America250 Founders Festival at the Washington County Fair

If you've ever wanted to step back in time and experience what life was like during America's founding era, the America250 Founders Festival is your chance. Running Friday through Sunday, April 17 to 19, at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Hurricane, this special event brings colonial history to life right here in Southern Utah. Presented by Liberty Village and Washington County as part of the national America250 celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Founders Festival is packed with colonial-era activities and historical reenactments that make history feel personal. You'll find costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts, interactive stations where kids and adults alike can try their hand at skills from the 1700s, and patriotic celebrations that connect our local community to the broader story of American independence. What makes this event so special is the setting. The Washington County Fairgrounds provide plenty of space for the festival's many attractions, and the whole thing has a community gathering feel that's hard to beat. Whether you're a history buff who can recite the Declaration of Independence from memory or you just want a fun weekend outing with the family, there's something here for everyone. The reenactments are a highlight you won't want to miss. Watching history come alive through live performances gives you a completely different appreciation for what the founders went through. It's one thing to read about the Revolutionary era in a textbook; it's another to see it play out in front of you with the red rocks of Southern Utah as your backdrop. For families, this is one of those weekends where you can genuinely combine education and entertainment without anyone complaining. Kids tend to light up when they can touch, see, and participate in history rather than just hear about it. The colonial-era activities are designed to be hands-on, so expect your little ones to stay engaged. Since the Founders Festival runs during the Washington County Fair, you can easily make a full day of it. Enjoy the festival's historical programming and then explore everything else the fair has to offer. It's a great excuse to spend the weekend in Hurricane and take in all the energy of fair season in St. George and the surrounding area. Plan to arrive early, especially on Saturday, as events like this tend to draw big crowds. Parking at the fairgrounds can fill up, so giving yourself extra time ensures a stress-free start. Bring sunscreen and water since April in Southern Utah can already be warm, and most of the activities are outdoors. The America250 Founders Festival is a rare opportunity to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday with your neighbors and friends. Mark April 17 through 19 on your calendar and come be part of this historic milestone in Washington County.