Pioneer Day this year lands on a Friday (July 24, 2026), and marks the day pioneers first reached the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. “This is the right place…” proclaimed Brigham Young.
Cities and towns across Utah celebrate Pioneer Day with parades, rodeos, and fireworks all week. Here's where to go, what time to show up, and which events are free.
What Is There To Do on Pioneer Day in Utah?
Every region has its own lineup. The short version:
Salt Lake City: Days of '47 Parade, rodeo, and a drone show at Liberty Park
Utah County: Spanish Fork Fiesta Days and American Fork Steel Days
Weber County: Ogden Pioneer Days, one of the largest PRCA rodeos in the state
Smaller towns: local parades, rodeos, and free community parties from Beaver to Vernal
Pick a region, grab a parade time, and build your day around it. Most towns pack their biggest events into the morning (parade) and night (rodeo or fireworks), so you can hit more than one town if you plan the drive.
What Time Is the Pioneer Day Parade in Salt Lake City?
The Days of '47 Parade starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 24. It begins at South Temple and State Street, heads down 200 East, turns onto 900 South, and ends near Liberty Park. Get there early. Downtown sidewalks fill up fast and street parking disappears by 8 a.m.
Pioneer Day Parades
City | Parade | Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
Salt Lake City | Days of '47 Parade | 9 a.m., July 24 | South Temple & State to Liberty Park |
Ogden | Grande Parade | 9 a.m., July 24 | Washington Blvd, 30th to 20th St |
Spanish Fork | Fiesta Days Grand Parade | 9 a.m., July 24 | Main & Center St |
Beaver | Pioneer Day Parade | 9:30 a.m., July 24 | Main Street |
Fairview | Pioneer Day Parade | 11 a.m., July 24 | Main Street |
Parade of Handcarts | 11 a.m., July 24 | Main Street, inside the park |
Every parade on this list is free to watch curbside. Bring a chair and get there 30-45 minutes early for a good spot.
Pioneer Day Rodeos
Rodeo season peaks this week. Tickets sell out for the bigger shows, so buy ahead instead of hoping for gate sales.
Utah Days of '47 Rodeo (Salt Lake City): Runs July 21-24 at the Utah State Fairpark. Each night ends with fireworks and a drone show. Kicks off with a cattle drive through downtown streets at 9 a.m. on July 21.
Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo: One of the top five outdoor rodeos in the PRCA, running July 18-24 at Pioneer Stadium. Bands play before each show.
Fiesta Days Rodeo (Spanish Fork): Runs July 20-24. Pre-show starts at 7 p.m., rodeo at 7:30 p.m. This one's a consistent sellout, so buy tickets in advance at sfcitytix.com.
Kamas Valley Fiesta Days Rodeo: Part of a week-long celebration July 18-25 that also includes a demolition derby and car show.
Free Pioneer Day Events in Utah
Want a full day out without spending money? These are free to attend:
Pioneer Fun at the Mill (Stansbury Park): Free pioneer games, hot dogs, and drinks at the Benson Grist Mill, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 24.
Vernal Pioneer Day: Free rope making, pottery, and blacksmithing demos plus free museum entry at the Vernal Pioneer Museum, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Washington City Celebration: A full day of free festivities that closes with fireworks at Veterans Park, 10 p.m.
Eagle Mountain Summer Bash: Free music, games, and a laser show at Cory Wride Memorial Park, 4-10 p.m. on July 25.
Salt Lake City Drone Show: Free to watch at Liberty Park, starting at 10 p.m. on July 24.
Millcreek Pioneer Day Social: Pie, root beer floats, live music, and roller skating at Millcreek Common, 6-9 p.m.
Any parade on the list above: Free from the curb, no ticket needed.
Fireworks and Drone Shows
Salt Lake City: Drone show at Liberty Park, 10 p.m. July 24. Fireworks at Daybreak Field at America First Square follow the Salt Lake Bees game that night.
Utah County: Spanish Fork's synchronized fireworks show hits the Sports Park around 10 p.m. American Fork closes Steel Days with fireworks on Saturday, July 25.
Kanab: Fireworks over Jackson Flat Reservoir after dark. Spots open at 4 p.m.
Heber Valley: The Fiddlers 'n Fireworks train ride ends with fireworks over Deer Creek Reservoir.
Logan: Fireworks at 10 p.m. at Willow Park after a full day of games and a concert.
A heads up: some cities may adjust or cancel fireworks shows this year depending on fire danger. Check your city's page the day before you go, especially if you're headed somewhere with dry brush nearby.
More Ways to Celebrate
This Is the Place Heritage Park: Flag ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Parade of Handcarts at 11 a.m., then dancing and a watermelon-eating contest through the day. Admission applies.
Pie and Beer Day: Pie tastings, local breweries, and live music at Smith's Ballpark, 4-8 p.m.
Moab Museum Ice Cream Social: Aggie ice cream, live music, and lawn games, 4-7 p.m. at the museum on Center Street.
Days of '47 Marathon: Full, half, 10K, 5K, and 1K races start at 5:30 a.m. on July 24. Register online before 5 p.m. on July 23.
Northern Utah/SLC: Days of '47 Parade at 9 a.m., then the drone show at Liberty Park that night.
Utah Valley: Fiesta Days in Spanish Fork covers a parade, rodeo, and fireworks all in one town.
Weber County: Ogden Pioneer Days Grande Parade at 9 a.m., rodeo that night at Pioneer Stadium.
On a budget: Pioneer Fun at the Mill in Stansbury Park. Free games, free food, free parking.