Cedar Cities Famous Shakespeare Festival Is Here

Every summer, thousands of visitors make their way to Cedar City for one of Utah's most celebrated traditions, the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Whether you're a lifelong theater lover or simply looking for a unique weekend getaway, the Festival offers an unforgettable mix of world class performances, lively entertainment, and small town charm.

The 2026 season runs June 18 through October 3, giving visitors nearly four months to experience award winning productions on the campus of Southern Utah University.

While the Festival is famous for bringing Shakespeare's classic plays to life, there's something for everyone. The 2026 lineup includes timeless tragedies, laugh out loud comedies, Broadway style musicals, and modern productions.

This year's schedule includes:

Productions are performed in multiple theaters throughout the season, allowing visitors to see several shows during a single trip.

Even if you don't have tickets to a performance, you can still enjoy part of the Festival experience.

Before many evening performances, the Festival hosts its famous Greenshow, a free outdoor performance featuring music, dancing, storytelling, and family friendly entertainment. Guests often arrive early with lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the festive atmosphere before heading to their shows. In 2026, the Greenshow begins at 7:10 p.m. on select evenings.

The Utah Shakespeare Festival has become much more than a theater event. Visitors often spend an entire weekend exploring Cedar City by:

The Festival also offers backstage tours, play orientations, seminars, and educational experiences that help audiences better understand each production.

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Founded in 1961, the Utah Shakespeare Festival has grown into a nationally recognized, Tony Award winning theater festival that draws visitors from across the country. In 2026, the Festival celebrates its 65th anniversary, continuing a tradition that has become one of Southern Utah's biggest cultural attractions.

Whether you're planning a date night, family vacation, or weekend road trip, the Utah Shakespeare Festival offers an experience unlike anything else in the region. Between outstanding performances, beautiful summer evenings, and the welcoming atmosphere of Cedar City, it's easy to see why so many visitors return year after year.