One of Salt Lake Valley's most popular Independence Day gathering spots, Sugar House Park, won't be hosting fireworks in 2018. That doesn't mean you're out of luck for celebrating the Fourth, though, as multiple Utah cities host events featuring food, fun and pyrotechnics. Here's just a sample of the places you can hang out for some patriotic partying:
Park City Parade: Help Park City kick off Independence Day with its annual 11 a.m. parade down historic Main Street. Following the parade, guests can visit beer gardens at City Park and Park City Mountain Resort. Music at PCMR begins at 3 p.m. with DJ Velvet, followed by Memphis McCool's groovy modernized original tunes at 5 p.m. and then The Soulistic's peppy mixture of jazz, funk and soul at 7:30 p.m. At dusk, watch colors burst across the sky in an inspiring fireworks display. (Cara MacDonald) Park City Mountain Resort, 1345 Lowell Ave., Park City, free, parkcitymountain.com
Freedom Festival: Provo's Freedom Festival rings in Independence Day by hosting a variety of events, including Freedom Days, the Provo Balloon Festival, a 4th of July Parade and a Freedom Run (10K, 5K and 1-mile fun-run), all culminating in one explosive conclusion at the Stadium of Fire with headliner One Republic, whose pop-rock melodies accompany the extravagant fireworks display. Following the concert and fireworks, keep the fun going by heading over to the family-friendly street dance close to the stadium. (CM) Freedom Festival: various locations, Provo, free; Stadium of Fire: LaVell Edwards Stadium, 1700 N. Canyon Road, Provo, 8 p.m., $35-$250, freedomfestival.org
Salt Lake Bees: If you're looking for a classic way to celebrate with your family or friends this Independence Day, what could be more American than baseball, barbecue and beer followed by one of the best fireworks shows in the valley? The Salt Lake Bees take on the El Paso Chihuahuas for a home game; general admission starts at $12, with fireworks following the final inning. So grab your group, keep that unofficial ballpark anthem loud in your patriot heart and take yourself out to the ball game. (Samantha Herzog) Smith's Ballpark, 77 W. 1300 South, 801-325-2337, 6:35 p.m., $12-$22, slbees.com
Liberty Days: Tradition meets fun with activities and contests inspired by the early Western frontier pioneer lifestyle set up throughout This Is The Place Heritage Park: pan for gold, run in the stick-horse races, ride the train, pick a side in the tug-of-war, cool off on the splash pad, fire the Candy Cannon and enter the watermelon eating contest. Admission for kids starts at $8.95, so whether you spend your day eating melons or riding horses, Liberty Days is the place for you and your family this Independence Day. (SH) This Is The Place Heritage Park, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., 801-582-1847, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $8.95-$12.95, thisistheplace.org
Small Town Big 4th: An Independence Day celebration in a big city can sometimes be overwhelming. Magna's Small Town Big 4th offers the perfect alternative to the hustle and bustle of Salt Lake City. Starting bright and early with a 5K fun run/walk and continuing until fireworks at dusk, the day's events include a breakfast, parade and live music in and around Magna Copper Park. Most events are free, but the games and inflatable events are $12 for unlimited-ride wristbands and 50 cents for game tickets. (Kylee Ehmann) Magna Copper Park,8950 W. 2600 South, Magna,6 a.m.-10 p.m., free-$12, magnautah.org
Salt Lake City's Independence Day Celebration: While there are a plethora of unique Fourth of July activities happening around the state, there's nothing quite like a fireworks show to end the evening. Hosted by Salt Lake City and Gallivan Center Events, the evening's show lights up the north section of Salt Lake City's Jordan Park while providing a patriotic event everyone in the neighborhood can enjoy. Food is provided by the Food Truck League, including La Salsita Tacos Grill, LoL Hawaiian Grill, The Other Side Food Truck and Boisson Artisan Beverages. (KE) Jordan Park,1060 S. 900 West, 10 p.m., free, slc.gov
Sandy City 4th: A summer tradition for many local families, Sandy's annual celebration occupies its usual grassy location near Sandy City Hall. A variety of events throughout the day include a 5K run at 7 a.m., a spikeball tournament at 9 a.m., a parade at 6 p.m. and a fireworks display at 10 p.m., in addition to stage entertainment, inflatable rides and activity booths. Returning cover band The Salamanders headlines the stage show and provides post-fireworks entertainment until 11:30 p.m. (Nic Renshaw) 10000 Centennial Parkway, Sandy, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., free, sandy.utah.gov
Thanksgiving Point: Thanksgiving Point is throwing a free, evening-long Independence Day celebration in Lehi's Electric Park, west of the Megaplex Theater. Guests of all ages can enjoy music, concessions, carnival games and prizes from 7 p.m. until the 10 p.m. fireworks show. You can arrive as early as 4 p.m. if you want to grab an optimal fireworks-viewing spot. (NR) 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., free, thanksgivingpoint.com