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St. George Word of Mouth Weekly: Milken #1, Tuacahn Opens & Weekend Events
St. George ranked #1 small city in America by the Milken Institute. Tuacahn opens its 2026 season with Million Dollar Quartet, plus the Red Rock Chocolate Festival, Dogtown Half Marathon, and more this weekend.
Photo: Snow Canyon State Park by Steve Gribble (Unsplash)
January 30, 2026 — Big things are happening in Southern Utah! St. George has officially been named the #1 small city in America by the Milken Institute, Tuacahn kicks off its 2026 season tonight with Million Dollar Quartet, and the weekend is packed with the Red Rock Chocolate Festival, Dogtown Half Marathon, I Heart Pets run, and more. Here's everything you need to know.
Business of the Week: Hughes Mortuary
Congratulations to Hughes Mortuary on being named this week's Business of the Week! For decades, Hughes Mortuary has provided compassionate, full-service funeral care to Southern Utah families. With traditional services, cremation options, and pre-planning assistance, their experienced staff is available 24 hours a day to help families during their time of need.
Community News: St. George Is #1
Milken Institute Names St. George Top Small City in America
The Milken Institute has ranked St. George as the #1 Best-Performing Small Metropolitan Area in the United States for 2026. The recognition highlights a 106.3% increase in high-tech GDP over five years and caps nearly a decade of top-five finishes. Read the full story.
McMullin Injury Law — Southern Utah's largest personal injury firm with 8 attorneys and over $100 million recovered for clients. Free consultations and 24/7 availability. (435) 673-9990
This Week's Featured Events
Million Dollar Quartet at Tuacahn (January 30-31)
The 2026 Tuacahn season opens tonight! Million Dollar Quartet brings the legendary 1956 jam session between Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins to the stage. Preview performances begin January 30 at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins. Tickets at tuacahn.org.
Red Rock Chocolate & Fine Foods Festival (January 31)
Chocolate lovers, this is your day. The Red Rock Region Chocolate and Fine Foods Festival takes over Legacy Park in Hurricane with artisan chocolates, gourmet foods, live cooking demonstrations, and vendors from across the region.
Dogtown Half Marathon (January 31)
Lace up for the 2026 Dogtown Half Marathon in Washington! This popular half marathon winds through Washington City's scenic streets and trails. Whether you're racing for a PR or running for fun, the Dogtown course delivers stunning red rock views and a great community atmosphere.
Cox Climate Control — Over 15 years serving Southern Utah with 1,000+ five-star reviews. Same-day HVAC service and 0% financing available. (435) 680-2100
I Heart Pets 10K/5K/Fun Run (January 31)
Calling all animal lovers! The I Heart Pets 10K/5K/Fun Run at the St. George Rec Center welcomes runners and their furry companions for a pet-friendly race benefiting local animal welfare. Multiple distance options accommodate all fitness levels.
Soup N' Bowl Fundraiser (February 6)
The beloved 18th annual Soup N' Bowl Fundraiser returns to the St. George Art Museum on February 6. Enjoy delicious soups from local restaurants served in handcrafted bowls you get to keep—all while supporting local arts programs.
DOCUTAH Presents: Cigarette Surfboard (February 6)
DOCUTAH brings its Best of Fest screening series to the Kayenta Center for the Arts in Ivins with the documentary "Cigarette Surfboard." A unique cinema experience in one of Southern Utah's most beautiful venues.
First Fridays at Kayenta (February 6)
Explore art galleries, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the creative spirit of First Fridays at Kayenta Art Village in Ivins.
Jonny Roxx — St. George's premier destination for custom engagement rings and fine jewelry with GIA-certified diamonds. (435) 767-1169
Community News & Updates
Tuacahn Announces Full 2026 Broadway Season
Tuacahn Center for the Arts has unveiled its 2026 season lineup featuring Anastasia (March 2-7), Come From Away (June 18-July 11), The Cottage (July 30-August 15), and Dear Evan Hansen (September 24-October 10), plus concerts and family programming throughout the year.
Fire & Ice Scholarship Gala — March 20
The Fire & Ice Scholarship Gala returns March 20 at the Dixie Convention Center. The annual fundraiser supports educational scholarships for Washington County students through gourmet dining, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Tickets range from $75-$150.
Hughes Mortuary — Full-service funeral care with dignity and respect, available 24 hours daily. (435) 674-5000
Looking Ahead
- Sky Fest 2026 (February 7-8) - Hot air balloons return to Sand Hollow Resort in Hurricane! Morning launches and an evening Glow Dinner against the red rock backdrop.
- Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez (February 7) - Grammy-nominated Cuban-American musicians at the Kayenta Center for the Arts.
- Super Bowl Watch Party (February 8) - Catch the big game at The Grille at Sand Hollow Resort.
- My Broadway Valentine (February 11) - A romantic evening of Broadway favorites at Tuacahn.
- Anastasia at Tuacahn (March 2-7) - The beloved musical opens Tuacahn's Broadway season.
Stay Connected
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About the Author
Mentioned Businesses
McMullin Injury Law
Legal Services • St. George
Southern Utah's largest personal injury law firm with 8 attorneys and 100+ years combined experience. Free consultations. Over $100M recovered for clients.
(435) 673-9990
301 N 200 E, Suite 3C
⭐ FEATURED SPONSOR
Jonny Roxx
Jewelry • St. George
St. George's premier custom diamond jewelry designer specializing in engagement rings, diamonds, and unique fine jewelry. Expert craftsmanship and personalized service.
(435) 767-1169
245 Red Cliff Dr #7
⭐ FEATURED SPONSOR
Hughes Mortuary
Funeral Services • St. George
Full-service funeral home providing compassionate care with traditional services, cremation options, and pre-planning. Available 24 hours daily.
(435) 674-5000
1037 East 700 South
⭐ FEATURED SPONSOR
St. George Art Museum
Arts & Entertainment • St. George
Free admission art museum featuring exhibitions from all periods, cultures, and media
(435) 627-4525
47 East 200 North
Tuacahn Center for the Arts
Things to Do • Ivins
Spectacular outdoor amphitheatre presenting Broadway musicals in red rock canyon setting, plus indoor theater, youth programs, and Tuacahn High School for the Arts.
(800) 746-9882
1100 Tuacahn Dr
Tuacahn Center for the Arts
Arts & Culture • Ivins
Premier outdoor amphitheater and performing arts center near Snow Canyon featuring Broadway musicals surrounded by 1,500-foot red rock cliffs.
1100 Tuacahn Drive
Dixie Convention Center
Event Venues • St. George
Premier Southern Utah convention and event facility offering flexible meeting spaces, exhibit halls, and catering services for conferences, trade shows, and special events.
(435) 628-7003
1835 Convention Center Dr
Cox Climate Control
HVAC • St. George
Family-owned HVAC and refrigeration company in St. George providing air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration installation, maintenance, and repair for residential and commercial customers across Southern Utah.
(435) 862-3642
123 Main Street
⭐ FEATURED SPONSOR
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
Arts & Entertainment • Ivins
Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah is an outdoor Broadway-style theater nestled in a red rock canyon, featuring professional musical productions, concerts, and events year-round.
(435) 652-3300
1100 Tuacahn Dr
