Show all of your followers (even if it’s only your mom — or better yet, your daughter) how much fun Utah is during May, June, July and August. You don’t need to leave the state to have one of these Insta-adventures.
June
Strawberry Days & Rodeo
Pleasant Grove is home to the longest running celebration in Utah. A car show, rodeo, garden tour, sporting tournaments, a pie eating contest and pet shows, are just some of the fun you can expect at Strawberry Days & Rodeo. Don’t forget to purchase the famous strawberries and milk!
June 16-24, strawberrydays.org
Green Thumbs Up!
Named after Thanksgiving Point’s little Secret Garden, the Secret Garden Book Club at the Ashton Gardens reads three selected gardening books throughout the summer. Members share and discuss ideas then take put those into practice. Participants hand-prune pines in the Japanese manner, observe and learn, and plant trees in the fall.
June 15 & August 24, thanksgivingpoint.com
DIY Plant Press
It’s time to put the pressure on. During this Pressed flowers event, visitors put together a flower press and preserve flowers in a different, unique way.
Calling All Yogis
Take a different pose while visiting the natural wonders of Utah. Granogi has selected 9 of the 43 state parks for yogis to gather. Each yoga session helps participants focus on needs and rejuvenation. After the event you can chase the sun, follow the trails and experience the beauty of the parks.
July 21 at Jordanelle State Park, Granogi.com
June 23, thanksgivingpoint.com
Freshest Around
Utah County is home to local farms that grow healthy, high-quality produce. A few of the local farmers markets include Provo Farmers Market, Springville Farmers Market, The Orchard at University Mall and the Spanish Fork Farmers Market.
happyvalleyfm.com
Peanuts & Cracker Jacks
The smell of peanuts, hot-dogs and Cracker Jacks is in the air, supplied by the Orem Owlz. The Owlz return to UCCU Ballpark to kick off the season June 21. It’s the perfect opportunity to see future stars play before they make it to the Big Leagues.
oremowlz.com
Boaters, Fisherman and Bystanders, Oh My!
Calling all boaters, fishermen, water sport enthusiasts and those who just come for the view. The Lindon Marina has two boat ramps and abundant parking. The marina is home to catfish, carp, white bass, walleye and bluegill just itching to be caught. Tip! Fishermen tend to have good luck using nightcrawlers. Spend a day on the water or on the shore at the Lindon Marina on a hot summer day.
lindonmarina.com
Four!
Take time for yourself this summer by heading to TalonsCove Golf Club in Saratoga Springs for a relaxing round of golf. With more than 7,000 yards, 62 sand bunkers, undulating fairways and a dual green, TalonsCove is a 72 links style course perfect to help you practice the game.
talonscove.com
Play With It
Sometimes it’s just fine to be a little dramatic. The Hale Center Theater Orem presents three crowd-pleasers this summer: “Annie” and “Daddy Long Legs.” Their surround-stage seating provides a unique and immersive experience. You can bet your bottom dollar that a night at the theater is quite sensible.
haletheater.org
On Display
With three new exhibits coming this May, the Brigham Young University of Art proves that art is all about reinvention. Their exhibits exhibit expertise in a variety of mediums, so find something that tickles your artistic side. This can be a great date destination or a cultural family night out.
moa.byu.edu
Get Creative
Throughout the summer, the Springville Museum of Art opens its studio for artists to create. The museum provides the space and the supplies, all you need to do is show up! The Springville Museum of Art is the perfect place to get inspiration from the incredible collection as you make art in a casual setting. Summer hours start on June 14, smofa.org.
Bringing Art To Life!
The 42nd annual Utah Arts Festival at Liberty Square in Salt Lake City brings inspiring performances, artistic expressions and surprising discoveries. This year will feature, BANDALOOP, an internationally renowned dance company that performs while suspended from climbing ropes. The festival also features 160+ visual artists and 100+ performing arts groups from seven different performing venues. There is a little something for everyone: literary arts, visual arts, kids activities, dance performances, musical commissions, street theater, art and technology, urban arts, film and culinary arts.
June 21-24, uaf.org
The Phantom Of The Opera Is Here
BYU is offering a summer theater workshop for those who understand “life is a stage.” Participants in the BYU Theater Workshop will be cast into the “Phantom of the Opera” and bring the production together in two weeks.
June 25 – July 7, theatre.ce.byu.edu
To Attend Or Not To Attend?
That is the question. The answer is, “attend” the Utah Shakespeare Festival. In honor of this Tony Award-winning festival’s 57th year of production, this Cedar City-based festival will produce nine plays in three theaters over four months. They host free seminars, the free Greenshow and a plethora of other activities. This year’s plays include a world premiere, as well as Shakespeare, musicals, comedy and drama. Some Shakespearean fan favorites like Henry VI, Othello, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Merchant of Venice and more will be performed during the summer theater season in Cedar City starting at the beginning of June. Starting dates vary depending on each play.
Starting June 28, bard.org
Pump Up The Jam
Grab your friends and a rent a room at the Heart & Seoul Karaoke for a fun-filled night of unique karaoke. Or you can try a more traditional, American-style of karaoke and rock out with the crowd in the main room. With 40,000+ songs to choose from, you’ll be able to find a song for every mood. This private room and open mike karaoke venue is in the heart of downtown Provo. Prepare your vocal chords and get ready to sing your heart out.
provokaraoke.com
Golf and Lunch and Golf
When in southern Utah Valley, putt on over to Hobble Creek Golf Course. Go four-ward with your skills by signing up for individual or group lessons — or consider youth and women’s summer clinics. If in the mood for some eats with your slice, try The Terrace at Hobble Creek and enjoy the new renovations.
springville.org/golf
July
Sweet Symphony
The gardens are alive, with the sound of music. Experience the transformative power of a live performance of the Utah Symphony at the awe-inspiring Waterfall Amphitheater at Thanksgiving Point. Founded in 1940, the Utah Symphony is one of America’s major symphony orchestras, known internationally for its distinctive performance and recording legacy. Today, the orchestra’s 85 full-time professional musicians perform over 175 concerts each season. Don’t miss this professional orchestra’s performance in the beautiful tranquility of the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point.
July 2, thanksgivingpoint.com
Pledge Allegiance
Did you know that the largest free-flying American Flag in the world is just right down the street from your house? Follow the Flag is an organization that made — and now unfurls — the 1/4-acre flag every year at daybreak on the Fourth of July in Pleasant Grove. Grab your lawn chair, friends and family to witness this patriotic celebration that can be seen from 50 miles away. You’ll be in awe at the sense of patriotism.
July 4-9, followtheflag.org
The Stadium of Fire
The Stadium of Fire welcomes OneRepublic, one of the world’s most popular musical groups for more than a decade, as the headliner for the event on July 4th at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. In addition, guests will enjoy the beloved patriotic tributes and exciting acts, like the largest stadium fireworks show in the nation. #nbd
July 4, freedomfestival.org
Lavender Days
Join Young Living Lavender Farms and the rest of the community in celebrating annual Lavender Days. The whole family can enjoy the Run Through the Lavender 5K race, 1K Family Fun Trot, Lane Frost Challenge Rodeo and more. Experience blooming fields of lavender, fun family activities, amazing food, a Western Town shoot-out and an entertaining jousting show.
July 6-7, youngliving.com
Tie Relationships With Ropes
Work on conquering fear and building teams through exercises at the CLAS Ropes Course, nestled in a park-like setting by the lower Provo River. Activities include rock climbing, rappelling, ziplining, camping, canoeing and cruising. The unique and challenging course encourages participants to learn new techniques, like problem solving, leadership, human trust, self-direction and motivation. Couples retreat activities — designed for engaged, newlywed and mature couples — include a four-hour ropes course experience, a 30-minute couples reflection time with snacks and drinks, a picnic lunch and canoeing.
July 7 & August 4, clasropes.com
Take Five
Hike, bike, camp and explore your way through the natural wonders of Utah. Utah’s National Parks have been around for thousands of years and have been seen by millions of visitors. Experience the surreal scenery and unforgettable activities at the Big Five: Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands.
visitutah.com
Time For The Tartan
Dust off your favorite kilt (or pair of jeans) and enjoy the annual Payson Scottish Festival and Highland Games. This is the perfect way to celebrate traditions in all forms, from dance and music to food and entertainment. Expect two days filled with Celtic music and Scottish dances — like the sword dance and Irish jig. There will also be athletic and bagpiping competitions. Attend this little taste of Glasgow in our own backyard.
July 13-14, paysonscottishfestival.org
Industrial Heritage
For more than 100 years, the community of American Fork has gathered together to celebrate its history, achievements, business community and residents with Steel Days.
July 13-21, steeldaysaf.com
Shh… It’s A Mystery!
Does your young reader or writer love a suspenseful page-turning mystery? Does he or she have a sixth sense about a classic “whodunit” and can piece all of the clues together? Let your child explore the art of imagination and storytelling at BYU’s writing camp. Students create a mystery/suspense short story during the week. They also participate in a mystery party acted out during the camp. It’s a mystery lovers dream!
July 16-20, writingcamps.byu.edu
Life Is A Beach
It’s time to get out of the house and have some fun in the sun at Wayne Bartholomew Pond. Lounge out on a towel on the beach or swim in the water for a perfect summer afternoon. Volleyball, horseshoes and ring-toss equipment are also available for check out at the concessions building — or bring your own entertainment and food.
springville.org
Sundance Summer Theater
Utah! Where the only thing that comes sweeping through the Sundance Summer Theater is talent. Enjoy the production of Oklahoma! while surrounded by the tranquil scenery of the mountains. Set against the backdrop of the ranch lifestyle in Oklahoma, this musical is full of fun, music and romance.
Starting July 19, sundanceresort.com
Summer of Fun
Boondocks is the perfect place to beat the heat and save cash with special deals. The $12 Tuesday deal includes unlimited indoor activities, and you can add a one-topping pizza for only $9.99. Indoor activities include laser tag, XD Dark Ride, Kiddie Cove, over 100 arcade games, video machines, and prizes. Boondocks also has outdoor activities, including an 18-hole miniature golf course, bumper boats, go-karts and batting cages.
boondocks.com
Have A Fiesta
Spanish Fork’s premier civic celebration highlights the progress of southern Utah’s commercial center while embracing its pioneer heritage. Held every year in July, Fiesta Days includes activities like parades, fireworks, carnival rides and fairs. It’s also home to the hall of fame Fiesta Days Rodeo, held in the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds on Main Street. Rodeo not your thing? Enjoy an outdoor movie, various concerts, a huge parade with more than 100 entries, multiple family sports events and a spectacular firework show.
July 20-24, spanishfork.org
Ice Ice Baby
There is no better way to spend one of the hottest days in the summer than with the “coolest” animal friends. Come chill with furry friends at the Hogle Zoo on its annual Ice Block Day celebration. The Zoo animals each get their fair share of refrigerated refreshments from bloodscicles to piles of crushed ice. Kids can also join the fun by participating in activities, like painting with ice and digging through crushed ice for prizes.
July 28, hoglezoo.org
Folk Traditions Right In Your Backyard
You don’t have to travel the world to experience other cultures, food and forms of dance. The Springville World Folkfest brings the excitement of traditional folk dance and music from around the world right to your background. This annual production of folk music and energetic dance by musicians and dancers from many nations has grown to become the largest folk dance and music festival in the United States. It features approximately 300 performers dressed in colored costumes of their native lands. In addition, experience food booths, mingle with performers and purchase items from the folk dance groups.
July 31 – August 4, worldfolkfest.dreamhosters.com
For The Chocolate Lovers
Are you hankering to experience new foods? Maybe you’re on a bit of a budget, too? The Tastings – Lite events are designed especially for you. This experience is crafted to help you learn more than you thought possible about tasting chocolate and other amazing foods. These events are held every Thursday night and last between 45-60 minutes.
havetaste.com
The Scenic Way
The Nebo Scenic Byway twists from Payson to Nephi, packed with nature. You’ll see stunning views of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Utah Valley.
The Alpine Loop winds through 20 miles of the Alpine Canyon through the Wasatch Range offering breathtaking views of Mount Timpanogos and other glacier-carved peaks. Robert Redford’s Sundance is located along the route as well. The entirely paved loop follows Utah Hwy. 92 up American Fork Canyon and then continues through Uinta National Forest into Provo Canyon on U.S. 189.
fs.fed.us
Folk Traditions Right In Your Backyard
You don’t have to travel the world to experience other cultures, food and forms of dance. The Springville World Folkfest brings the excitement of traditional folk dance and music from around the world right to your background. This annual production of folk music and energetic dance by musicians and dancers from many nations has grown to become the largest folk dance and music festival in the United States. It features approximately 300 performers dressed in colored costumes of their native lands. In addition, experience food booths, mingle with performers and purchase items from the folk dance groups.
July 31 – August 4, worldfolkfest.dreamhosters.com
The Scenic Way
The Nebo Scenic Byway twists from Payson to Nephi, packed with nature. You’ll see stunning views of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Utah Valley.
The Alpine Loop winds through 20 miles of the Alpine Canyon through the Wasatch Range offering breathtaking views of Mount Timpanogos and other glacier-carved peaks. Robert Redford’s Sundance is located along the route as well. The entirely paved loop follows Utah Hwy. 92 up American Fork Canyon and then continues through Uinta National Forest into Provo Canyon on U.S. 189.
fs.fed.us
August
The Shops At Riverwoods
This summer, experience what has been keeping people coming back to The Shops At Riverwoods for more than 20 years. With a variety of places to eat and shop, the Riverwoods is a perfect spot to shop until you drop with fashion-forward styles from well-known national retailers and close to home with locally-owned boutiques. The dining experience features an array of flavors from across the globe. The Shops at Riverwoods is home to Riverwoods Salon Suites and TrueREST Float Spa; two places to sit back, relax and treat yourself to a calm afternoon. Also, witness amazing artwork in chalk form during the annual Chalk The Block event August 2-4.
shopsatriverwoods.com
High Country Adventure
Enjoy the amazing sunshine and low humidity weather of Northern Utah with activities at High Country Adventure. River rafting, historic train rides, kayak trips, tubing, fishing, horseback riding, zip line tour, RZR/ATV rides and paddleboarding are included in various adventure packages. As one of the largest river companies in the state of Utah and with team members who love the outdoors, High Country Adventure is the perfect place to plan an outdoorsy summer activity.
highcountryadventure.com
ComedySportz
Don’t improvise a fun summer night, let the professionals do it for you. ComedySportz is live entertainment that’s fun for the whole family and includes a stocked bar… of candy and soft drinks. Witness the epic battle between the red team and the blue team as they compete for your laughter. Whether you’re going out with friends, your significant other or stag, the interactive atmosphere and good vibes guarantee an unforgettable evening.
comedysportzutah.com
Raise The Roof
The first Friday night of the month in summery Provo is synonymous with the Provo Rooftop Concert Series. Utah bands with good vibes play for applause outside the Nu Skin building. The monthly rock-fests have become so popular, they are no longer held on an actual roof, but the name stays as part of the tradition. Concerts are free and attract both groupies and first-time ears.
rooftopconcertseries.com
Saving Water
Summer is in full bloom and the only way to keep the blooms is by using water conservatively. The Central Utah Gardens were created to demonstrate and encourage the wise use of water in Utah landscapes. The gardens also offer classes and educational opportunities in a hands-on environment while promoting the seven steps of a water efficient landscape. Walk around this beautiful garden and learn about the importance of saving water during the hot summer months of the desert.
centralutahgardens.org
Learn It On The Fly
Whether you’re an amateur or have been fly fishing for years, Eddie Robinson’s Fly Fishing experience is the best way to continue or start a love for fly fishing. Eddie specializes on the Provo River and offers fly fishing classes. It is a full service fly shop and outfitter that has a knowledgeable friendly staff of fly fishing experts who are more than willing to help. Whether you want to hire a professional fly fishing guide or you just want some basic info, cast your rod this direction.
eddierobinsons.com
Holly Jolley
Pull out your dusty tent and firewood and enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors. With 360 acres of scenic camping ground just seven miles from I-15, Jolley’s Ranch in Hobble Creek Canyon is the perfect place to “staycation.” Each one of the 57 campsites has a picnic table, barbecue and fire pit, water hookups, and most sites have electricity. Nothing beats smelling like nature after a long weekend of roasting hot-dogs, hiking and camping under the stars.
springville.org
Bye Bye Bye
America, teenagers and rock & roll is the perfect family friendly activity for a fun summer night. Bye Bye Birdie remains fresh and vibrant even as it is set in the 1960s. Featuring a tuneful, high-energy score and a hilarious script, Birdie continues to thrill audiences all over the country. Enjoy this vibrant under the stars at the SCERA Shell.
August 3-18, SCERA.org
Zipadedooda
This tree-top canopy zipline tour adventure is located in the Wasatch Mountains next to the famous Provo River. Experience a breathtaking view, wild life, beautiful river-front landscapes and mountain fresh air. You’ll fly among the birds in between mountain vistas. Part of the outdoor adventure experience can also include a stand-up paddle board river adventure down the Provo River. Or saddle up for a horseback ride in the Wasatch National Forest. If you prefer to have your horsepower under the hood, take a guided off-road adventure.
adventureziplineutah.com
Zip Till You Drop
Enjoy Sundance Mountain Resort and the breathtaking view of Mount Timpanogos from the sky. The Sundance ZipTour is one of the most thrilling and scenic zip tours in the world, boasting over 2,100 feet of vertical drop — longer than any zip in the United States. Guests can ride side-by-side on the zip line’s double cables and control their speed, cruising over 65 miles per hour, or stopping mid-air to take in the views.
sundanceresort.com
September
Once Upon A Time
Sit and listen to award-winning storytellers share some of their favorite tales at the annual Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. Attendees travel from all over North America to hear stories from performers in the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. This year features tellers who have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages including the Smithsonian, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, World’s Fair and more.
Sept. 6-8, timpfest.org
Golfing And a View
The grass is always greener on the green. American Fork’s Fox Hollow Golf Club has the traditional 18 holes and unlimited vistas of the surrounding mountains. Their website offers videos of aerial views of each hole and tips of how to conquer each.
foxhollowutah.com
The Wild Side
Fill summer days with thrilling rides that will make your mouth smile and stomach flutter. Lagoon has dozens of rides from its latest addition of Cannibal to the tipsy tea cups. If standing in line with the hot sun beating down doesn’t sound appealing, lounge around Lagoon A Beach. Once the day cools off a little, you can dry off and hit the rollercoasters, carnival games and entertainment shows.
lagoonpark.com
Wanna Fight?
As the summer nears its end, kids (and parents) may be getting cabin fever. Come exhaust your energy and stay fit at LOCO Bubble Fight Club. Five dollar fights, soccer billiards, giant shock jenga and more are available. Don’t worry, this is a family friendly fight club where people fit into an inflatable bubble suit and “fight” in a safe environment.
locofightclub.com
3-2-1 Blastoff!
This is not a museum, a planetarium, theme park, arcade or laser tag. The Discovery Space Center in Pleasant Grove is a simulation center with a real life video game that YOU get to be apart of. Beat the unbearable summer heat by immersing your gang into an air-conditioned game room and then leave our galaxy all together.
discoveryspacecenter.com
#UVsummer Prize Finding
Who doesn’t love winning free stuff? Visit UtahValley360.com every Monday during the summer for the chance to enter contests to win prizes. Prizes include tickets to shows, activities, restaurants and more!