The Fourth of July has passed but the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday are certainly not over, especially in Utah. As the state celebrates Pioneer Day on July 24, many of the events taking place across Utah are also recognizing America 250.
Pioneer Day celebrates the first group of pioneers who arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, and went on to settle the area.
This year there are a variety of events taking place in cities across the state to celebrate not only the founding of the state but also the birth of the nation. These events include outdoor movies, festivals, parades, rodeos and more.
Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox rode at the head of a herd of eight Texas longhorns through Salt Lake City streets Monday morning, opening Pioneer Week and marking the traditional start of the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo, which begins Tuesday night at the Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark.
Friday’s events in Salt Lake City include the Deseret News Marathon and associated races as well as the Days of ’47 parade.
Here is a look at 12 other Pioneer Day events happening this week.
Pioneer Day events
Sandy City Movies in the Park: “The Sandlot"
Date: July 22
Location: America First Field
As part of this year’s America 250 celebrations, Sandy is doing a free outdoor showing of “The Sandlot.”
The movie will begin at 9 p.m. with other activities beginning at 7 p.m.
2026 Pioneer Day Celebration in Logan
Date: July 24
Location: Willow Park
Logan City’s Pioneer Day celebrations will span the whole day with a variety of activities for the whole family. The day begins with a fun run at 7:30 a.m. and the Logan City Pioneer Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Center Street.
The rest of the day’s activities will take place at Willow Park. There will be basketball, soccer and cornhole tournaments as well as free crafts, bingo, a candy cannon and more. In the evening there will be a live concert and the night will end with a fireworks show.
Days of 47 Parade
Date: July 24
Location: Downtown Salt Lake City.
The Days of 47 Parade is one of the largest and oldest parades in the U.S. The parade is full of bands, clowns, colorful floats, horses and other entries. The parade route can be found online.
Fiddlers and Fireworks train
Date: July 24
Location: Heber Valley Railroad
To celebrate Pioneer Day, the Heber Valley Railroad has a Fiddlers and Fireworks night with a train ride featuring live music and a fried chicken dinner. The night begins at 7 p.m. There is also an Old West gunfighter show at 8:15 p.m. and the train ride will begin at 8:30 p.m. Passengers will enjoy a fireworks show across Deer Creek Reservoir.
Salt Lake Art Museum Grand Opening
Date: July 24
Location: Salt Lake Art Museum
The Salt Lake Art Museum is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, July 24.
“As Utah’s first museum dedicated exclusively to Utah artists, the Salt Lake Art Museum tells the story of the state’s rich artistic heritage while breathing new life into the historic B’nai Israel Temple,” per a press release.
The museum includes art from renowned Utah artists such as Pilan, Albert Bierstadt and others. There is also a Julia Reagan exhibition.
University Place’s Pioneer Day Celebration
Date: July 24
Location: University Place in Orem
This year University Place in Orem is holding its 9th annual Pioneer Day Celebration. There will be a market with over 40 local vendors. There is also a short dance party for kids and a live music performance. The night will end with a choreographed firework show.
Brigham City Pioneer Day celebration
Date: July 24
Location: Dennis B Vincent Memorial Park, Brigham City
Brigham City’s Pioneer Day celebration will highlight the America 250 celebration with live entertainment, free train rides, hands-on activities, pioneer games, crafts and more. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fireworks at Utah Lake
Date: July 24
Location: Utah Lake
Utah County is putting on a fireworks show to celebrate Pioneer Day, America 250 and “the Spirit of Utah County.” The fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m.
Imaginaria at Thanksgiving point
Date: Until Aug. 22
Location: Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point
For this year’s America 250 celebration, Thanksgiving Point’s Imaginaria is a great place to celebrate with Utah-inspired adventures and experiences.
The experiences include replicas of Utah Arches, train rides, splash zones and replicas of national monuments. There are plenty of hands on activities and play zones to keep the whole family entertained. The event is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Spirit of Freedom pageant
Date: July 22-25
Location: Sanpete County Fairgrounds in Manti
Beginning at 8 p.m. every night from July 22-25 the Spirit of Freedom pageant is performed at the Sanpete County Fairgrounds in Manti. The pageant is adapted from “Exiled” by Helene Holt and incorporates scenes from “The Pulse of His Soul.” It tells the story of Rev. John Lothropp. Lothropp was a 17th-century pastor who, after standing up for his beliefs, endured imprisonment and exile. The show also includes original music.
Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo
Date: July 21-25
Location: Utah State Fair Park
From Tuesday to Saturday this week the Days of ’47 Rodeo will begin at 8 p.m. Before the rodeo begins the Fun Zone will be open each night at 5 p.m. The rodeo includes a variety of events including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, bull riding and more.
Tickets for the rodeo can be purchased online.
Handcart Days
Date: July 24 - 25
Location: Bountiful City Park
Handcart Days is a celebration of Utah’s pioneer history and those who traveled across the plains to settle the state. The festivities on Friday include the Handcart Day Parade at 9 a.m. and a concert featuring Jenny Oaks Baker and family performing “American Mosaic.” Throughout the day there will also be activities such as face painting, 9 Square, corn hole, fish pond and more.
On Saturday, there is a Handcart Days race followed by a variety of activities throughout the day. The festivities will end with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.