Grand Canyon's History Festival

Behind Grand Canyon's stunning landscape are stories of people who lived off the land, explored, mined, and exploited it, raised a family and business, and fought to protect it for future generations.

Join us on the South Rim to travel back in time during Grand Canyon's annual history festival, "Echoes from the Canyon". Meet the important people who made Grand Canyon what it is today.

August 2019
Friday, August 16

Special Living History Walk
For thousands of years, humans have been part of the Grand Canyon. Join a Harvey Girl to learn more about the daring young women who redefined hotel and restaurant service in the American Southwest. Accessible. Easy walk.
Verkamp’s Visitor Center 10:30-11:30 am

Evening Program: Canyon Home Companion
Join us for sing-a-long fun as our historic characters explore the settling of the American Southwest.
Shrine of the Ages 8:00-9:00 pm

Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18

Mule Demonstrations
Meet our mules and mule packers to learn about the time-honored tradition of packing mules into Grand Canyon. Also enjoy a historical blacksmithing demonstration.
Bright Angel Mule Corral
Join anytime between 9:00-11:00 am

Verkamp’s Visitor Center 10:30-11:30 am History Walk
For thousands of years, humans have been part of the Grand Canyon. Join a ranger to discover different stories of humankind's enduring relationship with the canyon. Accessible. Easy walk.

“Jake and the Santa Fe Gang” Children’s Theater Show
Enjoy a fun and interactive performance to see if Jake and his miners can outsmart the mischievous Santa Fe Railroad Gang.
Verkamp’s Visitor Center 1:30-2:00 pm

Landscapes and Cultural Identity
Guest Speaker Jason Nez will discuss landscapes and cultural identities to recognize the past, celebrate Grand Canyon’s future, and redefine the next century.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater 3:00-4:00 pm

Evening Program: Echoes from the Canyon
Listen to individuals from Grand Canyon’s past whose journeys of discovery, inspiration, and opportunity have influenced our experience here today. Reflect on how these stories will shape our relationship to the canyon for generations to come.
Shrine of the Ages 8:00-9:00 pm

Monday, August 19

Special Living History Walk
For thousands of years, humans have been part of the Grand Canyon. Join Peggy Verkamp to hear about her family’s life and business on the edge of the Grand Canyon. Accessible. Easy walk.
Verkamp’s Visitor Center 10:30-11:30 am