The 4^th of July festivities in Park City are definitely one of summer's biggest blowouts. Pair community events for the entire family with outdoor adventures and you'll have a heck of a holiday. Whether you're a local, coming up from the valley, or out of state visitor, check out these options to celebrate Independence Day in the mountains.

Picnics and BBQs

Want to go for a picnic? We've outlined every last item you'll need for a sumptuous picnic in the park. If you’re looking to splurge a little more, Deer Valley Grocery Café and Riverhorse Provisions both offer extensive grab & go menus with BBQ ribs, turkey chili, dozens of sides, and desserts for those who don’t feel like cooking from scratch. Entertaining at home? Check out our backyard party tips. 

Beat the heat with watery adventures

With June temperatures reaching the mid 80s, July is coming in scorching hot. Have no fears, you can cool off with a number of water activities that suit any thrill level. Chill out with a swim at Jordanelle State Park, get some tubes and float down the Provo, or go for a kayak or raft trip down the Weber with a local river guide. Check out all the fun ways to get your splash on in the water here. 

Historic Main Street Parade

Start your day off in Old Town by watching or joining in on the annual July 4^th Fun Run to benefit the Park City Ski Team (registration here). From there, head over to City Park for a pancake breakfast sponsored by the local Rotary Club before finding the perfect spot to watch the annual 4^th of July Parade down Main Street. City Park will also have an array of kids’ activities, rugby and volleyball tournaments, and live music until 4:30 p.m. Close out the day with fireworks after sunset at Park City Mountain.

Music, activities, and fireworks at the resorts

This year, Park City Mountain is doubling down on the fireworks, offering everyone the chance to see two dazzling displays of light on July 3rd and 4th. Summer activities and lifts are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Park City Mountain with special fun planned for July 3, including hula hoop, chalk art, and other family-friendly activities at Canyons Village starting at 5 p.m. followed by a live performance by The Number Ones at 7:30 p.m. The party moves into town on July 4 at the Park City Mountain Village base area with a BBQ, more activities, and concerts featuring Memphis McCool and The Soulistics.

Park City offers bike haul and scenic lift rides daily. Deer Valley also provides bike haul service in addition to horseback riding, standup paddleboard classes, and fly fishing. On July 4, Deer Valley is offering extended hours during their Twilight Ride Series. Of course, both resorts offer free hiking and mountain biking to all. 

Fun in the Heber Valley

If you've already celebrated in Park City dozens of times and are looking for something different, take the short trip to the Heber Valley and check out the Small Town 4th. No need to limit your celebrations to one day, events run from June 23 to July 14 and includes a myriad of Plein Air art activities, a "Stunning Wasatch Landscapes" photography exhibit, Willy Wonka musical, and much more. This is also one of your few chances to step inside Tom Whitaker's Cowboy Museum since it's only open only twice per year, July 4 being one of those dates.

An Old Fashioned 4th in Oakley

Another favorite tradition to tune into is the annual PCRA Rodeo in Oakley. Running from June 3 to July 7, the rodeo is tremendously popular and the perfect way to get a dose of western flare into your holiday. Oakley will also be hosting a 5k race, parade, and fireworks on July 4. Check out their full schedule of holiday celebrations here. 

Just remember to leave the fireworks to the professionals, Park City has a ban on open flames and personal fireworks due to fire hazards. Have a safe and fun holiday Park City!