Have you ever explored the town of Midvale? This hidden gem is located between Salt Lake City and the south valley suburbs and has a charming, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Main Street that’s undergoing revitalization.
Founded in 1909, Midvale was a waypoint between the north and south ends of the Salt Lake Valley that thrived before the construction of Interstate 15. But the freeway’s construction diverted traffic away from Midvale Main, leaving the block to struggle with vacant storefronts and little foot traffic for years.
Today, private and public initiatives are restoring Midvale and its Main Street. A city hall and community theater are new additions, while old storefronts are reopening as new shops and restaurants. This destination blends history, public art, live entertainment, local shopping and unique eateries, making it the ideal stop for anyone looking to explore something new in the Salt Lake Valley.
Come for a day to explore Midvale’s offerings, exercise on the Jordan River Parkway, shop at neighboring Gardner Village, and enjoy fun and games at Topgolf.
Find Culture
If you love art, Midvale is a must-visit destination. Midvale Main Arts & Culture District is an artist hub that features 40-plus murals covering city buildings. Midvale Art House, built in an unused city building, supports six artists who reside in the space and offer open hours where visitors can view their work.
The live arts scene is alive and well in the city, too. “When it comes to live entertainment, The Pearl on Main is the place to be,” says Mayor Dustin Gettel. “This intimate venue hosts concerts, theater performances, movies and private events, offering a cultural hub for the community and visitors alike.”
Shop and Dine
While some historic Main Street buildings are awaiting tenants, others like The Bambino pizzeria have already moved in. “We opened The Bambino in Midvale because we saw an opportunity to bring something special to Main Street — a place where people can gather and enjoy incredible food in a welcoming, authentic setting,” says owner Jeff Beck. “We wanted to create more than just a restaurant; we wanted to build a destination that adds to the vibrancy and character of Midvale.”
The Bambino opened in late 2024 and serves wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches and dessert from an open kitchen. Its name is a reference to Babe Ruth and the cult classic film, The Sandlot, which was partially filmed on Midvale’s Main Street in 1992.
Beck says Midvale Main Street is now evolving into a dynamic hub filled with local businesses, unique experiences and a true sense of community. “It’s a place where history meets revitalization, and we’re excited to be part of the movement bringing energy, great food and gathering spaces to the area.”
Next to The Bambino, find plants and home goods at Cactus & Tropicals’ newest location. This greenhouse is housed in the former Vincent Drug, which was famously featured in The Sandlot. “This locally owned plant store and garden center, opens into a lush greenhouse offering a wide variety of plants, floral arrangements and home decor,” says Gettel. “It’s also a beautiful venue for weddings and special events.”
Cactus & Tropicals is attached to The Bambino so customers can wander back and forth and outdoor seating for the restaurant spills into the nursery and garden area. “It’s the same model as our other two stores with the same services: events, floral and retail. It is smaller … but in this location we have a cozy seating area with a couch, table and magazines,” says General Manager Kathy Harbin.
“We really liked the vibe of the whole [area] and loved the concept of keeping the historical value of the street. It’s an homage to all the things that have happened there over the years,” she notes. “We have brand new streetlights and festival lighting that changes colors, and there’s a hustle and bustle on the street.”
When you need a caffeine boost, head to Tres Gatos Coffee. “Grab a cup of coffee at this charming cafe,” Gettel recommends. “It’s an ideal place for a relaxing break or meeting up with friends.”
Also sample cuisine from an ever-changing array of food trucks this summer at Midvale’s new Main Street Food Truck Plaza. “Every week, food trucks will line Main Street, offering diverse cuisine and supporting local entrepreneurs,” he says.
Located at city hall, this unused space was transformed into a hub for connection, community and cuisine that boasts trees, public art, outdoor seating and awnings for shade. The plaza is open on select dates throughout summer.
Explore Events and Attractions
Midvale hosts events throughout the year, with its biggest being Los Muros on Main. This mural festival returns in June and features a showcase of local and national artists painting murals alongside a bustling vendor marketplace.
“The festival not only adds to the city’s growing collection of murals but also fosters a sense of community by bringing people together to enjoy art, music and local culture,” says Gettel. “The murals created during the event serve as lasting expressions of creativity, identity and history, enriching the city and offering a reason for visitors to return year after year.”
In addition to the mural festival, Midvale Main Arts & Culture District hosts LetterWest, a festival for people who love hand letter writing; Main Street Car Show; Tattoo Showdown; Trick or Treat on Main Street for Halloween; and Light Up Main Street to kick off the holiday season.
Outside of Midvale’s downtown core, bring your crew to Utah’s first and only Topgolf location. The local attraction features unique golf games that anyone can play, along with dining, drinks and mountain views.
Just beyond Midvale in neighboring West Jordan, discover picturesque shopping nestled around a historic flour mill at Gardner Village. This idyllic shopping plaza features boutique home goods, clothing and children’s stores built inside historic homes plus restaurants, an escape room and a magic lounge. If you’re into make-believe, don’t miss the Woodland Fairy Festival in spring and the Halloween-centric Witchfest in October.
For a dose of activity, follow a connecting path at the village to Jordan River Parkway Trail, a 106-mile-long network for biking, running and walking. This relaxing riverside trail pairs peaceful nature sightings with distant mountain views. You also can access the path from Midvale.
“Outdoor lovers will appreciate Midvale’s access to the Jordan River Parkway,” shares Gettel, “and planned improvements will enhance the connection between Main Street and the parkway, creating better access to both urban and outdoor experiences in one visit.”
Whether you come for the arts or the outdoor recreation, thriving Midvale is the perfect Utah day-trip destination.
