Cedar City, Utah, is the ideal destination for experiencing the tony-award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival while also enjoying the incredible landscapes and attractions surrounding the community. From live performances under the stars, to hiking in Cedar Breaks, this three-day itinerary combines the best of Cedar City's art and culture with a little outdoor adventure.
When to Visit : June - October
DAY ONE: EXPLORE CEDAR CITY & ENJOY AN EVENING PERFORMANCE
AFTERNOON + EVENING
Start your Southern Utah getaway with a scenic detour through Kolob Canyons, the northern section of Zion National Park. Take Exit 40 off Interstate 15 to explore the red rock cliffs and peaceful canyon views before continuing to Cedar City. Remember that a valid national park pass or day-use permit is required. Once you arrive in Cedar City, check into your lodging and take some time to settle in before the evening stroll.
Kick off your visit with dinner at a local restaurant in historic downtown. Try local favorite dinner spots like The French Spot, The Pub Spirits + Craft Kitchen, or Park Place Eatery, all within walking distance of the festival. Arrive early to enjoy the free Greenshow, a lively pre-show experience featuring music, dance, and rotating themes. During the season, the Greenshow typically begins around 7 pm. Afterward, head to one the festival's three theatres for an unforgettable live performance beneath the Southern Utah night sky.
*Planning to attend more than one performance during your visit? Contact the Utah Shakespeare Festival box officer at 800-752-9849 to ask about available tickets and discounts. Visit bard.org for the season lineup, performance dates, and tickets.
DAY TWO: DISCOVER CEDAR BREAKS & BRIAN HEAD
MORNING + AFTERNOON
Start your morning with breakfast and your go-to caffeine fix at The Grind Coffeehouse, then grab a picnic lunch to-go from Bristlecone. Before heading outdoors, join fellow Utah Shakespeare Festival patrons for the play seminar, where attendees can discuss and reflect on the previous night's performances.
Head east on Center Street until the road turns into Highway 14, and continue driving through Cedar Canyon until you see a left-hand turn onto Highway 148 to reach Cedar Breaks National Monument. This stop is a spectacular natural red rock amphitheater filled with colorful rock formations, alpine views, and scenic hiking trails. On the way, make sure to stop at the Zion Scenic Overlook near mile marker 16 for incredible mountain views.
Once you have checked in with Cedar Breaks Visitor Center, spend the afternoon exploring some of the area's hiking trails. A few trails we would recommend to include in your trip would be the South Rim Trail, the Sunset Trail, and the Alpine Pond Loop. Make sure to choose a trail that fits your schedule and hiking preferences, leaving yourself with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and experience other outdoor recreation activities.
EVENING
After a day exploring outdoors, enjoy dinner at Milt's Stage Stop along Highway 14 before returning to Cedar City. If you're in the mood for a relaxing night out, stop by I/G Winery for drinks.
Then, head back to the Utah Shakespeare Festival for another evening of live theater.
DAY THREE: DISCOVER LOCAL HISTORY, ART, & CULTURE
MORNING + AFTERNOON
Enjoy breakfast at The French Spot in historic downtown Cedar City before getting ready for a special festival experience.
Join the Utah Shakespeare Festival team for a backstage tour at 10 am. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the work that goes into bringing performances to life and discover what happens behind the scenes to make it run so smoothly. Be sure to arrive on time for your scheduled tour as it will start promptly at 10.
To continue exploring the area's rich history, take a drive to Parowan Gap via Highway 130. The gap is home to one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the western United States. These fascinating rock carvings offer a glimpse into the past, featuring a gallery of geometric designs, depictions of animal and human figures, and dinosaur tracks approximately 2 miles east of the gap.
Return to Cedar City for lunch in historic downtown and spend some time browsing the local shops for souvenirs, finding vibrant mural art, and catching the 2 pm performance at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. If your schedule allows, visit the Southern Utah Museum of Art and its Sculpture Gardens for a little bit more art and culture to your trip.
Take lots of pictures
and share your adventure with us @visitcedarcity
