BRIGHTON INSTITUTE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Teahouse Trekking in the High Himalaya
📍Brighton Fire Station
📅 Thursday, June 18th, 2026
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Join us as Kathy McKellar and Andy Agardy share their experience trekking the high pass trails in the Khumbu region of Nepal — a region that is within sight of the majestic Mount Everest.
About Kathy and Andy
Kathy is an outdoor photographer of merit and outdoor adventurer, and Andy has lived, worked, and adventured in the Cottonwoods for many years. Both Kathy and Andy have presented to the Brighton Institute before about their time in the Peruvian Andes.
Fourth of July Celebration
📍Milly Chalet/Brighton Loop at Brighton Resort
📅 Saturday, July 4th, 2026
🕖 8:00 - 11:00 AM
The Annual Breakfast at the Milly Chalet will be served from 8:00 - 10:00 AM. The cost of breakfast varies from year-to-year and will be posted on the Fourth of July Event page of our website by the beginning of July.
The Parade will beging at 10:00 AM and will follow this order.
10:00 AM: UPD Motors Clear Route and do a trick loop to exit.
10:05 AM: Vehicles and Floats begin once around the Loop.
UFA will be followed by UPD and Solitude Float.
Candy Razors will come next in the following order: Solitude Razor, UFA Razors, UPD Razor, BCCA Razor, and Rose Rogers Razor. In order to keep children safe, candy may ONLY be thrown from the Candy Razors.
10:30 AM: Bicyclists and Walkers will join after the last Razor passes the Visitor’s Center.
The parade is FREE, so please come and enjoy!
Please note that the Brighton Loop will be closed for ALL traffic from 9:45 - 11:00 AM.
Brighton Days and Wasatch Wildflower Festival
Join us for a tribute to the natural and cultural history of Big Cottonwood Canyon, sponsored by Cottonwood Canyon Foundation, the Brighton Institute, AND Brighton and Solitude Resorts, with dozens of organizations having displays and activities for kids and families.
📍Brighton Resort
📅 Saturday, July 11th, 2026
🕖 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Featuring the Music of Dave McCormick
Wildflower Tours at Alpine Rose
Booths and Activities at the Brighton Center Parking Lot
Historic Brighton Loop Walking Tour starts at the Historical Society Booth
Food will be available for purchase at the Blind Minder’s Coffee Ship and the Alpine Rose.
📍Solitude Mountain Resort
📅 Sunday, July 12th, 2026
🕖 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Featuring the Music of Lise Brunhart and Craig Schreiber
Wildflower Tours at Solitude Village
FREE Art Activities at Solitude Village
Food will be available for purchase at the Stone Haus Pizzeria and Creamery.
Please register for Brighton Days and Wasatch Wildflower Festival by clicking this link. Registration is FREE, but required.
HOP Outdoors Program Introduction
📍Brighton Fire Station
📅 Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026
🕖 6:30 - 8:00 PM
The Brighton Institute is partnering with the Human Outreach Program, or HOP, to bring the HOP Outdoors program to Big Cottonwood Canyon this summer (2026)!
The Brighton Institute invites you to join adventurer and humanitarian Dean Cardinale for an inspiring journey around the world — from his early days on ski patrol performing avalanche control in the mountains of Utah to the summit of Mount Everest including rescues in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Through stunning photography and storytelling, Dean will share experiences guiding expeditions through the Himalayas, Patagonia, across Greenland, and to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Learn how these adventures led to the creation of the Human Outreach Project, building an orphanage and starting school lunch programs in Tanzania, building medical clinics in the high-altitude villages of Nepal, and helping construct schools in Peru.
Closer to home, Dean will also share how these experiences inspired the HOP Outdoors program that brings Utah youth into the outdoors, including in Big Cottonwood Canyon for the first time this summer with the support of the resorts and the Brighton Institute. Set to a stunning slideshow, this presentation is an unforgettable evening of adventure, purpose, and inspiration.
Learn More About the HOP Outdoors Program
You can learn more about the HOP Outdoors program by going to their website.
Beaver Dam Analog Maintenance
📍Willow Creek Heights Conservation Area
📅 Saturday, May 23rd AND Sunday, May 24th
🕖 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Directions
We will be meeting at the Willow Heights Trailhead at 9:45 a.m. To reach the Willow Heights Trailhead, drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (SR-190) for approximately 12 miles. Look for roadside parking on the north (left) side of the road, located 0.4 miles past Silver Fork Lodge. The trailhead is marked by an engraved granite boulder.
Event Description
This project is located at an approximate elevation of 8,500 feet. Volunteers should be prepared to hike up to one mile on uneven terrain while carrying light tools and then spend the day outdoors completing maintenance on already-completed BDA structures. Please dress in layers and bring plenty of water.
Important Notes
There are no restrooms on site so please plan accordingly.
Weather conditions may cause the project to be canceled or rescheduled.
Please Bring
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen
Sunglasses or safety glasses
Long pants (jeans or heavy material), long-sleeved shirts, and a hat are strongly recommended
Work gloves (we will have some if you do not)
Study shoes with good tread; no open-toed shoes
A sack lunch and/or snacks
Shovel and clipper if you have them
What, When, and How To Pull
📍Brighton Fire Station
📅 Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Cottonwood Canyons Foundation’s (CCF) Plant Stewardship Director, Ella Abelli-Amen, will discuss the best strategies to manage noxious weeds around our mountain homes and within our community.
About Ella
Originally from Petaluma, California, Ella spent six years studying plant ecology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her experience ranges from greenhouse management and alpine plant surveys to teaching botany labs for undergraduates while her research focused on plant and animal interaction ecology and GIS. Now, she collaborates with community partners to manage invasive plants, restore native species through planting and monitoring of rare plants, and engages with the community through education and stewardship to build ecological resilience across the Tri-canyons.*
Learn More About CCF’s Plant Stewardship Program
You can learn more about the CCF’s Plant Stewardship Program by going to their website. Here you can learn about volunteer positions, 2026 activity dates, invasive weed management, and how YOU can help.
*"About Ella" taken from the CCF website.
Annual Firewise Community Meeting
📍Brighton Fire Station
📅 Monday, May 11th, 2026
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Did you know May is National Wildfire Prevention Month? Since we are a National Firewise Community, the Brighton Institute and Big Cottonwood Canyon Association (BCCA) sponsor an annual Community Firewise Meeting to go over details about how to reduce wildfire risk.
What to Expect
Bring your questions about the new State Wildfire Maintenance Mandate and listen for updates about fees, home assessments, and resources for complying with the new mandate from our panel of experts.
Panel Members
Mike Swinsick and Justin Roach from Utah Forests Fire and State Lands Agency
UFA Chief Craig Ellingson
USFS District Ranger Adam Shaw
Sgt. Ed Twohill from Brighton’s Unified Police.
The Forest Service will also share their plans for Big Cottonwood Canyon during the upcoming wildfire season.
Can’t make this event in person? No worries! Join us using the Zoom link provided below.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84319807762
Meeting ID: 843 1980 7762
Pink Moon Sound Bath and Meditation
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
🕖 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Join us for a restorative sound bath experience led by Chelsea Ericksen that connects us to the land through breath, meditation, and movement. We'll use the full moon as an anchor while embracing the spring season of new beginnings. Refreshments will be supplied afterwards.
What to Bring:
Yoga Mat
Wear Comfy Clothes
Optional: Journal and Pen
About Chelsea
Chelsea Ericksen is a sound bath facilitator, intuitive channeler, and Jungian coach in Salt Lake City, Utah. She holds transformative containers for those ready to go beneath the surface and reclaim the parts of themselves they once abandoned. Her work blends sound, Jungian depth psychology, and divination through symbolic card readings to reveal what lives in the subconscious and bring shadow into the light with tenderness and truth. With over ten years of experience curating events and retreats, Chelsea weaves community, ritual, and emotional integration into every space she touches.
Ski Waxing Clinic
📍Solitude Nordic and Snowshoe Center
📅 Friday, January 9th, 2026
🕖 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Come join us for a fun and informative Ski Waxing Clinic by local legend Don Despain at the Solitude Nordic and Snowshoe Center! Whether you are a seasoned skier or hitting the slopes for the first time, this event is perfect for anyone looking to improve their skiing experience. Our experts will teach you the ins and outs of waxing your skis, so you can glide effortlessly down the mountain. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable tips and tricks to keep your skis in top condition. See you there!
Beaver Dam Analog Build
📍Willow Creek Heights Conservation Area
📅 Saturday, October 25th
🕖 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Directions:
We will meeting at the Willow Heights Trailhead at 8:45 a.m. To reach the Willow Heights Trailhead, drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (SR-190) for approximately 12 miles. Look for roadside parking on the north (left) side of the road, located 0.4 miles past Silver Fork Lodge. The trailhead is marked by an engraved granite boulder.
Event Description:
Volunteers will help complete BDA structures where posts have already been installed. The work involves weaving natural materials within and against the posts to create structures in the steam channel. Volunteers will hike tools to work sites (half-mile to lower BDAS and one mile to upper structures), learn BDA construction techniques, and help cut branches and gather rocks and soil. We’ll use on-site materials like dad and downed tree branches to create structures ready to capture spring runoff. This will be a “dry build” with spring maintenance planned once water returns, offering great learning conditions and hands-on watershed restoration experience.
Important Notes:
We will provide extra word gloves, materials, and necessary tools to complete project work.
There are no restrooms on site so please plan accordingly.
A brief safety review and liability waiver will precede the project work.
Weather conditions may cause the project to be canceled or rescheduled.
Please Bring:
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen
Sunglasses or safety glasses
Long pants (jeans or heavy material) and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended
Work gloves (we will have some if you do not)
Study shoes with good tread; no open-toed shoes
A sack lunch and/or snacks
What to Expect:
This project is located at an approximate elevation of 8,500 feet.Volunteers should be prepared to hike up to one mile on uneven terrain while carrying light tools, spend the day outdoors, and get their hands dirty handling natural materials like branches, rocks, and soil. Please dress in layers and bring plenty of water.
RSVP Today:
Please RSVP by October 24th to Kayleigh Mullen at 801-718-5359 or kayleigh.mullen@tu.org.
This event is hosted by Public Utilities, Trout Unlimited, the Town of Brighton, Utah DNR, Apex Fire Preparedness, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, and the Brighton Institute.
The Art and Essence of Qigong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 September 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Discover the ancient practice of Qigong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person will be lead by an experienced instructor who will guide you through various Qigong techniques. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qigong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals.
Sand and Paint Picnic Tables
📍Silverlake Visitor’s Center at Brighton Resort
📅 September 20th
🕖 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Brighton Community and any other volunteers, we need YOUR HELP sanding and painting the various picnic table found at Silverlake. We will provide paint, sand paper, and snacks. Please bring gloves, masks, water, and, if you have it, a battery-powered belt sander.
We truly do appreciate your help in keeping Silverlake a beautiful place!
Open Mic Jam Session
📍Thirsty Squirrel at Solitude Resort
📅 September 18th
🕖6:00 - 8:30 PM
Come join us for a Open Mic Jam Session up in Big Cottonwood Canyon! Whether you are there to play or listen, it will be a great night. See you there!
The Art and Essence of Qigong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 September 16th and 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Discover the ancient practice of Qigong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person will be lead by an experienced instructor who will guide you through various Qigong techniques. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qigong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals.
Community Threads Potluck
📍Brighton Firehouse
📅 September 15th
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
🍲 It’s a potluck! Please bring a dish to share!
💛 Theme: The Heart of Community
Community Threads is a welcoming monthly circle for anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the rhythm of life. Come sit in the sacred thread of story, stillness, and support. All are welcome.
What to Expect:
Light facilitation and grounding practices
Authentic conversation
Tea & connection
A space to be yourself
Please contact Nicole at 801-910-9206 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there.
Beaver: “Friend or Foe” Symposium
📍Brighton Fire Station
📅 September 10th
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Please join us for an amazing night centered around our ecosystem engineers: the BEAVER! These marvelous creatures are more than just industrious dam-builders; they are vital to the health of our environment. Beavers improve water quality, create wetlands which help alleviate drought, reduce erosion, and filter and purify water. They even play a role in fire protection and prevention (something we can all appreciate).
The evening will be hosted by The Brighton Institute and The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, featuring experts from DWR, Sageland Collaborative, and Swaner Ecocenter. Not only will we learn how to support the work of beaver, but also how to mitigate problematic situations without harming our furry eco-friends!
The Art and Essence of Qigong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 September 2nd, 16th, and 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Discover the ancient practice of Qigong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person will be lead by an experienced instructor who will guide you through various Qigong techniques. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qigong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals.
Open Mic Night
📍Thirsty Squirrel at Solitude Ski Resort
📅 August 21st AND September 18th
🕖 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Come join us at the Thirsty Squirrel at the Solitude Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon for Open Mic Night from 6:00 - 8:30 pm! Whether you are there to play or listen, it will be a great night. See you there!
The Art and Essence of Qigong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 August 19th; September 2nd, 16th, and 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Come join us for a transformative experience at our event, The Art and Essence of Qigong! Discover the ancient practice of Qigong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person event will be held at Milly Chalet at the Brighton Resort, where you will be guided through various Qigong techniques by an experienced instructor. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qigong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals. See you there!
Community Threads
📍Brighton Firehouse
📅 August 18th AND September 15th
August 18th - Community Matters
September 15th - The Heart of Community
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
About the Group:
Community Threads is a welcoming monthly circle for anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the rhythm of life. Come sit in the sacred thread of story, stillness, and support. All are welcome.
What to Expect:
Light facilitation and grounding practices
Authentic conversation
Tea & connection
A space to be yourself
Please contact Nicole at 801-910-9206 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Art and Essence of Qigong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 August 5th and 19th; September 2nd, 16th, and 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Come join us for a transformative experience at our event, The Art and Essence of Qigong! Discover the ancient practice of Qigong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person event will be held at Milly Chalet at the Brighton Resort, where you will be guided through various Qigong techniques by an experienced instructor. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qigong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals. See you there!
The Art and Essence of Qigong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 July 22nd; August 5th and 19th; September 2nd, 16th, and 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Come join us for a transformative experience at our event, The Art and Essence of Qigong! Discover the ancient practice of Qigong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person event will be held at Milly Chalet at the Brighton Resort, where you will be guided through various Qigong techniques by an experienced instructor. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qigong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals. See you there!
Community Threads
📍Brighton Firehouse
📅 July 21st, August 18th, AND September 15th
July 21st - Rooted in Community
August 18th - Community Matters
September 15th - The Heart of Community
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
About the Group:
Community Threads is a welcoming monthly circle for anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the rhythm of life. Come sit in the sacred thread of story, stillness, and support. All are welcome.
What to Expect:
Light facilitation and grounding practices
Authentic conversation
Tea & connection
A space to be yourself
Please contact Nicole at 801-910-9206 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there.
Open Mic Night
📍Thirsty Squirrel at Solitude Ski Resort
📅 July 17th, August 21st, AND September 18th
🕖 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Come join us at the Thirsty Squirrel at the Solitude Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon for Open Mic Night from 6:00 - 8:30 pm! Whether you are there to play or listen, it will be a great night. See you there!
Wasatch Wildflower Festival & Brighton Days
Join us for a tribute to the natural and cultural history of Big Cottonwood Canyon, sponsored by Cottonwood Canyon Foundation, the Brighton Institute, AND Brighton and Solitude Resorts, with dozens of organizations having displays and activities for kids and families.
📍Brighton Resort
📅 Saturday, July 12th
🕖 9:00 - 2:00 PM
Featuring the Music of Dave McCormick
Wildflower Tours
Craft, History, and Nature Booths
Hawk Watch and Clark Planetarium Exhibits
Food will be available for purchase at the Blind Minder’s Coffee Ship and the Alpine Rose.
📍Solitude Ski Resort
📅 July 13th
🕖 9:00 - 2:00 PM
Featuring the Music of Lise Brunhart and Craig Schriber
Wildflower Tours
Art Booths
Food will be available for purchase at the Stone Haus Pizzeria and Creamery.
These events are FREE and open to all!
The Art and Essence of Qigong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 July 8th and 22nd; August 5th and 19th; September 2nd, 16th, and 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Come join us for a transformative experience at our event, The Art and Essence of Qigong! Discover the ancient practice of Qigong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person event will be held at Milly Chalet at the Brighton Resort, where you will be guided through various Qigong techniques by an experienced instructor. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qigong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals. See you there!
Fourth of July Celebration
📍Milly Chalet/Brighton Loop at Brighton Resort
📅 July 4th
🕖 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Annual Breakfast at the Milly is served from 8am-10:30 am. Breakfast is served by Brighton Ski Resort in the Milly Chalet at 8 AM - cost varies.
The Parade begins at 10:30 am and goes until three laps are completed. The first lap is the Grand Marshall lap. The second lap will include large and small vehicles and all bicyclists. The final lap will include the Candy Toss and any walkers who would like to join in. Candy may NOT be thrown from any vehicles or bikes.
The parade is FREE, so please come and enjoy!
Please note that the Brighton Loop will be closed for ALL traffic from 10:00 am until noon.
Bike Repair Workshop
📍Brighton Fire Station
📅 June 28th
🕖 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Come join the Brighton Institute for a fun day of fixing up your bike! Expert mechanic David Taylor will be on hand to teach you about any repairs or adjustments a bike may need. Whether it's a flat tire, squeaky brakes, or just a general tune-up, we will teach you the skills to fix it.
The Art and Essence of Qi Gong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 June 10th; July 8th and 22nd; August 5th and 19th; September 2nd, 16th, and 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Come join us for a transformative experience at our event, The Art and Essence of Qi Gong! Discover the ancient practice of Qi Gong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person event will be held at Milly Chalet at the Brighton Resort, where you will be guided through various Qi Gong techniques by an experienced instructor. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qi Gong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals. See you there!
Living with Loss
📍Brighton Fire Station
📅 May 22nd
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
In the past six months, our community has experienced deep heartbreak, including the loss of lives to suicide. In times like these, it’s more important than ever to come together—not just to grieve, but to hold one another through it.
Loss comes in many forms—a loved one, a job, a relationship, a neighbor, or a life you thought you’d be living. This 90-minute workshop is a gentle space to explore how loss impacts us, and how we begin to live with it—not just “get over” it.
You can expect:
• Thoughtful guidance and reflection
• Supportive connection with others
• Tools to help process change and hold space for healing
Whether your loss is recent or long ago, visible or quiet, you are welcome here.
About the Facilitator: Nicole Merges is a canyon local, transformational coach, wellness educator, and trained chaplain passionate about emotional well-being, self-awareness, and building real human connection. She create spaces where growth feels safe and authentic.
Come as you are. Bring a journal, a friend, or just yourself. You don’t have to carry it all alone.
The Art and Essence of Qi Gong
📍Milly Chalet at Brighton Resort
📅 April 29th; June 10th; July 8th and 22nd; August 5th and 19th; September 2nd, 16th, and 30th
🕖 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Come join us for a transformative experience at our event, The Art and Essence of Qi Gong! Discover the ancient practice of Qi Gong and learn how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. This in-person event will be held at Milly Chalet at the Brighton Resort, where you will be guided through various Qi Gong techniques by an experienced instructor. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing for years, this event is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Qi Gong. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals. See you there!
Bike Repair Workshop
📍Brighton Fire Station
📅 April 17th
🕖 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Come join the Brighton Institute for a fun day of fixing up your bike! Expert mechanic David Taylor will be on hand to teach you about any repairs or adjustments a bike may need. Whether it's a flat tire, squeaky brakes, or just a general tune-up, we will teach you the skills to fix it.
Earth Day Stewardship
📍Big Cottonwood Canyon Park and Ride
📅 April 17th
🕖 8:00 AM
Join the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Snowbird, REI, and more for the Earth Day Stewardship Event on Saturday, March 19. Meet for breakfast at 8 AM at Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride, then carpool. No experience needed and families are welcome.