St George

Dixie Days is gearing up for a weeklong celebration packed with community fun, September 14–20

Explore Utah Heritage events and celebrate with community festivals

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 11, 2026

23 Comments

For locals and visitors alike, Dixie Days weaves together the best of St. George's traditions, hospitality, and vibrant energy each autumn.

 

Families, friends, and newcomers to the region eagerly await this much-anticipated highlight of community festivals in Southern Utah.

 

There’s a unique blend of pride and nostalgia as residents gather to honor Utah Heritage events—and this year promises to deliver more excitement than ever before.

 

Festivities are set to unfold across downtown St. George, filling both days and nights with music, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of the Dixie region.

 

The opening ceremonies have traditionally drawn large crowds, and early reports suggest that anticipation is higher than ever for sold-out events like the golf tournament and the first-night concert under the stars.

 

Truly a signature moment, the dazzling Dixie Days Drone Show is expected to captivate families, echoing a growing trend of high-tech entertainment at Utah Heritage events.

 

Community members highlight how beloved exhibits at the historic Tabernacle offer a moving glimpse into the roots that shaped St. George.

 

With exclusive local film screenings and immersive music programs, these celebrations spark conversations about the balance between progress and preservation.

 

Guided treks to historic sites provide a hands-on connection for new and old residents alike, deepening appreciation for the city’s storied landscape.

 

This year, the local university's free community night has been met with particular enthusiasm, thanks in part to recent growth on campus and a surge in family-friendly activities.

 

As the sun goes down, rodeo nights take center stage, uniting generations in an annual show of cowboy grit and local showmanship at the Dixie Sunbowl.

 

Food lovers are eyeing Dinner on Main, drawn by acclaimed chefs and downtown’s renewed dining scene—a reflection of St. George’s changing culinary landscape.

 

Younger residents, meanwhile, are buzzing about the carnival atmosphere in Town Square, while new vendors and small businesses showcase the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.

 

The grand parade and festival finale at Vernon Worthen Park mark a fitting close, celebrating the many faces and flavors that make Dixie Days a cherished part of the community fabric.

23 Comments

Join the conversation

  • CV
    Chris Vander· Sep 15, 8:41 PM

    The guided history treks are great if you are new to St George. Did one two years ago and saw parts of town I never knew existed.

  • DF
    Diana Foss· Sep 14, 9:25 PM

    Not sure how I feel about the high tech drone stuff at what is supposed to be a heritage event. Kind of loses the old feel.

    • T
      tom_stg84· Sep 15, 12:00 AM

      Diana FossI get that, but honestly it drew in a lot of younger kids who might not have cared otherwise. Maybe it brings new people in who then get curious about the actual history side of things.

  • M
    mel_sunbowl· Sep 13, 2:00 AM

    Rodeo night is my whole family's favorite. Kids talk about it for weeks after.

    • JS
      Jake Sundwall· Sep 14, 7:51 AM

      mel_sunbowlSame here! My son still talks about the bull riders from last year. Something about the Sunbowl at night just hits different.

  • GA
    Greg Ashworth· Sep 12, 11:27 PM

    Happy to see small businesses getting a spotlight. A lot of good stuff coming out of this region lately.

  • SP
    Stacy P.· Sep 12, 11:18 PM

    The film screenings are underrated. Sat in on one a couple years ago and it was really moving.

    • D
      dave_sglocal· Sep 14, 9:36 PM

      Stacy P.Totally agree. I think people skip it because they don't know what to expect. The one about early St. George settlers a few years back really stuck with me.

  • R
    RonaldT· Sep 12, 9:04 PM

    Honest question, where do you park for the parade at Vernon Worthen? Last year was a nightmare.

    • PZ
      Patty Zinn· Sep 14, 6:37 PM

      RonaldTWe always park over near the rec center and walk over. Takes maybe 10 minutes and you avoid most of the chaos. Learned that the hard way our first year too.

  • KB
    Kim Bateman· Sep 12, 7:47 PM

    The Town Square carnival is always packed. Get there early if you have little kids.

  • D
    drew_from_washington· Sep 12, 4:31 PM

    Just moved here this spring and this sounds like a great way to actually meet people in the area.

  • NH
    Nancy Holloway· Sep 11, 8:52 AM

    Been coming to Dixie Days for over 20 years. It really does feel special every single time.

    • GA
      Greg Ashby· Sep 12, 3:24 AM

      Nancy HollowayThat consistency is what makes it special. So many festivals come and go but Dixie Days just keeps delivering. Here's hoping this year keeps that streak alive.

  • PG
    Paul G.· Sep 11, 8:41 AM

    Good to see the university getting involved with a free community night. More of that please.

    • S
      sgmom_of3· Sep 12, 8:22 PM

      Paul G.Completely agree. The campus has grown so much lately and it's nice to see them opening their doors to the whole community. My kids loved it last time.

  • J
    jessica_r· Sep 11, 7:29 AM

    The golf tournament has been sold out for weeks. Wish they would expand it a little.

  • MF
    Mike Farnsworth· Sep 11, 4:37 AM

    Love the Tabernacle exhibits. Always learn something new about the history of this town.

  • CM
    Carla Mendez· Sep 11, 4:07 AM

    We drive down from Cedar City every year just for the rodeo at the Sunbowl. Worth every mile.

    • MT
      Michelle T.· Sep 12, 1:59 PM

      Carla MendezThat's awesome that it's worth the drive! We're locals and sometimes take it for granted. Your comment is a good reminder to actually show up this year.

  • T
    todd_stg· Sep 11, 3:02 AM

    Dinner on Main sells out fast. Book your spot now if you haven't already.

  • BK
    Brenda K.· Sep 11, 2:42 AM

    The drone show last year was incredible. Cannot wait to see what they do this time around.

    • LF
      Lori Fenn· Sep 12, 11:33 PM

      Brenda K.Right? My jaw was on the floor the whole time. My kids kept asking how they did it. Already bought tickets for this year just to make sure we get a good spot.

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