9 Things to Do in Park City Besides Ski: A Cultural Guide for Non-Skiers

Park City may be best known for its ski resorts, but the snow-covered slopes only tell part of the story. Beyond the lifts is a town shaped by artists, storytellers, musicians, historians, and small businesses that give Park City its character year-round. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, planning a trip with non-skiers, or looking to explore your hometown in a new way, there are countless things to do in Park City besides skiing. 

1. Explore Art Galleries Along Historic Main Street & Beyond

One of the easiest things to do in Park City for non-skiers is gallery hopping along Historic Main Street & beyond, where many galleries are free to visit and open year-round. 

Kimball Art Center

  • Kimball Art Center is a cornerstone of the local art scene, featuring rotating exhibitions of contemporary and regional artists, as well as art classes, lectures, and community programs.

  • Gallery MAR focuses on Western, wildlife, and contemporary art, with bronze sculptures and large-scale paintings that reflect the mountain West.

Many galleries participate in the Park City Gallery Stroll, held on the last Friday of each month, when galleries stay open late and welcome visitors with new exhibits and artist meet-and-greets. 

2. Discover Local Art Through CREATE PC Local Artist Collective

CREATE PC Local Artist Collective is a vibrant local artist collective and gallery space in Park City that offers studio and exhibition opportunities for Summit County creatives. Supported by the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County, CREATE PC offers artists a space to create, exhibit, and sell their work in an inclusive community environment. The program highlights the artistic process, fosters connections among local makers and residents, and showcases a diverse range of creative work—from fine art and crafts to unique, locally made products. Visit the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County to explore their work and experience a unique aspect of Park City. 

3. Visit Public Art Exhibits

Public art in Park City isn’t tucked away in galleries—it’s woven directly into the streets, parks, and pathways of town. As you explore on foot, you’ll encounter a mix of playful sculptures and thought-provoking murals that tell the story of Park City’s rich history, vibrant culture, and creative spirit.

Summit County Public Art - Pinebrook Roundabout Sculpture by DKLA Design

  • Loosey the Mose and Franz the Bear near Main Street—two beloved sculptures that have become Park City icons.

  • The Future Is Now mural, located under the SR-224 pedestrian tunnel, was created in collaboration with local youth to celebrate creativity and community.

  • Miner Sculpture at Miner’s Park, honoring Park City’s silver mining roots.

  • Murals inside the China Bridge Parking Garage and at the Old Town Transit Center transform everyday infrastructure into art-filled spaces.

These installations now include two new roundabout sculptures, adding striking visual landmarks of interest throughout the town.

 

4. Attend Live Music, Film Screenings, and Performances

Park City’s arts scene extends beyond visual art. There are plenty of things to do in Park City beyond skiing, including live performances and screenings.

  • The Egyptian Theatre hosts live music, plays, comedy shows, and classic film screenings throughout the year. 

  • Park City Film offers independent films, documentaries, and special screenings at venues like the Jim Santy Auditorium.

  • The Marquis Park City and Mountain Town Music regularly feature live music from local and touring artists.

  • Seasonal outdoor concerts and pop-up performances frequently occur on Main Street and at local community venues.

Event listings can be found through the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County event calendar, Park City Film, and local event calendars. 

5. Visit Museums and Historic Sites

Park City’s past is deeply tied to mining, railroads, and resilience, making history-focused experiences among the most enriching things to do in Park City, aside from skiing. 

  • Park City Museum, located on Main Street, offers immersive exhibits on the history of mining, ski culture, and the town’s transformation.

  • McPolin Farmstead provides a glimpse into early agricultural life in Summit County.

  • Historic walking tours on Main Street highlight preserved buildings that now house galleries, restaurants, and performance spaces.

  • Alf Engen Ski Museum, at Utah Olympic Park, celebrates the legacy of ski pioneer Alf Engen and the history of winter sports in the intermountain region through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and stories, and Olympic Skiing heritage.

These experiences help visitors understand how art, history, and place are intertwined in Park City. 

 

Alf Engen Ski Museum at Utah Olympic Park

 

6. Enjoy Park City’s Culinary Scene

Dining is an art form in Park City, and it’s one of the most enjoyable things to do in Park City if you don’t ski. Notable spots include:

Many restaurants showcase local art or host live music, seamlessly blending food and culture.

7. Attend Seasonal Arts & Cultural Events

For visitors in winter, Park City’s arts and culture calendar still offers meaningful experiences beyond the slopes. Winter-accessible highlights include:

Park City Spring Wine Festival at Pendry Plaza

  • Sundance Film Festival (for one more year in Park City) is an internationally renowned celebration of independent film that transforms the town into a walkable hub of screenings, panels, and pop-up art experiences.

  • Gondola Art Stroll in Canyon Village, a year-round outdoor installation featuring six diverse art pieces displayed inside retired Red Pine Gondola cabins—fully accessible during the winter season.

  • Art Adventure Guides, created by the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County, offer seasonally updated, self-guided itineraries highlighting exhibitions, galleries, and creative experiences available throughout winter.

  • Spring Grüv Park City Wine Festival (late winter to early spring), blending music, wine, and mountain culture in venues that don’t require skiing. 

  • Winter gallery exhibitions and artist talks are hosted through Main Street and Kimball Junction, providing indoor, walkable cultural experiences during colder months.

  • Event listings and seasonal guides can be found in the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County calendar, as well as other local cultural organizations.

8. Slow Down and Experience Park City Intentionally

Not every visit needs to be packed with activity. Sitting in a gallery, walking past murals, attending a reading, or enjoying live music encourages a slower, more intentional experience—often the most memorable way to explore things to do in Park City besides skiing.

9. Experience Park City Through the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County

At the heart of Park City’s cultural scene is the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County, which supports artists through promoting creative opportunities, overseeing public art through programs like CREATE PC, and connecting residents and visitors to arts experiences across the region. Whether you’re exploring galleries, attending events, or discovering public art, the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County helps make these experiences possible. 

 

Red Flower Glass Blowing Studios

 

Explore Park City Beyond the Slopes

From galleries and murals to performances, history, and festivals, there are endless things to do in Park City besides skiing. For non-skiers, arts and culture aren’t just alternatives—they’re highlights that reveal the true soul of the community. 

The Arts Council of Park City & Summit County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local artists, art organizations, and creative initiatives across the region. Through programs such as CREATE PC, grants, public art projects, and community events, the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County helps ensure that arts and culture remain accessible, visible, and integrated into everyday life in Park City and Summit County. If you’re searching for non-ski things to do in Park City, this list highlights specific places to go, events to attend, and experiences to seek out—many of which are supported or promoted by the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County.

Kendall Kelley