Celebrating Pioneer Day in Utah

On July 24, 1847, the Mormon pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley. Today Utah celebrates the pioneer’s treacherous journey as they brought their families to settle in the west. We remember those who have lost loved ones along the way traversing the great plains, rivers, and rugged mountains. Those who finished the arduous journey and started the settlement of the state of Utah, are honored every July. Thanks to these pioneers, we have a beautiful state to live in. Here are our favorite Pioneer Day events happening across the state! Have a happy holiday celebrating with your family and friends.

 

NORTHERN UTAH EVENTS

Bountiful Handcart Days (July 15 and 16)

A concert will feature Joshua Creek along with food, fun, and games in the Bountiful City Park. A half-handcart marathon will be followed by the second largest parade in Utah with Mark Eubanks being this year’s Grand Marshall. Other activities include a Mountain Man and Indian demonstrations followed by fireworks. Click here for details.

Ogden Pioneer Days (July 1 – 25)

Among Ogden’s premier Pioneer Day events are concerts, parades, rodeos, devotionals, pageants, rodeos, breakfasts, and fireworks. For more information, click here.

Logan Events (July 23rd)

Bring your family and friends to join the fun on July 23rd at Logan’s Pioneer Day Celebration. Register for the fun runs, volleyball, basketball, soccer, spike ball, and horseshoe tournaments. There will be additional events going on throughout the day including breakfast, yoga, Zumba, a parade, bingo, concerts, and fireworks. Click here to learn more.

Wellsville

Come by July 23 for a BBQ competition, train rides, pony rides, and more Pioneer Day activities.  Click here for more information.

 

SOUTHERN UTAH EVENTS

St. George Area

Celebrate Pioneer Day with a wide variety of fun events for everyone of all ages. Events include a 4K run, parade, talent show, live music, activities for kids, and so much more! As the day ends, enjoy a firework display and movie in the park. The parade begins at 8 AM, followed by activities at Veterans Park from 9:30 Am – 10:00 PM, and then fireworks starting at 9:00 PM at WCCC Softball Complex. Click here for more information.

 

Sand Hollow (July 23rd)

Nothing sounds better than celebrating a holiday while on the lake! Join us at Sand Hollow on July 23rd for live music, food trucks, an eating contest, and much more! Enjoy a night under the stars with our special Good Vibration Beach Boys Tribute and firework show!

Event tickets start at only $15. Gates open at 5 PM, local bands and food trucks follow at 6 – 8:30 PM, and then the Beach Boys Tribute at 8:30. The fireworks top off the night at 10 PM. For more information about the event please Click Here.

 

CENTRAL UTAH EVENTS

Provo

The Pioneer Day Extravaganza takes place in North Park at 500 N. 500 West. Events include a pie contest, live entertainment, games, crafts, competitions, rides, family events, and plenty of food.  For more information, click here.

Spring City

Starting at 7:00 AM and going until 7:00 PM, is Spring City’s Pioneer Day Celebration that includes a “Fireman’s Breakfast, a Parade down Main Street, and other community events throughout the day. To learn more, click here.

 

EASTERN UTAH EVENTS

Park City

The Deer Valley Music Festival featuring the music of John Williams will occur on the evening of July 22nd. Composer of some of the most popular, recognizable, and critically acclaimed film scores in cinematic history, will be honored by Jack Everly leading the Utah Symphony in a concert. Click here for more information.

Heber City

The Fiddlers’n Fireworks happen on the evening of July 23rd.  The fun starts at 7 pm at the Heber Valley Railroad depot with live music by the Utah Old Time Fiddlers. Tickets include a fried chicken dinner, which will be served outside at the depot, followed by The Saltwater Bunch gunfighter show. For more information, click here.

Kamas

The annual Fiesta Days starts in June and runs through July 24th.  Events on the 23rd include a fun run, breakfast, car show, chalk art, talent show, demolition derby, and a dance. There is also a Pioneer Day program on July 24th. Click here for more information.

 

SALT LAKE AREA EVENTS 

Salt Lake City – Days of ’47 (July 8 – 25)

This traditional event includes pop concerts, a First Encampment hike through Emigration Creek, cowboy games and rodeo, The Deseret News Marathon, a sunrise service, and the Days of ‘47 Parade. Click here for more information.

The Float Preview Party. Many unique traditions occur each year throughout Salt Lake City. Have you ever attended the float preview party? Each year, a float preview party is held at the Mountain America Expo Center, giving the community the opportunity to meet each of the float’s creators, designers, and technicians that contributed to each float. Plus, you can vote for your favorite float! Click here for more information.

Days of ‘47 Parade. Bring your family and friends to watch the Days of ‘47 Parade! The parade starts at South Temple and State Street at 9:00 AM.  Click here for more information about the parade.

Days of 47 events also include concerts, a rodeo, pageants, and hikes. For more information, click here.

Utah’s celebration of Pioneer Day won’t be complete without a visit to This Is the Place Heritage Park on July 23rd and 25th. In addition to the everyday things to see and do at the park (i.e., panning for gold, riding ponies and trains, etc.), they will start the day by raining old-fashioned taffy down on the park’s Main Street. (The Candy is fired from cannons.) There will be games, donuts, and a watermelon eating contest. Lunch will be served at the Huntsman Grill.  For more information, click here.