Ogden, UT – Ogden City Arts is bringing music, movement, and community together this summer with its popular Dancing in the Park series at Lester Park with Deja Mitchell. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to join free outdoor dance evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., featuring beginner-friendly dance instruction, social dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere for families, friends, and individuals alike.
What better way to celebrate than being together on a summer evening with fun music and dancing?”, said Deja Mitchell, our dance instructor for the series.
Each event will highlight a variety of dance styles led by instructors who will guide participants through the steps. Coach’s Smoking BBQ food truck will also be on-site with food available for purchase, making it easy for attendees to enjoy an evening of dancing, dining, and community connection in one of Ogden’s favorite outdoor spaces.
The 2026 Dancing in the Park schedule includes:
June 29
Charleston, Hand Jive, Twist, Cowboy Slide
July 13
Electric Slide, Modern, Jazz Dance
August 10
Surfer Rock, Saturday Night Fever, Rock ’n’ Roll
September 14
Macarena, Dancehall, Vogue
The Dancing in the Park series is part of Ogden City’s’ ongoing efforts to activate Lester Park as a vibrant gathering space within the Nine Rails Creative District. Supported in part by funding from the Ogden Circle of Giving and Weber County RAMP, the program was created to encourage community engagement while promoting health, wellness, and social connection through dance and movement.
More than just a dance program, Dancing in the Park transforms Lester Park into a welcoming destination where neighbors can connect, families can spend time together, and residents of all ages can build relationships through shared cultural experiences. By creating opportunities for physical activity, creative expression, and meaningful social interaction, the series helps strengthen community bonds and contributes to the overall well-being of Ogden residents.
As the Nine Rails Creative District continues to grow, activating public spaces like Lester Park remains a key priority. Programs such as Dancing in the Park demonstrate how arts and cultural activities can increase park utilization, foster social cohesion, and create a stronger sense of belonging throughout the community.
“Lester Park has long been a place where people come together, and we are excited to continue building on that tradition through Dancing in the Park,” said Lorie Buckley, Arts Administrator for Ogden City. “This program is about much more than learning dance steps, it’s about creating opportunities for connection, promoting health and wellness, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome in the heart of the Nine Rails Creative District. When people gather to share an experience, whether they’re dancing, watching, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, they help create the strong, connected community that makes Ogden special.”
All Dancing in the Park events are free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, water, and a willingness to have fun. No previous dance experience is required.
For more information, please contact arts@ogdencity.gov.
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About Ogden City Arts
Ogden City Arts supports the belief that the arts are an integral part of a healthy culture, providing intellectual nourishment and social benefit, and that community arts programs provide significant value to both communities and artists.
Ogden City Arts’ mission is to enrich the lives of Ogden residents and visitors by ensuring access to the visual, performing, and literary arts, as well as arts education. In supporting arts organizations and independent artists, Ogden City Arts works to connect the arts to daily life, education, and economic development.
Media Contact:
Lorie Buckley
Ogden City Arts Administrator
801-629-8718
