The United States of America is celebrating the Fourth of July this weekend, but this year’s celebration is special. July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which marked the start of the nation.

Read more Silver linings: The ties that bind — How battlefield brotherhood embodies America’s ideals

To celebrate this milestone, there are a number of events happening across Utah to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary.

From parades and festivals to drone shows and colonial villages, here is a look at some of the Utah events happening for July 4 this week.

Note: This list is not all-inclusive and is subject to change and updates.

The Military Experience: Victory Park USA

Date: June 29 – July 4

Location: Fold of Liberty Farms, Spanish Fork

The Victory Park USA Museum collection will be displayed on the farm with a variety of different things to see and do. There are a variety of legendary military vehicles people can ride in, there are interactive experiences with the farm animals, and guided or self-guided tours through the museum collection.

The experience will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day and entry is free.

‘1776′ the Musical in Logan

Date: June 29 – July 4

Location: Ellen Eccles Theatre, Logan

The Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre is putting on one of the country’s most beloved productions to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The musical tells the story of how the Declaration of Independence came together and celebrates patriotism, democracy and our nation’s founding principles.

America250 stories: 
  • This Utah artist celebrated America 250 by re-creating the document that started it all
  • America is turning the big 250: Here’s how food brands are celebrating
  • 25 movies to help you feel patriotic ahead of America’s semiquincentennial
  • Utah teen musicians to perform on National Mall stage for America 250 celebration
  • America 250 ‘Music and the Spoken Word’ to feature Kansas City Chiefs Coach Andy Reid
  • Coins, pins and trading cards: Utah contributes to ‘America’s time capsule’

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.

Hurricane’s Founders in the Park

Date: July 2

Location: Liberty Village, Hurricane

Hurricane’s Liberty Village will be putting on “Founders in the Park,” a morning event bringing American history to life. The experience will feature hands-on history activities, colonial crafts, live characters and other activities.

Orem’s Colonial Heritage Festival

Date: July 2-4

Location: Scera Park, Orem

The Colonial Heritage Festival will be a three-day living history festival to celebrate the nation’s founding. Living historians come together to make a colonial village with a number of different featured trades: candle-making, printing, woodworking and many more.

There will also be people dressed as militia members, Continental Army soldiers and members of the British Army. Visitors will also have the opportunity to have afternoon tea with founders such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.

Heber Valley’s Red White and Blue Festival

Date: July 2-4

Location: Main Street Park, Heber City

The festival is a multiday celebration of faith, family and country. Friday, July 3, will feature the festival’s headliner, American Soldier, a tribute to Toby Keith. July 2 will feature the Heber Market on Main, and on July 4, people can participate in a 5K and 10K run followed by a breakfast, flag ceremony and parade.

Throughout the day, there will be activities such as a cornhole tournament, a sidewalk chalk art contest, various games and a strongman contest. There will also be a market full of delicious food and handcrafted goods from a number of vendors.

In the evening, there will be an outdoor concert featuring local musicians that will end with a fireworks display.

Independence Eve: Big Air Show 2026

Date: July 3

Location: Millcreek Common

Millcreek Common will provide a high-flying celebration ahead of the Fourth of July. The event will include a battle by local Luchadores, The Wheel of Death and aerialists dropping from the climbing wall. There will also be a drone show to top off the evening. The Common will also be hosting food trucks, entertainment and games.

2026 Freedom Train

Date: July 3

Location: Heber Valley Railroad

Utahns can show their Independence Day spirit and celebrate America 250 with a ride on Heber Valley Railroad’s annual Freedom Train. There will be trains departing on July 4 at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a 90-minute round-trip ride to Decker Bay. The train on July 3 leaves at 7 p.m.

Read more Supreme Court won’t hear Trump’s appeal in E. Jean Carroll case

Riders are encouraged to wear red, white and blue and there will be patriotic music on board. There will also be food and snacks available for purchase in the concession car.

Price City’s 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.

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.

Salt Lake City’s America250 Drone Show

Date: July 3

Location: Jordan Park, Salt Lake City

Utahns can celebrate America 250 with this drone show at Jordan Park. The drone show will feature 500 drones and attendees will also be treated to live music. The event will also feature food trucks.

Thanksgiving Point Freedom Celebration

Date: July 4

Location: Electric Park at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi

The celebration will feature an incredible fireworks show at Electric Park that begins at 10 p.m. There will also be food trucks, vendors and other fun activities.

Stadium of Fire

Date: July 4

Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo

This year’s Stadium of Fire will feature country music star Brad Paisley as its headliner. The night will also feature the country’s largest stadium fireworks show with a drone show. There will also be performances by Nitro Circus, Gentri and the Stadium of Fire Dancers. The night will also feature a helicopter flyover and tributes to military and civilian heroes.

Freedom Festival Grand Parade

Date: July 4

Location: University Ave and Center Street in Provo

The Freedom Festival grand parade in Provo is the largest of its kind in the Western U.S. The parade celebrates freedom, family and country and features marching bands, giant helium balloons, professionally crafted floats, fun-filled equestrian entries and performers.

Freedom Festival’s Freedom Run

Date: July 4

Location: Kiwanis Park, Provo

The Freedom Festival’s Freedom Run is an Independence Day celebration that includes a 10K, 5K and the Mayor’s one-mile Fun Run.

Independence Day at This is the Place

Date: July 4

Location: This Is the Place Heritage Park, Salt Lake City

This is the Place will be putting on an “old-fashioned celebration” of the birth of America. The day’s celebrations will begin with a flag ceremony and a salute to the country put on by the Sons of the American Revolution. Visitors can participate in all the park’s regular activities as well as additional special events. The day’s special events include a Candy Cannon and a watermelon eating contest.

America’s Potluck

Date: July 5

Location: In communities across the state

On Sunday, July 5, neighbors, families and communities are invited to gather and share a meal to commemorate the country’s 250th birthday.

“By bringing people together around the table, we can celebrate the freedoms we share and strengthen the sense of belonging that holds us together,” per the America250 Utah website.

Riverton’s Road to Liberty Art Show

Date: Until Sept. 9

Location: Old Dome Meeting Hall, Riverton

Riverton City’s “The Road to Liberty” is an immersive and free art exhibit to honor America’s semiquincentennial.

“Through original portraits and cinematic storytelling, the experience brings our nation’s founding to life, highlighting the signers of the Declaration of Independence, influential revolutionary women, and pivotal moments of the American Revolution,” according to the city’s website.

The exhibit invites visitors to reflect on what shaped our nation’s founding and its path to freedom.

Read more Utah wildfire evacuees return home as wildfires rage on

By admin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *