OREM, Utah (May 12, 2021) – University Place, a 112-acre mixed-use development project formerly known as University Mall, today announced its calendar of community-centric summer activities, which will be held outside at The Orchard, University Place’s outdoor gathering space. The Orchard is scheduled to host over 30 free events for the public from June through August.
After modifying or postponing most all of the events in 2020 due to the COVID 19 pandemic, this year’s lineup of events will include annual favorites the community has come to expect, such as the July 24th fireworks show that brings in nearly 7-thousand people, and also new events like the African Heritage Festival, to encourage and highlight diversity.
“This new festival comes at a critical time in building a broader global community,” said Annette Knight with the Ngoma y’Africa Cultural Center. “Our mission is to preserve and increase understanding of African culture through the arts such as storytelling, languages, music, and dance – all of which we are excited to share at this year’s festival.”
This summer’s events include:
- African Heritage Festival – NEW
June 5
3:00-8:00 p.m.
University Place is teaming up with the Ngoma Y’ Africa Cultural Center based out of Provo, to hold the first African Heritage Festival. The theme is “Healing through the UBUNTU SPIRIT of oneness and acceptance.” There will be live performances, along with African food and vendors.
- Live Game Night Series – NEW
June 3, 24
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Each evening will have a different theme, the first will be Live Clue with Scooby Doo, followed by Lawn Games in Wonderland. Families, students and college aged kids are invited to spend the evening outside playing various games, among favorite characters so be sure to bring your camera.
- Orem Summerfest Kick-off Party
June 7
7:00 p.m.
For the fourth year in a row, Orem Summerfest will kick-off at University Place with its annual story telling event. World-famous storytellers Kim Weitkamp and Sam Payne will be providing an evening of great stories. Bring a blanket and/or chairs to listen to stories on the grass at The Orchard. Yard games will also be out, along with free ice cream while supplies last.
- Family Fun Night: Beach Party
June 21
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Come and tour some Pacific Island traditions. Activities & games will be available the first hour, followed by live performances including the very popular Polynesian fire dancers the second hour.
- Clog America: American Folk Dance Show
June 28
6:30-9:00 p.m.
Part of the Freedom Festival line up of events to celebrate the fourth of July, Clog America is returning for its 3rd year to University Place. Clog America is America’s premiere Folk Dance Ensemble representing the US in international folk festivals throughout the world. Bring blankets and/or chairs, and watch as these dancers tell the story of America’s Folk Dance history through clogging.
- Outdoor Movie Night Series
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
7:30-11:00 p.m.
This fan favorite series happens every Thursday evening in July. The lineup includes Rogue One, Enchanted, The Lego Batman Movie, The Parent Trap and Jurassic Park. The movies start around 9 p.m., with activities and games before. Bring blanket and/or chairs. This year Lisa’s Passion for Popcorn will provide free popcorn to movie goers during each event (while supplies last) and also have their specialty flavored popcorn available for purchase.
- Renaissance Day
July 10
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Another fan favorite summer event at University Place. Come and watch knights in full armor sword fight while bagpipes play traditional music and Irish Dancers jig to the music. There will also be authentic European food available for purchase.
- Family Fun Night: International Food Festival
July 19
6:00-8:00 p.m.
For this one night, restaurants on the University Place campus will bring their most popular culinary dishes to The Orchard for outdoor dining! Come and feast on food including Italian, Mexican, American, Chinese and more. Restaurants will set up outside in The Orchard and have various dishes for sale of their unique offerings from around the world.
- Pioneer Day Celebration
July 24
11:00-9:00 p.m.
The most well attended event of the year at University Place, come and celebrate Utah’s heritage with food, live music, activities and of course fireworks! Bring your chairs and blankets and come listen to many great local bands play, while participating in activities and munching on your favorite food from various vendors. There will be giveaways and prizes, and a very messy pie-eating contest. Entertainment, food and activities will be available all day, leading up to the grand finale of the day – fireworks!
The night will end in a spectacular firework show choreographed to some of your favorite songs. This is an event you will want to bring all of your family and friends to!
Visit https://universityplaceorem.com/events/ for a detailed list of times and activities.
- Harry Potter Birthday Party – NEW
July 31
6:00-8:00 p.m.
For all the wizards, muggles and Potterheads, come and celebrate Harry Potters actual birthday (which is also J.K Rowling’s actual birthday). There will be wizard themed activities, games, and you can meet characters from the wizarding world!
- Family Fun Night: Superhero Night
August 16
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Bring the kids to meet over 20 of their favorite superheroes in real life! Costumes are encouraged, and be sure to bring your camera as you spend the evening with some of the most powerful superheroes known to man.
- End of Summer Concert Series – NEW
August 5, 12, 19
7:00-9:00 p.m.
We have revamped a popular series from years past, back before The Orchard existed. Enjoy the last of the summer evenings listening to local bands from Utah and Salt Lake Counties. Bring your blankets and/or chairs and enjoy these cover bands as they play your favorite oldie and modern hits.
All events are subject to weather, and the latest guidelines from national and local health departments. Masks and social distancing are encouraged. For more details and a full schedule of events, visit https://universityplaceorem.com/events/.
About University Place
Opening in the early 1970’s in Orem, Utah, University Place (formerly University Mall) is a 120-acre development in the midst of a $500 million revitalization. In addition to first class retail offerings, University Place is now home to upscale residential, Class-A office and high-quality green space. University Place was first developed and is still owned and operated by Woodbury Corporation, a 100-year-old, 4th generation family-run business, and one of the oldest and most respected full-service real estate development and management companies in the Intermountain West. For more information about University Place and updates on the project, visit https://universityplaceorem.com/. For more information about Woodbury Corporation, visit https://www.woodburycorp.com/.
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Press Contact:
Amanda Butterfield
Woodbury Corporation PR
A_butterfield@woodburycorp.com
801-440-9837