Utah Valley Living: 3 events to check out this week (July 11-19)
Members of Ngoma y'Africa perform during the Colonial Heritage Festival held Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at Scera Park in Orem. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
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- Bagpipers with the Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band rehearse for their performance at Memorial Park for the Payson Scottish Festival on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
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Members of Ngoma y’Africa perform during the Colonial Heritage Festival held Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at Scera Park in Orem. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
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- Miss American Fork and other pageant winners ride in the American Fork Steel Days Car Cruise on Friday, July 21, 2023.
The full Utah Valley calendar of events is on L4, but here are three local events you should check out this week:
1. Payson Scottish Festival 2026
Memorial Park, Payson, July 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Celebrate the highlands at the annual Scottish Festival in Payson, including traditional music and activities. Events include a clan parade, drum major competition, Scottish heavy athletics, and live music and dancing. The event website says: “As we join together in celebrating our Scottish heritage with many activities, we hope the time spent will be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience to one and all.”
For more information, go to paysonscottishfestival.org.
2. 2026 African Heritage Festival
The Orchard at University Place, Orem, June 11, 2-8 p.m.
Enjoy the vibrant sounds and sights of African culture at this beautiful festival. The event website says: “The 2026 African Heritage Festival is our 5th annual cultural celebration to showcase African cultures and to highlight the diversity, traditions, and values of the African continent through storytelling, music, dance, poetry, art, shopping, kids games, and crafts. It is FREE to the general public. We support local Afro businesses and entrepreneurs featuring vendors across food, fashion, beauty, wellness, design, arts, crafts & more. Come experience and celebrate the culture of Africa with us!”
For more information, go to universityplaceorem.com.
3. 2026 Steel Days
Various locations in American Fork, July 18-25, all day
American Fork puts on an extensive collection of activities and events during its annual Steel Days celebration, which has been the city’s big summer party since 1945. While it has added numerous new events in recent years, one of the classics is the combination car show, car cruise and burnout contest, scheduled this year at Rotary Park on July 18. The event website says: “Whether you’re a serious car enthusiast or simply enjoy seeing amazing vehicles up close, the Steel Days Car Show offers something for everyone. Walk through rows of stunning rides, meet passionate car owners, and enjoy a relaxed summer atmosphere as the community comes together to celebrate automotive culture. Whether you’ve celebrated Steel Days for years or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to come enjoy the fun, connect with neighbors, and make lasting memories with us!”
For more information, go to steeldaysaf.com.
