When Are the Huntsman World Senior Games 2026? Quick Answer
The 2026 Huntsman World Senior Games run October 5-17, 2026, in St. George. The Games bill themselves as the largest annual multi-sport event in the world for athletes age 50 and over, with more than 40 sports spread across two weeks. Spectators can watch every competition for free. Three big community events are free for everyone too: the Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, October 6, at 7 p.m., the Concert & Celebration on Tuesday, October 13, at 7 p.m., both at Burns Arena at Utah Tech University, and the Friendship Festival on six evenings at the Dixie Convention Center.
| Event | Date & Time | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cauldron Lighting Ceremony | Sun, Oct 4 · 7:30 p.m. | Dixie Convention Center front lawn | Free |
| Opening Ceremonies | Tue, Oct 6 · 7:00 p.m. | Burns Arena, Utah Tech | Free |
| Friendship Festival | Oct 7-9 & 14-16 · 4-8 p.m. | Dixie Convention Center grounds | Free |
| Community Health Fair | Sat, Oct 10 | See seniorgames.net | Free |
| Concert & Celebration (Journey Unauthorized) | Tue, Oct 13 · 7:00 p.m. | Burns Arena, Utah Tech | Free |
| Sports competitions | Oct 5-17 | Venues across Washington County | Free to watch |
What Are the Huntsman World Senior Games?
Daisy and John H. Morgan Jr. founded the World Senior Games in St. George in 1987. Jon M. Huntsman became the principal sponsor in 1989, and the event has carried the Huntsman name ever since. Since 2024 it has also used the title The Senior World Championships. There is no qualifying: any athlete age 50 or older can enter, and most sports have divisions for different skill levels. The Games also serve as a qualifier for the National Senior Games.
The organizers say more than 2,500 seasonal volunteers help run the event, and athletes come from across the U.S. and around the world. For St. George, that means two busy weeks: full hotels, packed restaurants, and athletes in lanyards all over town.
2026 Sports
The 2026 sports list includes 3D and target archery, basketball (3-on-3 and 5-on-5, plus a basketball shoot), a bike tour, bowling, climbing, cornhole, cowboy action shooting, cycling and gravel cycling, disc golf, golf (medal, skills, social, and virtual), horseshoes, mountain biking, pickleball, power walking and race walking, racquetball, road races, indoor rowing, benchrest and handgun shooting, shotgun sports, shuffleboard, women's soccer, men's and women's softball, square dance, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, trail running, triathlon, volleyball, and walking tours.
Each sport runs on its own days and at its own venue within the two-week window. Schedules for bowling, golf, pickleball, power walk, race walk, shotgun, shuffleboard, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball are posted on the Games schedules page. Check it before you head out to watch.
Free Events for Spectators and the Community
Cauldron Lighting: Sunday, October 4
The Games start the night before competition with a torch relay around the front lawn of the Dixie Convention Center, 1835 S Convention Center Dr, at 7:30 p.m. Any athlete can help carry the flame. The cauldron is lit again every night of the Friendship Festival.
Opening Ceremonies: Tuesday, October 6
The Opening Ceremonies start at 7 p.m. at Burns Arena on the Utah Tech University campus, and they're free for everyone. This year's lineup includes the interactive drum show Drum Cafe, a Guinness World Record attempt by DonnaJean Wilde, the Parade of Athletes, and the traditional Flag Extravaganza. Athletes line up for the parade at 6:30 p.m.
Friendship Festival: October 7-9 and 14-16
From Wednesday through Friday of each week, 4 to 8 p.m., the outdoor grounds at the Dixie Convention Center host live music, games, and food trucks. It's free and open to the community. Highlights from the 2026 lineup:
- Oct 7: the All American Cloggers and Eric Dodge
- Oct 8: square dancers, bingo, and the Ed Tracey Band
- Oct 9: Nino Reyes and Native American dancers
- Oct 14: magician Ryan Gray and a Brooks & Dunn tribute by Rick Stinson
- Oct 15: St. George Musical Theater
- Oct 16: Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl and a Neil Diamond tribute band
Each night also has a "sport night" honoring a set of sports. Swimming and track and field are on October 7, for example, and pickleball is on October 15.
Concert & Celebration: Tuesday, October 13
Journey Unauthorized, a Journey tribute band, headlines the free Concert & Celebration at 7 p.m. at Burns Arena. The 2026 Games theme is "Don't Stop."
Health Screenings and Community Health Fair
Athletes get free health screenings October 7-10 and 14-16. The screenings are funded by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation and staffed by doctors and nearly 300 volunteers, and they include tests such as a carotid artery ultrasound. The Community Health Fair on Saturday, October 10, is free for everyone.
Tips for Watching (and Getting Around Town)
- Pick a sport and check its page. Swimming, track and field, pickleball, and softball draw the biggest crowds. Venues and start times differ by sport, so confirm on seniorgames.net the day before.
- Book tables early. With thousands of athletes and families in town, dinner rushes run long. Browse our best restaurants in St. George list and make reservations where you can.
- Plan around the marathon. The St. George Marathon closes roads the Saturday before the Games (October 3), and many athletes arrive that weekend.
- Stay for the fall scenery. The first week of the Games lines up with peak fall color in the mountains. See our Southern Utah fall colors 2026 guide. The Kayenta Art Festival (October 9-11) and the Bank of Utah Championship PGA TOUR event (October 1-4) are both in Ivins.
- Volunteer. Athlete registration closed September 1, but the Games still sign up volunteers.
- Thinking of moving here? Plenty of competitors come back to stay. Our seniors guide and retirement guide cover healthcare, housing, and active-living resources in St. George.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 Huntsman World Senior Games?
October 5-17, 2026, in St. George, Utah. The Cauldron Lighting Ceremony is Sunday, October 4, and the Opening Ceremonies are Tuesday, October 6, at 7 p.m. at Burns Arena.
Is it free to watch the Huntsman World Senior Games?
Yes. Spectators can attend all sports competitions free of charge, and the Opening Ceremonies, the Concert & Celebration, and the Friendship Festival are free for everyone.
Who is performing at the 2026 Senior Games concert?
Journey Unauthorized, a Journey tribute band, headlines the free Concert & Celebration on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Burns Arena on the Utah Tech University campus.
How old do you have to be to compete in the Huntsman World Senior Games?
Athletes must be 50 or older. There is no qualifying requirement, and most sports offer divisions for different skill levels.
When are the 2027 Huntsman World Senior Games?
October 4-16, 2027, according to the Games' published future dates.
Sources
- Huntsman World Senior Games: Festivities
- Huntsman World Senior Games: 2026 Schedules and future dates
- Huntsman World Senior Games: About and history
- Huntsman World Senior Games: Sports list
- Friendship Festival: 2026 schedule
Last updated September 26, 2026.
