July is one of those extra-special summer months for Utahns. While the rest of the country receives just one day grill up a storm, and camp out overnight to stake their claim on the parade route, ancestors of the tenacious Mormon pioneers receive two days of office closures and festivities. Pioneer Day officially commemorates the day Brigham Young declared, “This is the place,” on July 24th, 1847. Unofficially, it’s another reason to bask in the slow days of summer and indulge in some “Pie & Beer.” From parades to drone shows and rodeos, here’s where to celebrate Pioneer Day in Utah.
A note on Fireworks:
Due to extreme wildfire danger, Gov. Spencer Cox has signed an executive order banning personal fireworks statewide. While municipalities have the decision to establish their own ordinances, many counties and cities are enforcing permanent bans in high-risk zones. Check the Unified Fire Authority’s interactive map to check the current restrictions in your area.
What: Pioneer Day Drone Show
Where: Liberty Park
When: 7/24 at 10 p.m.
Skip the sparks. Instead, celebrate safely at this drone show hosted by Salt Lake Public Lands. Join the Days of 47 Parade and other festivities before settling in for the show. Admission is free and all ages are welcome
What: Days of ‘47 Parade
Where: Route begins at South Temple and State Street
When: 7/24 at 9 a.m.
Join thousands of spectators at the annual Days of ‘47 parade, where floats, horses, performers and bands frolic through the streets. Veteran parade goers will camp out the night before to claim the best spots, so arrive early or be prepared to watch from a distance! The festivities continue all weekend long with a rodeo back at the Utah State Fair Park, learn more about that here.
What: Pie and Beer Day
Where: Smith’s Ballpark
When: 7/24 at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Local bakers, brewers and pie lovers gather at the historic downtown Ballpark for a day of community fun and entertainment. This year’s event features a pie eating contest, celebrity kick ball tournament, kids zone, and guided yoga. A $10 ticket gets you a slice of pie and entry, upgrade to the $50 VIPP (very important pie pass) for five unique pie and beer pairings and a commemorative glass.
What: Orem Pioneer Day Celebration & Fireworks
Where: The Orchard at University Place
When: 7/24 at 5 p.m
Let the kids get out all their wiggles at a short dance party with performances by Dj Kieth Allen, Bluegrass Thunder and more. Afterward, settle in on the grass for a breathtaking fireworks show set to lively music. The Pioneer Day celebration will also include a market of over 40 local vendors.
What: Pioneer Day at This is the Place Heritage Park
Where: This is the Place
When: 7/24 at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take a peek into Utah’s pioneer past at the very spot Brigham Young declared, “This is the right place. Drive on.” In a nod to tradition, This is the Place Heritage Park is hosting a day-long celebration featuring a handcart parade, watermelon eating contest and dancing.
What: Ogden Pioneer Days
Where: Spencer Fox Eccles Pioneer Stadium and more
When: 7/20-7/24
Ogden has been the home of the state’s biggest statehood celebration since 1934. For five nights, attendees enjoy parades, PRCA rodeos, pageants and more. The festivities come to a head on July 24th with a Horse & Hitch Parade, Miss Rodeo Utah Coronation and a drone show. Find the full schedule of events here.
What: Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Grand Parade
Where: Center Street & Main Street
When: 7/24 at 9 a.m.
Celebrate Utah County’s largest 24th of July Parade at Spanish Fork’s Fiesta Days. The lively procession will include marching bands, community groups, businesses, floats and a few waves from local royalty, of course. After the parade, head over to Sports Park for a spectacular fireworks show set to synchronized music. Fireworks start approximately at 10 p.m.
What: Kamas Valley Fiesta Days
Where: Various Venues in Kamas
When: 7/18-7/25
Fiesta Days has been a tradition in the small mountain town of Kamas for nearly 80 years. The week of fun kicks off with car shows, bingo and casual sporting events, all leading up to Pioneer Day weekend. From July 24 through the 25th, the town is hosting a packed program of parades, live music and historic activities. Find the full schedule here.
What: Salt Lake Bees v. Omaha Storm Chasers and Post-Game Fireworks
Where: The Ballpark at America First Square
When: 7/24 at 7:05 p.m.
Honor Utah’s pioneer heritage, and America’s favorite pastime at the Salt Lake Bees’ new stadium in Daybreak. Although the team has moved across the valley, they are still keeping the same old July 24th traditions with a lively post-game fireworks show.
What: Bountiful Handcart Days
Where: Multiple locations in Bountiful
When: 7/24-7/25
Celebrate Pioneer Day in Bountiful City this year with a 75-year-old tradition. This year, the event includes food, games and activities, along with a concert, in Bountiful City Park on Friday, July 24; and 1K, 5K and half-marathon races and a parade on Saturday, July 25.
Special Mention
What: 801 Days
Where: Gallivan Center
When: 8/01 at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
801 Day is a celebration of Utah’s favorite area code (sorry 385-ers). Hosted by City Cast Salt Lake, the free block party features a beer garden, live music, artisan marketplace, food trucks and more! This event is free to attend but requires a RSVP, do so here!
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