From my first 4th of July celebration in Park City in 2003, I fell in love with Park City’s small-town parade. I’ve branched out to celebrate the 4th in some of the outer-lying areas, like Kamas, Oakley, and Heber City, and each offers something unique and authentic to its town culture. Here is my advice on how to make the most of America’s birthday in Park City.
4th of July Events in Park City
Canyons Village Fireworks
From July 3 – 6, Canyons Village celebrates Forum Fest featuring live music starting at 4 pm, cornhole, face painting, and fireworks or drone show (varies by evening). This is a great way to celebrate the 4th on a different night than the 4th!
Pancake Breakfast on the 4th at 7:00 am
This is a fundraiser that is held in City Park. The pancakes are inexpensive and generous.
Cole Sport 5K Fun Run on July 4th at 8:00 am
This fundraiser starts at Cole Sport in Park City. This is not an easy course! Even though I had lived in Park City for a few months, I was still wheezing the first year I ran it because of the altitude and hills. Nevertheless, it’s a very scenic and beautiful course with a lot of runners.
4th of July Parade – Historic Main Street at 11:00 am
The 4th of July Parade marches from Historic Main Street to City Park. The parade starts at 11 am sharp with a flyover of jets from nearby Hill Air Force Base. If you park west of Main Street at Park City Mountain, you will be closer to your car after the parade ends and the celebration at City Park begins. It is an all-day festival, with barbeque, family activities, and live music. At 3 pm, you can walk up the hill to Park City Mountain, where you will find more free music, a party atmosphere, and fireworks at dusk.
Insider’s Tip: Do not drive to the parade. Park near one of the Electric Express bus stops (Kimball Junction, Canyons, or Park Avenue) or at Park City Mountain, and walk or take the bus to Main Street. The closer you get to Main Street, the bigger the traffic jam, so give yourself plenty of time. This is one of those rare instances when walking may get you there faster than an automobile or bus.
The Deer Valley Music Festival (Utah Symphony and Opera) July 5th and 6th
Deer Valley presents a patriotic music celebration. Tickets should be purchased in advance because these concerts usually sell out. Once again, taking the Electric Express to the Main Street Transit Center and transferring to the Deer Valley bus is always a good call. Alternatively, you can head up to the St. Regis and wait out the traffic with a lovely cocktail at the bar.
Whatever you choose to do, you are guaranteed the best 4th of July if you spend it in Park City. However, if you want to try something a little different, head over to one of our neighboring towns.
Oakley’s Independence Day Celebration
The Oakley Rodeo
Since 1935, the Oakley Rodeo has been a staple event that hosts some of the best Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association riders in the country. The event takes place annually before and after the 4th of July. This is a great, family-friendly event that sells out every year. It’s very entertaining, with a fun local crowd. If you are a big city person, you need to experience the rodeo at least once in your life. This event sells out every year, so if you want to go next year, let me know as Summit Sotheby’s International Realty is a sponsor.
Oakley 4th of July 5K Fun Run and Parade
I ran the Oakley 5K Fun Run in 2023 and was surprised to see so many people I knew from Park City running the race. The course is very beautiful and much easier than the Cole Sport race in Park City. The race begins at 7 am at the Oakley Recreation Complex Red Barn. You can register on the day of the event.
Oakley 4th of July Parade
For something a little different, attend the Oakley 4th of July Parade, which starts at 10 am. This parade goes past the recreation area on Highway 32. I think nothing represents the small-town nature of the Oakley 4th of July Celebration better than the junior rodeo and kids activities, which begin at 1 pm at the Oakley City Arena. There is a treasure dig, chicken chase, and sheep and steer riding. Check the Oakley City website for updated activity information.
Heber Valley’s Red, White, and Blue Festival
Beginning at 6:30 am and ending at sundown with a fireworks display, this festival is always an action-packed day in the Heber Valley. Start bright and early with hot air balloons and a 5K or 10K race. Or chow down at the Rotary breakfast at 8:00 am then show your American spirit during a lively and colorful patriotic walk. A variety of other engaging events take place throughout the day, including a cornhole tournament, chuckwagon breakfast, chalk art, and a strong-man contest.
The Heber Valley Railroad conducts a 90-minute “Freedom Train” from 8:00 am – 2:30 pm. You can purchase tickets online. As the sun begins to set, an outdoor concert fills the air with patriotic and popular tunes by local musicians. A final dazzling display of fireworks takes place at 10 pm to round out an incredible day.
Midway’s 4th of July Celebration at Midway’s Town Square
The cannon blasts off at 6:00 am (those Wasatch County residents are early risers!), then it’s time to head over to the pancake breakfast at 8:00 am, followed by a children’s bike parade at 10:00 am and fireworks at 10:00 pm on Memorial Hill.