(EMAILWIRE.COM, March 23, 2011 ) CEDAR CITY, Utah. – Germany has their Oktoberfest and Brazil has their Carnival, but Cedar City has a whole summer full of festivals to celebrate. Dubbed ‘Festival City, USA,’ Cedar City offers year round family friendly activities and a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. In close proximity to several National Parks and Cedar Breaks National Monument, Cedar City is the gateway to outdoor adventure in southern Utah. This summer, travelers are invited to visit scenic southern Utah to join in on the fun – everything from theater and rodeos to music festivals festivals and sport competitions. Some of the highlights from Cedar City’s Summer Festival Season include:
Utah Summer Games – June 1-26 http://www.utahsummergames.org/
For the 50,000 spectators that flock to Cedar City for UtahÂ’s largest annual sporting event non-participants the highlight of UtahÂ’s largest sporting event is the Olympic-style Opening Ceremony which features a fireworks display among other festivities.
Outdoor Adventure Fest – June 4 http://www.outdooradventurefest.com/
This free festival celebrates the great outdoors with the latest in outdoor power sports, equipment, and gear, plus a Kid's Adventure Zone, food, live entertainment and so much more.
Groovefest American Music and Arts Festival – June 22-26 http://www.groovefestutah.com/
This five day music festival features a mix of national and local acts performing on two stages. Admission to all concerts and street fairs is free of charge.
50th Annual Utah Shakespeare Festival – June 23- September 3 http://www.bard.org/
The Golden Anniversary season of this Tony award-winning theatre festival will feature performances of Romeo and Juliet, A Mid-SummerÂ’s Night Dream, The Music Man, and more.
American Family Fest – July 1 http://www.americanfamilyfest.org/
This true Independence Day celebration is all about fun, patriotism, inspiration, entertainment, and of course a good old fashioned Fireworks display
6th Annual Wildflower Festival at Cedar Breaks National Monument – July 1-17 http://www.nps.gov/cebr/wildflower-festival.htm
This annual two week festival showcases over 150 species of spring wildflowers that burst into full bloom in the meadows surrounding Cedar BreaksÂ’ incredible natural red rock amphitheater.
29th Annual Mid-Summer Renaissance Faire – July 13-16 http://www.umrf.net/
This festival brings Medieval times to the heart of Cedar City, featuring free admission and plenty of ye olde festivities, entertainment, and a medieval street faire.
Great American Stampede – September 9-10 http://www.greatamericanstampede.com/
This weekend full of Western themed festivities includes a horse parade down Cedar CityÂ’s Main Street and professional rodeo action at the Cross Hollows Events Center.
In Cedar City, visitors have their pick of a wide variety of lodging options from luxurious cabins to homey B & BÂ’s. ThereÂ’s something for every taste and budget and most accommodations have festival packages throughout the summer. Cedar City is easily accessed within a few hourÂ’s drive of Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, and within a dayÂ’s drive of major cities in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.
