5 ways to have fun with your family in Utah County this week
Joshua James, shown here performing at Velour Live Music Gallery in 2017, will headline the Provo Rooftop Concert Series show on Friday.
Hot air balloons prepare to take off during the Balloon Fest at the Freedom Festival on July 2, 2018, in Provo.
John Leisek, from Tooele, prepares the Strawberry Heights hot air balloon as his son, Elijah, 3, plays in the basket before flying in the Balloon Fest at the Freedom Festival on July 2, 2018, in Provo.
Utah County is a great place for family fun, with events across the valley for all ages.
Here are five fun events that are perfect for the whole family this week:
Head to a city celebration
Another week into summer means another week packed with festivities at local city celebrations, with this week’s fun focusing in on the Freedom Festival in Provo.
Scheduled events include a Clog America show, the Freedom Festival Military Outpost, the Balloon Fest, Grand Parade, Freedom Run, Stadium of Fire, Freedom Days, Colonial Festival and Cries of Freedom, with a variety of events on or around the July 4 holiday. More details on Freedom Festival events can be found at heraldextra.com/citycelebrations.
Though Pony Express Days has passed, this week also marks a chance to continue the Eagle Mountain festive fun with the 2019 concert set for July 4 at 7 p.m. featuring Charley Jenkins and Brenn Hill. Tickets are $15-$20 with details at ponyexpressevents.com/concert.
See Peter Pan
There’s nothing quite as magical as an adventure under the stars, and that’s exactly what the SCERA Center for the Arts is offering with its production of “Peter Pan.”
Join the Darling children as they adventure in Wonderland with Peter himself as the classic Broadway musical comes to life. Get details and tickets, priced $10-$18, at scera.org.
When: The show opens Friday with performances Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. through July 20.
Where: SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, 600 S. 400 East in Orem
Celebrate Independence Day
Though the Freedom Festival provides ample ways to spend your Fourth of July, consider mixing things up with Thanksgiving Point’s celebration.
The event, co-sponsored by Lehi City, is free to the public at Electric Park in Lehi, and includes concessions, music, games and prizes and, of course, fireworks.
When: Gates open at 4 p.m. July 4 with music, games and prizes from 6:30-9:45 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m.
Where: Electric Park at Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi
Enjoy Downtown Provo
Though the Fourth of July is doing plenty to kick-start festivities across Utah County, Provo already had reason to celebrate with its monthly First Friday Art Stroll and Rooftop Concert.
The Art Stroll will take place at businesses across the downtown Provo area, offering an opportunity to get to know the area businesses better as well as to check out great art and even snag a few treats.
The Rooftop Concert is also set for the first Friday in July, and will feature Joshua James, Desert Noises, Paul Jacobsen and the Madison Arm. The best part? It’s all totally free!
When: Friday, 6-9 p.m. for the Art Stroll, 7:30 p.m. for the concert
Where: The Art Stroll includes venues around downtown Provo, while the concert is set for 100 W. Center St., in front of the Nu Skin Building.
Check out tiny art
Whether you have an interest in the artistic world or not, the newest show at the Springville Museum of Art won’t take much time out of your day to view, and definitely adds a unique perspective to the weekend.
The Tiny Art Show, “Flora & Fauna” by Leslie Duke, is offering a close-up, miniature look at some of the beauties of nature, nestled in miniature form in the museum. Guests to the opening will enjoy mini snacks, teeny art and the chance to explore the museum for more tiny surprises.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday
Where: Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South in Springville