Notoriously Eventful: Events You Can’t Miss in Ogden!
ANY DAY IN THE SUMMER SPENT IN AND AROUND OGDEN IS A DAY WELL SPENT, OFFERING PLENTY OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO.
DOWNTOWN
If you find yourself in the area during any of the events highlighted here, you’ve done something right in life, and you’re clearly on the receiving end of some good Karma. Welcome to the most notoriously eventful place in Utah!
Farmers Market
The Ogden Farmers Market extends the length of Historic 25th Street from Wall Ave. to Washington Blvd. every Saturday morning from late May through late September. In addition to farm-fresh produce, locally roasted coffee and baked goods, the market offers a myriad of locally produced arts and crafts, live local musicians and activities for kids. More details are available here.
First Friday Art Stroll
On the first Friday of every month, area art galleries and retailers extend their hours and invite the public to experience new exhibits while many of the city’s restaurants and bars feature local singer/songwriter sessions. It’s the night when locals “get their art on.” Ogden’s Arts Advisory Committee members lead both guided and “misguided” tours. The latter lacks pretentiousness, offers plenty of laughs and typically ends in a pub crawl after the galleries dim the lights. Information on exhibits and tours is available here.
MUSIC
If you’re familiar with the “Nashville Sound,” the “Austin Sound,” the “Muscle Shoals Sound,” or the “Bakersfield Sound,” you’re a discerning music fan. But did you know there is an “Ogden Sound?” It has grown from the blending of musical styles that have crossed paths here as far back as the early railroad days. From the legendary 97-year-old Joe McQueen who used to sit in with Count Basie and Duke Ellington during their stopovers to 14-year-old songwriting prodigy, Sammy Brue, who is currently touring the country when he’s not in the studios of Nashville and Muscle Shoals, Ogden knows a thing or two about music.
In addition to the live music pouring out of the bars and restaurants around town all year long, Ogden has a few must-see music events every summer.
Twilight Concert Series
The Twilight Series is Ogden’s newest addition to its vibrant music scene, bringing cutting-edge artists to the heart of downtown this June-October at the Ogden Amphitheater. Each show features three bands. Line-up and ticketing information is available at ogdentwilight.com.
The Ogden Music Festival
Ogden Friends of Acoustic Music (OFOAM) organizes this festival every year…typically the first weekend in June…at Fort Buenaventura. The three-day event brings top-tier talent from around the country, and music fans from around the nation follow. Camping is available in the shade-covered, historic park along the banks of the Weber River, where fireside jam sessions abound. Festival, camping and ticket information can be found here.
Blues, Brews & BBQs
Every Sunday from mid-June through mid-October, Snowbasin presents its Blues, Brews & BBQs free concert series at the base of the resort just outside the opulent Earl’s Lodge. Enjoy scenic gondola rides, hiking, biking and mountain-top dining before visiting the beer garden and settling in to listen to top regional and national touring acts. For a schedule of performances, visit snowbasin.com.
Pioneer Days
The week leading up to July 24 is known as Pioneer Days in Ogden. During that week, even the most hardcore hipsters dust off the cowboy hat in the back of the closet and ditch the skinny jeans and opt for Wranglers. It’s a week of concerts, fireworks, parades and, of course, a top-5 PRCA rodeo. Complete event information is available here.
ATHLETIC EVENTS
Ogden is a regular stop on a lot of championship circuits and has hosted several USA Cycling National Championships, stages of the Tour of Utah and more. In addition to such traveling events, Ogden is home to several of its own annual competitions.
Ogden Marathon
Since its inception in 2001, the Ogden Marathon has grown to be one of the most popular marathons anywhere in the U.S. This Boston qualifier was voted “one of the Top Ten Marathons in the World” and “one of the best courses in America for first-time marathon runners” by Runners World. Billed as “Utah’s Spring Run-off,” this world-class event typically takes place around the third weekend in May and includes full and half-marathon distances as well as a 5k and Kids K race. Complete information can be found here.
Spartan Race
Mount Ogden is no stranger to elite athletics: this course was home to Winter Olympic events in 2002. At a 3,000 foot vertical climb to the peak, this course is one of our toughest yet. The trek to the summit will be challenging, but that just makes the breathtaking views from the top so much more worth it. Join the Brews Blues and BBQ summer concert after the race on Sunday or take a Gondola ride to enjoy the views when not on the course.
This event is a Trifecta Weekend, giving racers the ability to complete a Trifecta (Sprint 5K, Super 10K & Beast 21K) in just one weekend. Buy the Trifecta Pass to save on entry into all 3 races and also receive Spartan+ membership for one year ($85 value), exclusive gear & more. Get the Pass here.
