The Independent

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Music and Adventure Meet at the Fifth Annual Fort Desolation Fest 

Music and Adventure Meet at the Fifth Annual Fort Desolation Fest  "The red rocks of Southern Utah are calling as the Fort Desolation Music and Adventure Travel Festival returns for its fifth year. Set against the stunning backdrop of Cougar Ridge Resort in Torrey, this unique event offers three nights of world-class music and three days to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park.  This year’s main-stage lineup is packed with talent, featuring acclaimed artists like Drive-By Truckers, Andrew Bird, Grahame Lesh & Friends, and Rayland Baxter. To ensure every guest has a premium experience, the festival limits attendance...."

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Local Stars to Shine at Dixie’s Got Talent in St. George

Local Stars to Shine at Dixie’s Got Talent in St. George "Southern Utah is getting ready for a night of incredible performances as Dixie’s Got Talent returns to the stage this fall. Presented by the Utah Tech University Entertainment Alliance, this annual tradition is more than just a talent show; it is a community-wide effort to raise funds for student scholarships while giving local artists a chance to shine. The event has become a premier showcase for regional performers, providing them with a professional platform to share their gifts and compete for cash prizes...."

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Southwest Symphony Returns to America First Performing Arts Center for a Milestone Season 

Southwest Symphony Returns to America First Performing Arts Center for a Milestone Season  "Ten years ago, the Southwest Symphony began an exciting new chapter under the baton of Maestro Lucas Darger. This season, that journey reaches a significant milestone as the symphony returns to its newly renovated home at the America First Performing Arts Center. This new era is also being celebrated with a fresh logo and an updated website to better serve the community. Tickets are already available at swsutah.org and are selling quickly.  The season kicks off on September 18 with A New Era: The Inaugural Concert. This performance offers the first chance to experience the breathtaking acoustics of the renovated hall...."

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Find Renewal and Connection at the Fill Your Cup Spiritual Wellness Retreat

Find Renewal and Connection at the Fill Your Cup Spiritual Wellness Retreat "Life can often feel like a race where the finish line keeps moving. For those feeling like they are running on empty, a local gathering in Kanab offers a chance to pause, breathe, and find a bit of balance. The “Fill Your Cup” Spiritual Wellness Retreat arrives at the United Church of Kanab/Fredonia from July 23–26, inviting the community to explore a variety of ways to refresh the mind and spirit. This unique event is built around the idea that community connection and personal reflection are essential for well-being. Over the course of the weekend, a diverse group of local presenters will share their knowledge through a series of free individual sessions...."

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Romantic Farce "The Cottage" Opens at The Electric Theater

Romantic Farce "The Cottage" Opens at The Electric Theater "The Stage Door is bringing a bit of high-society scandal to St. George this summer with its production of Sandy Rustin’s acclaimed romantic farce, The Cottage. Opening at The Electric Theater, this witty and fast-paced comedy promises an evening filled with laughter, secrets, and plenty of British banter. Set in 1923 England, the story is a nod to the classic comedy of manners style of Noël Coward. The chaos begins when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her year-long affair with Beau by sending a telegram to both her husband, Clarke, and Beau’s wife, Marjorie...."

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Experience Galactic Fun at the Cedar City Moonwalk 5K

Experience Galactic Fun at the Cedar City Moonwalk 5K "If you are looking for the perfect family-friendly way to wrap up your summer, look no further than the Moonwalk 5K. Join Cedar City Events for a night of magic under the full moon where the focus is less on the finish line and more on dancing, laughing, and making memories with your favorite people. Participants will have the chance to walk or race through the beautiful East Bench trail system while decked out in their best glow-in-the-dark gear...."

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Celebrate the Spirit of the West at Kanab’s Kane County Fair Weekend

Celebrate the Spirit of the West at Kanab’s Kane County Fair Weekend "Western tradition and community spirit are set to take center stage in Kanab as the Kane County Fair weekend brings two signature events to Southern Utah. On July 31 and August 1, residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the heritage of the region with the Legacy Rodeo and the Circle the Wagons Dinner Show & Dance. The festivities kick off on Friday, July 31, with the Kane County Fair Legacy Rodeo. This authentic Western experience celebrates the enduring spirit of Kane County, offering a night of action that honors the deep-rooted ranching history of the area...."

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Final Friday Art Walks Return to Cedar City

Final Friday Art Walks Return to Cedar City "Cedar City is getting ready to celebrate the local arts scene as the Final Friday Art Walks return for the summer season. This family-friendly event is free and open to the community, offering a wonderful way to explore visual art, live music, and artist demonstrations across several downtown locations. Starting at 5 PM on June 26, visitors can stroll through galleries and venues to see the work of local artists. For those looking to participate, artists are welcome to set up their family-friendly display tables at the corner of 100 West University Blvd (Center Street) beginning at 4:30 PM with no vendor fee...."

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Zion Jeep Tours Expands Night Sky Adventures and Custom Backcountry Experiences

Zion Jeep Tours Expands Night Sky Adventures and Custom Backcountry Experiences "Visitors looking to experience Zion after sunset—or escape the crowds during the day—have even more options this season as Zion Jeep Tours expands its popular Night Sky Tours and highlights new opportunities for guided excursions through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel to the park's spectacular east side. For nearly two years, the company has been taking guests far from city lights for unforgettable stargazing adventures in Southern Utah's dark skies. Now, Zion Jeep Tours has expanded its ability to accommodate much larger groups while continuing to offer the intimate, off-the-beaten-path experiences that have made the tours a favorite among visitors...."

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Red Rocks and Glaciers Meet at the Sears Art Museum in St. George

Red Rocks and Glaciers Meet at the Sears Art Museum in St. George "The Sears Art Museum at Utah Tech University is inviting the community to experience a unique visual journey spanning thousands of miles. The current exhibition, titled From Red Rocks to Glaciers: Southern Utah and Alaska Through the Lens, explores the connections between two of the most monumental landscapes on the continent. Running through August 14, 2026, the show offers a rare opportunity to see how artists respond to the raw power of nature in vastly different climates. At the heart of the exhibition is an evocative suite of Alaskan wilderness photographs by Tisa Zito...."

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Beyond the Stage: Crafting Your Perfect Day at the Utah Shakespeare Festival

Beyond the Stage: Crafting Your Perfect Day at the Utah Shakespeare Festival "A visit to the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City stretches far beyond the traditional evening performance. While the world-class productions on stage are exceptional, the true value for many visitors lies in the broader Festival Experience—a cultural getaway that expands a single night at the theatre into a multi-sensory journey. From play orientations and scholar-led seminars to the beloved outdoor performances, many of these engagement opportunities are included at no additional cost, making it easy to dive deep into the stories and the community. A perfect day at the festival often begins well before the first curtain rises...."

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Fine Wine and Creative Fun at Zion Vineyards in Leeds

Fine Wine and Creative Fun at Zion Vineyards in Leeds "Zion Vineyards is busy this July with bottling, creating blends, and irrigating the vines in anticipation of a high-quality 2026 harvest. The clusters of grapes currently on the vine are a promising indication of the good season to come.

Zion Vineyards in Leeds celebrates the summer season with new wine releases, a Paint and Sip event, and a gourmet wine pairing dinner in St. George...."

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Celebrate Heritage and Home at the Kanab Pioneer Day Celebration

Celebrate Heritage and Home at the Kanab Pioneer Day Celebration "The community is invited to gather at the Jackson Flat Reservoir this July 24 for an evening filled with family fun, entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display. This Pioneer Day celebration offers a wonderful opportunity to honor the area’s heritage while enjoying the spirit of community fellowship. The festivities begin at 4 PM with a variety of activities designed for all ages. Children and adults alike can enjoy a giant slip-n-slide, barrel train rides, and a cornhole tournament. For those looking to capture a memory of the day, there will be pioneer-themed photo opportunities available throughout the afternoon...."

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The Dish: Savoring Local Heritage and Community Spirit at Zion Vineyards 

The Dish: Savoring Local Heritage and Community Spirit at Zion Vineyards  "Every month, "The Dish" explores the flavors and destinations that define the culinary landscape of Southern Utah. This month, the journey leads to the quiet beauty of Leeds for a visit to Zion Vineyards. Celebrating three years of growth in the region, this local winery is proving that the desert soil can produce truly refined and complex labels while honoring a regional winemaking history.  A visit to the vineyard reveals a deep dedication to the craft of viticulture and a passion for creating elevated culinary experiences. The winery operates with a perspective that views wine not just as a beverage, but as a central part of a well-lived life ...."

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American Crossroads Theatre Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary in Cedar City

American Crossroads Theatre Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary in Cedar City "American Crossroads Theatre is getting ready to raise the curtain on its 24th summer season in Cedar City. This year is extra special as the company celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a lineup of four acclaimed productions at the Heritage Center Theater. The season kicks off with Mister Lincoln on July 3 and 4. This intimate one-man play brings Abraham Lincoln to life through his own words, sharing the wit and wisdom that helped shape our nation. It is a perfect way to celebrate Independence Day weekend...."

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From arts to STEM, Utah Tech University introducing 19 academic programs this fall

From arts to STEM, Utah Tech University introducing 19 academic programs this fall "ST. GEORGE, Utah — With a focus on hands-on learning, preparing graduates to fulfill regional workforce demands and streamlined completion, Utah Tech University is offering 19 new academic programs this fall. “As a comprehensive polytechnic institution, Utah Tech University is committed to collaborating closely with our community and industry leaders to ensure we are equipping the leaders of tomorrow with the knowledge, technical skill and experience they need to succeed starting on day one of their careers,” Chris Guymon, Utah Tech’s interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, said...."

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National Plein Air Exhibition Continues at Historic Maynard Dixon Home & Studio

National Plein Air Exhibition Continues at Historic Maynard Dixon Home & Studio "With opening weekend complete and paintings now filling the gallery walls, the Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA) 2026 National Exhibition & Sale, Heart of America, continues through July 6 at the historic Maynard Dixon Home & Studio in Mt. Carmel. Hosted by the Thunderbird Foundation Gallery, the exhibition features more than 100 works by over 40 artists from across the country. The collection includes both studio paintings and plein air works, offering visitors an opportunity to see how artists interpret America's landscapes through different approaches and techniques...."