The USF Greenshow is the Utah Shakespeare Festival's free outdoor show, performed on the lawn in Cedar City before the evening plays. The 2026 run ended September 5, 2026, and the Festival has already posted the 2027 dates: June 21 through September 4, 2027, Monday through Saturday at 7:10 p.m. This page covers the dates, location, what happens, seating and the 2026 season, and says where to find updates. Confirm all details against the Festival's own site before you go. Checked October 11, 2026.
USF Greenshow: Dates, Time and What to Expect quick facts
- 2027 dates
- June 21 to September 4, 2027
- Days
- Monday to Saturday
- Time
- 7:10 p.m., about 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free, no ticket
- Where
- Ashton Family Greenshow Commons, 195 W Center St, Cedar City
- Box office
- 800-PLAYTIX (plays only)
What is the USF Greenshow?
The Greenshow is a free, 30-minute outdoor show of singing, dancing, storytelling and music that the Utah Shakespeare Festival stages on the lawn in front of the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre in Cedar City, Utah, before the evening plays. It runs Monday through Saturday at 7:10 p.m. during the summer season, is family-friendly, and often pulls audience members into the act. No ticket is needed.
The Festival calls it a gift to the community, and it has been part of the Cedar City summer since the Festival's early years. The performers are a small company of six Festival actors who rotate three themed shows through the week, with local musical groups and youth performers taking over in the final week of the run. The Greenshow is the single best free thing to do in Cedar City on a summer evening, whether or not you hold a play ticket.
When is the Greenshow in 2027?
The Utah Shakespeare Festival lists the 2027 Greenshow from June 21 through September 4, 2027, Monday through Saturday at 7:10 p.m., with no Sunday shows. It lasts about 30 minutes and ends before the 8 p.m. curtain of the outdoor play. Dates can change; confirm on bard.org before a long drive.
| Season | Dates | Days and time |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | June 21 to September 4, 2027 | Monday to Saturday, 7:10 p.m. |
| 2026 (past) | Through September 5, 2026 | Monday to Saturday, 7:10 p.m.; themed Stratford, Celtic and Americana nights |
How did the 2026 Greenshow go?
The 2026 Greenshow ran through September 5, 2026, with three rotating themed shows: Stratford Night, Celtic Night and Americana Night. Trey Plutnicki directed and choreographed, as he had the previous two seasons, with featured performers Kyleen Doman, Luke Elison, Ivy Robbins, Veronique Robledo, Ty Saunders and Matthew Wangemann. The Festival's 65th season of plays continued to October 3. The Festival has not yet published the 2027 themes or cast; this page will be updated when it does.
Where is the Greenshow and where should I sit?
The Greenshow is performed on the Ashton Family Greenshow Commons, the lawn beside the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre on the Southern Utah University campus at 195 W Center Street in Cedar City. Sit on the grass or the benches, or bring a blanket; camp chairs must go along the back and sides of the lawn so they do not block the view. Arrive by 6:45 p.m. for a spot near the stage.
You can bring a picnic or buy food at the concession windows. Do not move the benches, and keep children off the stage. Quiet hours begin at 8 p.m. when the outdoor play starts next door, so the lawn empties quickly after the show.
Open the location in Google Maps for directions.
Is the Greenshow free?
Yes. The Greenshow is free and open to the public every night it runs, with no ticket or reservation. Only the plays in the theatres require tickets, sold at bard.org or 800-PLAYTIX.
Make an evening of it
- Plays: the Greenshow ends about 7:40 p.m., in time for the 8 p.m. outdoor performance at the Engelstad. See the Utah Shakespeare Festival listing for the venues and box office.
- Dinner first: Cedar City's Main Street restaurants are a five-minute walk; see Second East or Bunnisa's Thai Cuisine.
- From St. George: Cedar City is 50 miles north on I-15, about 55 minutes; leave by 5:45 p.m. to park and settle in.
- More free events: our Cedar City events guide lists Groovefest, the farmers market and the Sheep Parade.