Nothing beats Park City’s Independence Day celebration, which thankfully spans a few days. After all, this smorgasbord of Americana-infused fun can’t be packed into just 24 hours. From the quintessential parade through Old Town to the PRCA Oakley Rodeo, the local scene serves up non-stop food, music, fireworks and revelry for everyone. Here are some star-spangled happenings worth checking out. 

Giddyup for the Rodeo

July 3–6

The 84th Annual Oakley Rodeo is a four-day Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association sanctioned event, drawing some of the nation’s best riders to the Oakley Rodeo Fairgrounds—a definite must for any summer bucket list. Dust off your boots and hat for an unforgettable evening of raging bulls, buckin’ broncs, barrel racing, rodeo queens and clowns. It gets chilly in the evening, so don’t forget blankets and jackets when the sun sets. Events include Junior Rodeo, live music, a dance, and finger-licking good BBQ. For tickets and event details visit oakleycity.com

Get Your Groove on Early with Music and Fireworks 
July 3

Start the festivities a day early with a host of activities. Pack a picnic or grab a snack and beverage from Lucky Ones Coffee and spread your blanket out for live music on the lawn at the Park City Library, 11-2 p.m.  Next, head over to Park City Mountain's Canyons Village for a line-up of great live music, kid-friendly activities starting at 2 p.m. Treat yourself to a variety of food, beer, wine and spirits from local vendors with live music by DJ Velvet. The main show starts at 7 p.m. with an outdoor concert by Salt Lake City’s party band, The Number Ones, culminating in a show-stopping fireworks display at dusk. The Cabriolet lift and Frostwood gondola will be open from 2–11 pm. Outside alcohol not permitted. Of note: It's best to walk, bike or ride the free bus to the in-town events.

Independence Day Celebration and Parade

July 4

Fuel up for a fun-filled day with a breakfast for champions with the Rotary Club in City Park at 7 a.m., followed by everyone’s favorite 5K, Park City Mountain Run a.k.a. 4^th of July 5K Fun Run, at 8 a.m. Bust a move to get to the finish—or run, walk, or skip along with friends to benefit the Park City Ski and Snowboard Team. parkcityss.org

Next, don your red, white and blue and pack up some water, nibbles, and sunscreen for Park City’s historic Independence Day Parade. Bus or bike is highly recommended, as this is an extremely popular event and parking is limited. Early birds set up blankets and chairs along lower Park Ave. and Main St. well before the start time of 11 a.m. Afterwards, cruise down to City Park for kids’ activities, rugby games, a volleyball tournament, live music and food and drink from local vendors. 

If you’re in the mood for a more intimate celebration, mosey over to the DeJoria Center from noon to 5 p.m. for a fun afternoon of free food, music, and festivities including wagon rides, live music, local crafts, and more.

Later in the afternoon (perhaps after a quick power nap) head over to the Park City Mountain for BBQ, family activities and a live concert featuring Insatiable and The Soulistics. Catch the fireworks from blankets or chairs back at City Park at dusk (weather dependent). As the sun sets, take a moment to reflect on freedom in one of the most beautiful towns in America. 

For more events and up-to-date happenings around town, check out our event calendar.