Calling all festival goers! Bryce Canyon Country has a variety of festivals and events for nature lovers and western enthusiasts. From counting butterflies and night sky gazing in Bryce Canyon National Park, to getting rowdy at a rodeo, there are plenty of things to do in Bryce Canyon during your next glamping vacation. We recommend checking the website for each event as details can change.
Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo
When: Memorial Day to Mid-August, Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m.
Where: Ruby’s Inn Rodeo Grounds
This true western experience will have you on the edge of your seat as you watch cowboys and bronco busters put their skills to the test in competition. For even more excitement, attend a Jackpot Rodeo where the winning rider takes it all. And if you’re feeling inspired, try your hand at roping and riding. Adults and kids can sign up on the day of the rodeo to ride bulls, steer, or sheep. Purchase your Bryce Canyon Rodeo tickets online or at the Rodeo Entrance Gate.
Astronomy Festival
When: June 22-25 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center
Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning the park’s night skies are exceptional for stargazing, making it a perfect place to enjoy an Astronomy Festival. With astronomy for kids, ranger-led evening programs, and constellation tours, there’s something for everyone. Stop by the activity tent in the plaza where your family can make a planisphere of the night sky and have it as a keepsake to remember your out-of-this-world experience. During the day, kids (and adults too) can learn how to tell time without a clock by creating their own sundial with the guidance of park rangers. For ranger-led constellation tours, you can make your reservation the same day at the Visitor Center.
Independence Day Celebration
When: July 4 from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Ruby’s Inn Rodeo Grounds
Celebrate America’s birthday with a bang. Kick things off with a Jackpot Rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks show at 10 p.m. You can buy your tickets in the Ruby’s Inn Main Lobby or at the gate before the show.
Pro tip: The best place to view the fireworks is from the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo parking lot.
Bryce Canyon Half Marathon & 5K Walk or Run
When: July 9
Where: Meet at Ruby’s Inn
Experience the abundant beauty of Southern Utah’s red rock landscape by running the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon or participating in the 5K Walk or Run. The half marathon starts at Ruby’s Inn at an elevation of 7,652 ft before descending into Bryce Canyon National Park. No matter the race, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Bryce’s iconic landscape and have fun along the way.
Bryce Canyon Butterfly Count
When: July 9 at 9 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Sinclair Station across from Ruby’s Inn
Join Bryce Canyon National Park rangers and butterfly enthusiasts to help identify and count over 60 different species of butterflies that call the national park their home. The butterflies are not only beautiful but they play an important role in the ecosystem of the area, so it’s important to track their populations each year. You don’t need any prior experience to participate. Make sure to bring your camera, binoculars, and field guides to add to the experience. It costs $3 per person to attend which helps cover the North American Butterfly Association’s annual butterfly count report publishing costs.
Bryce Canyon Geology Festival
When: July 15-16 from 9 a.m. – 9:45 p.m.
Where: Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center
During Bryce Canyon’s Geo Fest, visitors can join geologists and park rangers for an exciting 1-2 mile guided hike, family-friendly geology programs, evening programs as well as exhibits and family-oriented activities at the Visitor Center. They will share the stories held within the rocks of Bryce Canyon National Park that predate history. Sign up for the hike the day before or the same day at Visitor Center Information Tent for the location and to attend. Kids can explore geologic concepts through hands-on activities, crafts, and educational booths where they’ll learn about Bryce’s famous hoodoos, how they formed, and why there are so many of them.
Fly-In and Car Show
When: August 25 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Bryce Canyon Airport
Private pilots and classic car drivers flock to the Bryce Canyon Airport for the annual fly-in and car show. The remote airstrip is tucked into the spectacular scenery of Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Spectators can book scenic flights and tour the aircraft and car show, beginning at 10 a.m. You can walk around the car show, visit the airport open house, check out the warbirds and plane displays, enjoy live DJ music, and grab a bite to eat at this free event.
Canyon 2 Canyon Bike Ride
When: August 28, 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Inspiration Point inside Bryce Canyon National Park or Ruby’s Inn
This family-friendly bike ride allows bikers to enjoy the beauty of two canyons, Bryce and Red Canyon along the 17-mile paved trail. Starting at Bryce Canyon’s Inspiration Point, you’ll pedal past towering hoodoos and stunning red rock formations along Scenic Highway 12. With so many beautiful views along the way, riders are encouraged to take breaks to soak it all in before continuing on their journey. For an alternate option to the uphill climb, bikes are allowed on the Bryce Canyon Shuttle. If you don’t plan to bring your bike, you can rent one from the Sinclair Station in Bryce Canyon City. Riders can register online for this free event.
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon is the perfect basecamp for your festival adventures. Feel relaxed and refreshed with upscale amenities including ensuite bathrooms in every tent, king-sized beds with luxe linens, outdoor dining, complimentary camp programming, and more. With so many unique experiences to be had in Bryce Canyon Country, your glamping vacation is one you’ll always remember.