PERFORMANCE ART ADVENTURE
Adventures in Music, Film, Theater, Festivals, Immersions & More
Be inspired to explore Park City’s rich performing arts scene with performances for all ages and interests. All the World's a Stage!
Not your typical ranch
When you think of a mountain ranch, you’re probably picturing herds of animals, barns and pastures. While the Dejoria Center on High Star Ranch in Kamas does have killer views and outdoor activities, it’s also home to an amazing event center that hosts concerts year-round. The 10,000 square-foot main stage area allows a great crowd, and the on-site dining options let you make a whole night of it.
This summer, catch performances by Air Supply, Leftover Salmon, Scotty McCreery, UB40, Wynonna & the Big Noise, and more. Get your tickets here.
Photo credit: Deer Valley Resort
Symphonic Summer
What’s better than an evening at the Symphony? An evening at the symphony AND other award-winning artists, outside on a beautiful summer night in the mountains. And that’s exactly what you get at Deer Valley this summer. The resort is home to a stunning outdoor amphitheater surrounded by mountains and hosts concerts throughout June, July and August. The renowned Utah Symphony will perform with artists such as Marie Osmond (June 29), Kristen Chenoworth (August 3) and the Indigo Girls (August 10).
The Symphonic performances are part of the Deer Valley Music Festival, which features other great headliners as well. If you aren’t in town for a symphony performance, check the schedule to see who’s performing at the resort. See shows like Disney in Concert (July 19), Hugh Panaro (July 5), Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (August 2), and more.
Please don’t stop the music: Also at the resort, the Deer Valley Concert Series features artists such as Michael Franti and Ziggy Marley (June 30), the John Butler Trio (August 17) and Jenny Lewis (July 11). Bring a blanket and pack a cooler or order a pre-made picnic basket to round out the perfect summer evening.
A Park City tradition
For a live theater experience head to the Egyptian Theatre in downtown Park City. The theatre opened in 1926 with design inspired by the recent discovery of King Tut’s tomb. Several renovations and rebuilds later, the Egyptian’s iconic architecture and design is a mainstay of local culture. The theatre has a reputation for producing a few edgy shows a year, but also puts on comedy acts, concerts and musicals. This summer catch Rickie Lee Jones (June 7-9), Patty Griffin (June 19-21), A Chorus Line (June 5-21), stand-up headliners Dwight Slade & Carla Collins (August 2-3), Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park (August 14-18) and more. See the full schedule here.
Pro Tip: The house seats are great, but a fun upgrade to the evening is reserving Cabaret seating at the front of the stage. Those tickets get you a table for up to 4 people and you can bring in your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. So, pick up a feast from a Main Street favorite and enjoy dinner and a show.
Yee-haw for Independence Day
Maybe you love riding horses and can tie a lasso yourself. Or maybe you’ve never even heard of mutton busting (now you’re intrigued, right?). Whether you’re a cowboy or girl at heart or you want to try something new, the Oakley Rodeo is a guaranteed good time. Over Independence Day week (July 3-6), Oakley hosts a popular rodeo with all the classic cowhand events. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to wear your cowboy hat, here it is. Grab some concessions and celebrate America with a quintessential Western night. And for those of you still wondering, mutton busting is an event where kids race sheep. Yep, little kids ride on sheep and try to stay on the longest. Who wouldn’t want to watch that?
Local’s Favorite: If you’re headed to the rodeo on the 4th of July, you might want to make a whole day of it. The local parade is a big hit and goes through town Independence Day morning. Check back for exact time and route details soon.
Fairest of them all
There’s plenty to see and watch at the Summit County Fair (August 3-10). This weeklong event is packed with classic fair fun. (And of course, food. You’ve got to keep your energy up, you know!) There’s an entertainment tent with a schedule including singers, musicians, dancers, and even a hypnotist. There’s also a demolition derby on August 3, a rodeo on August 10, horse shows, a parade down Coalville’s Main Street, little buckaroo rodeos, and archery competitions.
Besides performances, the Fair is packed with livestock and fine arts to admire, a carnival to enjoy, and family events such as breakfasts, museum tours and a Tour de Sunrise Family Fun Bike, Run, Walk Event. Check the full schedule here.
Taking Home Gold Be sure to swing by the Home Arts Exhibit at the Ledges Event Center. Competitors from all over the county use this exhibit as a chance to show off their best homemaking and decorating skills. There will be displays in everything from clothing to quilting to baking. Cruise through the event space and get inspired.
Look up
There’s just something magical about a hot air balloon sailing over the mountains across a blue sky. Now imagine 20 of them. That’s Autumn Aloft in Park City (September 14-15). If waking up early on a weekend was ever worth it, it might be to catch the 8am launch of gorgeous balloons from the North 40 fields in Park City. Every year, crowds gather to see this floating festival and get outside on a cool mountain morning.
After the launch, grab breakfast downtown and eat al fresco to enjoy the balloons, which will continue to float throughout the morning. Be advised, this is a chance to see balloons, not ride them. Also, the event is weather-dependent, so make sure you check back for any news or changes to the schedule.
Creativity al fresco
When you think of hiking and biking a mountain trail, dancers and classical musicians probably don’t figure prominently in your vision. Art on the Trails will change that. On August 24, the PSCS Arts Council will present multiple pop-up creative performances along the McLeod Creek Trail between Copper Moose Farm Stand and Temple Har Shalom. Art on the Trails includes dance, classical music, folk music, spoken word poetry and more. Leave your headphones behind and enjoy the outdoors like you probably never have before.
McLeod Creek Trail is a flat, shaded gravel trail and the performances will be dotted along a one-mile (approximate) section. Don’t forget your sunscreen and comfy shoes. There will be water stations along the trail and at Copper Moose Farm Stand. The event is free, and all ages are welcome.
At the end of the trail When you finish the trail part, the arts continue. Check out live music at the Copper Moose Farm Stand, a favorite local spot. You can also shop fresh produce and grab a bite to eat.
Big CITY PERFORMANCES
Enjoy big city performances in a world-class facility this summer at the George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Center. This summer marks the 16th consecutive season of shows presented by the Park City Institute. And, the lineup does not disappoint! Shows include a variety of musical genres and styles - from country to rock and everything in between. Discover the bluegrass tunes of the Punch Brothers on July 30 or an evening of pop-infused country by Gone West, featuring Colbie Caillat, on August 16.
Check out the 2019 summer schedule here and enjoy a performance!
Courtesy of Sundance Institute
Moonlit movies
Park City is world-famous as the home of the Sundance Film Festival each January. While you won’t be able to go searching for celebs or hit the slopes between films, the Sundance Institute does free screenings of several recent Sundance films – as well as some old classics – throughout Summit and Salt Lake counties during the summer months. Check out the schedule here.
Bring a low chair or blanket and a picnic to keep things comfy. Films begin at dusk with gates opening at 7:30pm, unless otherwise noted. The shows go on in rain or shine, but will be cancelled in the event of dangerous lightning or high winds. All screenings are free and open to the public, but some more mature films do require adult supervision for minors.
IF YOU DECIDE TO STAY
In addition to getting the guaranteed lowest rates, booking your lodging here is another way to help sustain art in our local community. A portion of your booking goes back to the Park City Summit County Arts Council.
