Big things are happening for the Utah Taiko Experience (UTE) 2025, and I am stoked to share all the new updates! We have brand-new accommodation options, enhanced meal options and exciting changes to our nature excursions. This year’s UTE is shaping up to be simply incredible!
Dont forget, Registration opens this Saturday, FEB 8th, 2025 at 10:00AM (MST)!
Introducing the Kaiser Taiko Farm
For 2025, we are excited to partner with the Kaiser Taiko Farm (my name, not theirs) in Manti as our primary accommodation and meal provider. This beautiful community-driven farm, run by Julie and Todd Kaiser, provides a welcoming atmosphere with a strong focus on sustainability, fresh food, and community-building.
The farm will serve as a central gathering place, featuring a large outdoor pavilion, fire pit, and a relaxing environment to wind down after a full day of taiko and adventures.
All Meals Now Included!
We are now including all meals in the registration price! Previously, only dinner was covered, but this year, breakfast, boxed lunch, and dinner will be provided. The Kaiser Taiko Farm will be our primary meal provider, with fresh, locally sourced, and organic ingredients.
New Registration Fee: $1,475 (previously $1,300)
Food Sourcing: primarily organic & local, including:
Vegan & vegetarian options available for all farm meals
Grass-fed beef from local farms
Fresh eggs, vegetables, fruit, and salads from regional farmers
Locally sourced homemade bread
Fresh milk for those interested
Dining Locations:
Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the farm
Dinner will be mostly at the farm, with some evenings at local restaurants (vegetarian options available at restaurants), and of course we will still have our Sanpete Turkey BBQ in the park!
Accommodation Options at the Kaiser Taiko Farm
We have moved our ShareBNB options to the farm this year, so for those looking for convenient, community-oriented lodging, the Kaiser Taiko Farm offers various accommodation options at very affordable rates (view below).
Accommodation Options & Pricing
Private Queen Bedrooms (Main Floor) – $450 total for 9 nights (1-2 people per room)
Shared Bunk Bedrooms (Twin Beds) – $20 per night per person ($180 total for 9 nights)
Basement Sleeping Area (Couch/Air Mattress) – $15 per night ($135 total for 9 nights)
Camping (Tent Sites) – $10 per night ($90 total for 9 nights) – Bring your own tent & sleeping bag
Additional Amenities:
Access to 3 full baths (2 indoor, 1 outdoor) & 1 half bath
Gourmet coffee & evening concessions for purchase
Greenhouses open for participants to pick fresh produce for snacks
Other Accommodation
New Team Member: Blaine O’Brien
We’re excited to welcome Blaine O’Brien to our UTE content team! Blaine is a highly accomplished taiko player, and currently a member of Unit One and Taiko Project. He also directs the Crespi Celt Taiko Drum Ensemble, a program originally founded by Razz in 2007. Blaine has been leading the group since 2011 and brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Utah Taiko Experience. We are excited to have him join our team!
New Taiko & Nature Excursions
This year, we are making some exciting changes to our Taiko & Nature Excursions to ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Taiko & Nature Updates
New Hike: Stewart Falls at Sundance – We’re replacing the Diamond Fork Hot Springs hike with a stunning (and shorter) trek to Stewart Falls, featuring a beautiful 200-ft waterfall and a cooler, more comfortable hiking environment in the summer.
Provo River Tubing Adventure (Optional Activity) – We are exploring the option of a tubing adventure down the Provo River, a fun and scenic way to experience the beauty of Provo Canyon.
Exciting Updates to the Hachijo Challenge Hike – Stay tuned for more details about this year’s outdoor taiko experiences!
Updated Refund & Payment Policy
To help with planning and logistics, we have updated our cancellation policy. The deadline for cancellations has been moved to April 30th (previously May 31st). This change reflects the end of COVID-related travel uncertainties and allows for better event preparation.
Additionally, we are offering the 50/50 registration option:
Pay 50% at registration
Pay the remaining 50% by April 30th
This flexible payment plan is designed to help participants manage costs while securing their spot at UTE 2025.
Final Thoughts
This year’s Utah Taiko Experience is shaping up to be truly unforgettable. With all meals now included, great new lodging options, an expanded taiko content team, and enhanced nature excursions, we are committed to making UTE 2025 the best one yet!
New Registration Fee: $1,475 (Includes all meals, accommodation still booked separately.)
Dates: July 19-28, 2025
Location: Manti, Utah
More Info & Registration: www.utaiko.com/ute-4taiko
We can’t wait to drum, explore, and build an incredible experience together! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. See you in July!
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