Salt Lake City to Host Free Olympic Watch Party During Opening Ceremony

Mayor Erin Mendenhall details plans for weeks-long event in downtown Salt Lake City

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Salt Lake City is inviting residents to participate in a free, weeks-long watch party in downtown's Civic Center Plaza during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The event will run from February 6 through February 22, and again from March 6 through March 15, allowing locals who can't travel to Italy to experience the games.

Why it matters

As a previous host city for the Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City is leveraging its experience and infrastructure to provide a communal viewing experience for residents who may not be able to attend the games in person. The watch party aims to build excitement and community spirit around the Olympics.

The details

The outdoor watch party will be held at the Civic Center Plaza in Library Square. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall will provide more details on what to expect, including plans for the Opening Ceremony on February 6.

  • The watch party will run from February 6 through February 22, 2026.
  • The watch party will run again from March 6 through March 15, 2026.

The players

Erin Mendenhall

The mayor of Salt Lake City who is announcing details about the Olympic watch party.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Mayor Mendenhall will provide more specifics about the watch party's programming and activities during the Opening Ceremony on February 6.

The takeaway

Salt Lake City's free, weeks-long Olympic watch party in the Civic Center Plaza aims to foster community spirit and allow residents who can't travel to Italy to experience the games together.