Published May 6, 2026
Ultimate Guide to a Utah County Summer
Whether you're a lifelong local or visiting for the first time, Utah County is one of the most event-rich corners of the Intermountain West and summer 2026 is shaping up to be one for the books. This year is extra special: the entire country is celebrating America's 250th birthday, and Utah County is going all out. Between June and August, nearly every city in the valley rolls out a packed calendar of community celebrations, rodeos, concerts, farmers markets, and outdoor movies.
We've done the legwork so you don't have to. Here's everything happening this summer, organized by category, with dates, times, and links to get more info.
Farmers Markets
Provo Farmers Market
Dates: Saturdays, June 6 – October 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Pioneer Park, 500 W. Center St., Provo
One of Utah Valley's most beloved Saturday traditions, now in its 24th year. Over 100 local vendors fill Pioneer Park with farm-fresh produce, baked goods, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and live music. The best selection is early — popular vendors sell out by mid-morning. From strawberries in June to apples in October, there's always something in season.
🔗 More info at provofarmersmarket.com
Orem Sunset Farmers Market ("Food Fest Wednesdays")
Dates: Wednesdays, May – October 2026 Location: Orem City Center Park, 293 E. Center Street, Orem
Locals call it "Food Fest Wednesday" — and for good reason. Orem's weekly market brings together 100 small local businesses selling vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, baked goods, handcrafted soap, and more, alongside what's billed as the largest weekly food truck roundup in all of Utah County. Free community yoga classes and live music complete the vibe.
Spanish Fork Farmers Market
Dates: Saturdays, Summer 2026 Location: 775 W. Center St., Spanish Fork
A smaller, more agricultural-focused market with a decidedly rural feel. Strong on locally grown produce and fresh eggs. A great option if you're looking for a quieter market experience with a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Mapleton Farmers Market
Dates: Mondays, July – September 2026 Location: 125 West 400 North, Mapleton
A charming community market in the quiet city of Mapleton, running weekly on Mondays from July through September. A great way to shop local and connect with neighbors on a weekday evening.
🔗 More info at provolibrary.gov
City Festivals & Celebrations
Springville Art City Days
Dates: June 2026 (exact dates TBA — check springvillecity.org) Location: Downtown Springville
Springville's beloved annual city celebration features a grand parade with over 100 entries, a hot air balloon festival and balloon glow, carnival, concerts, and fireworks. The Art City Days Balloon Fest has been running since 1994 and is one of the longest-running balloon festivals in Utah — balloons launch from Art City Elementary at 6:30 AM, and the evening Aglow Balloon Glow (tethered balloons lit up in sync with music) is one of the most visually spectacular free events in the county.
Saratoga Springs Splash Days
Dates: Summer 2026 (check saratogasprings-ut.gov for exact dates) Location: Shay Park & Neptune Park, Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs' annual summer city celebration, starting with a water party at Shay Park, then rolling into a carnival, concerts, and a parade at Neptune Park. Perfect for families looking to cool off and celebrate together.
🔗 More info at saratogasprings-ut.gov
Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days ⭐ (Utah's Oldest City Celebration!)
Dates: Late June – Early July 2026 Location: Downtown Park & Veterans Memorial Park, Pleasant Grove
As Utah's oldest ongoing celebration, Strawberry Days blends history with parades, concerts, carnival rides, and plenty of strawberry-themed treats. The centerpiece is the PRCA Rodeo at the Pleasant Grove Rodeo Grounds — the longest continuously running rodeo in the state. This is Utah County tradition at its finest.
Lehi Round-Up Week ⭐
Dates: Late June 2026 Location: Wines Park & Various Lehi Locations
Lehi's signature summer celebration and one of the best places in Utah County to experience rodeo culture. The week-long event includes PRCA rodeo events, fireworks, a grand parade, a miniature parade, chalk the walk competition, basketball tournaments, a farmers market, and concerts.
America's Freedom Festival at Provo ⭐ (America's 250th Birthday!)
Dates: Late June – July 4, 2026 Location: Multiple Venues across Provo
One of the nation's largest and longest-running Fourth of July celebrations — and 2026 is its most historic year yet, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The festival spans weeks and encompasses dozens of events across Utah Valley, drawing a combined half-million attendees. The July 3rd slate includes Freedom Days (food, vendors, live music), the Hot Air Balloon Fest at Fox Field (25+ balloons launching daily July 2–4 from 6:00–8:00 AM, with a Balloon Glow on July 3 from 8:30–10:00 PM), Colonial Fest, Military History Days at SCERA Park, and Cries of Freedom at the American Heritage Museum.
America's Freedom Festival Grand Parade ⭐
Date: July 4, 2026 Time: Entertainment Parade begins 8:00 AM; Grand Parade begins 9:00 AM Location: 1000 North University Avenue heading south to 200 South, Provo
The largest Fourth of July parade in the Western United States, drawing over 350,000 spectators along University Avenue. Professional floats, enormous balloons, marching bands, and performers line the route. Many families camp out the night before to secure prime spots. Free admission for unreserved spots; bleacher seats available for purchase.
American Fork Steel Days
Dates: Mid-July 2026 (check steeldaysaf.com for exact dates) Location: Art Dye Park, 1000 N. 550 East, American Fork
Started in honor of the Columbia Steel Mill, Steel Days has grown into a weeklong celebration featuring a car show, various tournaments, and a massive finale day with a grand parade, carnival, food and vendor market, live entertainment, and fireworks.
Spanish Fork Fiesta Days
Dates: Late July 2026; Big events on July 24 Location: City Park & Sports Park, Spanish Fork
Fiesta Days is a weeklong celebration featuring parades, concerts, rodeos, and fireworks. The 2026 Grand Marshals are Dwight and Brenda Liddiard, longtime community servants. The July 24th celebration is the main event, featuring the largest 24th of July parade in all of Utah County.
Santaquin Orchard Days
Dates: Late July – Early August 2026 Location: Santaquin
Santaquin's annual city celebration includes the Little Buck-a-Roo Rodeo for kids, cornhole and pickleball tournaments, a parade, car show, and a grand fireworks show.
Lindon Days
Dates: August 1 – 8, 2026 Location: Lindon City
A full week of community fun including a car show, senior social bingo, Huck Finn fishing derby, free concerts, a grand parade, and fireworks. Everyone is welcome.
Highland Fling
Dates: Late July – Early August 2026 Location: Highland City
Highland's community festival brings the city together for a week of family fun, culminating in a big finale weekend. Check Highland City's website for the full 2026 schedule.
🔗 More info at utahsadventurefamily.com
Utah County Fair & Demolition Derby
Dates: August 2026 Location: Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, Spanish Fork
The Utah County Fair brings together rodeos, livestock shows, concerts, carnival rides, and classic fair food. And of course, the always-crowd-pleasing demolition derby.
Alpine Days
Dates: Early August 2026 Location: Creekside Park, Alpine
Alpine's city festival features a rodeo, carnival, concerts, a water day, and a car show spread across the week. Set against beautiful mountain scenery, it's a quintessential small-city Utah summer celebration.
Salem Days
Dates: August 1 – 9, 2026 Location: Salem City
Salem's annual city festival runs for over a week with family activities, community events, and celebrations. Check Salem City's website for the full schedule.
Rodeos
Springville Art City Days Rodeo
Date: Early June 2026 (exact date TBA) Location: Springville
Part of Springville's Art City Days celebration. Bring the whole family for an evening of classic rodeo action.
Pony Express Days Rodeo
Dates: June 2026 Location: Eagle Mountain Rodeo Grounds, Nolan & Wride Park, Eagle Mountain
Part of Eagle Mountain's larger Pony Express Days celebration, which also includes a parade, carnival, fireworks, and demolition derby.
Strawberry Days PRCA Rodeo ⭐ (Utah's Oldest Rodeo!)
Dates: Late June – Early July 2026 Location: PRCA Rodeo Grounds, Pleasant Grove
The longest continually running rodeo in the state of Utah. Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competition makes this one of the most authentic and exciting rodeo experiences in the entire valley.
Lehi Round-Up Rodeo
Dates: Late June 2026 Location: Wines Park & Various Locations, Lehi
A beloved centerpiece of Lehi's week-long Round-Up celebration, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region. One of the best places to experience Utah's rodeo culture.
Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo
Dates: Multiple nights during Fiesta Days, Late July 2026 Location: Spanish Fork Sports Park, Spanish Fork
A central feature of Fiesta Days, with classic rodeo events including bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping.
Little Buck-a-Roo Rodeo — Santaquin Orchard Days
Dates: Late July – Early August 2026 Location: Santaquin
A family-friendly rodeo experience as part of Santaquin's Orchard Days — a great introduction to rodeo culture for younger kids.
Concerts & Live Music
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre — Summer Concert Season ⭐
Dates: June – August 2026 (Various dates) Time: Shows begin around 8:00 PM · Free train rides on the Orem Express 5:00 – 8:00 PM before most shows Location: 600 S. 400 East, Orem (inside SCERA Park)
Voted Best Live Music Venue and Best Family Entertainment Venue in Utah Valley for many years running, the SCERA Shell is the crown jewel of summer entertainment in the region. Set against the stunning Wasatch Mountains, this open-air amphitheater hosts nationally touring acts all summer long. Bring blankets or low chairs, grab concessions, and enjoy the show. The 2026 season includes 3 musicals, 7 concerts, and 6 outdoor movies.
2026 Concert Highlights:
- Diamond Rio — The Grammy-nominated country band behind "Meet in The Middle," "One More Day," and "Beautiful Mess." Their debut single made them the first country group in history to reach #1 with a debut release.
- Rachel Platten — Emmy Award-winning, multi-platinum pop artist known for empowering anthems "Fight Song" and "Stand By You."
- Kings Return — Acclaimed a cappella group compared to Take 6 and Boyz II Men, blending R&B, jazz, gospel, and pop.
- Plus grand-scale outdoor musicals and theatre productions running throughout the season.
Stadium of Fire — Brad Paisley ⭐⭐ (America's 250th Birthday!)
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: Evening (doors open earlier) Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, BYU Campus, 1700 N. Canyon Rd., Provo
The most iconic event in Utah County's summer calendar, and the 2026 edition is the biggest in the event's history. Country music superstar Brad Paisley headlines the Altabank Stadium of Fire for the 250th anniversary of America's independence, returning to the stage after performing here back in 2011. Paisley has earned three GRAMMYs, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 CMA Awards, and has written 21 of his 25 #1 hits.
The evening also features death-defying stunts from Nitro Circus, a performance by Billboard chart-topping vocal trio GENTRI, the Stadium of Fire Dancers, military flyovers, skydivers, and a massive pyro-drone-laser-flame finale designed to honor America's 250th year. Stadium of Fire is credited as the largest stadium fireworks show in the country for Independence Day.
🔗 Tickets at freedomfestival.org
Free Bluegrass Night & Folk Dancing — University Place
Date: Summer 2026 (check utahagenda.com for dates) Time: Evenings Location: The Orchard at University Place Mall, Orem
Free live bluegrass music, clog dancing, and folk dancing at the outdoor plaza. A laid-back, community-oriented evening perfect for bringing lawn chairs and a picnic.
Outdoor Movies
Provo City Movies in the Park (FREE)
Dates: Summer 2026 (dates TBA — check provo.gov for schedule) Time: At dusk Location: Rock Canyon Park, Provo
Completely free, family-friendly screenings at Rock Canyon Park throughout the summer. Bring a blanket, pack some snacks, and settle in. Arrive early for a good spot — these are popular community nights.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Movies — Wednesday Series
Dates: Summer 2026, Wednesdays (check scera.org for full schedule) Time: Every Wednesday at dusk Location: 600 S. 400 East, Orem (SCERA Park)
A step above the typical park screening — the SCERA Shell's Wednesday outdoor movie series is a midweek treat in a spectacular setting. Season ticket holders get the full outdoor movie series free. Individual tickets available at scera.org.
🔗 scera.org/event-category/outdoor-movies
The Sandlot Outdoor Movie Nights at University Place (FREE)
Dates: Select Fridays, Summer 2026 Time: At dusk Location: The Sandlot, University Place, Orem
Free outdoor movie nights with face painting, popcorn, and Kona Ice on select Fridays throughout the summer at University Place in Orem. A fun, casual evening out that won't cost a dime.
Thanksgiving Point Movies in the Park
Dates: Fridays, Summer 2026 (check thanksgivingpoint.org for exact dates) Time: Evenings Location: Ashton Gardens, Thanksgiving Point, 3900 N. Garden Drive, Lehi
Spend a Friday evening in the gorgeous Ashton Gardens watching movies under the stars. The combination of the beautiful garden setting and the big screen makes this one of the most scenic outdoor movie experiences in the valley. Tickets cost $7.50 for adults and $5 for children. Free for Thanksgiving Point members.
Springville Movies in the Park (FREE)
Dates: Summer 2026 (dates TBA — check springvillecity.org) Location: 700 South 1300 East, Springville
Free outdoor movies in Springville throughout the summer. Check the city's website closer to summer for the full lineup and schedule.
Festivals, Fairs & Cultural Events
Fork Fest — American Fork
Dates: Early June 2026 (exact dates TBA) Location: American Fork
A community-focused summer festival featuring live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. A newer addition to the Utah County festival calendar and growing fast.
Utah Lake Festival
Date: May 30, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: Utah Lake, Provo
A free, family-friendly festival celebrating Utah Lake and the efforts to restore and improve it. Features a cardboard boat race (11:00 AM), paddleboard jousting (1:00 PM), educational exhibits, and food trucks. The Provo Farmers Market kicks off its summer season here with its very first market of 2026.
Scottish Highland Games & Festival — Thanksgiving Point
Dates: Summer 2026 (exact dates TBA) Location: Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
Celebrate Scottish heritage with kilts, bagpipes, Highland games, traditional dancing, and cultural demonstrations in the beautiful Thanksgiving Point garden setting. A unique and entertaining event for the whole family.
Springville World Folkfest ⭐ (Utah's Only International Festival)
Dates: July 30 – August 1, 2026 Time: Gates open 5:30 PM · Performances begin 6:45 PM (Wednesday–Saturday) Location: Spring Arts Park, 700 S. 1300 East, Springville
Utah's only international folk dance and music festival, bringing over 200 dancers and musicians from countries around the globe to perform in Springville's outdoor amphitheater. Three to four nights of performances, a Parade of Nations at University Place in Orem, an exclusive performance at the Orem Library Auditorium, international food vendors, and cultural activities. A truly one-of-a-kind experience that Utah County residents should not miss.
Sunflower Festival — Thanksgiving Point / Cornbelly's
Dates: Late August – Early September 2026 Location: Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
Fields of blooming sunflowers, photo spots, seasonal treats, and outdoor activities make this one of the best late-summer festivals for families and couples. One of the most photogenic events in the county.
Utah Renaissance Faire
Dates: Late August 2026 (check utahvalley.com for exact dates) Location: Young Living Lavender Farm, Mona (near Payson)
Step into a medieval world at one of Utah's most unique event venues — the Young Living Lavender Farm. Knights, artisans, and performers bring the Renaissance to life against a backdrop of blooming lavender fields. A genuinely one-of-a-kind experience for families and history buffs alike.
Pro Tips for Summer 2026
- Stadium of Fire: This is the 250th anniversary of American independence — expect this to be the biggest Stadium of Fire ever. Get tickets early. They go on sale April 10 at freedomfestival.org. Subscribers to the Freedom Festival email list get early access at 10 AM; general public at noon.
- July 4th Grand Parade: Families camp out the night before to secure spots along University Avenue. The Entertainment Parade begins at 8:00 AM and the Grand Parade at 9:00 AM. Arrive very early or purchase bleacher seats in advance.
- Hot Air Balloon Fest: The Freedom Festival Balloon Fest launches daily July 2–4 from 6:00–8:00 AM at Fox Field in Provo. Free to attend. The evening Balloon Glow is July 3 from 8:30–10:00 PM.
- Outdoor Movies: Bring blankets or low chairs for free park screenings. SCERA movies require tickets — buy ahead at scera.org.
- Farmers Markets: Go early! Popular vendors at the Provo Market sell out by mid-morning. Best selection between 9–11 AM.
- Strawberry Days Rodeo: Utah's oldest continuously running rodeo — worth the trip for the history and the action.
- World Folkfest: Gates open at 5:30 PM with free activities before the 6:45 PM main performance. Arrive early and make a full evening of it.
