CEC 2026: Get the Scoop on Salt Lake City

Experience the connections, community, and camaraderie of the gathering of special education professionals at CEC’s 2026 Convention and Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah! From March 11 to March 14, 2026, you will have the opportunity to explore sessions, workshops, and the offerings of hundreds of exhibitors, among other activities. However, once your sessions have concluded, you also have the opportunity to explore the city's sights, sounds, and bustle. Read on to discover what adventures to go on, which restaurants to try, where to see art and listen to music, can’t-miss Salt Lake essentials, unique places to visit, and more.   

 
Sightseeing Adventures 

Situated between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake and bordered to the west by the Oquirrh Mountain Range, Salt Lake City is a natural beauty with numerous activities to offer. 

• Salt Lake Trolley Adventure—A very entertaining guided tour of Salt Lake City!
• Regent Street—This area has played many different roles in the past and now serves as a thriving cultural hub.
• Bonneville Salt Flats—30,000 acres of salt crust managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Gorgeous views and environmentally significant. 
• SLC Art in Public Places—View the collection online or in person to experience the community identity of Salt Lake City. 
• Hiking, Biking, or Driving through Big Cottonwood Canyon—Don’t miss out on the scenic views offered in this area! 

 Gastronomic Delights Galore! 

The foodie scene in Salt Lake City is well and truly diverse. Whatever you’re craving, it’s here somewhere!  

• SLC Downtown Farmers Market—The winter market runs from November 15th through April 18th! Shop for winter produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, as well as handmade crafts and trinkets!
• Culture Coffee—A sleek, trendy, locally owned coffee shop.
• Sugar House Coffee—A cute, colorful café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Kahve Café—Turkish coffee, tea, and baked goods!
• Caffe d’Bolla—A curated coffee experience for the aficionados. 
• Deadpan Sandwich—A small selection of delicious sandwiches, soup, and/or chips…perfect for a grab-and-go lunch.
• Salt Lake City Brewing Co. Restaurants and Breweries—Explore the local pubs, cafes, and grills!
• Bhansa Gar—Experience the delicious variety of South Asian dishes that this restaurant has to offer.
• Different dietary needs? No problem!
• Sweet Hazel & Co. – Vegan goodies for breakfast, lunch, and dessert.
• Takashi—A sushi restaurant with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
• Vertical Diner—Said to be the best vegan diner in the country.
• Zest—All plant-based and gluten-free! 

Music & Art Enthusiasts 

Whether you’re in the mood to ponder and wander around an art exhibit or rock out to a new or beloved band, Salt Lake City has you covered with thriving art and music scenes. 

• Stage Shows at your theatre of choice like:
• Eccles Theater 
• Capitol Theatre
• Live Music Venues to Check Out
• Kilby Court—All ages are welcome here!
• The State Room—They feature a wide range of music genres. 
• The Urban Lounge—Their focus is on showcasing local talent!
• The Depot—While it began as a spot for mainly alt and indie rock bands, it now also features a wide variety of genres. 
• Art Museums
• UMFA: Utah Museum of Fine Arts
• UMOCA: Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
• Salt Lake Art Museum
• The Leonardo—Science AND Art!
• Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts 

Staples of Salt Lake City 

These are the can’t-miss Salt Lake essentials that you must visit to truly get a feel for who Salt Lake City is.  

•  Tracy Aviary—Located in Liberty Park, this aviary is home to over 100 different species of birds. 
• Clark Planetarium—Check out the events and exhibits ahead of time so you can fully enjoy your visit to this iconic planetarium. 
• Red Butte Garden & Arboretum—100 acres of themed gardens and more to explore!
• Utah Book & Magazine—A local fixture with books and other odds and ends.
• Central Book Exchange—A local used bookstore that opened in 1968—check out their extensive collection!
• The Salt Lake Whale—Hail the whale! Spot it while you are out wandering the city and learn more about the history of the Salt Lake Whale at the link provided. 
• Memory Grove Park—This park features several memorials to various American fallen soldiers.  

Off the Beaten Path 

Looking for something to do that others might consider out of the ordinary for a tourist? Check out these hidden gems! 

•  SLFS (Salt Lake Film Society) at Broadway Centre Cinemas—If you are interested in independent films, you can’t miss whatever this cinema will be showing!
• Gilgal Sculpture Garden—A unique, official Salt Lake City park featuring 12 original sculptures and over 70 engraved stones. 
• Conservation Garden Park—Learn sustainable gardening and water conservation practices while enjoying the outdoors. 
• Land Cruiser Heritage Museum—Car enthusiast? Check out this museum that celebrates the legacy of the Land Cruiser! 
• International Peace Gardens—This opened in 1952 and is one of only two peace gardens in the United States. It currently represents 28 countries.  

Family Fun Activities 

Traveling with your family? Need something to keep them occupied while you are busy exploring Convention? Take a look at the options below!  

• Utah’s Hogle Zoo—You can’t go wrong with all the adorable animals! 
• Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum of Utah—Let the kids get out some energy while they explore and play in the exhibits, including a Sensory Room. 
• Salt Lake City Public Library—Support the local library and enjoy some time sitting and reading without spending a dime! 
• Natural History Museum of Utah—Have fun while learning about history from the world-renowned collection at this museum. 
• Wheeler Farm—A historic working farm and public park with several different activities to do!