Fireworks and 5Ks headline Fourth of July Festivities in Utah

If you consider fireworks and hot dogs to be the greatest gifts, the Fourth of July is like Christmas in … uh, July. ‘Tis the season to kick off your shoes, grab your cooler and watch some ’splosions!

The average joes of the world may go to a friend’s house, throw some snap pops and light a couple of fountains. But for adventurers, revelers and true patriots — you want more. For you, we have a list of the fun places to see fireworks in Utah, and maybe spend the day, as well.

The Gateway (Salt Lake City)

Live music, dancing, yard games, face painting: This is your backyard blast on steroids. Bring the whole family to The Gateway Plaza to celebrate the Fourth with contests and Karaoke. Events start at 6 p.m., culminating with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. Admission is free.

City Promenade (Sandy)

How about a full day of celebrating in Sandy? Start with a 5K fun run, then attend the free youth arts festival, go on some rides, play in a Spikeball tournament and eat mountains of food. Not enough? There’s a parade and live music, too. And, there’s a sky full of fireworks in Utah tonight! Meet at the City Promenade, between Sandy City Hall and The Shops at South Town.

Stadium of Fire (Provo)

Be part of the largest — and loudest — stadium fireworks show in the United States at Provo’s Stadium of Fire. Let’s just say, if you bring your kids, earplugs wouldn’t be the worst idea. Skydivers, jet flyovers and big-name artists headline the program each year. Tickets start at $40.

Logan

With an art show, a car show and a show of hands, who wants to go to Logan for the Fourth of July? Thousands of annual visitors can’t be wrong. Celebrate the holiday in beautiful Cache Valley with daylong activities, including the popular Cruise-In car show and evening concert. End the day at Willow Park with the Logan, Utah, fireworks show, starting at 10 p.m.

Park City

The Fourth of July celebration in Park City starts with a morning 5K fun run — that means you can go as slowly as you want — followed by a parade down Main Street at 11 a.m. Afterward, head over to the City Park for carnival games and food trucks. Stick around for the drone show at Park City Mountain that evening, starting at 10 p.m. You’ll get the best view of the show from City Park, Park City Golf Course or Lower Main Street.

Kanab

Kanab’s small town Independence Day celebration is just the tradition you’re looking for. Be woken up by the 6 a.m. cannon blast, then head out to the 5K fun run before the sun is fully up. A parade, entertainment and the other family friendly activities follow at Jacob Hamblin Park. The evening ends with more booms, this time from the grand fireworks show.

Moab

As if red rock formations weren’t dazzling enough, Moab city lights the sky above them, too. Fireworks are launched from the Lion’s Back ridge at dusk, but with all that wide open space, any seat in town is a good one. Imagine your own festive, small-town montage as the local station, 97.1 FM, plays the soundtrack to the glittering light show. Before the evening festivities, head over to the Grand County Fair for exhibits, a roller derby tournament and a rodeo.

Brian Head

Another one where the destination is as big a draw as the festival, Brian Head is literally the coolest party on this list, being all the way up there at 9,800 feet and all. Enjoy a family friendly day of art, live bands, food and activities at Brian Head Resort. And, all the rusty red and forest green scenery you can handle.