The 3 Best City Celebrations or Festivals Around Utah County

When summer sweeps through Utah Valley, city festivals transform quiet streets into lively hubs of music, parades, food, and old-fashioned fun. According to the Utah Office of Tourism, local festivals contribute millions to the state economy each year, highlighting how much these hometown celebrations matter. They are more than just events; they are snapshots of community pride, a reminder that small-town traditions still thrive in a world rushing toward everything digital. Whether you go for the rodeos, the art shows, or just the deep-fried everything, city celebrations offer a little magic you can’t find scrolling on your phone.

Springville Art City Days

Springville’s Art City Days has the distinction of being the city’s longest-running community event, dating back to 1947. True to Springville’s reputation as "Art City," the festival brings creativity front and center with art shows, concerts, parades, and even a hot air balloon festival. What sets Art City Days apart is the sheer variety—it’s not unusual for one weekend to feature a 5K, a children's parade, and a battle of the bands all happening within blocks of each other. Families can wander through craft fairs, feast on local treats, and enjoy the simple pleasure of bumping into neighbors they haven't seen since last year's festivities.

Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days

Pleasant Grove’s Strawberry Days wears the title of Utah’s oldest continuous community celebration, and it’s not just the strawberries that have stood the test of time. Since 1921, generations have gathered for its iconic parade, rodeo, carnival rides, and the irresistible lure of strawberries and cream. The event's roots are deep, but the organizers keep it fresh each year with new concerts, contests, and activities. Part of the charm lies in its blend of nostalgia and energy—you might start your day watching a grandpa win the pie-eating contest and end it catching a country music act under the stars.

Spanish Fork Fiesta Days

Spanish Fork’s Fiesta Days lives up to its name by throwing a party that somehow feels both sprawling and close-knit at the same time. Held every July, the event features a full slate of activities, from a carnival to a rodeo to a fireworks show that lights up the entire valley. It also honors the city’s Spanish and pioneer heritage, tying the celebration to the stories that shaped the area. For many families, Fiesta Days isn’t just a festival—it’s a summer institution, a calendar anchor around which vacations and backyard barbecues are planned.

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