The 4th of July is our ultimate favorite holiday. It’s warm, sunny, happy… people are out with festive attitudes and cheery dispositions… you get to watch fireworks, have a great bbq and enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. All great things that we are typically writing about here on our blog and enjoy participating in!
Utah does the 4th of July right, and in our opinion, Provo’s Freedom Festival is the highlight. Take a look at a few of our favorite 4th of July Activities and traditions below.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
I grew up going to this balloon festival honestly since the time I was probably 4 or 5 years old. It’s a family tradition that has been something we look forward to every year. The event happens on July 3, 4, and 5 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM this year. As described on the Freedom Festival website, there are typically around 25 different balloons to watch as they inflate, take off to the skies, and fly over the field to participate in competitions.
We highly recommend getting to Fox Field as close to 6am as possible. The magic is watching the balloons unroll and fill up. Brings such a sense of excitement to the holiday morning! If you can’t stand the early hours, Thursday the 3rd they will also host a Balloon Glow from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. We haven’t personally attended this event, but have heard great things as well!
Freedom Run & Grand Parade
Usually around 3pm on the 3rd of July, the dedicated parade goers start setting up their spots for the Grand Parade that occurs on the 4th of July at 9am. It’s touted as the “largest of its kind in the Western United States” with over 300,000 spectators. Having seen this parade for myself, I wouldn’t be surprised at all with that spectator estimate across the 2 mile parade route.
The parade lasts for at least a good hour and a half to two hours so if you are going, keep in mind that it’s a good, long parade! In addition, there are a few “extras” for those who are camping out overnight to hold their spots (one person must always be present to reserve the spot, and yes, that is written into the Provo City Code – SECTION 9.14.220).
Those extras include:
- Watching the end of the Freedom Run! The 10k and 5k routes actually run along the parade route! When I camped out with some family one year, I distinctly remember waking up to all of the runners passing by as they finished out their great holiday race. Such a fun atmosphere to finish a race in my opinion!
- Watching the Entertainment Parade! At 8am there’s a pre-parade in a sense that is more of an advertising type parade. Coupons given out by local companies, local college sports teams and clubs and many more who want to get in on the parade action.
Stadium of Fire
The Stadium of Fire is usually the “big ticket” event around Utah on the 4th of July. Each year the Freedom Festival Committee tries to bring in popular artists and entertainment to create an extremely fun environment for all! Over the years we have seen shows by Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana, One Republic, Keith Urban and more! This years special headliners are Rascal Flatts.
F-35 jet flyovers make me tear up every year. The skydive team flying in with the flag is also a highlight that gives me chills. Overall it’s a great show with tons of entertainment and lasting joy for the entire family. Tickets range from $40-$270 according to the official website page.
Watching Stadium of Fire Fireworks
You have two great options for watching the Stadium of Fire Fireworks. It’s supposedly “the nation’s largest stadium fireworks spectacle” and something you do not want to miss!
Option 1: Sitting in your seat at the Stadium of Fire
Option 2: Finding a spot honestly most anywhere throughout Provo. This is our typical go-to, and one of our favorite spots is on BYU campus by the Marriott Center. We have also watched and had great views from Fox Field (where the balloon festival occurs), a local business owner allowed us on the roof of his store one year, and even hiking up to the Y to watch the valley is an incredible view.
Wherever you go, we recommend finding an open space that is away from lights (think lights in parking lots). There are plenty of great locations. Head over around 8pm, bring blankets and yard games, and hang out with friends and family until the fireworks start around 10pm!
Tubing or Kayaking the Provo River
There are various companies who provide services to tube, kayak, or even raft the Provo River. If you are not a strong swimmer, we highly recommend a raft option, or even a guided raft option. (Especially with the high water levels this year.)
If you are an experienced/confident swimmer, with some of your own gear, you can save a few bucks and create your own experience. We love kayaking the Provo River. Bring your kayaks, life jackets (required), and float along enjoying the gorgeous views in Provo Canyon.
BBQ with Outdoor Games
What’s more American than a great BBQ? Nothing we say! BBQs are a great way to gather neighbors, family and friends and connect more with those around you. Traditional 4th of July foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, and apple pie are enjoyed in backyards of all shapes and sizes.
You can’t go wrong with hosting your own BBQ if there isn’t one in your neighborhood going on! Set up some great games – some of our favorite backyard games for BBQs can be found here.
What’s an Ideal 4th of July Schedule?
Here’s our typical timeline for the 4th of July:
- 5:30am – Leave the house to head towards the the balloon festival
- 5:55am – Park at the neighboring grocery store (sometimes grab a box of donuts) and head over to Fox Field to watch the balloons inflate
- 8am – Grab some breakfast at Chick-fil-A
- 9am – Find a great morning activity: Watch some of the parade, walk up Provo Canyon on the trail up to Bridal Veil Falls, volunteer to help clean up/take down the Freedom Run
- 11am – nap time or prep for the rest of the day!
- 2pm – Tube or Kayak down the Provo River
- 5pm – BBQ time – Bring great backyard games and enjoy the warm weather.
- 8pm – Head to the Stadium of Fire or to your Firework watching spot to play games and then watch the fireworks!
We hope you are able to enjoy the holiday spent outdoors, enjoying picnics, barbecues, and games, and ultimately taking advantage of the summer weather. It’s a time for family reunions, neighborhood parties, and community events, strengthening bonds among friends and family. Gather some people together this year and enjoy the best holiday of them all! And if you need more ideas, take a look at our ultimate Backyard Games and Outdoor Activities list here!
