What Is Happening at Thunder Junction on Oct. 20? Quick Answer
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is throwing a 10th anniversary party on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., and the City of St. George will hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the park's Phase II expansion during the celebration. The party is free. The city says there will be food trucks, games, music, face painting and magic shows, and rides on the park's C.P. Huntington train will be free for everyone that evening. Rides normally cost $2.
The park is at 1851 S. Dixie Drive, inside Tonaquint Park in St. George. Event details are also on our Thunder Junction 10-Year Anniversary event page.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When | Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, 5–7 p.m. |
| Where | Thunder Junction All Abilities Park, 1851 S. Dixie Drive, St. George |
| Cost | Free, including train rides during the event |
| What's planned | Food trucks, games, music, face painting, magic shows, community resource booths, Phase II groundbreaking |
| Phase II | 2.5-acre, Ice Age-themed expansion with a new train stop, slides and play features |
The Anniversary Celebration
The city announced the celebration in an October 16 press release. Besides the food, music and activities, community resource booths will be set up so families can connect with organizations that provide services to people with disabilities. The free train rides are on the park's "roaring" C.P. Huntington train, a 1/4-scale train that runs on a 2,700-foot track around the park.
"From the day we first opened our doors, the park has been a place where everyone — of all abilities — is welcome," said Hannah Keller, the city's recreation supervisor at Thunder Junction, in the release. She said the event will also be used to introduce the park's next phase and share the plans with the community.
The party is on a Tuesday evening and runs past the park's normal fall train hours, which end at 5 p.m.
What Phase II Will Add
The groundbreaking marks the start of Thunder Junction Phase II, a 2.5-acre expansion built on the success of the current park. Where the existing park has a dinosaur theme, the city says the expansion will bring Ice Age-themed equipment, rides and amenities designed for inclusive play by children of all abilities. The features the city has named so far are:
- An additional train stop, which the city says will improve accessibility and convenience
- New slides and play features that prioritize inclusivity
The city has not published a construction schedule, opening date or project cost in its announcement or on the Phase II web page.
How Businesses and Families Can Sponsor Phase II
The city is raising money for the expansion through sponsorships, and Keller said the anniversary is "a great chance to get an early look at the expansion plans." The city's Phase II page lists four levels:
- Premier Sponsor, $100,000 and up: exclusive naming rights for premier park features and custom signage. Five are available.
- Community Sponsor, $10,000 to $99,999: recognition in the pavilion area and other family-centered locations, plus complimentary event tickets. Eight are available.
- Supporting Sponsor, $1,000 to $9,999: options such as a bench, with the sponsor's name displayed in the park. Nineteen are available.
- Friends of Thunder Junction, any amount: donations of any size, with recognition possible based on the contribution.
Questions about sponsorships go to Thunder Junction at 435-627-4564. The city says sponsors can also pay by check.
Visiting Thunder Junction
Thunder Junction is free to enter, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park has a dinosaur theme with wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, a climbing wall, a volcano, a splash pad, picnic tables, restrooms and covered pavilions. Pavilions can't be reserved and are first come, first served. The city notes that many of the park's staff members are individuals with special needs. Dogs aren't allowed unless they are registered service animals.
The train runs Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., for the fall season and is closed Sundays. It can close without notice for maintenance or weather. Tickets are $2 per ride, and the depot takes cards, cash, Apple Pay and Google Pay, but not American Express or checks.
Next up at the park is Spook-track-ular, October 27–30, with a haunted train ride and trick-or-treat stations. See our St. George Halloween events guide for more, or browse things to do in St. George and the full events calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Thunder Junction 10-year anniversary celebration?
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thunder Junction All Abilities Park, 1851 S. Dixie Drive, St. George.
Is the Thunder Junction anniversary party free?
Yes. Park admission is always free, and the city says train rides on the C.P. Huntington will be free for all attendees during the celebration. Rides are normally $2 per person.
What is Thunder Junction Phase II?
A 2.5-acre expansion of the park with Ice Age-themed equipment, rides and amenities for children of all abilities, including an additional train stop and new slides and play features. The groundbreaking ceremony takes place during the October 20 celebration.
When will Thunder Junction Phase II open?
The city has not announced an opening date or construction schedule.
How do I sponsor Thunder Junction Phase II?
The city offers Premier ($100,000+), Community ($10,000 to $99,999), Supporting ($1,000 to $9,999) and Friends of Thunder Junction (any amount) sponsorships. Call Thunder Junction at 435-627-4564 or visit the Phase II page on sgcityutah.gov.
Sources
- City of St. George: Thunder Junction All Abilities Park to host 10-Year Anniversary Celebration, Phase II groundbreaking on October 20 (press release, Oct. 16, 2026)
- City of St. George: Thunder Junction All Abilities Park (hours, train fares, amenities)
- City of St. George: Thunder Junction Phase II sponsorship opportunities
Published October 18, 2026.
