The 3 Best Parades Around Utah County

There’s something about a parade that feels timeless—marching bands, floats, waving politicians, and that one kid chasing after the free candy. In Utah Valley, parades aren’t just events; they’re milestones that bring entire communities together. Whether celebrating independence, strawberries, or local creativity, these beloved parades offer a snapshot of what makes life in this corner of Utah feel so connected, colorful, and a little bit charmingly chaotic.

America’s Freedom Festival Utah Valley 4th of July Celebrations

The America’s Freedom Festival at Provo hosts one of the largest and most patriotic parades in the western United States. According to their website, the Grand Parade kicks off a day of 4th of July festivities that include more than 100 floats, marching bands, military groups, and community organizations. Tens of thousands of spectators line University Avenue and Center Street, many setting up chairs the night before in a tradition as enduring as the parade itself. With its massive scale and emotional moments—like the tributes to veterans and first responders—the Freedom Festival parade feels less like a simple procession and more like a community-wide love letter to America.

Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade

The Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade is as sweet as its name suggests. Part of Utah’s longest-running city celebration, the parade highlights everything from local school groups and dance teams to intricately decorated floats and classic cars. The Strawberry Days website emphasizes the family-friendly spirit of the event, where generations of parade-goers line the streets with anticipation for a glimpse of royalty floats—and maybe even a handful of strawberries and cream. It’s a parade that feels homemade in the best way: polished enough to impress, relaxed enough to feel like a neighborhood party.

Springville Art City Days Parade

Springville’s Art City Days Parade captures the spirit of a town that takes its celebrations seriously—but not itself. Part of the weeklong Art City Days festivities, the parade winds through downtown with a colorful mix of floats, musicians, community groups, and plenty of candy-tossing. The event’s website highlights the inclusivity of the parade, where businesses, nonprofits, and even backyard inventors have a chance to strut their stuff. It's a reminder that sometimes the best parades aren't the biggest or the flashiest—they're the ones where you know half the people in it.

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