OREM — One year ago, Dreamwalk Park opened its doors at University Place Mall with one clear mission: to transport guests into a world unlike anything Utah had seen before. This December, that mission takes on a radiant new form as the park unveils its most ambitious transformation yet: a full Christmas experience stretching through more than half a mile of immersive environments.
The moment visitors step inside, it’s clear Dreamwalk is in full holiday mode. Hallways glow with synchronized light displays, music hums through the air like a warm current, but the festive details are only one layer of what makes Dreamwalk’s holiday season extraordinary. The park blends filmmaking, mythology, sci-fi and art into a multi-sensory experience where every room feels handcrafted with cinematic precision.
“We wanted one word that defined who we are,” said Chief Creative Officer and Co-founder Ben McPherson. “And that word is transport. Our whole goal is to move you out of the everyday and into another world.”For McPherson, a filmmaker, Dreamwalk is the culmination of a long-held dream, one sparked from years of watching elaborate film sets torn down as soon as production ended.
“We would build these incredible worlds for movies,” he said. “Then the moment we wrapped, everything was gone. I always thought that was such a waste. I wanted to create worlds people could actually step into.”
That idea found momentum. On December 12, Dreamwalk celebrates one year since its grand opening, a milestone marked with an ambitious holiday reimagining.
This year’s Christmas activation introduces several standout features:
The Light Walk: a glowing, reactive pathway that shifts as guests move through it.
The Santa Throne in the Cloud Room: a surreal photo moment that appears to float above a sea of luminous mist.
A Full Park-Wide Holiday Overlay: bringing Christmas touches to every creature, cavern and corridor.
Christmas Show Mode in the Grotto: a choreographed spectacle of lights, sound and atmosphere inside one of Dreamwalk’s most iconic spaces.
Dreamwalk also launches its first-ever Elf Hunt, a whimsical in-park scavenger quest that sends guests searching for hidden elves tucked inside the most unexpected corners of the universe.
The park’s rise has been accelerated by social media, where videos of its glowing corridors and animatronic creatures routinely rack up views. But the park’s team said the heart of the experience remains in-person. In the gasps, laughs and wide-eyed moments they witness every day.
As Dreamwalk steps into its second year, the team behind it said this holiday season represents everything they hoped the park would become: a place where imagination holds the reins, where artistry and technology meet and where families can share moments that feel larger than life. At least through the holidays, those moments come wrapped in lights, music, mist and a little bit of magic.
Dreamwalk Park is located at 575 E University Pkwy, Suite N-237, Orem, Utah 84097. Visit their website to plan your visit, dreamwalk.com.
Hello, Eaters! There are few culinary arguments as fierce as the difference between New York-style thin-crust pizza and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. And now, thanks to a national chain arriving in Orem, Utahns can take sides in that argument.
Rosati’s, which has locations in Chicago plus a dozen other states, now has a restaurant in Utah — at 775 E. University Parkway in Orem. Its owners make the claim that it’s the first authentic Chicago-style pizza available in Utah.
The restaurant is operated by two friends, Heidi Sonnenberg and Katie Jacobson, who own the franchise with their husbands. Sonnenberg’s husband is from Chicago, she said, and had introduced her to Rosati’s first in Chicago and later in Las Vegas, where she’s from.
“We didn’t feel like having to drive that far for the pizza, so we decided to bring one here,” Sonnenberg told me this week. They first contacted Rosati’s a year and a half ago, she said, and they had their grand opening on Nov. 17, after a three-week soft opening.
The key to enjoying Chicago-style deep-dish, Jacobson said, is to plan ahead. “It’s going to take time. … It’s not like any other pizza that you’ve had or you’ve waited for,” she said.
On a weeknight, it may take 45 minutes to bake a deep-dish pizza; on Fridays and Saturdays — especially when BYU’s football team is playing at home — the wait may be an hour or more.
That’s because it goes through the oven twice — once to bake the thick crust and the layer of cheese, and a second time to heat up the sauce that goes on top. (Putting sauce above the cheese is another Chicago-style staple.)
In Rosati’s first month in Utah, Sonnenberg said they’ve had two kinds of deep-dish customers: “Either they’re so excited because they’ve never had it before, or they have had it before and they can’t wait to have it again.” (A create-your-own deep-dish costs $18.99 for a 10-inch pie, and $23.99 for a 14-inch pizza.)
And for those who don’t want to wait for deep-dish, Sonnenberg noted that Rosati’s is famous in Chicago for its thin-crust pizza. There’s also wings, pasta dishes and sandwiches — including another Chicago favorite, the Italian beef sandwich ($10.49).
Of course, I had to try the deep-dish, which you can read about in the “Dish of the Week” section.
Rosati’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and closed Sundays.
November 1, 2025 Orem, Utah, United States–The Cloud Portal at Dreamwalk Park in Orem, Utah, an immersive, sci-fi-themed attraction that uses over 100,000 LED lights and clouds made of candy floss, sets the world record for the World’s Largest Indoor Cloud Ceiling, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY. “The world’s largest indoor cloud ceiling is the Cloud Portal at Dreamwalk Park in Orem, Utah, an immersive, sci-fi-themed attraction that uses over 100,000 LED lights and clouds made of candy floss. (AI Overview)
“The park features multiple chambers and combines art, music, and interactive elements to create otherworldly landscapes,” Location:Dreamwalk Park in Orem, Utah.
Features: Over 100,000 LED lights and clouds made from candy floss.
Theme: A sci-fi-themed immersive attraction.
Attractions: Combines art, music, animatronics, and interactive elements in four main chambers that depict alien worlds and other fantastical environments. “Dreamwalk Park was created by two dreamers: the artist, Ben McPherson, and the entrepreneur, John Pope, whose shared vision for an interactive, themed art experience culminated in the development of this transformational venue.
“The two creators pivoted to working on their vision for an indoor, immersive theme park, featuring world-class, hand-sculpted environments, with fascinating practical effects and plenty of interactive elements,” the Dreamwalk Park says.
“Artist Brad Skaar soon joined the group, and a team of talented artists and technicians was then built. Having been won over by the Woodburys in selecting the Orem University Place Mall in Orem, Utah, the team went to work, sparing no effort.” “Dreamwalk Park is an immersive art experience located at University Place Mall in Orem. Combining sculpted sci-fi art, music, and animatronics, it offers a journey through stunning, interactive landscapes,” the Explore Utah Valley says.
“Think of it as a mini Disneyland in the heart of Utah Valley — where imagination, creativity, and adventure come to life.” “An interactive theme park in the US has introduced the “world’s largest indoor cloud ceiling”. The Cloud Portal at Dreamwalk Park in Orem, Utah features more than 100,000 LED lights, according to FOX 13,” the AV Magazine reports.
“The experience, which opened last week, also features clouds made from candy floss. The sci-fi-themed immersive attraction, which opened last December, took around three years and more than 150,000 hours of labour to create.
“It is home to four main chambers that combine art, music, animatronics and interactive elements to depict alien worlds, crystal caves, glowing flora and mythological spirits.” “Nestled between the shops at University Place in Orem lies Utah’s newest interactive indoor theme park. Dreamwalk Park was created by artist Ben McPherson and entrepreneur John Pope as a way to engulf people in a world that is adjacent to their own.
“The park offers a fully immersive experience in which visitors are enveloped by seemingly “otherworldly” environments. After three years and over 150,000 hours of labor, it is now open and drawing visitors from across the state.
“Dreamwalk Park features four uniquely extra-terrestrial chambers, each home to a creatively engineered landscape. The entrance to the attraction, aptly titled “Quantum Veil,” masquerades as a cocoon of clouds dotted with space rocks and molten lava. The room also features an animatronic spinning tornado,” the Daily Utah Chronicle reports.
“It’s pitched as an “extraordinary digital experience” that “transports visitors to new worlds, both on and off the screen, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in cinematic environments” through “music and light shows, interactive elements, hidden scenes, articulating creatures, games, and collectibles,” the heraldextra.com says.
“It brings together his extensive experience as a filmmaker — he’s produced and directed content for National Geographic and IFC Films — and his art background, where he has specialized in classical realism.
“Weaving through a two-story section of the mall, the park takes visitors on a journey of nearly a half a mile through cave-like rooms showing intricate sets and creations, all visually appealing and some interactive.”
“Introducing Dreamwalk Park, a truly spectacular display of sculpted sci-fi art, music, and animatronics for all ages. Step through the Dreamwalk Portal and discover worlds you’ve only dreamed of,” the Explore Utah Valley says.
“The nearly half-mile of pathways will take you through many stunning, fully-immersive landscapes to enjoy and interact with. Includes sound and light shows, hidden scenes, lifelike creatures, unique games, and collectibles.
“Whether it’s the Fungi Forest with its towering mushrooms or the Galactic Grotto with its electric waterfall, we promise this truly unique experience will leave a lasting impression!”
#1 Voted Best Chicago Pizza opens first location in Utah County, Celebrates with FREE Pizza for a Year
For over 60 years, Rosati’s has defined authentic Chicago style pizza. Now Utah gets a slice.
Orem, Utah—October 28, 2025—Rosati’s Pizza is set to open its first location in Utah County at Orem’s University Place. The brand earned #1 voted Best Chicago Pizza by Chicago’s largest radio station, WGN, earlier this year and is celebrating its Grand Opening on November 17th by giving away its award winning Pizza free for a year to one lucky winner. To enter, customers must sign up to be a Rosati’s Rewards member before November 30th.
“After being fans of Rosati’s Pizza for years, we could not be more excited to bring the flavors of Chicago home to Utah!” said Heidi Sonnenberg, co-owner of Utah’s first Chicago-Style pizza restaurant. “Our location at University Place provides easy access for college students, foodies and families, and we look forward to sharing the Chicago favorites like their famous thin crust and deep dish pizzas, wings and of course the classic Italian Beef sandwiches Chicago is known for with Utah Valley.”
For 60 years, Rosati’s authentic Italian dishes have wowed customers, but even with more than 130 locations nationwide, you had to travel out of state to find it. Rosati’s Orem will be a fast-casual restaurant, featuring counter service and the speed of a quick-service restaurant while maintaining the quality and atmosphere of a more formal, sit-down restaurant. The restaurant can sit 60 comfortably in the dining room, and the mounted TVs provide a sports bar-like atmosphere just like you’d experience in the original Rosati’s in Chicago.
“We are always looking for new-to-Utah dining options at University Place and are thrilled to welcome the award winning Rosati’s Pizza!” Said Danny Woodbury, senior vice president of leasing at University Place. “Rosati’s Pizza will complement our family friendly community and be a destination for authentic Chicago-style pizza that is hard to find in Utah.”
“People say you come to Rosati’s first for the deep-dish, but you come back for Chicago’s Greatest Thin Crust Pizza™,” says co-owner Katie Jacobson. “We’re committed to quality ingredients, bold flavors, and quick service to meet the needs of customers in Utah Valley, the same things that made Rosati’s famous. Here in Orem, we’re also tailoring our franchise for the local community, building a family-friendly space by being alcohol-free and closed on Sundays.”
About Rosati’s Pizza Enterprises, Inc.
Founded in 1964 by the Rosati’s Family, Rosati’s Pizza is known for its signature Chicago-style pizzas and sandwiches including “The Cheef”, their very own Italian beef piled high on Italian bread loaded with fresh Mozzarella cheese, wings with a wide variety of your favorite sauces the famous, Rosati’s Dough Nuggets, pastas, and salads. With five generations of experience and family recipes, every piece of every recipe is original, ensuring Rosati’s Pizza serves one-of-a-kind dishes from a one-of-a-kind family in any of its three styles of restaurant: Sports Pub, cash and carry or fast casual locations. As one of the oldest surviving family pizza brands in the U.S., the Rosati name and reputation has been firmly established in the city of Chicago and its suburbs. Generations have grown up with the brand and continue to spread it to every corner of the country. Transplanted Chicagoans all over the map have helped bring their favorite pizzeria to 130+ locations across twenty states. For more information visit www.myrostis.com.
Two Utah County couples bring authentic deep dish pizza to Orem’s University Place Mall.
Two Utah County couples are bringing Chicago-style pizza to the Wasatch Front.
Rosati’s Pizza is a national, family-owned pizza chain known for its deep dish pizza. Heidi and Mike Sonnenberg and Erik and Katie Jacobson will open the first Rosati’s location in Orem, Utah, in mid-November.
The venture began when Mike, co-founder of Lindon-based Awardco and a Chicago native, shared his love of Rosati’s with his wife Heidi. “We have pizza quite a bit at our house,” Heidi says. “Every time we do, we always say, ‘We wish we had a Rosati’s here.’”
During a recent visit to a Rosati’s location in Arizona, Heidi spotted the contact info for the franchising team on one of the restaurant’s pizza boxes. Unbeknownst to Mike, she texted the number and was surprised by the company’s swift reply. As it turned out, Rosati’s corporate leadership had been eyeing the Utah market and was enthusiastic about a local partnership.
“At that point, they started pursuing us,” Heidi says. “We knew that we could monetarily do it, but we just didn’t seem to have the bandwidth — Mike is a co-owner of Awardco, and I’m a full-time mom of three.”
Not long after the Sonnenbergs had made contact with Rosati’s, Heidi discussed the possibility with Katie. She was intrigued by the idea and brought it up with her husband Erik, whose experience as a criminal defense attorney made him eager for a challenging project like this.
“I deal with high-conflict individuals in crisis, and though I am fulfilled with my work, it gets heavy and hard,” he says. “When Katie mentioned this lunch conversation, I thought it sounded amazing. We booked a trip to Arizona to meet with the franchise manager.”
According to the National Restaurant Association, Utah’s hospitality industry generated just over $12 billion for the state’s local economy and over $3 billion in total labor income in 2024. Though labor shortages and price increases are still pressing issues for the proprietors of our local food and dining scene, the overall industry is trending positively. These numbers have made Utah an attractive market for national restaurant brands, with IBIS World reporting that chain restaurants in Utah are expected to grow at an average rate of 12.5 percent annually.
Though both the Sonnenbergs and Jacobsons have a personal affection for Rosati’s, they did plenty of market research — which involved eating a lot of local pizza — to gauge demand for the type of pizza Rosati’s is known for.
“I think we’ve tried every pizza place in Utah County, and we know that we’re going to be different,” Erik says. “Even with the Rosati’s thin crust, you’ve got a very different style of pizza.”
Even looking past the number of fast-food pizza restaurants like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars, Utah has seen an uptick in niche pizza restaurants such as Via 313, which serves Detroit-style deep dish. That said, the nuances of Chicago-style deep dish aren’t very well represented on the Wasatch Front, which is something that a Rosati’s can rectify.
On top of that, the Sonnenbergs and Jacobsons have a unique insight into the Utah market that they are hoping will give their franchise an edge. “Utah is an interesting market because it’s very family-friendly and there are a lot of universities,” Heidi says. “You’ve got people wanting to eat out, but you’ve also got catering opportunities.” This prompted the owners to opt for the fast casual model of Rosati’s franchise since it offers both dine-in and carryout service. Their planned location is in Orem’s University Place Mall, so the owners are planning on taking advantage of the existing crowds that come to shop.
From an operational standpoint, the franchise owners are planning on making a few adjustments to Rosati’s traditional methods to align with Utah culture.
“We are not going to be open on Sundays, and we are hoping that will appeal to the workforce since there will always be a day off,” Heidi says. They also will not serve alcohol.
In addition to filling a market need in Utah’s pizza scene, the owners are most looking forward to sharing their favorite pizza with Utah diners. “We want to create this culture that feels welcoming, inviting and long-term,” Katie says.
he community pumpkin walk, where you can see lines of pumpkins carved by neighbors and pros leading you through a public space, has become a tradition in many Utah towns.
You can likely submit your masterpiece to the promenade as well. So, get your carving tools ready, order a warm beverage, and follow the links below for more information on the following pumpkin walks. If you don’t see a city near you below, check your city’s website for Halloween events.
Centerville Fall Festival
When: Oct. 13, 6–8 p.m. Where: William R. Smith Park, 300 N. 100 E., Centerville You can see the community’s best carved pumpkins and enjoy Banbury Cross donuts while you take part in crafts and activities. Pumpkins for carving will also be available. More info
Big Jack’s World at Traverse Mountain
When: Oct. 1–31 Where: Outlets at Traverse Mountain, 3700 Cabela’s Blvd, Lehi A free-to-see interactive display featuring custom pumpkin displays, larger-than-life Halloween characters and plenty of photo-ops. More info
Daybreak Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 24, 6–9 p.m. Where: The Cove House, 6650 W. Lake Avenue, South Jordan\ Enjoy seeing pumpkins carved by the Daybreak community, and vote for your favorites. The event also promises music and trick-or-treating. More info
North Logan Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 16–18, 20–21; 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Where: Elk Ridge Park, 1100 E. 2500 North, North Logan North Logan’s walk features painted pumpkins in elaborate and creative displays. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food, meeting costumed characters and seeing masterfully carved pumpkins. More info
Ogden Botanical Gardens’ Fall Festival
When: Oct. 11, 4–7 p.m. Where: Ogden Botanical Gardens, 1750 Monroe Boulevard, Ogden Along with pumpkin walk displays, the fall festival offers trick-or-treating, a straw maze, the Monster Mash Dance Party, treats, face painting and a scavenger hunt. More info
University Place (Orem) Pumpkins in The Orchard
When: Oct. 1–31, 5–10 p.m. Where: University Place, 575 E. University Parkway, Orem Throughout October, the University Place’s green space, The Orchard, features hundreds of pumpkins. Look for special Utah pumpkins in the displays, and enjoy shopping and dining at University Place. More info
Plain City Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 24–25, 6–8 p.m. Where: Lee Olsen Park, 4156 W. 2200 North, Plain City Along with painted and carved pumpkins and spooky displays, the Plain City walk includes carnival games, face painting and bounce houses. Local businesses sponsor a trunk-or-treat on Oct. 25. More info
South Jordan Pumpkin Promenade
When: Oct. 24, 5–8 p.m.; Oct. 25 Where: Bingham Creek Regional Park, 10200 S. 4800 West, South Jordan City employees and the South Jordan community create elaborate and creative pumpkin displays. While there, vote for your favorites and enjoy a free donut and beverage while supplies last. More info
Syracuse Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 23–25, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Where: Founders Park, 1700 S. 1904 West, Syracuse The city has asked volunteers to help carve over 1,000 pumpkins for its walk. The event includes music from the Syracuse City Arts Council Jazz Band, food trucks and cozy fires. More info
The Cloud Portal is opening at Utah’s Dreamwalk Park
Dreamwalk Park in Orem opened earlier this year and this weekend a new experience is opening.
Co-founders Ben McPherson and John Pope who says their goal is to “transport you to another world” or in the case of the newest expansion – into the clouds.
They say The Cloud Portal is the world’s largest indoor cloud ceiling with almost 100,000 LEDs and features edible clouds.
The Cloud Portal is opening at Utah’s Dreamwalk Park
The world’s largest indoor cloud ceiling is opening in Utah this weekend at Dreamwalk Park.
By: The PLACE
Posted 1:19 PM, Oct 09, 2025
Dreamwalk Park in Orem opened earlier this year and this weekend a new experience is opening.
Co-founders Ben McPherson and John Pope who says their goal is to “transport you to another world” or in the case of the newest expansion – into the clouds.
They say The Cloud Portal is the world’s largest indoor cloud ceiling with almost 100,000 LEDs and features edible clouds.
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Dreamwalk is nearly a half mile long area that’s part art installation, part sci-fi adventure, combining animatronics, projection mapping, and cinematic sound design.
Dreamwalk is open Monday through Friday, 12pm to 9pm and Saturday 9:30am to 9pm at University Place in Orem.
You can buy tickets at the door or at dreamwalk.com and be sure to follow them on social media @dreamwalkpark.
OREM, Utah (October 1, 2025) – University Place announces its schedule of holiday events including Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both inside the shopping center and outside in The Orchard, most events are free and family friendly. This years festivities include the following:
October
Pumpkins in The Orchard
October 1 – 31
10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Over 750 hand carved pumpkins and other spooky Halloween decorations will be on display throughout the Orchard. Open during shopping center hours, the pumpkins will be lit in the evening. See if you can spot the six special Utah pumpkins!
Straw Bale Slide
October 10 – 27
10:00 am – 9:00 pm
During shopping center hours, come and take a ride on the straw bale slide in the Orchard. This is a free activity for kids, recommended ages two through 15 years old.
Scary Movie Night: “The Addams Family”
October 10
6:30 pm (movie starting at 7:15 pm)
Bring your blankets and chairs to The Orchard for a creepy outdoor animated movie, “The Addams Family”. There will be face painting, yard games, and drinks for sale, and free popcorn while supplies will last. Festivities begin at 6:30, and the movie will start at 7:15 pm.
Orem City Truck-Or-Treat
October 18
11:00 – 2:00 pm
Quiet Hour 10:00 – 11:00
Hosted by Orem City, this annual event is a favorite among kids and adults! Come and get up close to all kinds of city vehicles, firetrucks, ambulances, construction trucks, police cars and more. Candy will be handed out at the Orem City booth.
Night of Fright and Market – new addition
October 24
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Come bring the kids to meet and take photos with some of the scariest villains from your favorite movies and books! There will be a dozen characters roaming the Orchard, yard games, and fire dancing shows at 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
New to this year’s Night of Fright is a market of local vendors selling homemade crafts and goods. There will also be Halloween treats and drinks for sale.
November – December
Orchard Lighting Event
November 17
6:00 pm
Officially kicking off the Christmas holiday season, join us in The Orchard for our annual Christmas tree lighting. This is one of the longest standing traditions we have at The Orchard, there will also be live music, treats, giveaways and yard games including the giant color changing shapes and life-sized Lite Brite and fireworks!
The lights will be turned on close to 6:00 pm and be on nightly from November 17through January 3.
8th Annual University Place Gingerbread Competition
November 24 – December 1
10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Join us for our 8th annual University Place Gingerbread Competition! The talent and creativity in the community is highlighted every year at this event… and rewarded! The first prize this year will receive $1,500! The Gingerbread houses will be on display all week inside the shopping center.
University Place is honored to be the only location in Utah County to host the Light the World Giving Machines. The vending machines sale items for charities both locally and internationally such as diapers, farm animals, meals, formulas, and more. This years of charities in the University Place machine include:
Ability 1st
Food and Care Coalition
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Tabitha’s Way
United Way
Water for Good
Santa’s Grand Arrival
November 28
9:30 – 10:30 am
The oldest tradition at University Place, bundle up and come welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive at University Place by *helicopter! There will be snacks and live entertainment while we wait for Santa to land in the parking lot between Tucanos Brazilian Grill and The Cheesecake Factory. Santa is scheduled to arrive around 10:00 am, weather permitting.
Quiet Santa
December 1 – 5
8:00 – 11:00 am
University Place has been a leader in the community offering Santa visits for kids with sensory sensitivity. This will be the eighth year Quiet Santa is returning to the shopping center. Our Santa is specifically trained to visit and interact with kids who with sensory sensitivity, and each child gets a longer period with Santa alone, before the shopping center opens to the public.
Appointments are required, and registration will open on Monday, November 17th on our website.
Santa and Friends
December 2, 9, 16, 23 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Come meet some of Santa’s friends at Santa’s Village, including superheroes, princesses, cartoons characters, and even some villains from the dark side! Bring your camera, pictures with the characters are free.
Christmas Carolers
December 3, 10, 17
6:00 – 8:00 pm
For the past six years we have invited carolers to roam the halls of the shopping center and create a festive environment for shoppers and diners. Come and enjoy the carolers on select Wednesday evenings in December.
Live Nativity
December 8
6:00 – 8:00 pm
One of our most treasured events – University Place’s Live Nativity has been here every year since the Orchard was built. The live nativity features real people and live animals recreating the evening that baby Jesus was born.
This event is put on in partnership with the Mountain View High School drama department whose students play the leading roles in the event.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
December 17, 18, 19 10:00 am
Bring your little children and come listen to a book read by Mrs. Claus! Each child will get a copy of the book read as a keepsake. Mrs. Claus will also lead the children in some carols and has a special guest she’s invited this year! There will also be treats and a craft for your little ones.
This event is by registration only and will open on our website on Monday, December first.
Lite Brite Nite
December 15 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Lite Brite Nite is kind of a winter carnival with our Christmas Lights. It includes music, photos with the Grinch, facepainting, balloon artists, elf scavenger hunt, our changing color shapes, life size Lite Brite, and treats.
New Year’s PhotoShoot
December 29 – January 3, 2026
Stop by Center Court, by the Customer Service desk, to kick off the new year by grabbing a photo with your family or friends at our 2026 photo wall decorated with balloons, the year, and lights!
All events are subject to change and weather. For more details and a full schedule of events, visit
https://www.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://www.universityplaceorem.com/. For more information about Woodbury Corporation, visit https://www.woodburycorp.com/.
OREM, Utah (August 4, 2025) – University Place has several events and festival planned to close out the summer with a bang! All events are free and include live concerts, one of the largest cultural festivals in the state and a remembrance of September 11. The events will be outside in The Orchard, University Place’s outdoor gathering space, and you are encouraged to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on.
Back to School Concert Bash, New
August 9
5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Ending summer with a big bang, bring your chairs and blankets as a variety of local bands perform throughout the evening. Local bands Sonic Duke will perform from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by Made for Midnight from 7:00- 8:00 p.m.
Then, starting at 8 p.m. the silent disco begins until 10 p.m. Grab a pair of headphones and get your groove on as two DJ serve up toe-tapping hits. Even if you don’t participate, a silent disco is great entertainment to watch as people dance to music that only they can hear!
Back to School Luau
August 11
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Join us as we bid farewell to summer and send the kids off to school with a party! We will tour Pacific traditions with delicious Polynesian food from the Hungary Hawaiian and shave ice for sale. There will be family friendly games and performances from different pacific islands including fire dancers!
Utah Valley Symphony Concert, New
August 16
7:00 p.m.
New this summer, come enjoy the music of the Utah Valley Symphony as they perform favorites from Hamilton, The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars and more. Conducted by Dr. Cheung Chau, Musician Alex Boye will also be making a special appearance.
Bolivian Festival
August 23
4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Come and enjoy an exciting parade featuring cultures from Central and South America! The parade will go through the shopping center and end at The Orchard where there will be a stage for live performances, kids’ activity area, a variety of authentic foods and more.
Brazilian Festival
September 6
11:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This event has become one of the most attend events at University Place, and one of the largest Brazilian festivals in the state! Sponsored by Tucanos Brazilian Grill, you won’t want to miss the samba parade that winds through the shopping center at University Place. The parade ends at The Orchard, where there are live performers, dancers, music and vendors celebrating Brazil.
Healing Field
September 8 – 13
Shopping center hours
In honor of the fallen during the September 11attacks, the Healing Field at The Orchard is a stunning visual reminder of that horrific day. There will be 2,977 flags set up in the grass, one flag for each person that perished during the attacks.
Inside the shopping center, there will be an educational display surrounding the events of the tragic day, located by Tradehome Shoes.
First Responders
September 11
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
First responders of Orem will be gathered at The Orchard, along with their fire trucks, ambulances and police cars to educate the community and offer an up-close look into the life saving vehicles.
Native Nations Festival
September 20
3:00- 6:00 p.m.
Returning for the fourth year, several tribes of Utah will be in attendance to educate and entertain at the Native Nations Festival. There will be booths set up to learn more about Native American culture, history and traditional dance performances. Fresh, traditional fry bread will be available for purchase.
All events are subject to change and weather. For more details and a full schedule of events, visit
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://live-university-place-production.pantheonsite.io/. For more information about Woodbury Corporation, visit https://www.woodburycorp.com/.
