First Time Visiting for the Utah Summer Games? Here's Your Quick Guide!

Ready to make the most of your visit to Cedar City and the Utah Summer Games? 

We've been starting summer off right with a week full of Utah Summer Games events for 40 years now in Cedar City, but that doesn't mean you can't join the fun if it's your first year joining us! 

Whether you're competing, cheering, or just along for the trip, this guide will help you feel like a pro from day one. 

What is the Utah Summer Games? 

The Utah Summer Games is an Olympic-style sports festival that's been hosted at Southern Utah University since 1986! 

The games draw athletes and teams from across Utah and other nearby states to participate in 30+ sports from archery and swimming to mountain biking, pickleball, equestrian, and even fencing! 

Even though Opening Ceremonies take place in June, games stretch from March to August (depending on the sport). 

Learn more about the games at utahsummergames.org for the full sport list and schedule. 

The Can't Miss Events | 40th Anniversary Celebrations & More

The Utah Summer Games extend beyond the field, and even beyond the Opening Ceremonies! Here's a quick guide to a few stand-out events you won't want to miss if you're joining us in 2026. 

Utah Summer Games Block Party | Friday, June 5th, 5pm to 8pm

The Block Party is a great chance to grab some food, play some games, and soak up the atmosphere before the main event! The event starts at the West Parking Lot near Eccles Colliseum (Southern Utah University Campus). 

Local Tip: Arrive early if you can; the event and parking fill up fast!
Wear comfortable shoes, so that if you have to park a little farther, you're ready to go. 

Utah Summer Games Opening Ceremonies | Friday, June 5th, starting at 8:30 pm

Opening Ceremonies are the place to be this weekend! The event includes the running of the USG torch, live music performances, a parade of athletes, and local businesses throwing out t-shirts, sunglasses, and more, and one of the best summer firework shows around!  

Doors open at 8 pm, so if you're at the Block Party before, you're already there and ready to go.
 

Local Tip: Grab your tickets in advance at tbirdtickets.com. 
Tickets are available for $10 per person. 

Summer Street Fest | Saturday, June 13th

This free community-wide celebration combines the energy of the Utah Summer Games with the festival city flair of Cedar City! There will be food, vendors, games, and a farmers' market in Downtown Cedar City.

Local Tip: The event will be held in Downtown Cedar City on 100 West. 
Wear good walking shoes and park in the parking garage on 100 East for easy event parking. 

Utah Summer Games Night at the Utah Shakespeare Festival | Saturday, June 27th

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is inviting USG athletes and their families to attend their evening performance of Twelfth Night at 8 pm. Registered athletes are eligible for two free tickets and up to four half-price tickets. Before the performance, don't miss the free nightly Greenshow! It's a great chance to enjoy comedy and music before the play, and pick up some fresh-baked treats. 

Local Tip: Athletes will need to call 800-PLAYTIX before the show for tickets and have their USG t-shirt of proof of registration for free / half-priced tickets for this event. 

 

Navigating the Games Like a Pro | Logistics & Helpful Links

If you're an athlete attending for the first time or a parent trying to navigate the busy game schedules, here are a few helpful tips and links to make sure your visit is smooth sailing ⌄

Find the event schedule and know where you're going using the link included here for utahsummergames.org.

Know your venues: Events are held across the SUU campus, Cedar High School, Canyon View High School, Parowan High School, Enoch City field, and other locations. Know where you're going the night before. 

Parking Tips: SUU campus fills fast on competition days, especially Opening Ceremony weekend. Arrive early and consider parking in the outer parking lots and walking. 

Weather: Cedar City in June can be a little unpredictable. Averages in the mid 70s, but afternoons can bring thunderstorms; check the weather and review the official weather procedure for Utah Summer Games for inclement weather. 

Don't forget your USG athlete shirt! These shirts can unlock discounts and perks through the event. 

Between the Games, Celebrate the 40th Anniversary with an Experience Pass! 

With the Experience Pass, you can check in at events, visit participating businesses and locations, and earn points for exclusive prizes all year long. It's the easiest way to celebrate 40 years of the games while supporting the community! 

Learn more and get started on your pass here. 

Travel safe, take lots of pictures

and share your adventure with us @visitcedarcity