About Our Programs

The Entrada Institute programming is designed for those interested in the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau.

2022 Event Calendar

Engaging the Community Through Events

The Entrada Institute offers or sponsors a wide variety of family-friendly events that fulfill our mission to serve as an arts and educational center to further public understanding and appreciation of the arts, the natural, historical, and traditional cultural heritage of the high desert Colorado Plateau, and to foster community-based economic development in Wayne County, Utah and the surrounding region.

Ongoing and annual programs are listed below, but be sure to watch our event calendar for complete details. Or better yet, sign up for our email newsletter!

Arts and the Park

Each year watercolorists converge at the Entrada Institute to create Plein air art. Locals enjoy watching artists at work, participating in presentations, and enjoying an Art Auction.

Watch 30 artists in action as they paint in various locations throughout Capitol Reef National Park.

Visit the Arts and the Park Facebook page.

Bicknell International Film Festival

The Bicknell International Film Festival (BIFF) is held each July. The festival includes the “best of B-movies” featuring the bad, bizarre, and just plan strange films centered on the festival theme. In the past, this fun event has focused on the themes of aliens, superheroes, and cowboys. In addition to the three films, the festival features a parade, parties, and lots of other activities including an independent film award.

Advance tickets are available at the Bicknell Theatre, (435) 425-3493. Learn more at the BIFF website. Visit the Bicknell International Film Festival Facebook page.

The Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival

The Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival in Torrey, Utah is a FREE festival with a horsemanship demonstration, local cowboy poetry, and music performers.

Visit the Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival Facebook page. 

Torrey Chamber Music Festival

Presented by the Entrada Institute, the Torrey Chamber Music Festival is an annual weekend of string ensemble performances in Torrey, UT. Inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape in and around Torrey, the festival’s founders wanted an opportunity for the local community to enjoy exceptional musical performances in this idyllic setting – pairing beauty of sound with beauty of place.

Visit the Torrey Chamber Music Festival Facebook page. 

Heritage Starfest

The annual Heritage Starfest encourages people to enjoy the dark skies of the Colorado Plateau, share the heritage of night skies, and encourage preservation of dark skies.

Held each Fall on the darkest weekend in early Fall, enthusiasts converge on Wayne County to celebrate our heritage of dark skies. Telescope viewing, a dark sky run/walk, constellation tours, children’s activities, professional speakers, and campfire storytelling are just a few of the activities.

Wayne County has some of the darkest skies in the continental United States. Come learn more about our beautiful night skies at the annual Heritage Starfest. Visit the Heritage Starfest Facebook page.

Harvest Time Scarecrow Festival

Colorful, funny, scary and creative scarecrows begin popping up throughout Wayne County from Loa to Hanksville the first week in October. Local businesses, individual families, as well as organizations including Capitol Reef National Park have participated in this growing event.

In addition to a county-wide scarecrow competition, the festival includes numerous family events including arts and crafts, pumpkin carving contests, vendors, and much more. The festival culminates with the annual Halloween family and community party at the Rim Rock Restaurant in Torrey. The party marks the conclusion of the tourist season in the area. Visit the Harvest Time Scarecrow Festival Facebook page.

Pioneer Day Celebration

Pioneer Day events include an antique quilt display, a pioneer buggy/transportation showcase, costumes, music, potluck dinner, and pioneer program. 

The Antique Quilt Display will be held inside the Grace Christian Church on Main Street in Torrey. 

The Pioneer Buggy Transportation Showcase will be held on the grounds of the Robbers Roost in Torrey. Pioneer costumes will be provided for families who would like to take advantage of this photo op.

The Community Potluck Picnic Dinner will be held on the grounds of the Robbers Roost. Bring a picnic blanket if you wish. Or, enjoy your dinner at one of the tables that will be set up on the grounds.

A Pioneer Program begins on the Robber’s Roost Stage in Torrey. This engaging program will take the audience back in time to experience the life and times of our pioneer heritage. Enjoy an evening of unforgettable family entertainment.

Sunset Series

From May through October, Entrada Institute holds evening events for those interested in learning more about the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau. In addition, festivals and other events are held throughout the year.

The  Sunset Series is supported through generous individual and corporate donations, Wayne County Business Association, Wayne County Travel & Tourism, the Utah Arts Council, the Utah Humanities Council, National Endowment for Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Some of our programs are offered in partnerships with groups such as Capitol Reef National Park.