SPRINGDALE – Southern Utah cut loose in Springdale last night as the Zion Canyon Music Festival found it’s groove for the fifth year running. The festival features local and national music acts performing on two stages in Springdale Town Park and will continue this evening beginning at 3 p.m.
If you’re not one for dancing (or if your feet just need a break) you’ll still find plenty of fun things to do while you’re there. Booths set up throughout the festival feature original artwork, fine craft vendors, handmade musical instruments, tarot card readings, and more. Oh, and did we mention that admission to the festival is free?
A number of local restaurants have set up booths at the festival, including Wildcat Willies, The Grumpy Goat Cheese Pizza, Thai Sapa, Greek Grill and several others. If you’re feeling too stiff to cut loose, Wasatch Brewery and Castle Creek Winery will be serving adult beverages, if that’s your thing.
Don’t worry about finding a sitter for the kids. The festival is family-friendly so don’t hesitate to bring them along. With face-painting booths, a two-story slide race, an inflatable castle, a climbing wall and more, there should be plenty for them to do at the festival.
The festival began yesterday with the harmonic folk-duo We Are Mirrors, followed by the bluegrass-inspired Rainbow Girls, and Salt Lake’s own Hollering Pines. The jam-band GrooveSession brought the festival to a close, spinning out improvisational blues and funk riffs late into the evening.
The second day of the festival starts at 3 p.m. this afternoon with a tribal drum circle, led by percussionist Andy Jones. The 3 Hats Trio comes on at 4 p.m., followed by the aptly named, Better Off With The Blues at 5 p.m., the Cajun-flavored Felix Y Los Gatos at 6:30 p.m., and then Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers will rock out at 8 p.m.
The organizers of the festival suggests that you bring a blanket or lawn-chair. Coolers are not allowed in the park; neither are alcoholic beverages or food brought from home. It’s expected to get a bit chilly tonight in Springdale, so remember to bring a jacket or sweatshirt if you plan on staying late.