Fall is a gorgeous season to enjoy southern Utah. The temperatures cool down, and the events heat up. Downtown was packed with world-renowned events during October. The marathon and senior games brought visitors from around the world. This offered a chance for us to showcase to the world our exceptional scenery and growing culture.
Our entire region is bursting with beautiful sites and fantastic events. With Zion, Brian Head, Bryce, Pine Valley, Snow Canyon and so many other outdoor recreational opportunities surrounding us, it is easy to create an adventure. Fall brings many spectacular events downtown, allowing us to fully engage with the community. The Live United LIVE Music Festival, the St. George Book Festival, George Streetfest, St. George Musical Theater’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” Art on Main, and several events at the DiFiore Center offered an October to be thankful for.
November brings our attention to family and friends as we center around Thanksgiving. Downtown offers a setting in which we can reflect upon gratitude. It presents an environment that can be enjoyed with our loved ones. The splash pad at Town Square Park quiets down as temperatures start to drop, making the water play less appealing. It is a great time to get out and see the Art Around The Corner exhibits, enjoy a picnic, or take a stroll and contemplate all the blessings we have been showered with over the year.
The DiFiore Center is a community treasure providing constant reasons to be grateful. The entire operation is one of giving. By housing several local groups that provide art, culture, and entertainment, it offers those with wings a place to fly. The DiFiore Center has continuous events going on throughout each month. The month of November brings Brian Johnson’s exhibit, “Show and Tale.” This exhibit will showcase selected paintings from Johnson’s work from two different series. “Urban Bodies” captures the human body as filtered through an urban lens. “On The Run” is a tale of carousel animals set free to run. The exhibit runs Oct. 31 through Nov. 30 at the DiFiore Center, located at 307 N. Main in downtown St. George.
George Streetfest has received the nod of approval and support from St. George City Council and the St. George Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to continue through 2016. The area’s largest monthly event is quickly changing southern Utah nightlife, offering a glimpse of the possibilities. The community has embraced the event and has made it a huge success. Consistently offering something for everyone, George Streetfest continues to be fresh each month with new contests and growing additions to the event. Held downtown each month with the closing off of Main street, the music on the main stage is high-energy and fun. Activities and festival food fill the streets at every turn. The music and entertainment of the Jazz Garden in the courtyard of Ancestor Square bring continued high-caliber talent while allowing for drinks with friends. The first Friday of every month is a welcomed addition to the community and provides many reasons to be joyfully thankful.
The St. George Art Museum is an excellent place to visit in the downtown area. They continually offer quality exhibits from a spectrum of periods, cultures, and media. The collections rotate, making it a place to visit often throughout the year. The St. George Art Museum currently has three exhibits running: “A Bright Swirling of Bugs,” an installation by Kay Miner; “Weaving a Revolution: A Celebration of Contemporary Navajo Baskets” from the Natural History Museum of Utah, and Studio Art Quilt Association’s “SILVER.” All three exhibits run through Dec. 31 and can be found at 200 N 47 E.
Art Around The Corner is a constant presence downtown and offers much to be grateful for throughout the year. The permanent collection and temporary exhibits offer over 60 sculptures to the downtown area. The open-air nature of the exhibit allows for enjoying the art while strolling the downtown streets and enjoying the ambience of the historic area. Art Around The Corner is currently preparing for the 2016 season with a call for entries, due by Nov 13. This beautiful endeavor of showcasing brilliant art continues to make the downtown area a wonderful place to enjoy year-round. Visit artaroundthecorner.org for more information.
The downtown area is beginning to transform in preparation for the holiday season. Dazzling lights will soon glow throughout the entire downtown area, creating a magical feel. St. George Musical Theater is busy preparing for their production of “The Christmas Bus.” Downtown merchants are transforming their boutiques into holiday workshops, and restaurants are adding dining options special to the season.
November is a fantastic month to get out for a relaxing visit to the downtown area and see all the amazing things we have available to our community. It offers a setting ideal for reflecting on what we have to be thankful for.
See you downtown!
