AVO Playhouse

Tucked away behind a dusty alley in Salt Lake City’s Granary District, Kilby Court is more than a venue — it’s a rite of passage. With its iconic garage-stage setup, string lights overhead, and a courtyard that smells like summer sweat and amplifier dust, Kilby is a cherished DIY institution that’s hosted the humble beginnings of some of the biggest names in indie music.

Bands don’t just play Kilby — they cut their teeth here.

Over the years, the tiny 200-cap venue has welcomed the likes of:

• The Killers

• Death Cab for Cutie

• Modest Mouse

• Phoebe Bridgers

• My Chemical Romance

• Mac DeMarco

• Japanese Breakfast

• IDLES

• Lucy Dacus

• Snail Mail

• And a thousand more bands you haven’t heard of yet

Originally opened in 1999, Kilby has remained fiercely independent, maintaining its all-ages status, low stage, and intimate courtyard shows even as it became a beacon for national tours and local legends alike.

“To play Kilby is to step into the same garage as giants.” — Salt Lake City Weekly

“It’s the kind of venue where you can be ten feet from your favorite band, screaming the lyrics while someone hands you a zine.” — SLUG Magazine

In 2023, Kilby celebrated its legacy with Kilby Block Party, an annual street fest that’s grown into one of Utah’s largest music events, booking headliners like Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Strokes while still showcasing up-and-coming locals.