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Things to Do in Payson, Utah

Payson is the south end of Utah County. Pioneers arrived on Peteetneet Creek on October 20, 1850, and the town took its name from James Pace, one of the first settlers. It is known for Golden Onion Days over Labor Day weekend, a Scottish heritage festival each July, and the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, which climbs from Payson Canyon toward Mount Nebo and comes down near Nephi.

Population
21,101 at the 2020 census
Settled
1850, on Peteetneet Creek
Named for
James Pace, an early settler
Scenic drive
Nebo Loop Scenic Byway

This week in Payson

No dated Payson events in our calendar for the next seven days. We only list events with a confirmed date and a source.

See everything happening in Utah County this weekend, or the full Events Hub.

Coming up in Payson

Community

Payson Santa Dash

Friday, November 27, 4 PM
Peteetneet Museum, Payson · $8

A one mile run or walk through Payson that ends at the Peteetneet Museum with hot chocolate, a doughnut and carols while the Christmas lights get turned on. The first 100 entrants get a Santa hat, and you can skip the run and just come for the lighting.

Details
Festival

Payson Christmas Festival

Saturday, November 28, Noon to 7 PM
Historic Main Street, Payson · Free

Payson's fourth annual Christmas shopping day on Main Street, with local shops, carolers, food trucks and Santa.

Details

Know what is happening in Payson before it happens.

The free Provo FOMO newsletter covers Payson and the rest of Utah County: events, openings and weekend picks.

Worth knowing about Payson

Where to go in and around Payson

Picks from our local guides that are in or near Payson.

🥤 Soda Shops in Provo and Utah County: Where to Get Dirty Soda

  • Sip-N · Spanish Fork and Payson
  • Bevvy's Soda Shop · Payson

🚗 Best Scenic Drives in Utah Valley: Alpine Loop, Provo Canyon & More

  • Nebo Loop Scenic Byway · Payson to Nephi

💦 Best Waterfalls in Utah Valley: Bridal Veil, Stewart Falls & More

  • Grotto Falls · Payson Canyon, Nebo Loop

🔐 Escape Rooms in Provo, Orem and Utah County

  • Winchester Escape House · 144 W Utah Ave, Payson

🛷 Sledding Hills in Utah County

  • Peteetneet Museum lawn · Payson

Local businesses

Looking for a dentist, roofer or med spa? Browse Valley Approved by category, or search the Local Directory.

Plan ahead

📅Utah County this weekend 🦃Things to Do in Utah County in November 2026🎄Things to Do in Utah County in December 2026

Payson questions

What is Payson, Utah known for?
Payson is known for Golden Onion Days over Labor Day weekend, its July Scottish heritage festival, the Peteetneet Museum, and the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway.
How many people live in Payson?
The 2020 census counted 21,101 people in Payson.
Where does the Nebo Loop start?
The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway starts in Payson Canyon and ends near Nephi. It is a seasonal road and closes to cars in winter.

Nearby cities

🎆Things to do in Spanish Fork🎨Things to do in Springville🏔️Things to do in Provo

Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payson,_Utah · paysonutah.gov/386/Golden-Onion-Days · fs.usda.gov/recarea/uwcnf/recarea/?recid=10019

Events last rebuilt Saturday, November 7. Details change, so confirm with the organizer before you go.