The Old Capitol Arts and Living History Festival began over 20 years ago to celebrate and promote the arts in this area of Utah. The Territorial Statehouse and State Park in Fillmore seemed the ideal location due to the picturesque Old Capitol and its park as well as its proximity to I-15.

The first festival included several artist booths. As the festival grew, it evolved into an event that included more than the visual arts. Today's Old Capitol Arts & Living History Festival showcases music, dance, children's activities, living history, and of course, food!

There are now usually around 50 artist and artisan booths, two stages with ongoing quality entertainment, many living history reenactors, a fine art display, a quilt display by the local quilt guild,  fun hands-on children's activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, and numerous food booths. The festival's theme "The Pioneering Spirit" has indeed fit the festival's humble beginnings and gradual journey to what it is today.

School Programs

Fun for 4th Grade Students

One of the most noteworthy features of the Old Capitol Arts & Living History Festival is the visit of 700-800 4th grade students from various school districts in the region. During their visit, they are divided up into small groups and rotate every 12-15 minutes in order to experience various art and living history demonstrations and hands-on activities such as broom making, native dancing, and metal work. A guided tour of the Territorial Statehouse and Museum is also available.

Currently, there are three sessions (two hours each) devoted to these eager-to-learn students as well as their teachers and parent volunteers – Thursday morning, Thursday afternoon, and Friday morning.

Note for schools: If the 4th grade in your school is interested in participating, please contact the festival at least 4-5 months in advance. Also, grants for up to $1,500 may be available to help with transportation costs.  

Things to Do

Living History

This area includes displays and hands-on activities:

Mountain men camp

Blacksmith

Broom-making

Barrel-making

Native American dancing

Spinning

Cooking

Children's Activities

The Children's Activities area has something for every youngster including: building with giant-size Lincoln logs, drawing with colored chalk, playing on stilts, and many other creative and fun things to do.

Quilt Exhibit

Many beautiful quilts created by members of the local Quilt Guild will be on display in the POD. The striking quilt pictured on this page was created by Georgia Starley of Fillmore, Utah.

Fine Art Show

The Fine Art Show is an opportunity for artists to display their work at the Old Capitol Arts & Living History Festival.

All artwork should be submitted on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the POD.

Artists may submit up to four works of art. Artwork should not have been displayed previously in this exhibit. All artwork is non-judged. Artwork must be suitably framed and wired for hanging. Gallery wrap canvas is acceptable. Artwork is not insured by the festival, but reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent damage or theft. The display will be open to the public Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Artwork should be picked up between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the conclusion of the exhibit. No sales are permitted during the exhibit, but you may work with a potential buyer on your own.

For more information, please contact Jeff Reddoor at 801-971-9830.

Entertainment Schedule of Events 

Main Stage

Friday, September 8, 2023

Afternoon

12:30: Millard High School Choir

1:00: Many Strings and Company

2:00: Bear River Ramblers

3:00: Melody and Megan

4:00: Britney Martin

5:00: Timeless

6:00: Bear River Ramblers

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Morning

10:00: The Beatdiggers

11:00: Los Hermanos de Los Andes

Afternoon

12:00: The Ride

1:00: Lauren and Jack

2:00: Kirby Heyborne

3:00: Los Hermanos de los Andes

4:00: The Ride

5:00: Lauren and Jack

6:00: The Beatdiggers

Date:  September 8-9, 2023

Location: Territorial Statehouse Park, Fillmore, Utah  

Click here for more information