America’s Freedom Festival at Provo
This breathtaking hot air balloon festival takes place every summer in Provo. For the last 30-plus years, more than 25,000 intrigued spectators have gathered at this balloon festival to see the enormously powerful hot air balloons. Get there early to witness the 25 balloons be inflated and take on different shapes, sizes, and colors. Watch the highly anticipated Hare and Hound competition as professional pilots from around the country compete to pop large balloons from 200-300 feet in the air. On the final day, don’t miss the Freedom Festival Grand Parade, a large parade down University Avenue with ornate floats, musical performances, and giant balloons.
Pioneer Day Extravaganza
Another summer celebration, Pioneer Day Extravaganza, takes place every year on July 24th at Provo’s North Park. This celebration is in honor of the day in 1847 when Brigham Young led Mormon pioneers into Salt Lake Valley. This day allows the community to go back in time and enjoy some traditional pioneer activities such as a pie cook-off, panning for gold, and a duck hunt. This is a perfect festival to bring the whole family to, as they’ll love listening to the live folk music, playing the pioneer games, getting their faces painted, taking pony or covered wagon rides and eating all the delicious food from various local food trucks.
Taste of the Valley
Also in celebration of Pioneer Day, Taste of the Valley is a separate food tasting of some of Provo’s best eateries. Each year about 25 local restaurant establishments gather to give the community a taste of Provo’s most delicious flavors. Throughout the day, attendees can explore the different booths, eating their way through the festival, literally. Typically, the chefs will serve up tastes of their most iconic or popular appetizers to attendees’ stomachs delights. Make sure you come hungry!Rooftop Concert Series
The Provo Rooftop Concert Series is a summer music event that will have you dancing in the streets. This festival, which was started by four Provo natives in 2010, was meant to encourage locals and travelers to listen to one of Provo’s favorite pastimes while enjoying the beautiful downtown area. Though it started on a rooftop, the series became so widely attended that it now is held in the streets of Downtown Provo. Whether on the ground or in the sky, attendees will appreciate the fantastic music line up and celebrate the beauty of Provo just as much.Festival Latinoamericano
Each year during Labor Day weekend, the Centro Hispano organization, which has been supporting the Hispanic community in the area for more than a decade, organizes a weekend-long Festival Latinoamericano. The celebration takes place at the Utah County Historic Courthouse. Throughout the weekend, from afternoon until late evening, there is a diverse array of events from various Latin American cultures. The inaugural festival began in 2001 and has continued to be a staple in the Provo community. Attendees will enjoy hours of entertainment from live musical performances and vibrant culture-specific dances with delicious well-rounded cuisine to keep them going.Provo Pride Festival
Sponsored and organized annually each fall by the Provo Pride Council, this festival is an incredibly fun, day-long event also at Provo’s Historic Utah County Courthouse. The event draws in thousands of attendees in support of the LGBTQ+ community in Provo and throughout the state. With more than 50 vendors, tons of entertainment and great food, you’ll love being a part of this celebration of diversity and inclusion.
Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
Just a short drive away from Provo is Lehi, Utah, where the annual Timpanogos Storytelling Festival takes place. Not only is this festival popular throughout the state, but it is actually widely known throughout the United States and Canada. Storytellers and attendees alike will travel from all over to experience the fall storytelling festivities. Over 25,000 listeners attend each year for the two-day story celebration. Both daytime and nighttime storytelling events are available, but be sure to plan in advance as many of them will sell out.Christmas in Color
This is a fabulous Christmas holiday extravaganza you and your loved ones must witness. Hop in your car with as many family or friends as you can (legally) fit and drive through a beautiful light spectacular synchronized perfectly to holiday music. There is a flat entrance fee charged by car, so the more you can bring with you, the better. See a plethora of snowmen, reindeer, huge candy canes and amazing Christmas trees - it’s a real-life Winter Wonderland right before your eyes. Christmas in Color is certainly a festival you’ll want to continue visiting year after year, turning it into one of your Christmas traditions!This amazingly diverse and entertaining group of festivals is just one of the unique things that make Provo, Utah such an incredible city to visit. Each one is completely distinctive, providing fun and excitement for all attendees. If you’re looking to learn new music genres and artists, then the Festival Latinoamericano or Rooftop Concert Series is perfect for you. Seeking an educational experience? Head to the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival or Pioneer Day Extravaganza. To support diversity and the local community, don’t miss the Provo Pride Festival and Festival Latinoamericano. And last, but certainly not least, for an all-around fun and vibrant festivity, then Christmas in Color and America’s Freedom Festival at Provo should absolutely become annual traditions. Whether you’re traveling to Provo from nearby or far away, these events are sure to provide a lifetime of memories with your friends, family and loved ones.