Amazing Earthfest

Kanab, UT – March 22, 2026 – Amazing Earthfest, an annual educational and cultural event celebrating southern Utah landscapes marks its 20^th consecutive year on May 7-10, at various locations in and around Kanab. Experiential learning events are grouped in six categories: Arts and Culture, Community, Documentary Film, Outdoor Adventure, Science and Land, and Night Sky. Twenty-seven activities are scheduled this year. All but one are offered free of charge!

Each morning begins with a hike on the majestic public lands surrounding the City of Kanab, led by an expert in botany, geology or paleontology. The first one on May 7 features a scenic ecological scavenger hunt led by an experienced educator. The last hike led by Willow Canyon Outdoor Gear and Books on May 10, starts out with artisanal coffee served at a campground in the red rocks.

The days of this unique festival are packed with an interesting mix of indoor presentations and outdoor adventures while evenings offer documentary films addressing aspects of the natural world and our relationships to it, and stargazing to stimulate wonder about our place within it.

On Friday evening May 8, the renowned University of Utah ecologist Nalini Nadkarni will present her pioneering research on the critical importance and remarkable complexity of rain forest canopies and introduce a screening of her new documentary film, Between Earth and Sky.

In an event called Word Trails on May 10, participants can play a game designed to challenge one’s inner landscape, increasing curiosity, wonder, delight and surprise.

In a three-part presentation and workshop series called “Personalizing Place”, acclaimed Utah landscape photographer and art educator Bruce Hucko will guide participants in finding their personal vision and creative intention, sharing how technical considerations must serve art-making, not the other way around!

An archaeologist from the Kaibab National Forest, North Kaibab Ranger District, will describe how the agency protects cultural treasures during active wildfires, while an event called, “National Trails in our Backyard,” will highlight the little known scenic and historic routes and trails traversing southern Utah.

Why have people intentionally sought out the most rugged and remote Western mountain and desert landscapes for their adventuring activities? What kinds of experiences were they hoping to have? Associate Director of the BYU Redd Center, Professor of History, and outdoor enthusiast Brenden Rensink will speak on Saturday, May 9, about his ongoing research on the histories of wilderness adventuring in the American West.

In a presentation on Friday, May 8, the National Park Service looks ahead to the future of Grand Canyon North Rim following the devastating Dragon Bravo fire of 2025 which destroyed the beloved and iconic North Rim Lodge.

Classical/Spanish Guitarist Julian Harman will add special notes of artistic and cultural ambiance with music performed live at several events during Amazing Earthfest.

Enjoy a potluck dinner party, learn the habits of Mountain Lions, the critical importance of insects to human survival, the seismology of southwest Utah, and how celestial "alignments" may have been sacred to ancient peoples around the world.

Registration is required to attend. Visit amazingearthfest.org for specific information about upcoming festival events or to donate to this Utah-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.