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Kilby Block Party (music festival)

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Kilby Block Party Music Festival is an annual, four-day independent music festival in Salt Lake City, Utah that originated in 2019 as an actual block party honoring Kilby Court, Salt Lake City's longest-standing all-ages music venue.[1] Over the years, it has grown and developed into a major event featuring nationally and internationally recognized artists alongside local acts held at the Utah State Fairpark.[2] With a focus on indie rock, alternative, and pop music, the festival has brought in around 25,000 attendees per day from all over the world.[3]

History

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Origins

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Kilby Block Party was initially organized in 2019 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Kilby Court,[4] a celebrated and intimate venue known for hosting emerging artists.[5] It started off as a one-day event that took place on a closed-off street near Kilby Court, featuring a lineup that reflected the venue's legacy of supporting indie and alternative music.[6] Due to its success and positive reception, the festival expanded in subsequent years, moving to larger locations to accommodate increasing attendance.

After its initial success, Kilby Block Party continued to evolve, attracting a wider audience and securing high-profile headliners. The festival expanded beyond its original block party setting, relocating to larger venues within Salt Lake City, currently settled at Utah State Fairpark. With each edition, the lineup has grown to include a diverse mix of indie rock, alternative, and pop acts, making it a significant event in Utah's music scene.[4]

Events

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Kilby Block Party yearly overview
Year Dates Location Headliners Notable developments
2019 May 11 Granary District Death Cab for Cutie Inaugural single-day event
2021 October 2 Young the Giant Post-pandemic return with first afterparties
2022 May 13-14 Library Square Phoebe Bridgers • Mac DeMarco First two-day format; venue change
2023 May 12-14 Utah State Fairpark The Strokes • Pavement • Yeah Yeah Yeahs Expanded to 3 days
2024 May 10-12 LCD Soundsystem • The Postal Service • Vampire Weekend 25th anniversary edition
2025 May 15-18 New Order • Beach House • Weezer • Justice 4 days for this one only


2019

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In 2019, the first Kilby Block Party was hosted on Saturday, May 11th starting at 3pm in the Granary District (400 W 700 S).[3] It was an all-day block party that included music, food trucks, craft beer, and art installations.[3]

2020

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There was no festival in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

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The second Kilby Block Party was hosted on Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 at the same location from 2019. It was an all-day block party, starting at 1pm, that included music, art installations, craft beer, and food trucks.[3] 2021's Kilby Block Party Lineup also boasted an after party at The Urban Lounge with Mates of State and Flash & Flare.

2022

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In 2022 Kilby Block Party expanded into a two day festival on May 13th and 14th. It took place at a new location: Library Square in Downtown Salt Lake City. The lineup also advertised after parties at Urban Lounge and Blue Gene's with Choir Boy on May 13th and Form of Rocket on May 14th. [3]

2023

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Kilby Block Party expanded to 3 days (May 12th - May 14th, 2023) and took place at the Utah State Fairpark.[3]

2024

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Kilby Block Party 5, hosted May 10th through May 12th of 2024 at the Utah State Fairpark, celebrated 25 years of Kilby Court. According to Nic Smith, the managing director of S&S Presents which runs Kilby Court, Kilby Block Party 5 was the biggest and most attended festival so far.[7]

2025

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References

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  1. ^ Culbertson, Mary; KSLNewsRadio, KSL TV (2024-05-14). "How Kilby Block Party became a 'life changing' experience". KSL NewsRadio. Retrieved 2025-02-16.
  2. ^ "Kilby Court Block Party: Fans come to Utah from all over for the music". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Line Up". Kilby Block Party. Retrieved 2025-02-16.
  4. ^ a b "Salt Lake City's Kilby Block Party Is The Real Deal". Stereogum. 2024-05-13. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  5. ^ "Kilby Court". www.visitsaltlake.com. Retrieved 2025-02-16.
  6. ^ Culbertson, Mary (2024-05-14). "Kilby Block Party is 'life changing' to Mountain West music lovers". KSLTV.com. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  7. ^ "'Dream line-up': Kilby Block Party celebrates 25 years of beloved music venue". ABC4 Utah. 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
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