- Local events are being held in 150 Utah communities to celerate America250.
- America250 Utah has a number of programs meant to educate and engage people for the anniversary.
- Different events include concerts, parades, galas and speaker series.
This year, America is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Leading up to the anniversary, a number of national events and programs are taking place, but there are also plenty of America250 celebrations happening on a statewide level in Utah.
“Utah is one of 56 states and territories representing 350 million Americans celebrating and commemorating this anniversary and really celebrating our country,” said Nicole Handy, executive director of the America250 Utah Commission.
As part of the America250 celebrations, there are local events and activities happening in 150 Utah communities. The events include parades, lectures, quilt shows, community reenactments, concerts, galas and more.
The America250 Utah commission has also put together a variety of signature programs to help Utahns recognize the 250th birthday of the nation.
Ron Fox, co-chair of the America250 Utah Commission, said everyone should look back on their family’s and ancestors’ contributions to the building of the nation.
He added that so many people “are actually related to some of the founders and the patriots that have come before us that made this nation, and the people who sacrificed for our country.”
Here’s a look at how Utahns can take part in the America250 celebrations leading up to July 4.
America250 Utah programs
- Education Resources: 500 for our future — America250 Utah is partnering with Utah Valley University’s Center for Constitutional Studies and other groups to provide 500 K-12 teachers in Utah with resources and professional training for civics education.
- The Pen is Mightier: Writing a Revolution — This exhibit at the Utah state Capitol is inspired by the Declaration of Independence and will use printed articles from the period to showcase communicators in the Revolution. There is also a traveling display making its way to all 29 of Utah’s counties at libraries, arts, and cultural organizations and other community buildings.
- Walk250 Utah — This program encourages every Utah to move 250 miles leading up to July 4, 2026. This movement includes walking, running, biking and other forms of outdoor exercise.
- Utah250 Communities — America250 Utah partnered with tribal nations, municipalities and counties across the state to create engaging opportunities for Utahns to celebrate the semiquinncentennial. The commission is providing tool kits to give towns and cities ideas for programs and events.
- Serving a Common Cause — This initiative encourages Utahns to come together in acts of service, unity and civic engagement to strengthen communities. There are many ways to serve including joining a clean-up crew, mowing your neighbor’s lawn or mentoring a student.
- America’s Potluck — This is part of a nationwide initiative for neighborhoods to host gatherings on July 5 to connect people through conversation and a shared meal.
- Exploring the Declaration of Independence at 250 — This is a speaker series presented in partnership with Utah’s higher education institutions focused on America’s founding values.
Upcoming America250 Utah events
Let Freedom Ring 250 Utah Kickoff Event
Date: May 2
Location: Online, over Zoom
This family-friendly, online event will celebrate the role of mother and families in shaping the communities that make up the nation. The event will be engaging, introducing simple, meaningful ways to explore local arts, history and culture.
Hope of America 2026
Date: May 5-7
Location: Brigham Young University Marriott Center, Provo
Over three days, a chorus of Utah’s fifth and sixth graders will come together to sing the songs of the Hope of America. There will be over 8,000 students from 100 different schools. The songs commemorate the Declaration of Independence, tributes to the Founding Fathers and songs of appreciation for first responders and the military.
Ogden’s Living Heritage Festival 2026
Date: May 9
Location: Ogden Union Station, Ogden
This community festival will include dance, art, music, food and vendors to celebrate the community and history of Ogden. It is meant to celebrate those who have chosen to live and work in the city throughout its history.
Golden Commemorative ceremony at Golden Spike National Historical Park Spike Reenactments
Date: May 10
Location: Promontory Summit
This event will honor the completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad or the “Wedding of the Rails” at Promontory Summit. It will highlight the stories of those who paved the way for this historic event in U.S. history. There will be a reenactment of the driving of the final spike as well speakers, live music and a variety of activities happening throughout the day.
North Salt Lake Let Freedom Fly Kite Festival
Date: May 16
Location: Tunnel Springs Park, North Salt Lake
Along with kite flying, the festival will include a number of other activities, including live music, food trucks, photo opportunities, face painting and more. There will be a limited number of kites available for kids to decorate and fly. This celebration fall on Armed Forces Day.
America 250 Kids Art Expo
Date: May 30
Location: Logan Library
This event will feature over 150 piece of artwork created by students from kindergarten to fifth grade. The event will also include snacks for kids, an art challenge and a chance to win prizes.
Remember the Ladies: Utah Women in Art 2026
Date: May 1-30
Location: JKR Gallery, Provo
The theme of this year’s Utah Women in Art show, “Remember the Ladies,” references a letter Abigail Adams wrote to her husband when he and the rest of the Continental Congress were debating whether to declare independence from Great Britain. The show will feature art from some of Utah’s most distinguished female artists celebrating women.
American Tapestry: 250 years of American Music
Date: June 6
Location: University of Utah Libby Gardner Hall, Salt Lake City
Utah Voices will be performing a concert titled “American Tapestry: 250 Years of American Music.” The program celebrates the musical influence that is part of the nation’s culture. The choir will perform pieces highlighting a number of genres and decades in American music. It will include folk tunes, patriotic anthems, gospel rhythms, bluesy beats, Broadway hits and more.
America250 ‘Dancing through the Decades’ Gala
Date: June 11
Location: Cache County Event Center, Logan
The gala will feature live bands and dances guided by semiprofessional dancers to encourage audience participation. There will be hors d’oeuvres served at this event, meant for those 14 years and older. Participants will learn dances from each era of American history.
American Folk Ensemble
Date: June 20
Location: The Orchard at University Place, Orem
This high-energy show from the American Folk Ensemble will celebrate America’s rich cultural heritage. It will feature a mix of American folk dance styles, clog dancing and bluegrass music. There will be activities before the performance.
Utah Symphony Concert celebrating America 250
Date: June 23
Location: Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
The Utah Symphony will be performing a program of American classics to honor the nation’s 250th birthday. The event will conclude with a fireworks show after sunset. World-renowned violinist Jenny Oaks Baker will accompany the symphony for this show.
Freedom Festival Children’s Parade
Date: June 27
Location: Center Street, Provo
Around 2,500 participants will take to the streets “to demonstrate their pride in America and its heritage.” The participating children will arranged on a first-come, first-serve basis into different categories. They will be accompanied by the Timpview and Provo High School marching bands. There will also be police officers and firefighters there for the kids to meet with.
250th Anniversary Celebration of our Nation with the American Festival Chorus & Orchestra
Date: July 1
Location: Logan Tabernacle, Logan
This musical celebration of America’s semiquincentennial features the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra at the historic Logan Tabernacle. The program will include American folk tunes, patriotic favorites and more.
Price City Liberty Gala
Date: July 3
Location: Aaron Jones Hall, Price
This formal, one-night-only celebration will honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. as well as recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans. Guests are invited to wear red, white and blue and formal attire is encouraged. The evening will include dinner, dancing, speakers, live music, a silent auction and more. The conclusion of the event will be a live viewing of the national ball drop broadcast from New York City. Proceeds from the event will go to supporting local veterans.
American Heritage Museum
Date: July 1-3
Location: Scera Center for the Arts, Orem
The exhibit will be open over three days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year, it will include new items such as an original 1776 copy of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” and the first magazine printing of the Declaration of Independence. There will also be items representing the history of entertainment, sports, space, science and art in the U.S. and Utah.
Utah Symphony at Capitol Hill
Date: July 3
Location: Utah Capitol Building, Salt Lake City
As the Utah Symphony performs at the state’s Capitol, the program will include American folk music, classical works, Broadway selections and more. It will feature the work of composers such as Aaron Copland, Leroy Anderson and John Williams. This show is meant to bring some patriotic flair to Capitol Hill the day before the nation’s 250th anniversary.