Heading to Park City for the 4th of July? If so, we’ve put together a list of must-do activities for anyone traveling for the weekend and locals looking to join in on our fun mountain traditions. Start your day with an early morning pancake breakfast and end it by watching Park City Mountain’s dazzling fireworks. Here are 5 of the best things to do in Park City this Independence Day.

 

1. Start Your Day with a Pancake Breakfast and a 5k Fun Run!

Kick off your 4th with griddled pancakes in City Park before racing the Cole Sport 5K Fun Run! At $7 a person ($5 for the kiddos), this Independence Day breakfast won’t break the bank, but it will attract a lot of hungry runners, so be sure to get there early. After you take care of your carb-load, join hundreds of other athletes by burning breakfast calories and lining up for the Cole Sport 5k Fun Run. While beautiful, this strenuous run traverses through a handful of hills, so prepare for some serious climbs. Pancakes start at 7:00 AM and the race begins at 8:00 AM.

 

Meant to get up early for the annual pancake breakfast, but couldn’t quite get out of bed? Don’t worry, The Eating Establishment has you covered. With a menu that serves breakfast all day, you can skip City Park and still enjoy a full or short stack of pancakes from 8:00 AM until close. If pancakes aren’t your jam, then order their loaded baked potato omelet, avocado toast, or shakshuka – a savory dish that combines spiced tomato sauce and poached eggs.

 

2. Experience Park City’s Historic 4^th of July Parade

Park City’s 4th of July parade is the best party on Main Street! A local point of pride, our parade draws people from all over, but proudly retains its small-town appeal. Watch 70 fanciful floats start their procession at the top of Downtown and progress their way through our Historic District. In addition to the exciting floats, you can expect eclectic entertainment from marching bands to mariachi musicians adding their musical styling to the festivities. Plan to take public transportation and stake out your perfect vantage point early. The parade gets packed and moving at 11:00 AM.

 

After an afternoon of fun at the parade, cool off with a frosty beer. Head to Red Rock Junction and order any one of their award-winning beers on tap. We love their IPA Junior with the perfect balance of hops and floral notes, and their Peaches & Steam (a take on a classic Steam ale). They also offer an impressive bottled beer list—from Saisons to Imperial Reds. If you’re feeling hungry, order their beer cracker of the day for a light snack or their Kobe burger for something heartier.

 

3. Spend the Day Celebrating at City Park

Looking for more fun in the sun after the parade? Take a quick jaunt to City Park for our lively mid-day bash. Enjoy live music featuring our best local talent and a beer garden for adults looking to quench their thirst. Have kids? Bring them along to participate in kid-friendly activities, softball, rugby games or to watch a live volleyball tournament in the park. Spend the afternoon sipping on some brews and listening to some tunes with friends and family. The party starts at 12:00 PM and keeps going until 4:30 PM.

 

Need to replenish and recharge after the festivities in City Park? Deer Valley Grocery-Café offers lakeside dining and plenty of homemade goodies we encourage anyone visiting Park City to try. With stunning views and crisp mountain air, this spot will have you revitalized, relaxed, and ready to continue with your July 4^th activities after the last bite.

 

4. Experience Tradition at The Oakley Rodeo

Looking to start July 4th festivities a day early? Bust out your Stetson and mosey over to the 84th annual Oakley Rodeo, only a quick 30-minute drive from Park City. With a rural setting and Western charm, this is classic cowboy entertainment at its best. Bring your little buckaroos and enjoy an evening of bucking broncos and rodeo clowns under the desert sky. The rodeo begins at 8:00 PM, but we encourage you to purchase tickets in advance as it sells out quickly.

 

Want the quintessential pre-rodeo meal? Check out Butcher’s Chop House. A classic steakhouse with a casual vibe, this local favorite has all the standards from Prime Rib to New York strip steak. They also offer an impressive 18 oz bone-in Ribeye, aka, “The Cowboy,” for the ambitious eater. With a kid-friendly atmosphere and menu, you can bring the entire family for a full day of fun on the ranch.

 

5. End Your Day Watching the Park City Mountain Fireworks

Where do locals go to see the best fireworks? Park City Mountain of course! With unparalleled mountain views and a spectacular firework display, we know how to celebrate Independence Day. Make your way to the beer garden to enjoy live bands and a drink in the late afternoon. Or give yourself a self-guided tour of the area. A former mining site in the late 19th century and host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, this scenic ski resort has an abundance of history you can uncover while waiting for the fireworks to light up the night’s sky.

 

Why not turn the 4th into a romantic date night before the fireworks by treating your loved one to a luxurious dinner at Powder at Waldorf Astoria? With an elevated take on comfort food, their menu is inspired by seasonal ingredients and locality. We recommend ordering the tasting menu and letting them pamper you with their best offerings.

 

Whether you’re looking for a parade, fireworks, live music, a rodeo, or all the above, Park City has a variety of options to help you celebrate July 4th with excitement. Our wealth of fabulous restaurants and bars will keep you well fed throughout the festivities! Still searching for more Park City activities during the July 4^th weekend? Visit our website and search for events and cuisine to learn more.