Southern Utah Weekend Events Guide
This week’s Southern Utah Weekend Events Guide features the Crossroads of the West Gun Show, the Zion Canyon Music Festival, theater, exhibits, live music, and more. Check out the complete guide to find out what is going on this weekend near you. For a full list of events, visit The Independent’s Events Calendar.
“William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged)”
Brought to you by the same guys who starred in the PBS film version of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” this highly-imaginative, vaudeville-infused comedy tells the not-quite factual (well, not at all factual) story of an ancient manuscript purported to be the first play by William Shakespeare. Using questionable scholarship and street-performer smarts, a trio of comic actors will throw themselves into a fast, funny, and frenzied festival of pure hilarity. Showing through Oct. 21, times vary. Tickets are $20–$75. For information and to purchase tickets, click here.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Shakespeare’s luxurious tale of fairies, dreams, and moonlight, this popular comedy gets a new and exciting look when set in the art deco world of the Jazz Age. It is still true that “the course of true love never did run smooth,” and when the feuding king and queen of the fairies interfere in the couplings of mortals, the result is pure pandemonium and magical mayhem. Showing through Oct. 21, times vary. Tickets are $32–$75. For information and to purchase tickets, click here.
“Shrek The Musical”
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek.” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand, and his name is Shrek. Showing through Oct. 20. at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $29–$89 and can be purchased at tuacahn.org. For information, call (800) 746-9882 or (435) 652-3300.
“Newsies”
Set in New York City at the turn of the century, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy, and leader of a ragged band of teenaged “newsies” who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right. Showing through Oct. 18. at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $29–$89 and can be purchased at tuacahn.org. For information, call (800) 746-9882 or (435) 652-3300.
“Mamma Mia!”
A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. A trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, creating an unforgettable show with a large cast and non-stop laughs. Mamma Mia! Showing through Oct. 21. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $29–$89 and can be purchased at tuacahn.org. For information, call (800) 746-9882 or (435) 652-3300.
Escalante Canyons Art Festival
Love Utah’s canyon country and supporting working artists and artisans? Attend the premier art event of the Colorado Plateau, the 14th Annual Escalante Canyons Art Festival/Everett Ruess Days in Escalante Sept. 22–Oct. 1. Escalante is off the beaten path along Scenic Byway 12 between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks in the heart of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. For information, click here.
“Artists with a Camera” fall photography exhibition
The St. George Fine Art Photographers Guild hosts its Fall Photography Exhibition Sept. 15–Oct. 14. It features southwest artists from international award winners to emerging talent. For information, click here.
“Anasazi Dreams” exhibit
Colorado artist Sheri Graf-Kopp’s exhibit features works inspired by ancient rock writings. The exhibit will show through Oct. 5. For information, click here.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument photographer in residence exhibit
Stop by the Red Canyon Visitor Center to view some of the photographs captured by Jared Warren, the 2017 Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument photographer in residence, earlier this year. Warren is a professor, researcher, psychologist, and photographer. He enjoys many genres of this art but finds landscape photography to be his own best therapy. When not outside capturing the stunning landscapes of the western U.S., Warren is a professor of psychology at Brigham Young University where he teaches courses and conducts research on mindfulness. The exhibit will show through Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. For information, click here.
Corn Maize Opening Day
Staheli Family Farm Corn Maize. Tickets are $7–$10. Thursday 5–9 p.m. Friday and Saturday Noon–11 p.m. Enjoy the new trails and fresh, green cornstalks. For information, click here.
Mr. CP’s Jazz Jam at Even Stevens
Mr. CP’s Jazz Jam at Even Stevens will happen Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here or call (435) 251-6636.
Two Step Night with Eric Dodge
Get out and learn how to two step with Eric Dodge with two step lessons and some open two step dancing. $10 cash at the door. Thursday 7:30–8:30 p.m. For information, click here.
Grandparents Weekend at Staheli Farm
Grandmas and grandpas get free Farmland admission with a paying grandchild Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. Wick’a Dee Witch entertains from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Candice Cornelia entertains from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Farmland and Corn Maize will be open from noon to 11 p.m. Field of Screams will be open from dusk to 11 p.m. Saturday only. For information, click here.
Final Friday Art Walks
On the last Friday of the month through September, Art Walk will be held at various locations along Main Street and University Boulevard from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit with artists, see beautiful art pieces made using a variety of media, and purchase a new piece to add to your collection. For information, click here.
Jakey Leigh’s Cafe presents The Naturals
Jakey Leigh’s Cafe will host The Naturals Friday night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The show is free and open to the public. For information, click here.
“Connecting Paths” opening reception
In August 2016, writer and photographer Brian Passey and his wife, Cammie, embarked on a cross-country road trip to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. The trip had two primary goals: seeing interesting places and visiting loved ones. For 12 of the 16 nights they stayed with friends and family members across the country. That 6,000-mile, 17-day trip is documented through photography and words in the exhibit “Connecting Paths.” Short essays accompany 39 of the 54 photos in the exhibit. The majority of the photos are mounted on six maps of the United States. “Connecting Paths” will be on display in the Eccles Grand Foyer from Sept. 29 through Dec. 8. “Mapping: The Poetics of Utah Expression” will be on display inside the adjacent Sears Art Museum Gallery. Both shows will have an opening reception from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Free. For information, click here.
Shannon Birch Vocal Studio Student Night at Even Stevens
Shannon Birch Vocal Studio Student Night will be held at Even Stevens Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here or call (435) 251-6636.
Zion Canyon Music Festival
Zion National Park provides the backdrop for the Zion Canyon Music Festival the last weekend in September when the festival will once again fill the Zion Corridor with music, art, and fun. This year features the funk-rock band Groovement, one-man reggae hip-hop sensation El Dub, southern Utah staples The Reals, country/rock musician Raven Cain, DJ Lex, and more. The event will feature local food vendors, handcrafted art booths, bounce houses and kid activities, and a beer and wine garden. Friday from 2 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $10. For information, click here.
Chris Brubeck and Triple Play
Chris Brubeck and Triple Play will play at The Electric Theater Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For information, click here.
Dick Earl at George’s Corner
Dick Earl plays at George’s Corner Friday at 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
Tom Stevens’ “Timeless Impressions”
Stevens pays tribute to such legendary singers as Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley, Perry Como, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Julio Iglesias, and many more. Friday at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15–$20. 21 and older. ID’s required. For information, click here.
DJ Spinz at The One and Only
DJ Spinz will be at the One and Only Friday night at 9 p.m. Dance the night away, have a few drinks, play pool, and have a great time! Click here for more information.
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
During the last year, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows attracted more than half a million guests, more than any other gun show in America, offering hundreds of tables to meet the needs of everyone from the once-a-year hunter to the avid collector. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person, Children 12 and under are free. For information, click here.
Zion Canyon Farmers Market
The 2017 season is Saturdays May 6–Oct. 14, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to noon on the lawn of the Bit and Spur Restaurant and across from the Switchback Grille and Holiday Inn Express. The market was developed to provide a place for local farmers, backyard growers, and producers to sell their goods directly to consumers, to educate the consumers about local farming and seasonal eating, to encourage and promote the use of locally grown farm products, and to enhance quality of life in southern Utah by providing a community activity that fosters social gathering and interaction. For information, visit zionharvest.org, or call (435) 772-0435.
Year-Round Farmer’s Market in Cedar City
Visit the only year-round farmer’s market in Utah, a real farmers market that sells only locally produced and grown fruit, vegetables, jam, bread, and other farm products. The event happens on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the IFA parking lot. For information, contact Symbria Patterson at info@yearroundfarmersmarket.org or call her at (435) 865-6792.
Tuacahn Saturday Market
Stroll among local artists and artisans while enjoying live local entertainment Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more shopping fun, step inside the beautiful new Tuacahn Gift Gallery where you will find Tuacahn Amphitheater souvenirs, home decor items, gifts, and much more.
Josh Warburton at Zion Canyon Brew Pub
Josh Warburton plays at Zion Canyon Brew Pub Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (435) 772-0404.
Mike & Elaine at Sand Hollow Resort
Mike & Elaine play Saturday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free. Dinner can be purchased from 6 p.m to 10 p.m. Alcohol is available to purchase for those over 21. For information, click here.
The Naturals at Even Stevens
The Naturals play at Even Stevens Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here or call (435) 251-6636.
Jonathan Brinkley at Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen
Jonathan Brinkley plays at Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen Saturday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Come listen to Brinkley and enjoy some of southern Utah’s largest selections of beer and a very unique wine list along with some really memorable food. For information, call (435) 689-1959.
Jordan Young at George’s Corner
Jordan Young plays at George’s Corner Saturday at 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
Jim Curry, a John Denver tribute
Jim Curry will play at the CasaBlanca Showroom Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15–$35. 21 and older. ID’s required. For information, click here.
Field of Screams
Catch a hayride to southern Utah’s Field of Screams as you walk the trails of this creepy field corn maze with many new scenes and experiences. No more long lines! New “Tractor Time” is included with every Field of Screams admission and season pass. Similar to a Disney FastPass, you’ll receive a time to wait for the tractor hayride to the attraction. You’re now free to enjoy all the farm has to offer. Warning! This attraction may not be suitable for all ages. All ages are welcome, but only the brave will come. Recommend for 12 and older. Tickets are $13–$23. Saturday from 8:30 to 11 p.m. For information, click here.
