The 3 Best Parades Around Utah County

Every summer, parade routes across Utah Valley transform ordinary streets into front-row seats for marching bands, community floats, dance teams and enough thrown candy to test the reflexes of every child on the curb. These events carry more than entertainment value. They preserve local traditions, celebrate civic pride and give growing communities a reason to slow down for a few hours. The Best of Utah Valley recognizes the celebrations that continue to bring neighbors together year after year — folding chairs, sun hats and all.

Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade

The Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade remains one of Utah County’s most recognizable summer traditions. As part of Strawberry Days — a celebration that dates back more than a century — the parade combines old-school community spirit with the scale of a major regional event. Floats roll through downtown alongside marching bands, local organizations, equestrian groups and performers while spectators line the streets before sunrise to claim their spots. Some families have attended for generations, turning the event into a yearly reunion with sunscreen and lawn chairs.

Strawberry Days itself grew from Pleasant Grove’s agricultural roots, particularly the area’s once-thriving strawberry industry. That history still shapes the celebration today through community events, rodeos, concerts and the parade that anchors the festivities. The atmosphere feels equal parts hometown celebration and organized chaos. Kids sprint after candy with surprising determination while announcers keep the procession moving and crowds cheering through the summer heat.

America's Freedom Festival Utah Valley 4th Of July Celebrations

America’s Freedom Festival has built one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the state, and the Grand Parade stands at the center of it all. The event attracts thousands of spectators each July with elaborate floats, nationally recognized performers, giant helium balloons, military tributes and marching bands that bring a stadium-level soundtrack to the streets of Provo. It is patriotic, energetic and carefully coordinated — no small feat considering the scale of the operation.

The broader Freedom Festival includes concerts, races, a hot air balloon festival, fireworks and service-focused events designed to honor veterans and celebrate American history. Organizers place a strong emphasis on civic involvement and family-friendly programming, creating a Fourth of July tradition that extends far beyond a single morning parade. By the time the final float passes, most spectators have collected enough candy to supply a small convenience store.

Springville Art City Days

Springville Art City Days brings together the city’s artistic identity and community traditions in a celebration that feels distinctly local. The parade serves as one of the signature events during Art City Days, featuring school groups, civic organizations, performers and creative floats that reflect Springville’s reputation as “Art City.” The atmosphere leans welcoming rather than flashy, with neighbors greeting neighbors while children wave from the sidewalks like royalty reviewing the troops.

Art City Days includes a packed schedule of activities beyond the parade, including live entertainment, carnival attractions, sports tournaments and family events that stretch across several days. The city’s connection to the arts often appears throughout the celebration in colorful designs, performances and community participation. Even the floats seem to have a little extra personality. Somewhere between the marching bands and the local dance teams, the event manages to feel both nostalgic and current at the same time.

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