Park City Weekend Agenda: May 16-19
It’s running mayhem this weekend as the 10th annual Running For Ed, benefitting local schools, weaves its way through every neighborhood. Cheer on the costume-bedecked relay runners looping through town, or stop by one of the school exchanges (read: parties) or the Basin Recreation Fieldhouse to congratulate the finishers. Keep the energy going by channeling your artistic side at one of many creative opportunities throughout the weekend, including a family pottery class at the Kimball or Paint Night and a truly out-of-the-box equine meditation experience at the DeJoria Center.
All Weekend Long

A still from "Amazing Grace," an extraordinary Aretha Franklin documentary screening at Park City Film all weekend.
Image: neon rated
Amazing Grace
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 6 p.m. @ Park City Library
Using never-before-seen footage of Aretha Franklin recording the monumentally successful album “Amazing Grace,” this documentary is simply incredible. Originally captured in 1972 at The New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles, "Amazing Grace" was tied up for decades in legalities and technical issues before finally being brought to the big screen. Wine and beer available for purchase. parkcityfilm.org
Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861-2008
Weekdays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday noon–6 @ Park City Museum (through May 25)
Experience America’s oldest amusement and entertainment mecca through the eyes of an extraordinary array of artists, who have captured this everyday escape. This exhibition showcases the allure of a magnetic world of attractions that has become a touchstone for American mass culture and popular recreation through the ages. parkcityhistory.org
Firefly Exhibit
Wed–Sun @ Swaner EcoCenter, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Visit the EcoCenter to learn all about Utah’s flashiest insects—fireflies! Entomologist Christy Bills from the Natural History Museum has put together a fascinating exhibit that might just inspire you to do some nighttime research in your own backyard. swanerecocenter.org
Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone
Thursday–Saturday, May 16-18, 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 19, 6 p.m. @ The Egyptian Theatre
Peter Noone, lead singer of ’60s beat rock band Herman’s Hermits, achieved a record 60 million recordings and 14 gold singles and seven gold albums, including "I'm Henry the Eighth, I am." parkcityshows.com
Zhi Lin: "Chinaman’s Chance" on Promontory Summit exhibit
Weekdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon–5 p.m. @ Kimball Art Center
Get a taste of Utah’s Spike 150 celebration with a fascinating exhibit at Kimball Art Center. Internationally renowned artist Zhi Lin’s exhibit explores the oft untold stories of the Chinese laborers, who built the Transcontinental Railroad. The exhibit is free and open to the public through June 2. kimballartcenter.org
Thursday, May 16
Lecture: Showcasing the Legacy of Lagoon
5-6 p.m. @ Park City Museum and Collections Center, 2079 Sidewinder Drive
Park City Museum hosts Utah author Lynn Arave for a fascinating discussion, “Showcasing the Legacy of Lagoon,” which coincides with the museum's traveling exhibition, “Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland." Few amusement parks in the United States have older histories than Utah’s Lagoon. Besides its many thrilling rides, the park has hosted a variety of events over the decades—everything from big bands to horse and auto racing to bowling and wrestling, not to mention high diving. This lecture highlights all the fascinating details of Lagoon’s extensive history. Free. For more information, visit parkcitymuseum.org
Paint Night
6:30-9 p.m. @ DeJoria Center
Start the weekend with a relaxing evening painting your own canvas. No experience is necessary—Instructor Carly provides step by step instruction. All materials provided, including an easel, canvas, paint, brushes, towels, apron, music and a good time. Please sign up in advance, and arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure your seats, especially if you are traveling with friends. Food and drinks available for purchase. 12+ dejoriacenter.com
Friday, May 17
Horse Meditation Circle
6-7 p.m. @ DeJoria Center
Experience the unique tranquility of inner stillness during Park City Horse Experience’s Horse Mediation Circle, an awakening between horse and human in which the horse becomes the teacher and facilitator. This experience explores the embodied presence surrounded by a herd of horses. Stay for dinner following the meditation—participants receive 20% off State Road and Tavern. dejoriacenter.com
Shuffle
10 p.m. @ The Spur Bar & Grill
Start the weekend right with a night with Salt Lake City’s favorite rock ‘n’roll party band. 21+thespurbarandgrill.com
Saturday, May 18

Running with Ed, costume-bedecked participants leg it for education this Saturday.
Image: Claire Wiley/Running With Ed
Running With Ed
All day. All over town.
The 10th annual 38-mile, 10-leg relay race, benefitting Park City Education, weaves through town, from school to school, with a resort and Olympic venue thrown in the mix. Stop by the schools to cheer on the runners at exchanges or party with everyone at the Basin Rec Fieldhouse finish and celebration. runningwithed.com
Indoor Climbing Wall
1-3 p.m. @ Swaner EcoCenter
Kids of all ages can find fun at Swaner EcoCenter’s indoor climbing wall—and a host of eco-friendly exhibits to peruse, when they need a breather. Harnesses supplied; please wear shoes with covered toes. Free for members. swanerecocenter.org
Family Pottery Class
3-5 p.m. @ Kimball Art Center
Try your hand at the age-old craft of pottery making. After a demonstration, students will delve into throwing clay on the wheel and then experiment with different decorating and glazing techniques to embellish their finished pieces. This class is recommended ages 5+. Please note that children under 7 must be accompanied on the wheel by an adult. kimballartcenter.org
Sunday, May 19
Swaner Crafternoons
11-1 p.m. @ Swaner EcoCenter
Crafty kids are invited to join in a fun, eco-minded craft at the Swaner EcoCenter. All ages are welcome! Free. swanerecocenter.org
Indoor Climbing Wall
1-3 p.m. @ Swaner EcoCenter
Kids of all ages can find fun at Swaner EcoCenter’s indoor climbing wall—and a host of eco-friendly exhibits to peruse, when they need a breather. Harnesses supplied; please wear shoes with covered toes. Free for members. swanerecocenter.org
Patrick Ryan
7-10 p.m. @ The Spur Bar & Grill
Enjoy the acoustic artistry of standout performer Patrick Ryan, singing old favorites and new. 21+thespurbarandgrill.com
For more events and up-to-date happenings around town, check out our event calendar.