Ran River filled the night air with acoustic music and singing. (Photo courtesy of Megan Attermann)

Once in a blue moon, something extraordinary happens! Holladay City, in conjunction with the Holladay Arts Council, welcomed thousands to the Blue Moon Festival for a magical evening of art, music, and community. As dusk settled over the city, Holladay Plaza came alive with the warm evening air, humming with smooth, soulful jazz. Twinkling lights illuminated vendor tents showcasing original artworks, while the enticing aromas of sweet and savory delights wafted from food trucks and local restaurants. From handmade treasures to unique wellness experiences and one-of-a-kind shopping, Holladay vendors and businesses showcased their best under starry September skies. 

According to Arts and Culture Manager Megan Attermann, The Blue Moon Festival is a rare, one-night-only celebration — a gathering of wonder, connection and imagination under the moonlight. It comes once a year, and when it's gone, it's gone. 

As dusk settled over the city, Holladay Plaza came alive with the warm evening air, humming with soulful jazz. Twinkling lights illuminated vendor tents showcasing original artworks, while the enticing aromas of sweet and savory delights wafted from food trucks and local restaurants. (Photo courtesy of Megan Attermann)

Attermann expressed her gratitude for working alongside the community's amazing volunteers, city staff, artists and businesses to make this festival a success. She also noted, “We were thrilled to have Redemption Bank, formerly known as Holladay Bank and Trust, graciously step forward this year as the presenting sponsor for the Blue Moon Festival.”

A celebration of the arts, the Blue Moon Festival provides the community with an opportunity to connect with exhibiting artists and purchase original art. This year’s festival featured a stroll through the city of Holladay, where 22 vendors offered original works of art to the community. Local businesses participated by offering guests discounted pricing and complimentary scoops of gelato or ice cream, as well as savory plates of gyoza and a 20-minute massage for relaxation. There was something for everyone to enjoy. 

The festival is the only art show where watercolor artist Ilene Stowe, chair of the Holladay Arts Council, shares her artwork. She is a master gardener and draws inspiration for her artwork from nature. Her portfolio includes over 300 paintings. 

The community watched in awe as street magician Joshua Benson performed magic acts. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)

“I love Holladay,” Stowe said. “I have completed several paintings of Mount Olympus. I only sell original art so people call for commissions throughout the year.”

Holladay Arts Council organizing events manager Shelley Bushman was excited to see the festival move from Holladay City Park to the City Plaza. She says, "I love the festival because it brings people together, creating an atmosphere where people can make memories with their family and friends. Moving the festival to the plaza allows participants to visit Holladay's awesome businesses. I think it’s a fresh take on the City Market Festival.”

Community art projects and 16 buskers (street performers) were scattered throughout the city. Young attendees visited face-painting booths, attempted their best literary efforts at creating blackout poetry, painted and mailed a whimsical watercolor card, and watched in awe as a street magician performed magic acts. 

The community enjoyed dinner at plaza tables while listening to Jazz on the Patio sponsored by Caputo’s Market and Deli. (Collette Hayes/ City Journals)

Every hour, the busker performances changed, which included performances by The High Desert Harpies, magician Joshua Benson, Utah Slim performing his original, soulful Americana folk music, Jazz on the Patio sponsored by Caputo’s Deli, and Ran River, who filled the streets with acoustic music and singing

“From the glowing lanterns to the vibrant street performances, local art, food trucks and more—our community was truly alive with art and we’re already counting down the days until next year,” Attermann said.