Oh-so-sweet summer is no longer Park City’s secret season. There’s an irresistible, live-it-up sentiment that catches on in a hurry in a place with just-right weather and alpine adventure in every direction. Summer has, therefore, evolved into a buzzing time to experience a chock-full calendar of festivals, shows, markets, parades, and fairs as well as full-throttle or spread-the-picnic-blanket-style outdoor pursuits. Given that flip-flop season is fleeting at altitude, here are 19 of the hottest ways to pack in some warm-weather fun.

MUSIC
1. Park it for a free concert
Grab a lawn chair and kick back for the quintessential, all-ages, mountain town pastime: a free concert in the park. Nonprofit Mountain Town Music delivers a prolific assortment of ongoing local shows at pocket parks, amphitheaters, and patios sprinkled throughout Summit County. The music—everything from jazz, rock, and classical to bluegrass, country, reggae, and beyond—flows alongside conversation and, if the mood strikes, dancing. The homegrown fun organically connects folks, “creating community through music,” according to Executive Director Brian Richards. 

2. Boogie down slopeside

Revel in big-name shows at Park City Performing Arts’ Concerts on the Slopes—roughly a dozen shows held on the grassy Canyons Village hillside in July and August. The genre-spanning (albeit country-heavy) lineup ranges from Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms, Plain White T’s and Lukas Nelson to Chris Botti, ’80s Night Out, and more. Dancing is encouraged and BYO picnics are permitted, with cocktails and eats available for on-site purchase. Look for pre-show fun in the Canyons Forum (i.e., mechanical bull action or local bands warming up the crowds). 

3. Soak up a DV show

Witness a jaw-dropping, mountain-silhouette sunset as world-renowned artists rock Deer Valley’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater. Arguably the best place to experience an outdoor concert anywhere, plus DV delivers its trademark top-shelf service (preordered gourmet picnic basket, anyone?). Two series return to the stage for 2025: Utah Symphony’s 21st Deer Valley Music Festival and the resort’s own Deer Valley Concert Series. Both offer magical moments to settle into a lawn chair or dance under the stars—with the stars This year's performers include Common (July 11), Lindsey Stirling (July 25), The Beach Boys (August 1 & 2), and more. 

4. Festival in a new way

Soak up feel-good, musical artistry—and community—at Park City Song Summit (August 14–16). Reframing the festival experience by leaning into wellness and music, this summer’s event has a new home base: City Park. Check out yoga, meditation, and sound baths at Library Park, labs at the Jim Santy Auditorium, and big concerts featuring everyone from Goose, Greensky Bluegrass, and Dawes to Cimafunk and Pedro Martinez, Holly Bowling, and many more on stages in City Park and just up the street at The Marquis.

Special events, like a culinary experience with chef Andrew Zimmern and singer-guitarist Marcus King will spice up the not-your-ordinary-festival fun. “We’re trying to do something way different in one of the coolest places on the planet with one of the greatest communities on the planet,” says founder Ben Anderson. “It starts with wellness and ends with music and creativity and its transformational impact.” And, yes, beer is available as well as scrumptious nonalcoholic libations (a nod to the event’s emphasis on recovery and inclusivity), food trucks, and locally crafted wares. 

Pro Tip: Seize the opportunity to attend a show at Deer Valley as impending Snow Park construction may impact upcoming seasons.

EVENTS
5. Channel the Olympic spirit

Catch Olympic fever as skiers launch off massive jumps, flip, twist, and soar—occasionally up to 60 feet in the air—before sticking incredible landings in a 1.25-million-gallon pool. The Flying Ace All-Stars put on a high-octane Utah Olympic Park (UOP) show most Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m., June 13 through August 30. Watch and gasp as Olympians and rising stars in aerials, moguls, free ride, slopestyle, and big-air disciplines show off their athleticism in a fast-paced, 35-minute spectacle. Arrive 30 minutes early to lay out a picnic blanket, and, perhaps, grab a frothy lager at the beer tent. 

6. Zero in on street festival fun

Stroll, shop, drink, eat, and get funky at Park Silly Sunday Market (select Sundays, June 1–September 21). What began as a zero-waste, small-town, “silly” celebration has grown into a colorful, funky, hopping street festival—and a legit business incubator (i.e., local brick-and-mortar establishments like Freshies, 11 Hauz, and Blue Bison grew out of the fest). Peruse the eclectic goods, which rotate every market. Think ski furniture, soaps, hand-crafted jewelry, bedazzled koozies, antler chews for the pups, and beyond. Look for young buskers playing in the crowd and every type of entertainer, from belly dancers to local bluegrass bands, on the main stage. Longtime market staple Spencers BBQ and fellow culinary purveyors deliver all manner of eats and beverages—including craft-your-own Bloody Mary and tiki bars. 

7. Celebrate Independence Day, Park City-style

Go all in on small-town patriotism with Park City’s Fourth of July celebrations. Start the Fourth off running in the Park City Ski and Snowboard 5K. Or sleep in and kick off the smorgasbord of activities with the long-running annual parade, beginning midmorning on Main Street and Park Avenue. Cheer on the kid gymnasts, bagpiping Scots, firefighters, luge athletes, unicyclists, and a vast assortment of clubs, nonprofits, and small businesses filling 75-ish entry spots. Don’t miss post-parade rugby and volleyball games, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and more in City Park. The 10 p.m. Park City Mountain drone show—best watched from a picnic blanket at the resort, on the Park City Golf Course, or from spots on lower Main Street—wraps up the festivities. Fireworks depend on the danger of wildfire. 

8. Embrace art

Engage with extraordinary art, artists, and the artistic process. The 56th annual Kimball Arts Festival, held August 1–3, features roughly 200 professional artists from around the country (selected from 1,100 applicants), whose work spans everything from oils and sculpture to hand-crafted furniture and ceramics. Discover interactive opportunities, like wheel-throwing and kid-friendly projects. Savor eats, libations, and music at the stages and food trucks located at the top of Main Street and Heber Avenue. Be sure to ask questions of the talent behind whatever inspires you. After all, as Festival Director Hillary Gilson puts it, “We exist to connect our audience to artists and to help support each other.” 

Pro Tip: To avoid crowds, hit the Kimball Arts Festival in the morning, and consider VIP passes for air-conditioned lounge access and refreshment perks.

9. Giddy-up for gen-u-ine county fair joy

Get a little country at the Summit County Fair (August 2–9). This true slice of Americana has it all: bucking broncos, carnival rides, guitar-strumming singers, rodeo queens, roaring derby car engines, livestock auctions, archery (and popsicle-eating) contests, corn dogs, baked goods, a beer-and-spirit garden, fine art, and—new this summer—a drone show. Unpretentious Coalville serves as the rural backdrop to the fair, which has been a county tradition for well over a century. 

10. Dine big

Pull up a chair to a massive dinner party, running 2,100-ish feet, smack down the middle of pedestrian-only (just for the night) Main Street. On June 28, 18 local restaurants lay out signature feasts and stunning decor at the annual Savor the Summit. While most eateries lean toward swanky and spendy, casual options—like this year’s Top of Main Brew Pub’s Cajun Crab Boil—hold their own alongside wine pairings and multicourse menus. To get in on the action without committing to the Grand Table experience (and to get close to the live music), grab a cocktail at the High West Spirit Garden (21+ only and no ticket necessary).

11. Raise a ski (down a shot)

Tips up for a good cause. The ninth annual Park City Sunrise Rotary Shot Ski is the moment to tap into communal, competitive spirit while raising a shot for a good cause. On October 11, Park City will once again try to beat longtime rival Breckenridge, Colorado’s shot ski record while raising funds for community grants (last year, the Sunrise Rotarians grossed $66,000). Park City’s attempt to top Breck’s 1,401 shot-slinging participants involves 553 bolted-together skis spanning 2,744 feet on Main Street, and 1,410 shots. Typically, this is a sell-out event, so register early. 

12. Pick up some homegrown goodness

Support Utah farmers and artisans with a Wednesday jaunt to the Park City Farmers Market (May 28 through October 22). Since 1999, this weekly community gathering has delivered produce, pastries, and crafted goods to town. This summer, its location has shifted back to Park City Mountain’s lower parking lot (near the First Time chairlift). Ease into the relaxed pace of the market and take the time to chat with farmers and artisans selling everything from kale and asiago bread to honey and free-range beef. Be sure to greet market mascot Ody the Bernese Mountain dog, peruse artisan wares, and sip lemonade while listening to a guitar-strumming songbird. 

13. Tap into the mountains

Ride the Silver Lake Express chairlift to a midmountain beer garden. Deer Valley’s annual Mountain Beer Festival (September 13 and 14) taps into two dozen local breweries—Wasatch, Kiitos, Moab, Salt Flats, Offset, and others—for a mug-clinking, alfresco party with a view. While the focus may be on hops and barley (cider, too), the Oktoberfest-like vibe is augmented by live music and family-friendly yard games and activities à la cornhole, slacklining, balloon animals, and face painting. DV’s culinary wizardry is on full display, particularly at the VIP BBQ. 

14. Sip like a sommelier

Dive into wine’s complex flavors, textures, and aromas—or simply drink, eat, and be merry—at the Park City Wine Festival. Vintners large and small serve up more than 500 different wines as well as beer and spirits October 2–4. Consider splurging on a “1st Sip Ticket” at the Grand Tasting to gain early access to the main event, which is held at Park City Mountain’s Canyons Village. For more intimate sips, reserve a hike-, lunch-, or dinner-pairing experience, or find exclusive wines at the swanky Best of Fest.

ACTIVITIES
15. Swing it

Relish a high-altitude-boosted golf drive in a low-key setting. In the heart of town, the approachable, affordable Park City Golf Club caters to golfers of all abilities. Designed in 1965 by William Neff, this OG, 18-hole public course has lovely, tree-lined fairways that meander through the Thaynes neighborhood as well as a local and easygoing vibe (i.e., not overly buttoned-up, so you can bring your 7-year-old along), especially during twilight rounds. 

16. Get electric

Cruise town at a leisurely pace with minimal effort. Join the e-bike craze and explore paved trails, such as the Rail Trail and McLeod Creek, or do the tour-de-town, making the gradual uphill climb effortless from Kimball Junction to the top of Main Street. Summit Bike Share has self-renting docking stations located everywhere from Deer Valley to Jeremy Ranch. Various local outfitters also rent a range of swankier models. Check out the city’s color-coded multiuse pathways map or just take note of the signage at intersections of the 40-mile system. 

17. Cast a line

Hook a cutthroat, rainbow, brookie, brown, or maybe even an Arctic grayling in the sparkling Blue Ribbon—and lesser known—waters of Summit, Wasatch, and Utah Counties. Plenty of local outfitters suit up all levels of fisherfolk with gear and guidance (and sometimes rare access to private spots). Despite Utah’s arid reputation, there’s sneaky good fly fishing here and plenty of room to roam. Consider a jaunt into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, an expanse encompassing over 2 million acres. For novices, it’s worth practicing casting technique with a clinic at the Deer Valley ponds before striking out on the river, such as the Provo or the Weber. 

Pro Tip: Fishing licenses (available at wildlife.utah.gov) are required for all fisherpeople ages 12 and older.

18. Summit Timp (or view its splendor from a distance)

Rise early and hike the 14.2-mile Timpooneke Trail or the 13.9-mile Aspen Grove Trail to reach the top of 11,752-foot Mount Timpanogos. Lupine, aspens, bighorn sheep, jaw-to-the-floor panoramic views, and the thrill of reaching a lofty peak make this roughly nine-hour jaunt well worth it. Given the typically long-lasting snow, the window to embark on the trek sans crampons and poles is short. For a gentler excursion, park at Sundance Resort and hike Stewart Falls Trail, a 3-mile out-and-back excursion to cascading water in the shadow of Mount Timp. For even closer-to-home, albeit more distant views of Timp and the surrounding Wasatch, take a scenic drive up Guardsman Pass and check out Blood’s Lake or Charlie’s 9K trails.

19. Ride Mid Mountain

Gear up for an alpine adventure by peddling this classic, International Mountain Bicycling Association-designated Epic Ride. The undulating Mid Mountain single-track traverses two ski resorts, meandering through wildflower-strewn meadows, aspens, conifers, and Gambel oak at 8,000 feet. Start at Silver Lake or Empire Pass and ride all 20-plus miles ending at RTS trail below the Utah Olympic Park, or shorten the ride via Spiro or Crescent Mine Grade trails in town or Ambush at the Canyons base. This popular ride delivers spectacular views and can get busy on weekends and peak summer days. A similarly spectacular—and more challenging—alternative ride is the Wasatch Crest Trail, which travels the ridgeline from Big Cottonwood Canyon to Mill Creek Canyon and requires a shuttle.