A milestone year is on the horizon as Amazing Earthfest returns May 7–10, celebrating its 20th year with four days of immersive experiences rooted in the landscapes and stories of Southern Utah.
Held at various locations throughout Kanab, the festival brings together 27 activities across six categories: Arts and Culture, Community, Documentary Film, Outdoor Adventure, Science and Land, and Night Sky. Nearly all events are offered free of charge, inviting the community to explore, learn, and connect.
Each morning begins outdoors, with guided hikes across the region’s striking public lands. Led by experts in botany, geology, and paleontology, these excursions set the tone for the day. The opening hike on May 7 features a scenic ecological scavenger hunt led by an experienced educator, while the final outing on May 10, hosted by Willow Canyon Outdoor Gear and Books, begins with artisanal coffee served at a red rock campground.
Throughout the festival, daytime programming blends indoor presentations with outdoor exploration, while evenings shift into documentary film screenings and stargazing experiences designed to deepen appreciation for the natural world and humanity’s place within it.
A highlight on Friday, May 8, includes a presentation by University of Utah ecologist Nalini Nadkarni, who will share her research on rainforest canopies and introduce a screening of her documentary, Between Earth and Sky. That same evening, a National Park Service presentation will look ahead to the future of the Grand Canyon North Rim following the 2025 Dragon Bravo fire.
Saturday’s programming includes a talk by BYU Redd Center Associate Director and historian Brenden Rensink, exploring the cultural history of wilderness adventuring in the American West. Additional sessions throughout the weekend cover topics ranging from seismology in southwest Utah to the ecological importance of insects, as well as the habits of mountain lions.
Creative exploration is also woven throughout the schedule. Photographer and educator Bruce Hucko leads a three-part workshop series titled “Personalizing Place,” guiding participants in developing personal vision and artistic intention. On May 10, an interactive experience called Word Trails invites participants to engage curiosity and imagination through a landscape-inspired game.
Live music by classical and Spanish guitarist Julian Harman adds a layer of cultural ambiance across multiple events, while a community potluck offers a chance to gather and connect.
Amazing Earthfest continues to serve as a unique platform for experiential learning, bringing together science, art, and community in one of Utah’s most visually striking regions.
Registration is required to attend. For full event details or to learn more, visit the official website at amazingearthfest.org.
