Although plenty of gay travelers have gotten to know progressive and welcoming Park City during the winter, perhaps while attending the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival in January, or the Elevation Park City Gay Ski Week in late February, this rugged yet sophisticated mountain town in Utah's snowcapped Wasatch Range hosts a number of cool festivals and events throughout the summer months. And this is a stunning time of year for a visit, as it's perfect for hiking, mountain-biking, fly-fishing, and soaking up the rays. One upcoming event of particular note, especially for creative spirits and artsy souls, is the Kimball Arts Festival, which takes place in the heart of downtown Park City from August 3 through August 5.
One of the oldest and largest arts festivals in the West, the Kimball Arts Festival raises funds to support one of Utah's preeminent visual arts venues, the nonprofit Kimball Arts Center, which is right in downtown Park City and contains galleries, an art school, and space for regular lectures and art talks. The festival features three days of activities, starting Friday night, August 3, at 5 pm. Weekend passes cost $10. Activities include performances on three stages by a slew of talents, a Collector's Art Exchange, a kids activities area, a Taste of Art (with special deals and meals at participating local restaurants), an area where you can sample local-artisan-made foods, and the opportunity to view the works of more than 220 artists.
Park City has no shortage of first-rate hotels. One of my favorites is the swank Montage Deer Valley, which is adjacent to the beautiful resort of the same name and just a short drive from downtown. The recently renovated Washington School House boutique hotel, which occupies a converted 19th-century schoolhouse, is another favorite, and it's within walking distance of Kimball Arts Festival happenings, as is the stellar Sky Lodge Park City, one of the most sumptuous small hotels in the West.