Celebrating the Fourth of July in the Wasatch Back
Image: Michaela Wagner
The 4th of July festivities in Park City are 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 an out-of-state visitor, check out these options to celebrate Independence Day in the mountains.
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 & Celebration
Start your day off in Old Town by watching or joining in on the annual July 4th Fun Run to benefit Park City Ski and Snowboard (registration here). Then find the perfect spot to watch the 4th of July Parade down Main Street. City Park offers an array of kids’ activities, rugby and volleyball tournaments, and live music. Close out the day with the 10 p.m. drone show at Park City Mountain—best watched from a picnic blanket at the resort, on the Park City Golf Course, or from spots on lower Main Street.
Park City has a ban on open flames and personal fireworks due to fire hazards.
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 first annual Red, White, and Blue Festival Parade. 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.
There's also a family-friendly July 4th celebration sponsored by Midway Boosters and Midway City that starts early (6 a.m. cannon blast from Memorial Hill, anyone?) and includes a pancake breakfast, kids' bike parade, and fireworks.
An Old-Fashioned 4th in Oakley
Another favorite tradition to tune into is the annual Oakley Rodeo. Running from June 2 to July 5, the rodeo is tremendously popular and the perfect way to get a dose of western flair into your holiday. Oakley will also be hosting a 5k race and a parade.
