos. Instagram While personal photography is usually permitted, always check the venue's specific policies regarding professional equipment and event restrictions before your visit. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Great Saltair has a rich and storied past, dating back to its original construction in 1893. It was initially built as a grand resort pavilion directly over the waters of the Great Salt Lake, designed to be a premier destination for recreation and entertainment. The original structure was a marvel of its time, offering a unique experience with stairs leading directly into the lake for swimming. Instagram

Over the decades, the Saltair has seen multiple iterations due to fires and changing lake levels. The current structure, often referred to as Saltair III, was built about a mile east of the original location as the lake receded. Despite these changes, the venue has maintained its legacy as a significant entertainment hub in Utah, hosting a wide array of musical acts and events. Instagram+1

Today, The Great Saltair continues to operate as a popular event venue, drawing crowds for its unique historical ambiance and its striking location on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. Its enduring presence is a testament to its cultural significance in the region. Instagram

Concert Experience & Logistics

The Great Saltair is renowned for hosting a diverse range of concerts and music festivals, from electronic dance music (EDM) events like Das Energi to rock and alternative bands. The venue's open-air setting and historic architecture provide a distinctive backdrop for live performances. TikTok+1

When attending a concert, it's crucial to plan ahead. Parking can be a significant challenge, especially for popular shows, with long lines often forming. Many attendees recommend arriving early to secure a parking spot or considering ride-sharing services. Pre-purchasing parking passes can also expedite entry. Reddit

Regarding showtimes, while events may be listed with a start time, headlining acts typically perform later in the evening. It's advisable to check the specific event schedule for estimated set times to ensure you don't miss your favorite performers. TikTok The venue often has a no re-entry policy, so be prepared to stay for the duration of your visit. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

The Great Saltair offers a unique and often dramatic setting for photography. Its location on the Great Salt Lake, coupled with the historic pavilion, creates a visually striking environment. Instagram+1

Atmospheric conditions, such as smoke from wildfires, can significantly enhance the photographic appeal, creating an otherworldly and surreal landscape. This can lead to breathtaking shots with blurred horizons and unique color palettes. Instagram The receding lake levels have altered the immediate shoreline, but the vastness of the lake and the salt flats still provide a compelling backdrop, often compared to the famous Bonneville Salt Flats. Instagram+1

Ideal times for photography are during the golden hours of late afternoon and sunset, when the light is soft and warm. The pavilion itself, with its distinctive architecture, also serves as a focal point for many shots. Whether you're capturing a concert crowd or a serene landscape, The Great Saltair provides a memorable photographic experience. Instagram+1

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