The Independent

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Wine Making Refined in Southern Utah at Zion Vineyards

Wine Making Refined in Southern Utah at Zion Vineyards "Zion Vineyards is busy in June bottling wines, weeding, planting, and irrigating the vineyard. New growth is emerging throughout the property, and the vineyard is showing signs of another season of high-quality fruit. The clusters of grapes currently developing on the vines are a good indication of healthy vines. Guests are invited to join Zion Vineyards for Paint and Sip on Sunday, June 28. This fun-filled afternoon combines creativity, friendship, and wine tasting. Participants can follow along with instructor Ash's featured painting or explore their own creative direction. The event begins at 2:30 PM and continues until approximately 5 PM. Tempranillo is back on the menu...."

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Publishers Perspective: Life Is Full Of Challenges

Publishers Perspective: Life Is Full Of Challenges "Life is full of challenges, and I sure have had my own set of them lately. I won't get into a lot of detail, but let me just say how grateful I am to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, money in my bank account, and a job that has sustained me for 30 years and a few months. But I will be honest with you. I've had some serious highs and lows since the beginning of the year...."

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So U Comedy Celebrates 10 Years of Unscripted Laughs in St. George

So U Comedy Celebrates 10 Years of Unscripted Laughs in St. George "As summer heats up, so does the laughter at So U Comedy. Experience fast-paced, unscripted improv comedy live at upcoming shows in June and July. Located in the heart of downtown St. George, So U brings fresh comedy, audience interaction, and unpredictable fun to the stage. Celebrating its 10th year of improv, So U Comedy Theater continues to entertain audiences with its signature short-form improv style, featuring quick games and scenes made up on the spot using audience suggestions. No two shows are ever alike...."

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Kick Off Summer with Laughs at OTC Comedy

Kick Off Summer with Laughs at OTC Comedy "Summer is finally here, and OTC Comedy is ready to help audiences celebrate with a season full of laughter, spontaneity, and reasons to get out of the house. Every Friday at 8 PM, the OTC Comedy Theater, located at 913 S. Main St. in Cedar City, comes alive with fast-paced improv comedy created entirely from audience suggestions. With no scripts, no reruns, and no two shows ever the same, OTC delivers a live entertainment experience that encourages audiences to put down their devices and enjoy an evening of shared laughter...."

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Stage Door Invites Southern Utah to Honor Local Heroes During Come From Away

Stage Door Invites Southern Utah to Honor Local Heroes During Come From Away "As The Stage Door prepares to bring Come From Away to Southern Utah audiences this June, the theater is launching a community initiative designed to celebrate the everyday heroes who make the region a better place. Based on the true story of the days following Sept. 11, 2001, Come From Away recounts how 39 planes were unexpectedly grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, after American airspace was closed. Thousands of stranded passengers suddenly found themselves far from home, and an entire community came together to offer kindness, support, and hospitality during a time of uncertainty...."

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Huzzah! Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire Returns to Cedar City for Its 44th Year

Huzzah! Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire Returns to Cedar City for Its 44th Year "For four days each summer, Cedar City trades modern life for medieval merriment. The Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire returns to Main Street Park July 15–18, inviting visitors to step through the gates and into a world of knights, nobles, pirates, artisans, entertainers, and adventure. Now celebrating its 44th year, the long-running event has become one of Southern Utah’s most beloved summer traditions, drawing families, history enthusiasts, costumed performers, and curious first-timers alike. The transformation begins the moment guests enter the village...."

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Southern Utah Funday Market Brings Local Flavor and Community to Downtown St. George

Southern Utah Funday Market Brings Local Flavor and Community to Downtown St. George "Looking for a reason to get out on a Sunday? The Southern Utah Funday Market continues to grow as one of the area's favorite weekend gathering spots, bringing together local vendors, shoppers, families, and even a few four-legged friends. Located at the corner of Bluff Street and St. George Boulevard, the outdoor market takes place on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. Visitors will find a wide variety of products from local artisans, makers, and collectors, including jams, herbs, photography, antiques, and other unique goods. Since its launch, the Southern Utah Funday Market has seen growing interest from residents looking for more Sunday activities...."

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Fort Desolation Fest Returns to Capitol Reef Country With Three Days of Music and Adventure

Fort Desolation Fest Returns to Capitol Reef Country With Three Days of Music and Adventure "TORREY, Utah — Fort Desolation Fest is heading back to the red rock country surrounding Capitol Reef National Park Sept. 24–26, bringing another weekend of nationally recognized musicians, outdoor adventure, camping, and community to Cougar Ridge Resort. Now entering its fifth year, the boutique festival has built a reputation for combining intimate live music experiences with some of Utah’s most spectacular scenery. Organizers have announced a 2026 lineup featuring Drive-By Truckers, Andrew Bird, Grahame Lesh & Friends, Rayland Baxter, Futurebirds, Tune-Yards, Bella White, Grace Cummings, Coleman Jennings, Triggers & Slips, and Pixie & The Partygrass Boys...."

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BLM Fire Restrictions Begin Across Southwest Utah and Northwest Arizona

BLM Fire Restrictions Begin Across Southwest Utah and Northwest Arizona "As fire danger continues to rise across the region, the Bureau of Land Management has implemented seasonal fire restrictions across public lands in Southwest Utah and Northwest Arizona...."

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Southern Utah Events Guide – May 28, 2026

Southern Utah Events Guide – May 28, 2026 "Southern Utah Events Guide – May 28, 2026. This week’s Southern Utah Events Guide features The Last Light Boat Show, Heritage Rodeo, Because You're Mine, comedy shows, theater productions, art, markets, local live music, and more.  If you would like to add an upcoming event, you can add one here, or if you need to cancel or edit a previously submitted event, you can do so here...."

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Memorial Day Crowds Return to Zion National Park as Summer Season Begins

Memorial Day Crowds Return to Zion National Park as Summer Season Begins "

Visitors heading to Zion National Park over Memorial Day weekend should prepare for heavy traffic, full parking lots, shuttle lines, and warm temperatures as the park enters one of its busiest times of year.

With nearly 5 million visits recorded in 2025, Zion National Park officials say advance planning will be essential for anyone visiting during the holiday weekend...."

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Captured in Escalante: Art Festival Invites Artists and Visitors This September

Captured in Escalante: Art Festival Invites Artists and Visitors This September "Artists and art lovers alike are invited to experience the landscape and creative energy of Southern Utah at the Escalante Canyons Art Festival, returning September 18–27, 2026. Whether returning to familiar terrain or visiting for the first time, participants are encouraged to explore the ever-changing landscape and interpret it through their own artistic lens. The invitation is simple: capture the essence of the land, and let its beauty capture you. The festival includes a range of opportunities for artists at every level. Plein air painting begins with a stamp-in running September 18–21, followed by submissions on September 23...."

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Raven’s Heart Gallery Summer Show Brings Live Art and Community to Kanab

Raven’s Heart Gallery Summer Show Brings Live Art and Community to Kanab "Raven’s Heart Gallery in Kanab is welcoming summer with a vibrant, hands-on celebration of art on Saturday, June 13, from 1–4 PM. The Summer Show, featuring live art-making demonstrations, takes place at 57 W. Center St. This interactive event is free and open to the public, offering a chance to experience art not just on the gallery walls, but in the making by the gallery’s artists. The afternoon centers on live demonstrations, transforming the gallery into a working studio. Gail Alger will present an acrylic animal painting demo, while Angela Woods showcases her whimsical animal subjects in oil...."

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Tips to Avoid Bear Conflicts Across Southern Utah This Summer

Tips to Avoid Bear Conflicts Across Southern Utah This Summer "As temperatures rise across Utah, black bears are emerging from hibernation, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is reminding residents and visitors how to prevent conflicts and stay safe while recreating outdoors. Black bears are the only species of bear in Utah and can be found throughout much of the state, particularly in mountainous areas, foothills, and canyons. During the spring, plants and insects make up the majority of their diet, but bears will seek out human food if it’s easily accessible—often leading to conflicts in campsites and neighborhoods...."

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Canyon Overlook Trail Still Delivers One of Zion’s Biggest Payoffs Per Step

Canyon Overlook Trail Still Delivers One of Zion’s Biggest Payoffs Per Step "Trail: Canyon Overlook Trail Location: Zion National Park Difficulty: Easy, with a few exposed sections and drop-offs Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour round-trip at a leisurely pace Elevation: 3,900 feet at the trailhead, with approximately 160 feet of elevation gain Family Friendly: Yes, with supervision due to cliffs and narrow sections Dog Friendly: No Getting There: From St. George, drive east on State Route 9 through Hurricane and into Zion National Park. Continue along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and pass through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. The trailhead is immediately east of the tunnel...."

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Raven’s Heart Gallery Summer Show Brings Live Art and Community to Kanab

Raven’s Heart Gallery Summer Show Brings Live Art and Community to Kanab "Raven’s Heart Gallery in Kanab is welcoming summer with a vibrant, hands-on celebration of art on Saturday, June 13, from 1–4 PM. The Summer Show, featuring live art-making demonstrations, takes place at 57 W. Center St. This interactive event is free and open to the public, offering a chance to experience art not just on the gallery walls, but in the making by the gallery’s artists. The afternoon centers on live demonstrations, transforming the gallery into a working studio. Gail Alger will present an acrylic animal painting demo, while Angela Woods showcases her whimsical animal subjects in oil...."

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The Stage Door Brings “Come From Away” to St. George

The Stage Door Brings “Come From Away” to St. George "This summer, The Stage Door invites audiences to experience a powerful story of resilience and kindness with its upcoming production of the hit musical Come From Away. Running from June 18 through July 11 at the historic Electric Theater, the production marks a meaningful moment for the Southern Utah arts community. Based on the true events of September 11, 2001, Come From Away tells the story of Gander, Newfoundland, a small town that became an unexpected global refuge when 38 planes were diverted to its airstrip. In an instant, the town’s population nearly doubled as thousands of stranded travelers from around the world arrived...."