Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
If your summer playlist includes the Eagles, the Beatles, or Fleetwood Mac, there's a Utah music festival you should know about.
Tucked in a quiet mountain valley outside Heber, the Wasatch Boomerfest is a three-day celebration of the music, memories and culture that defined a generation.
This year the festival will be Aug. 22-24.
The festival debuted in 2022, dreamed up by the Richard W. Erickson Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and showcasing Richard Erickson's remarkable collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and Americana.
Boomerfest was created to share the museum with more people, bring the community together and support a good cause.
Geared toward baby boomers and the generation that grew up on vinyl, FM radio and analog dials, Boomerfest features performances from some of the best tribute acts in the region.
With a lineup packed full of classic hits in an unlikely, picturesque setting, Boomerfest continues to grow in popularity each year. It is definitely an event worth putting on your calendar.
Classic hits
Over three days, Boomerfest offers a steady stream of tribute bands playing familiar hits from the 1960s and 1970s.
The Fuse, Rock Daddy, Geneva Road, Shane Lee Band, Carpenters Platinum and Ronstadt Live are just a few of the acts bringing classic rock, soft rock, and country-inspired covers to the festival. Other highlights include Cactus Cola, Tri-Chevys, Exit Strategy, Imagine, Seasoned Amnesia, Bandaged and Rewind.
These bands cover hits from artists like the Beatles, Linda Ronstadt, the Carpenters, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, delivering a soundtrack that keeps the crowd engaged and the energy flowing.
"Playing at Boomerfest is always a highlight for us," said John Pilmer, bass guitarist of Geneva Road. "It's great to connect with a crowd that truly appreciates the music we grew up with. The energy and setting come together to make it a special experience every year,"
With two stages running throughout the festival, there's always music playing, creating a lively, easygoing atmosphere where fans can sing along, dance or just soak it all in.
Whether you want to relive old favorites or discover new takes on classic sounds, the lineup delivers a solid soundtrack for summer in the mountains.
Supporting veterans
While the music and mountains are reason enough to come to the Erickson Ranch, knowing you're supporting a great cause makes it even more rewarding.
Wasatch Boomerfest donates its net proceeds to Continue Mission, a Utah nonprofit that provides outdoor activities and support for veterans living with service-related injuries.
Founded by retired Army Sgt. Josh Hanson, Continue Mission focuses on reconnecting veterans through therapeutic recreation and community-building programs. Nearly all donations go directly to these efforts.
Explore the museum
The Richard W. Erickson Foundation's Antique & Classic Power Museum does not have regular public hours, but Boomerfest ticket holders have special access on Saturday at no additional charge. The museum's extensive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and Americana will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jump on the people mover for easy access from the festival area.
Spread across 24 buildings on over 300 acres, the museum showcases everything from classic muscle cars and motorcycles to pioneer-era artifacts and a mini pioneer village. It's a chance to step back in time and discover the stories that inspired Boomerfest and the foundation behind it.
"This museum is a real treasure trove," said Russel Baker, chairman of the board of the Richard W. Erickson Foundation. "When you get the chance to visit, you're stepping into a world full of stories and history. It's a great way to connect with the past and see some incredible pieces up close."
Whether you're a car enthusiast or just curious, the museum adds an extra layer to the festival experience that you won't want to miss.
For those looking to make the most of the weekend, camping is available onsite, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the music, museum and mountain setting without concern about traveling each day.
Festival ticket information
Tickets are available now at https://richardericksonfoundation.simpletix.com/. Grab yours early to secure your spot at this growing Utah tradition.
Veterans are honored with two free tickets by using the code ISERVED at checkout and showing a valid military ID at the gate. All others can use the code WBF109 for 50% off tickets.
