The Ultimate Utah July Bucket List: Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary & Make the Most of Summer
The Ultimate Utah July Bucket List: Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary & Make the Most of Summer
July is one of the best months to live in Utah.
The mountains are calling, reservoirs are warming up, hometown celebrations are in full swing, and communities across the state are preparing to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. From fireworks and parades to paddleboarding and mountain adventures, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy everything Utah has to offer.
At HŌM|EXP Realty, we believe that a home is about more than the house itself—it's about the life you build there. Some of the best memories happen after move-in day, and July is the perfect time to get outside, explore your community, and spend time with the people who matter most.
Whether you're planning your Fourth of July weekend or looking for adventures throughout the rest of the month, here's our ultimate guide to July in Utah.
Bookmark this guide! We'll continue updating it throughout July if additional events are announced!
Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
This year marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, making this Independence Day one of the most meaningful celebrations in our nation's history.
Communities throughout Utah are hosting incredible events to commemorate this milestone. Here are a few you won't want to miss.
Big Betsy – Pleasant Grove
July 4–12
One of the largest American flags ever flown in the United States returns to Grove Creek Canyon.
Measuring an incredible 150 feet by 78 feet, "Big Betsy" is a breathtaking sight against the Wasatch Mountains and has quickly become one of Utah's most iconic patriotic displays.
Light to Unite
Utah State Capitol
July 3–5 | 9:00 PM–11:00 PM
Watch the Utah State Capitol come alive with patriotic lighting honoring America's 250th anniversary.
Field of Flags – Vernal
June 27–July 6
Thousands of American flags create one of Utah's most moving patriotic displays and provide an incredible opportunity for reflection and appreciation.
Colonial Heritage Festival
SCERA Park – Orem
July 2–4
Step back in time with colonial demonstrations, historical reenactments, family activities, live entertainment, and delicious food.
Provo Balloon Fest
July 2–4
Wake up early and experience dozens of colorful hot air balloons filling the morning sky—one of Utah's favorite Independence Day traditions.
Haugen Flag Display
Little Willow Canyon
July 4–24
Another impressive mountain flag display that's well worth adding to your summer adventures.
Fourth of July Parades Across Utah
Nothing says Independence Day quite like a hometown parade.
Whether you enjoy marching bands, classic cars, local businesses, or simply catching candy with the kids, Utah has dozens of celebrations happening across the state.
Some of this year's highlights include:
Provo Freedom Festival Grand Parade
Murray Fun Days Parade
West Jordan Grand Parade
South Salt Lake Freedom Fest Parade
Sandy Hometown Evening Parade
Park City Fourth of July Parade
Heber City Red, White & Blue Festival Parade
Cedar City Independence Day Parade
Centerville Freedom Festival Parade
Moab Fourth of July Parade
Huntsville Independence Day Parade
Torrey Apple Days Parade
Small-town parades remain one of the best ways to experience the community spirit that makes Utah such a wonderful place to call home.
Utah's Biggest Fourth of July Celebrations
Looking to make an entire day out of Independence Day? These celebrations offer everything from races and rodeos to concerts and fireworks.
America's Freedom Festival & Stadium of Fire – Provo
Sandy City Fourth of July Celebration
Liberty Fest – North Salt Lake
Forum Fest – Park City
Centerville Freedom Festival
Grand County Fair & Rodeo – Moab
Old Glory Days – Riverdale
Sand Hollow Celebration – Hurricane
Tooele City Fourth of July Celebration
Huntsville Independence Day Celebration
Many include food trucks, live music, carnival games, family activities, and spectacular fireworks.
Fireworks & Drone Shows Across Utah
No Fourth of July celebration is complete without looking up at the night sky. Whether you love the excitement of a traditional fireworks show or want to experience one of Utah's incredible synchronized drone displays, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate across the state this Independence Day weekend.
Drone Shows
Drone shows have quickly become one of the most exciting new holiday traditions, combining music, technology, and patriotic imagery to create unforgettable experiences for the whole family.
Salt Lake City – Jordan Park
July 3 | 10:00 PM
One of Utah's largest drone shows returns with 500 synchronized drones lighting up the sky. Arrive early to enjoy live music and food trucks beginning at 8:00 PM.
Millcreek Common
July 3 | 10:00 PM
Celebrate Independence Eve with family-friendly activities before an impressive drone show takes center stage.
Park City – Canyons Village
July 3–5 | 10:15 PM
As part of Forum Fest, nightly drone shows illuminate the mountains above Canyons Village for three consecutive evenings.
Draper Days
July 3 | 10:00 PM
One of Draper's signature summer traditions concludes with a spectacular drone show over Draper Park.
Park City Mountain
July 4 | 10:00 PM
Celebrate Independence Day in the mountains before ending the evening with a stunning aerial drone performance.
Fireworks Displays – July 4
If you're looking for the classic Fourth of July experience, these communities are hosting some of Utah's biggest fireworks shows.
Provo — Stadium of Fire at LaVell Edwards Stadium
Sandy — Sandy Promenade (10:00 PM)
Murray — Murray Park Softball Fields (10:00 PM)
Riverton — Riverton City Park (10:00 PM)
Lehi — Thanksgiving Point Electric Park (10:00 PM)
West Valley City — Centennial Park
Layton — Layton Commons Park
Cedar City — Cedar City Airport (after dark)
Hurricane — Sand Hollow State Park (10:00 PM)
Kaysville — Barnes Park (10:00 PM)
Riverdale — Riverdale Park (10:00 PM)
Independence Eve Fireworks – July 3
Want to get the celebration started a day early? These communities are lighting up the sky on July 3, giving you even more opportunities to celebrate over the holiday weekend.
North Salt Lake — Eaglewood Golf Course (10:00 PM)
The Gateway (Salt Lake City) — 10:00 PM
West Bountiful City Park — 10:00 PM
Tip: Popular fireworks and drone shows fill up quickly. Consider arriving early, bringing lawn chairs or a blanket, packing water and snacks, and checking local event pages before heading out in case of weather updates or schedule changes.
Family Fun Throughout July
The celebrations don't stop after the Fourth.
Add these family-friendly events to your calendar throughout the month.
Imaginaria at Thanksgiving Point (through August 22)
Dive-In Movie featuring Lilo & Stitch at the Provo Recreation Center (July 10)
Watch The Sandlot at Rio Tinto Stadium (July 22)
Your Utah July Bucket List
Looking for more ways to enjoy summer? Challenge yourself to cross a few of these off before August arrives.
Get Outside
Paddleboard at Tibble Fork Reservoir
Float or raft the Provo River
Swim at Silver Lake
Spend a day at Bear Lake
Cool off at Pineview Reservoir
Relax at Willard Bay
Plan a trip to Lake Powell
Go horseback riding through Utah's mountains
Go camping in the Wasatch Mountains, Uintas, or Southern Utah
Ride the lift at Sundance Mountain Resort
Spend the day at Park City Mountain
Ride the famous Alpine Slide
Bike, walk, or longboard Provo Canyon
Chase Utah Waterfalls
Stewart Falls
Donut Falls
Battle Creek Falls
Grotto Falls
Take a Scenic Drive
Alpine Loop
Guardsman Pass
Mirror Lake Highway
Bring a picnic, stop at the overlooks, and enjoy some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country.
Enjoy Classic Utah Summer Food
Nothing feels more like summer than burgers, fries, and thick shakes.
Visit local favorites like:
Iceberg Drive Inn
Crown Burgers
Hires Big H
Or discover your own favorite local burger stand.
While you're out, spend an afternoon fruit picking at one of Utah's local farms and orchards.
Support Local Communities
Visit a local farmers market
Attend a county fair or carnival
Go to an outdoor movie
Visit a drive-in theater
Enjoy a dive-in movie
Attend the Rooftop Concert Series in Provo
Cheer on the riders at a local rodeo
Catch an Incredible Sunset
Some of our favorite places include:
Ensign Peak
Khyv Peak
Mount Olympus Trailhead
Great Salt Lake shoreline
Bring a blanket, your favorite snacks, and enjoy one of Utah's unforgettable summer evenings.
HŌM Summer Splash 2026
You're Invited to Our Biggest Client Appreciation Event of the Year!
One of our favorite traditions each summer is saying thank you to the amazing clients, friends, family, and community who have supported HŌM|EXP Realty.
Join us for an evening of water slides, wave pools, and summer fun!
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Cowabunga Bay – Draper
Whether you've purchased a home with us, sold a home, referred a friend, or simply been part of our HŌM community, we'd love to spend the evening with you.
To help us plan for attendance, please RSVP through the Events page on our website before the event.
We can't wait to celebrate another amazing summer with all of you! We hope to see you there!
Featured HŌM Listing
Looking for a place where your next memories can begin?
This month's featured HŌM listing could be exactly what you've been searching for.
Property Address: 65 E. Pioneer Avenue Sandy, UT 84070
Price $725,000
Highlights
1. Historic Character with Modern Comfort
This home perfectly blends the timeless charm of Historic Sandy with thoughtful updates that make everyday living comfortable. From the original hardwood floors and elegant crown molding to the newer roof, solar panels, and updated front windows, you'll enjoy the character of a historic home without sacrificing modern conveniences.
2. Flexible Living for Every Stage of Life
Whether you're looking for multi-generational living, rental income, or extra space for guests, the fully finished lower-level mother-in-law apartment offers incredible versatility. Complete with its own kitchen, living room, laundry, and full bathroom, it's a rare feature that adds long-term value and flexibility.
3. One-of-a-Kind Spaces You Won't Find Anywhere Else
This isn't your typical floor plan. A spacious game room, fully enclosed patio with an indoor hot tub, oversized garage with workshop space, and generous .31-acre lot make this one of the most distinctive homes currently available in Sandy. It's a home designed for making memories, entertaining friends, and enjoying hobbies year-round.
Virtual Walkthrough video
View the Full Listing → Utah Real Estate MLS# 2159639
Make This Summer Count
Summer has a way of passing by faster than we expect.
Instead of waiting for the "perfect weekend," make a goal to choose one new adventure each week this month. Explore a trail you've never hiked, visit a community event, support a local business, or simply spend an evening watching the sunset with family and friends.
Those are the moments that turn a house into a home.
From all of us at HŌM|EXP Realty, we wish you a safe, memorable, and Happy Fourth of July.
Here's to celebrating 250 years of America, making new memories, and enjoying everything that makes Utah such an incredible place to call home.
The HŌM July Challenge
How many adventures can you check off this month?
Pick 10 activities from this guide and make it your goal to complete them before summer slips away. Tag @hom.exp on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. We'd love to see your Utah adventures and maybe even feature a few of our favorites!
