- Dozens of free events, including several new experiences, will take place at The Orchard this summer
OREM, Utah (May 7, 2026) – University Place today announced its 2026 lineup of free summer events and activities at The Orchard, the shopping center’s outdoor gathering space. This summer marks America’s 250th birthday, and several events throughout the season will celebrate the milestone including a concert by the Utah Valley Symphony and a historic display featuring every official U.S. flag.
All events are family-centered, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for seating.
Orem Asian Festival
May 9 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
University Place will once again host the Orem Asian Festival in partnership with the Utah Chinese Association. Guests can enjoy live performances, paper-cutting crafts, authentic cultural displays and food while learning about the history of Chinese immigrants in Utah through exhibits from the Utah Chinese History Museum.
Orem Chorale Summer Concert
May 15 | 6:30 p.m.
The Orchard will come alive with music during a special performance by the Orem Chorale Adult Choral Group. This year’s concert, “Rise Up Singing,” will feature an evening of uplifting and recognizable music.
Hot Summer Nights: Mat Pilates Series
May 27–Sept. 2 | 7–8 p.m.
Every Wednesday, except June 10, guests can participate in a free community Pilates class at The Orchard led by instructors from Urban Pilates at University Place. Participants are encouraged to bring a mat, towel and water bottle.
Utah Valley STEM Fest
May 28 | 5–8 p.m.
One of University Place’s fastest-growing events, STEM Fest offers hands-on activities and demonstrations focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Participating organizations include Hill Air Force Base Air & Space STEM Outreach, UVU Applied Engineering & Transportation Technologies, UVU College of Engineering & Technology, UVU College of Science/American Chemical Society, MTECH, Thanksgiving Point, UTA, UVU Creative Learning Studio and Mad Science.
America 250 Historical Flag Display
June 1–July 31 | 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, guests can explore a historical flag display featuring every official U.S. flag design from the nation’s history. Each flag includes educational information about the time period, including new states, presidential inaugurations and notable historical events. A large-format copy of the Declaration of Independence will also be on display.
Freedom’s Melody: Celebrating American Music
June 8 | 7 p.m.
Freedom’s Melody returns for its third year as part of America’s Freedom Festival. The free outdoor concert will feature the American Fork Symphony and Highland Choral Arts in a celebration of America’s musical heritage. Guests can enjoy selections from composers including John Williams, John Philip Sousa and George and Ira Gershwin.
Oremfest: Orchard’s Jam
June 10 | 5–9:30 p.m.
Oremfest returns to University Place for its eighth year with Orchard’s Jam, a community celebration of America’s 250th Birthday featuring activities, games, music and local pride throughout The Orchard. Guests can also support nearly 100 young entrepreneurs participating in the Kids Market, where children will showcase and sell handmade goods.
Outdoor Movie Nights
June 5, 12, 19 and 26 | 8:30 p.m.
Friday nights in June will feature outdoor movies at The Orchard. This year’s patriotic-themed lineup includes “Independence Day,” “Raising the Bar,” “Apollo 13” and “Field of Dreams.”
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to reserve their spot and enjoy yard games, Kona Ice shaved ice and free popcorn while supplies last. Movies will begin shortly after 9 p.m.
American Folk Ensemble
June 20 | 5–8 p.m.
One of The Orchard’s longest-running traditions, the American Folk Ensemble event returns in partnership with America’s Freedom Festival and America 250 Utah. Families can enjoy mini golf, face painting and yard games beginning at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., the American Folk Ensemble dancers and bluegrass band will perform traditional folk and clog dancing routines that have been featured during the group’s international tours representing the United States.
Shakespeare in The Orchard
June 29 | 5 p.m.
Guests can enjoy an evening of classic theater under the summer sky with performances by the Grassroots Shakespeare Company. Seating opens at 5 p.m., followed by “Much Ado About Nothing” at 5:30 p.m. and “The Tempest” at 7:15 p.m.
African Heritage Festival
July 11 | 2–8 p.m.
The African Heritage Festival will feature a lively parade around The Orchard along with live performances, drumming clinics, food vendors and cultural activities celebrating African heritage and traditions.
Happiest Night on Earth
July 18 | 6–8 p.m.
Families are invited to spend an evening with beloved storybook princes and princesses during this character-filled event. There will be stage performances and photo opportunities with favorite fairytale characters.
Pioneer Day Celebration and Market
July 24 | 5–9:45 p.m.
University Place will celebrate Pioneer Day with live music, giveaways, pie-eating contests, stick-pull competitions and family activities throughout The Orchard. Guests can also browse nearly 50 local vendors and artisans at the Sunset Farmers Market.
The evening will conclude with a fireworks show choreographed to music played throughout the venue and broadcast on a local radio station. Station details will be announced on the event website the day of the event.
World Folkfest: Jam Sesh
July 28 | 6–9 p.m.
To kick off World Folkfest festivities, performance groups from around the world will share music, dance and cultural traditions at The Orchard. Participating groups representing Belgium, France, Slovakia, Chile, Korea and Trinity will perform throughout the evening.
Back-to-School Luau
Aug. 3 | 7–9 p.m.
Guests can say goodbye to summer with a family-friendly luau featuring Polynesian food, games and live entertainment. The evening will include performances from professional Polynesian dancers and crowd-favorite fire dancers.
Utah Valley Symphony Concert
Aug. 15 | 7 p.m.
The Utah Valley Symphony will perform a free patriotic concert celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for an evening of music at The Orchard.
Bolivian Festival
Aug. 22 | 3–9 p.m.
The Bolivian Festival will feature a colorful parade celebrating cultures from Central and South America. Guests can enjoy live performances, authentic food, family activities and cultural displays throughout the shopping center and in The Orchard.
All events are subject to change due to weather. For additional details and a full event schedule, visit https://www.universityplaceorem.com/events/.
About University Place
Opening in the early 1970s in Orem, Utah, University Place (formerly University Mall) is a 120-acre development in the midst of a $500 million revitalization. In addition to retail offerings, University Place is home to upscale residential, Class-A office space and high-quality green space. University Place was first developed and is still owned and operated by Woodbury Corporation, a 100-year-old, fourth-generation, family-run business and one of the oldest 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/.
Press Contact
Amanda Butterfield
Woodbury Corporation PR
a_butterfield@woodburycorp.com
801-440-9837