Inside: 24th of July activities in Utah for summer family fun throughout the state.
The 24th of July, also known as Pioneer Day, is a special day in Utah as it celebrates the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.
This official state holiday is celebrated differently by each family. With a variety of events and activities across the state, ranging from large outdoor rodeos to free concerts and everything in between you can do as much (or as little) as you want to celebrate.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From parades and fireworks displays to live performances and family events.
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate this day, you’re in luck, as I’ve put together the ultimate guide to 24th of July activities in Utah.
History of the 24th of July Celebration
The 24th of July is an official state holiday in Utah that honors the Mormon pioneers (early members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) who were led by Brigham Young and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. The pioneers were seeking a place where they could practice their religion freely.
They traveled over 1,000 miles from Illinois to Utah, enduring harsh weather conditions, disease, and other challenges along the way. The arrival of the first group of pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847 marked a significant moment in history, and the day has been celebrated as Pioneer Day ever since.
The celebration of Pioneer Day has evolved over the years and now includes a range of activities and events that celebrate Utah’s pioneer heritage and rich pioneer history.
From parades and rodeos to concerts and fireworks, the day is filled with fun and excitement for everyone. The long history of this celebration continues to honor pioneer life and the legacy of those early settlers who established the Utah territory.
Pioneer Day Activities in Utah July 24th
There are so many fun ways to celebrate Utah’s Pioneer Day. For a lot of families 24th of July celebrations look similar to celebrations of the 4th of July.
Some communities have a bigger celebration for the 24th than they do the 4th, while others celebrate both holidays with fun events and activities. Several cities host a multiple-day festival with a full day of festivities or even a week of festivities leading up to the big day.
Growing up in Utah my family celebrated the 24th of July each year.
Typically, we would take part in the parade and activities in town and then have a family barbeque, followed by yard games. Of course the night of the 24th always included a fireworks display.
The great thing about all the 24th of July activities in Utah is that you can choose the best pioneer day celebration for your family or you can choose to have your own celebration.
Fun Pioneer Day Celebrations Throughout the State
With pretty much every community in Utah having some sort of celebration I’m not including everything in this post. But the pioneer day festivities included should give you a good idea of ways to celebrate the 24th.
Be sure to check the specific events websites for details on dates and times and add them to your specific calendar. Not all 24th of July celebrations are held on the 24th of July. Some activities are on July 23rd or other days throughout the month especially if the 24th is during the week. Most often the activities will be on the weekend before the 24th or the 23rd/24th.
If you don’t find an event for the area of Utah you are in be sure to google the specific town or county to look for local events. Asking a local is also a great way to find out about events, especially in small towns.
American West Heritage Center
Up north in Cache County the American West Heritage Center is a great way to celebrate Utah’s pioneer ancestry and learn more about the pioneers. Enjoy living history interpreters and learn about the history of Cache Valley and pioneer life in true pioneer style.
Check for activities and hours here.
Ogden Pioneer Days
The Ogden Pioneer Days is a yearly celebration to commemorate the settling of Ogden, Utah.
The celebration held each July includes parades, concerts and the Ogden Pioneer Days rodeo at Ogden Pioneer Stadium (more than 30,000 people attend the rodeo each year!). This multiple-day festival offers something for everyone with live performances and special events throughout the celebration.
See this years schedule of events for the Ogden Pioneer Days Celebration here.
Bountiful Handcart Days
Handcart days is an annual event in south Davis County. The celebration includes a handcart parade, park activities and fireworks at Bountiful City Park Pavilion.
The Handcart Days parade is one of the largest parades in Utah with a distance of 1.8 miles along Main Street. Get the details here.
Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo
The Days of ’47 rodeo is the only gold medal rodeo in the world. The rodeo is a long standing Utah tradition for many family’s.
There are several other Days of ’47 activities along with the rodeo including, a parade, Deseret News marathon and more. This week of festivities celebrates pioneer stories and honors the legacy of the early settlers. Get the details here.
This Is The Place Heritage Park
Located in Salt Lake City near the Hogle Zoo, This is the Place Heritage Park is a great place to enjoy pioneer activities year round.
At this state park you can enjoy seeing everyone dressed up like pioneers and learning about the life they lived. You can even see a replica of Brigham Young’s wagon on display!
During pioneer days there are often extra activities going on at the park like the Candy Cannon and free pioneer games. Get all the details here.
Related Post: 10 Things To Know Before Going to the Hogle Zoo
Salt Lake Bees Game
If the Salt Lake Bees are playing a home game on or around the 24th of July often they will have a night with fireworks.
Attending a Bees game is a fun activity for the entire family during the season. Check the Bees Schedule here.
First Encampment Hike
The First Encampment Hike is a commemorative hike to the first pioneer campsite in the Salt Lake Valley.
This family hike is 5 miles long and free to participate in. The trail is from Donner Park to First Encampment Park and follows emigration creek.
At the end of the hike you can purchase a pioneer pancake breakfast if you would like. Get the details here.
Lagoon
A trip to Lagoon amusement park just north of Salt Lake City is a fun family activity during the summer and can be a fun way to spend July 24th.
The amusement park has over 50 rides and a waterpark making it fun for the whole family. Find additional information about Lagoon here.
The Utah Get Out Pass is a great way to save on Lagoon tickets plus get admission to other fun places. Use CODE: keele4 to save on the Get Out Pass.
Red Butte Garden
The 24th is a free admission day at red Butte Garden. Enjoy exploring the beautiful grounds with your family. Get details about visiting here.
Mapleton Pioneer Days
Mapleton’s Pioneer Days is a week long celebration in mid July each year.
Activities include historical programs, a pioneer day parade, 5K, park activities, a fireworks show and more. Get all the details here.
University Place Pioneer Day Celebration
Celebrate pioneer day in Utah County at the Orchard with yard games, live entertainment and a fireworks show. Get the details here.
Provo Pioneer Village
Visit the Provo Pioneer Village for a special pioneer day event or any time during the summer. This is a great way to experience pioneer life in a hands-on way. Get the details.
Tremonton Hay Days
Hay Days is a celebration of the farmland and Wheat, Grass, Straw, Alfalfa and all other types of Hay that made Tremonton what it is today. The celebrations include fun activities for all ages, food vendors/trucks, music, fireworks and more. Get the details.
Heber Valley Railroad Fiddlers ‘n Fireworks
Enjoy dinner a two hour train trip and fireworks on this annual train special. Before boarding the train dinner is served at the station in Heber. The train stops at a firework viewing area to watch the Charleston fireworks over Deer Creek. Get the details here.
American Fork Steel Days
Since 1945, Steel Days has been American Fork’s traditional celebration in July each year. This weeklong celebration includes tournaments of all kinds, a carnival, a parade and even a drone show. Get the details here.
Washington County Pioneer Day Celebration
Washington City is the place to be in southern Utah for Pioneer Day. The city has fun Pioneer Day activities, a parade and pioneer day fireworks after dark. Get the details here.
Spring City Pioneer Day Events
Historic Spring City Pioneer Day celebration includes the pioneer parade down main street, a fireman’s breakfast, kid’s activities, games and more. Get the details here.
Spanish Fork Fiesta Days
Fiesta Days in Spanish Fork has a grand parade, craft show, fireworks and of course the rodeo.
This rodeo has been a staple of the 24th of July celebration in Utah for over 70 years. It features top cowboys and cowgirls from around the country and includes events like team roping, saddle bronc riding, and tie-down roping. Get the details.
Tips for Attending the 24th of July Celebration
Attending the 24th of July celebrations around Utah can be fun for the whole family, but it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips for attending the celebration:
- Plan ahead: Look at the schedule of events and plan out which activities you want to attend. Check specific calendar listings and set calendar notifications for events you don’t want to miss.
- Bring sunscreen and water: The 24th of July is typically hot and sunny, so it’s important to stay hydrated and protect your skin.
- Arrive early: Many events, such as parades and firework shows, can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early to get a good spot. Check parade routes in advance so you know the best viewing locations.
- Snacks are a Must: If you’re bringing kids to any 24th of July Celebrations it’s a great idea to bring snacks, especially if you’re going to be out all day.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, especially if you’re attending a multiple-day festival or full day of festivities.
- Check for free activities: Many communities offer free festivities including free pioneer games, complimentary pie, and free concerts to keep costs down for families.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 24th of July
What is observed on July 24th in Utah?
The 24th of July is an official state holiday in Utah called Pioneer Day. This holiday celebrates the arrival of Brigham Young and the Mormon Pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley and honors the rich pioneer history of the Utah territory.
Do any other states celebrate this Pioneer Day?
The holiday is an official state holiday in Utah but is celebrated by some communities in Idaho and Arizona as well.
What is there to do on Pioneer Day in Utah?
There are many ways to celebrate the 24th in the state of Utah. Some people enjoy getting together with family and friends to celebrate. Many communities celebrate with parades, fireworks displays, BBQ’s and special community events.
You’ll find everything from large outdoor rodeos to drone shows, live performances, free pioneer games, food truck rally options, bird shows, and much more. Activities range from a full day of festivities to a week of festivities depending on your community.
Is Pioneer Day Always Celebrated on the 24th?
While the official Pioneer Day is always the 24th, some communities have their Pioneer Day celebrations on the weekend before or after the 24th (even if it’s not a year when it’s a pioneer day weekend.) Check your specific calendar and set calendar notifications for the latest events in your area.
Where can I learn more about pioneer life in Utah?
Visit the DUP Museum, Provo Pioneer Village, Cove Fort, or This is the Place Heritage Park to learn about pioneer life and hear pioneer stories. These sites offer educational programs year-round.
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