Main street beats: Park City’s May calendar brims with culture and cuisine

Katherine Heigl will unveil her first solo exhibition "Mother Nature" at Gallery Mar this May. Photo: Hollye Shepard courtesy of Gallery MAR.

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City is set to dazzle this May with a compelling blend of historical narratives, celebrity art exhibitions, and high-profile comedic performances. The Historic Park City Alliance invites locals and visitors to immerse themselves in a month-long celebration of culture and history along Main Street, with events designed to entertain, educate, and inspire.

Dive into some Park City History

The month kicks off with a nod to history at the Park City Museum on May 8 from 5 – 6 p.m. The lecture, “The Lusitania Disaster Touches Park City,” sheds light on local ties to the tragic 1915 sinking of the RMS Lusitania with Parkite John Edward “Jack” Inman’s fate who was aboard the ship. The historical theme continues with other lectures, including one on Edward P. Ferry, a key figure in Park City’s early capitalist ventures on May 22 from 5 – 6 p.m.

Don’t forget to venture into the Park City Museum on Saturday, May 18, for FREE Day. From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., enjoy free entrance for friends and family.

Dabble in the arts with a celebrity exhibition

Art lovers will be drawn to Gallery MAR on May 31, where actress and artist Katherine Heigl unveils her first solo exhibition with her husband, Josh Kelley. This unique show promises a diverse range of media and genres, offering a glimpse into Heigl’s creative talents beyond her acting career.

All proceeds from the exhibition will support the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, established by Nancy and Katherine Heigl in 2008. The Foundation is dedicated to ending animal cruelty and abuse and honors the memory of their son and brother, Jason.

Laugh and sing with comedy and live music

The Egyptian Theatre, a cultural cornerstone of Park City, boasts a packed schedule this May. It starts with the Park City Follies, an eagerly anticipated local production that mixes satire and celebration of community life on May 4 – 5.

The comedy continues with Gwyneth Goes Skiing, running May 16 – 26, with proceeds going towards the tuition-free YouTheatre Program.

The theatre will also host bluegrass virtuoso Sam Bush from May 9- 11, and towards the month’s end, David Archuleta, a pop sensation known for his captivating performances from May 30 – June 1.

Cheers your Mom

Mother’s Day in Park City is particularly festive, with numerous dining establishments offering special menus and cocktails to boot.

Highlights include a luxurious tapas brunch at Riverhorse on Main and a three-course prix fixe dinner at Butcher’s Chop House, both perfect for celebrating the special day.

Start or end the celebration at Alpine Distilling’s Social Aid and Pleasure Club for specialty cocktails from 12 – 5 p.m.

See it all

Rounding out the month are events like the Park City Gallery Stroll on May 31, offering an evening of art, music, and community engagement. Cruise downtown to take in various musical performances at Downstairs and The Spur Bar and Grill,  catering to all tastes.

Historic Park City is offering free parking in the China Bridge garage all month to make coming downtown even easier this spring.