Tabernacle Choir Performance + Salt Lake City Bus Tour

Salt Lake City and the Tabernacle Choir: A Rich Cultural Experience for Curious Travelers

Imagine spending a relaxed afternoon in Utah’s high-altitude capital, touring iconic sights like the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and This is the Place Heritage Park, all before settling in for a moving live performance by the world-famous Tabernacle Choir. For $89 per person, this 3.5-hour tour combines sightseeing with the chance to witness a Grammy- and Emmy-winning choir in action — whether during a Thursday rehearsal or a Sunday concert.

What we love about this experience is how it balances informative city touring with the emotional impact of a live choir performance. The guided bus tour gives a solid overview of Salt Lake City’s most meaningful landmarks, from historic mansions to Olympic venues, all narrated with enthusiasm and insight. Then, the choir’s performance — especially during a rehearsal — offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at musical mastery.

A possible consideration for travelers is the pace; some reviews mention feeling a bit rushed, especially at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, where the schedule often involves sitting through both rehearsal and concert on the same day. Also, for families with very young children, seating for kids under 8 might be in a separate area during the Sunday performance due to sound sensitivity, which might impact the experience.

This tour is best suited for those interested in Utah history and culture, music lovers eager to see the choir perform live, and visitors who appreciate guided narratives that bring the city’s story to life. If you’re looking for a well-rounded introduction to Salt Lake City with a musical highlight, this offers excellent value and authentic moments.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines city sightseeing with a world-renowned choir performance.
• Expert Guides: Tour guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Authentic Cultural Highlight: Live performance by the Tabernacle Choir is a rare, emotional experience.
• Flexible Performance Options: Choose between a Thursday rehearsal or a Sunday concert, depending on your schedule.
• Historic and Scenic Stops: Covers prominent landmarks like the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and This is the Place Heritage Park.
• Value for Money: At $89, it’s a comprehensive half-day that offers both education and entertainment.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting at the Utah State Capitol, this tour sets the tone with impressive views and stories about Utah’s founding. The Capitol building, ranked as the second most beautiful in America, offers a chance for photos and to understand Utah’s governance. Our guides, like Todd and Matthew, are consistently praised for their wealth of knowledge and ability to bring stories alive. One reviewer noted, “Todd’s commentary on Salt Lake City’s history and architecture was fantastic,” which captures the quality of local insight you’ll get.

From there, the bus takes you along the Mormon Pioneer Trail — a 1,300-mile route traveled by early Mormon settlers. Although you might not hike the trail yourself, the guide’s stories make it feel tangible. The visit to This is the Place Heritage Park adds a hands-on element with train rides, Native-American exhibits, and a petting zoo, making it engaging for families and history buffs alike. Reviewers appreciated this stop, describing it as a “living-history park that brings early pioneer stories to life.”

Next, the tour emphasizes Salt Lake City’s religious and civic symbols. The Salt Lake Utah Temple, with its Gothic spires, is one of the city’s most iconic sights, while the City and County Building paints a picture of the city’s civic pride and unique history. Stopping briefly outside the historic mansion of Thomas Kearns, a silver mining magnate, gives a glimpse of Salt Lake’s wealthy past.

The highlight for many is the Tabernacle itself — an architectural marvel built in 1867. It’s famous for its enormous pipe organ and the famous choir, which has been performing here since the late 19th century. The schedule varies: performances happen June through September at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, while September through May, they perform at the LDS Conference Center. Whether during a Thursday rehearsal or a Sunday concert, you’re in for a memorable experience. Reviewers often describe the choir as “magnificent” and “fabulous,” noting that watching them live is a whole different story from TV broadcasts.

However, some reviews mention that sitting through both the rehearsal and the concert can feel a bit long, especially if you’re not a die-hard music fan. One visitor suggested, “The part at the Tabernacle felt longer than necessary,” which is worth considering if you’re pressed for time or prefer a brisker pace.

The choir’s performance is the emotional core. During a Sunday concert, you’ll see 360 volunteer singers and a 110-member orchestra filling the iconic auditorium, creating an atmosphere that many describe as “putting you in the Christmas spirit,” even outside winter holidays. During a Thursday rehearsal, you get a behind-the-scenes look, which many find more intimate and special.

Other notable stops include the Mormon Battalion Monument, which connects the city to the California Gold Rush, and the modern, award-winning Salt Lake LDS Conference Center, used in Hollywood movies. The tour wraps up with a quick drive-by of Olympic venues, highlighting Salt Lake’s role in the 2002 Winter Games, which many reviews praise as a “fascinating look at the city’s recent history.”

Practicalities and Value

Transportation is by comfortable bus, with groups limited to 30 travelers, fostering a friendly environment for questions and conversation. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, with most of the time spent sightseeing and a dedicated hour for the choir performance. At $89, the price is a good deal considering the combination of city highlights and a live concert — especially given the choir’s international reputation.

Timing is key. If you’re visiting during the choir’s performance season, you have the option of experiencing either a rehearsal or a concert, which adds variety. The tour’s flexibility and the guides’ deep local knowledge make it a tailored experience for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.

Booking in advance is recommended, with most travelers reserving about 46 days ahead, indicating how popular this outing is. Cancellation policies are generous, allowing free cancellations up until 24 hours before the tour, which is reassuring for planning.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits music fans eager for a live, authentic concert experience by a choir with a storied history. It’s also ideal for history buffs and culture seekers interested in Utah’s diverse past — from pioneers to Olympic athletes. Families with children over 8 will likely enjoy the tour, especially if they’re interested in scenic sights and music.

Travelers wanting a rundown of Salt Lake City will find this tour full of information, colorful stories, and stunning sights. The inclusion of the choir performance elevates it beyond a typical city tour, making it a memorable highlight of a Utah visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes, including sightseeing and the choir performance.

Are tickets included for the Tabernacle Choir?
Yes, the ticket for the choir performance is included in the tour price, whether you choose a Thursday rehearsal or a Sunday concert.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts, making it flexible for your schedule.

What stops are part of the city tour?
Major highlights include the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, This is the Place Heritage Park, the Mormon Pioneer Trail, the Mormon Battalion Monument, and the Salt Lake LDS Conference Center.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 8 are generally welcome, but during the Sunday performance, seating for kids under 8 is in a different area due to sound sensitivity.

What should I expect at the Tabernacle?
You’ll see a historic auditorium with one of the world’s largest pipe organs and enjoy a performance by a 360-member volunteer choir, which is a powerful and inspiring sight.

How does the ticketing work?
You’ll receive a mobile ticket that makes check-in simple. The tour guides are well-informed and aim to make your experience seamless and enjoyable.

To sum it up, this tour presents a rare chance to combine a guided exploration of Salt Lake City’s most significant sights with an inspiring live performance by the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate music, history, and authentic cultural experiences at a reasonable price point. While it can feel a bit rushed at the historic sites, the overall value, knowledgeable guides, and emotional choir performance make it a memorable outing. Whether you’re visiting Salt Lake City for the first time or seeking a meaningful cultural activity during your stay, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to learn about Utah’s heart and soul.