SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns are encouraged to attend professional firework shows this Independence Day weekend after personal fireworks were significantly restricted across the state due to historic wildfire conditions.
Gov. Spencer Cox's executive order ultimately leaves local fireworks restrictions up to city officials' discretion. Many Utah cities have opted to ban personal fireworks altogether, while others have established limited legal locations.
"I want people to be able to celebrate, and fireworks are part of that celebration — but this year we have to respond to the reality that is with us, not the one that we wish we had," Cox said.
But fear not, even without the possibility of doing personal fireworks, there are many opportunities to see patriotic explosions. Here is your guide to many of the major professional fireworks shows happening across Utah on July 3 and 4.
(Because of Utah's wildfire conditions, it's a good idea to check the event page before heading out, in case of weather- or fire-related changes).
Friday, July 3
Logan
Logan will have many America 250 celebrations, but the city's main event will be on Friday with food trucks, live music from the Lonely Hearts Club Band and Mile Marker 6 Band, and a fireworks display. Fireworks can also be watched from Soccer Park, USU Old Main Amphitheater or Logan High School practice baseball field.
- When: Event starts at 6 p.m.; Fireworks around 10 p.m.
- Where: Willow Park, 450 W. 700 South, Logan
North Salt Lake
The North Salt Lake Liberty Fest offers a variety of activities, including food trucks, live entertainment and what is widely regarded as one of Utah's best municipal fireworks displays.
- When: ~10 p.m.
- Where: Eaglewood Golf Course, 1110 E. Eaglewood Drive, North Salt Lake
Salt Lake City
If you want to skip the explosions, Salt Lake City is hosting a free drone show to celebrate America's 250th, including about 500 drones, live entertainment and food trucks.
- When: 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Where: Jordan Park, 1060 S. 900 West, Salt Lake City
West Bountiful
West Bountiful is hosting its annual Independence Day Carnival complete with live music, food trucks, activities, games and a fireworks show.
- When: 5 p.m. carnival starts; fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Where: 550 W. 1600 North, West Bountiful
Saturday, July 4
America's Freedom Festival
The three-day, fun-filled Freedom Festival aims to host one of the state's largest annual Fourth of July parades and fireworks shows at the Stadium of Fire, with country-music star Brad Paisley headlining this year's event.
- When/Where: Entertainment Parade at 8 a.m./Grand Parade at 9 a.m. on University Avenue and Center Street; Stadium of Fire at 8 p.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium, 1700 N. Canyon Road, in Provo
- Cost: Parade is free; Stadium of Fire tickets run $40-$270
Cedar City
The Cedar City Lions Club hosts its 86th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival, celebrating "America 250 — 1776 to Today." Festivities include a traditional parade with a flyover by the Southern Utah University Helicopter School, a family-friendly festival and parade, live music and food. Pending unforeseen circumstances, the Cedar City Fire Department plans to provide a safe way to enjoy fireworks with a show after dark.
- When: Parade at 9 a.m.; Festival until 3 p.m.; Fireworks around 10 p.m.
- Where: Main Street, Cedar City; Fireworks at Cedar City Airport, 2560 Aviation Way Street, Cedar City
Centerville Freedom Festival
The multi-day Centerville Freedom Festival will include a parade and a 5K, which will culminate in a "Party in the Park" with a concert by Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band, followed by a fireworks display.
- When: Live entertainment starting at 10 a.m.; Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band at 8:30 p.m.; Fireworks at "dusk"
- Where: Community Park, 1350 N. 400 West, Centerville
Heber Valley
The Heber Valley Red, White and Blue Festival spans three days, from a night market on July 2, a live concert on July 3 and 5K/10K run/walk, a balloon festival, a pancake breakfast, parade, free hot-dog lunch at the park, sidewalk chalk art contest, "1776 The Musical" at Timpanogos Valley Theatre, games and entertainment, a strongman contest and more on July 4. The festival's fireworks show on Saturday was canceled, but a drone show will be held Friday night, 10 p.m., at Heber City Park.
- When: Balloon launch at 6:15 a.m.; Musical at 2 p.m.; Various events from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where:Various locations in Heber City
Hurricane/Sand Hollow
Hurricane's America 250 Independence Day Celebration will feature a parade and flag ceremony, followed by a basketball tournament, breakfast, games, activities and family fun at the park and ends with a fireworks show at Sand Hollow.
- When: Parade begins at 8:30 a.m.; Fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Where: Main Street, Hurricane; Sand Hollow
Kaysville
The city of Kaysville offers several opportunities for patriotic celebrations including the "Red, White and Blue, Through and Through" parade followed by live entertainment and fireworks.
- When: Parade at 10 a.m.; Fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Where: Barnes Park, 950 W. 200 North, Kaysville
Layton
Layton's parks and recreation department is also hosting dozens of patriotic weekend activities as part of its Layton Liberty Days. The fireworks will follow The Spirit of Freedom Concert by the Utah Broadway Stars.
- When: Concert at 7:30 p.m.; Fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Where: Ed Kenley Amphitheater, 403 N. Wasatch Drive, Layton
Midway
Midway's Annual July 4th Celebration is a day filled with patriotic fun in the Midway Town Square that includes an early-morning flag ceremony and pancake breakfast, bike parade and Swiss performances, as well as a free Utah Symphony concert. The event's typical fireworks show, lit from Memorial Hill, has been canceled due to Utah's ongoing dry conditions and fire danger.
- When: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Utah Symphony concert at 8 p.m.
- Where: 120 W. Main, Midway
North Ogden
North Ogden's Cherry Days, complete with a Friday night rodeo and all-day activities Saturday, will also conclude with fireworks.
- When: Festivities begin at 7 a.m.; Fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Where: Barker Park Amphitheater, 2375 Fruitland Drive, North Ogden
Oakley Rodeo
The famous Oakley Rodeo will also be celebrating the holiday with fireworks after rodeo events every night from July 1 to 4, and July 6.
- When: Rodeo events start at 7:30 p.m., Fireworks to immediately follow
- Where: Oakley City Recreational Complex, 4300 N. State Route 32, Oakley
Park City
Park City Mountain Resort will be holding its annual Forum Fest from July 2 to 4, filled with live music each evening followed by a drone and fireworks show.
- When: Music starts at 3 p.m.; Drone and Firework show 10:15 p.m.
- Where: Park City Mountain Resort, Mountain Stage Lawn
Riverton
Riverton Town Days will host various events from July 1 through July 4, including a carnival and a "Tribute to America: A Patriotic Festival Concert." On the Fourth, the city is having a chuckwagon breakfast, races, free swimming, food, entertainment and fireworks.
- When: Breakfast from 7-10 a.m.; Carnival opens at 11 a.m.; Fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Where: Riverton City Park, 1452 W. 12600 South, Riverton
Salt Lake City/The Gateway
The Gateway in Downtown Salt Lake is hosting an evening celebration with family-friendly entertainment, food, drinks, live performances, special offerings from Gateway merchants and restaurants and concluding with a fireworks show. Free reservations are available for firework-viewing spots.
- When: Starts at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Where: Gateway Plaza, 10 N. Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake Bees/South Jordan
The Salt Lake Bees will offer a fireworks show to cap off both Friday, July 3rd's game and Saturday's Independence Day baseball game.
- When: Games start at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: The Ballpark at America First Square, 11111 Ballpark Drive, South Jordan
St. George
A traditional community parade featuring a new route this year. The city's carnival and vendor show will be held Sept. 14-20 at its Dixie Days Celebration. A patriotic concert hosted by 99.9 KONY Country radio will conclude with a fireworks show at Greater Zion Stadium on the campus of Utah Tech University.
- When: Parade at 8:30 a.m.; Concert/Fireworks at 8 p.m.
- Where: Parade at 100 South, St. George; Concert/Fireworks at Greater Zion Stadium, 501 S. 700 East, St. George
Thanksgiving Point/Lehi
Lehi is helping host the Thanksgiving Point Freedom Celebration with "festival fun," food trucks, vendor booths and a fireworks show. Viewers can opt for a synchronized musical experience of the show by tuning into FM100.3.
- When: Park opens at 4 p.m.; Fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Where: Electric Park, 2650 N. Ashton Boulevard, Lehi
Tooele
Tooele City is joining in on the patriotic fun with patriotic activities all week, celebrating the 250th anniversary. The festivities will end with a $5 concert featuring Bohemian Queen, who will be playing the greatest hits of Queen. There will also be fireworks following the Bit N' Spur Rodeo.
- When: Concert at 8 p.m.; Fireworks at both locations at 10 p.m.
- Where: Concert at Tooele High School Football Stadium, 240 W. 100 South, Tooele; Rodeo at The Peak Sports and Entertainment Complex, 2930 W. Highway 112, Grantsville
West Jordan Western Stampede
The West Jordan Western Stampede Rodeo will include carnival events, food trucks, activities, a parade, live music, a drone show on Friday and fireworks Saturday night to top it all off.
- When: 10 p.m.
- Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 1985 W. 7800 South, West Jordan
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Cassidy Wixom
