From my first 4th of July celebration in Park City in 2003, with a 2 and 3 year old child, I fell in love with Park City’s small town parade. Over the years, I have participated in almost every pre and post parade activity and here is my advice on how to make the most of the 4th of July in Park City. (For a full list of activities, click here.)
Tuesday, July 3rd
Free Celebration of Fireworks at Canyons Village & Other Activities
The Park City Farmer’s market will proceed as scheduled each Wednesday at the Park City Mountain parking lot. Stock up on locally sourced produce and bread for your 4th of July picnic. I believe Deer Valley is skipping its free Grand Valley Bank sponsored locals concert on the 3rd. I could not find anything scheduled.
The Oakley Rodeo, a PRCA event, takes place July 3rd-6th. We have tickets for the 6th. This is a great family friendly event that I have attended in the past. If you are a city slicker like me and have never attended a rodeo, I highly recommend it. It’s very entertaining with a fun, local crowd. I save my “fighting with crowds” stamina for the 4th. If you want a low stress way to see the Canyons Village fireworks, valet park at the Waldorf Astoria. Then, go to the restaurant, Powder, and sit outside. Have a refreshing drink or two, and when the fireworks are about to begin, take the Frostwood Gondola up and stay on it for the best seat to view the Canyons fireworks. Shhh don’t tell anyone else about this. It’s my secret.
Thursday, July 4th
Pancake breakfast at City Park starts at 7:00am. This is a fundraiser and the pancakes are inexpensive and generous. I don’t eat pancakes anymore, so you won’t find me there this year.
5k Fun Run
You can pre-register for the annual Cole Sport 5k Fun Run, here. Race registration is $25 for kids and $35 for adults when you pre-register. Online registration will close on July 3rd at 5:00 p.m. Race morning registration will be $30 and $40 and will be from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Be advised, this is not an easy 5k. The course is full of hills and a lot of people run it.
4th of July Parade on Main Street
The best party on Main Street is at the Summit Sotheby’s office at 625 Main Street. There are refreshments and snacks for all, as well as kid activities. Sadly, this event has been so successful in the past that the company has created a VIP list. You will not be able to walk in if you did not pre-register with me or another Summit Sotheby’s agent. I’ll be watching the parade in front of the Summit Sotheby’s office, so I hope to see you outside, if not inside.
Another tip—Do NOT drive to the parade. Park near one of the Electric Express Bus stops (Kimball Junction, Canyons or Park Avenue in front of Fresh Market). In the past, I used to park at Park City Mountain Resort and walk or take the bus to Main Street. Parking is a hassle and will make you grumpy.
Post-Parade Activities at City Park
It’s just a short walk down the street to City Park where you will find a festival of sorts, with BBQ, family activities and more!
At 3:00pm, you can walk up the hill to Park City Ski Resort base where you will find free music and fireworks at dusk.
Friday, July 5th
The Deer Valley Music Festival (Utah Symphony and Opera) presents a patriotic music celebration with Broadway singer Hugh Panaro. Tickets should be purchased in advance. Taking the electric bus to the Main Street transit center and then switching to the Deer Valley bus is a great transportation strategy. In my personal experience, this is the fastest way out of the Deer Valley concert traffic mess. Alternatively, you can head up to the bar at St. Regis at Deer Crest to wait out the traffic.
Whatever you decide to do, you are guaranteed the best 4th of July ever when you spend it in Park City!