The beginning of a new school year means summertime is winding down. However, there are still loads of fun times happening in downtown St. George through the month of August.
George First Friday Streetfest continues to grow, quickly becoming southern Utah’s premier event. The doubling in attendance from June’s inaugural event of 2,500 attendees to July’s 5,000 attendees demonstrates the tremendous reception of the community for this downtown event. The food, fun, activities, beer and wine garden, market, and live music on the Main Street stage offers a night out for everyone. This free event goes from 6 to10 p.m. every first Friday of the month.
Sunset on the Square continues its summertime movie series every second and fourth Friday of the month at Town Square Park. The free movie plays on a giant outdoor movie screen under the stars of the beautiful southern Utah sky. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with a host of family-friendly activities, and the movie starts at dusk. “Wreck it Ralph” will be playing on Aug. 14, and “Legend of Zorro” will play on Aug 28.
The Concert in the Park 2015 series continues at Vernon Worthen Park in downtown St. George. The next free concert is Monday, Aug. 10, and features modern-day blues cowboy R.B. Stone. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Park seating is available, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and food … and family and friends as well, of course.
The St. George Children’s Museum provides vibrant and engaging interactive activities that invite children and families to discover, imagine, and create. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located in downtown St. George at 86 S. Main, the museum asks for a $3 donation per person.
Town Square Park offers a great place to cool down and play in the water. Whether looking to enjoy a picnic, wade in the water, dance around the splash pad, or read a book, this park is a great downtown open space. Several Art Around the Corner featured pieces and other art can be viewed, and the meticulously cared-for grounds offer excellent photography opportunities.
Art aficionados will love the downtown area in general, with the multiple Art Around the Corner outdoor exhibits, a multitude of galleries, the St. George Art Museum, and The DiFiore Center. Add in the St. George Musical Theater, Historic St. George Live! tours, St. George Tabernacle, Brigham Young Winter Home, old buildings, and much more, and you will need to plan multiple visits to appreciate everything downtown St. George has to offer the visual senses.
Downtown also offers opportunities for those looking to support local business. Getting the kids ready for school with clothing, haircuts, and supplies can be met with a trip downtown, and of course, you will want to purchase an item or two for yourself. Downtown boutiques like The NOOK, Annie’s Vintage Garden, and Encore will have you dressed in style. After all that shopping, pampering yourself with a trip to Destinations Organic Spa and Salon with a massage, hair appointment, or another treatment is a must.
The ongoing Downtown Farmers Market in Ancestor Square is another weekly highlight. Selecting the freshest produce, seeing the handmade artisan crafted goods, meeting up with friends, and enjoying live music make Saturday morning worth looking forward to. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon in the courtyard of Ancestor Square, with live music beginning at 9:30 a.m.
These downtown events, plus many more, can be found on the area’s most comprehensive calendar of events at www.suindependent.com/events. The calendar is free to browse and free to list your own upcoming events. With so many activities to choose from, you’ll be certain to “find your bliss.”
Meet me downtown!
