The spectacular fall weather of St. George brings the world to our doorstep to enjoy world class events. It is a great time to get downtown and enjoy all the fun happening in October.
George Streetfest kicks off the month on Friday, Oct 2. This free community events showcases the best of southern Utah. With local art, music, and fun coming together on Main Street in the historic downtown district, everyone will find something to like about this event which takes place every first Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.
The DiFiore Center also continues to hold multiple events during October. One such event is George Scottthe Jennifer Gubler Gallery Show running from Oct. 2 through 28. Gubler’s gallery is titled “Etched: A small debut of BIG moments.” The opening reception will be held on Friday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. with the display itself continuing through the month. “Nature is my muse and Plein Air painting is my passion,” Gubler says. “I paint the world around me hoping to capture those small perfect moments that make me grateful to be alive.”
For 38 years running, the St. George Marathon has continued to deliver a race like no other. This efficiently organized race has been the talk of the running scene for years. Runner’s World rates the St. George Marathon as one of only four “Marathons to Build a Vacation Around” in the world. Runner’s World also includes the race in its 10 Most Scenic and Fastest Marathons and lists it in the Top 20 Marathons in the United States. Whether running the race, supporting the runners, or navigating the streets while it is in progress, everyone in the community is impacted by the St. George Marathon. Starting in the majestic Pine Valley mountains and descending through the scenic vistas of southern Utah, the race finishes in downtown’s beautiful tree-filled Worthen Park.
Speaking of the St. George Marathon, across the street from the finish line resides the newly remodeled St. George Recreation Center. With everything needed to get the body fit, along with other classes and activities for people of all ages, the St. George Recreation Center is a spectacular place to spend time investing in a healthy lifestyle. A big shout out should also go to the St. George Leisure Service Department for winning the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in the field of park and recreation management. Way to go!
Besides the St. George Recreation Center, other options for fitness and self-improvement can be found at Downtown Yoga. Here one can find classes that will improve physical fitness, mental clarity, and even spiritual connection. This yoga studio offers a center for community in the heart of the historic downtown St. George district. There is a distinct vibe that is more readily felt than explained upon entering. With over 20 different classes and several styles of yoga being practiced, the center offers a true opportunity for yoga to have the internal influence upon the physical body it is meant to have. In addition to regularly scheduled classes, Downtown Yoga brings special events for those interested in the deeper application of the practice of yoga. On Oct. 17, those interested in traditional yoga will have the opportunity to experience a true Mysore-style practice. Special guest Aina Romualdez, authorized by KPJAYI in Mysore, India, will bring her love of the practice of authentic, lineage-based yoga experiences to southern Utah from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Live United LIVE will invade Town Square on Oct. 10. This annual music festival and benefit promises to be huge! This free day-long event will offer family-friendly entertainment with outstanding, high-energy music. The park will be packed with activities and food, and all proceeds will be directed to the charities supported by United Way Dixie.
St. George Book Festival returns for its 10th year and is bigger than ever. This week-long event runs from Oct. 19-24 and has events and workshops scheduled at several different locations throughout St. George, including DXATC, DSU, Washington County Library’s main branch, Jazzy’s, Children’s Museum, and the Spooky Town Fair at downtown’s Town Square. The St. George Book Festival attracts authors and speakers from all over. In addition to ongoing opportunities for learning and sharing, the festival includes the Literacy Charity Dinner on Friday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. at the Banquet Hall on the third floor of the Children’s Museum. This semi-formal night promises to be very memorable, with amazingly successful writers speaking.
Spooky Town Fair takes place Oct. 23 and 24 at Town Square. Friday’s activities run from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With nearly 100 different business vendors, a wide variety of children’s games and attractions, live entertainment, and a fun festival atmosphere, this is a great family event. The park will be filled with carnival games, bounce houses, vendors, food booths, and continuous entertainment to keep the fun happening all day long. This is the largest family-friendly Halloween Festival in southern Utah, and all profits go to support the local schools in Washington County School District.
The above events are only a small sampling of the events and activities available to participate in this month. With the gorgeous weather, it is a spectacular time to be downtown and joining in one—or all—of the fun activities.
See you downtown!
Great piece – it is so amazing how many things are happening in Southern Utah!! Thank you so much for sharing this!