How to Celebrate Pioneer Day

Written By Kirby Dorsey

Utah Days of '47 Rodeo | Courtesy of Utah Days of '47 Rodeo

Every July 24, Utah comes alive with parades, rodeos, fireworks and festivities as residents and visitors celebrate Pioneer Day — a state holiday commemorating the 1847 arrival of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. While the holiday honors a specific historical moment when Brigham Young first gazed upon the valley and declared "This is the place," Pioneer Day has evolved into a multifaceted celebration.

From the iconic Days of '47 Parade winding through downtown Salt Lake City to a rustic First Encampment Hike and the alternative "Pie and Beer Day" celebrations, the ways to experience this uniquely Utah holiday are as varied as the state's dramatic landscapes. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities, cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, Pioneer Day offers a window into Utah's rich history.

The annual Utah Days of '47 Rodeo delivers four days of roping, riding and racing.

Photo: Courtesy of Utah Days of '47 Rodeo

The Origins: More Than Just a Holiday

Pioneer Day commemorates July 24, 1847 — the day when Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley after an arduous journey across multiple states. Following religious persecution in the Midwest, these settlers sought a place where they could practice their faith freely, eventually establishing what would become the state of Utah.

Today, the holiday honors not just this specific group, but celebrates the pioneering spirit of all who helped build the state — including Native American communities who inhabited the land for generations, diverse immigrant groups and anyone who embodies the resilience and determination that defines Utah's character.

Celebrations can span the entire week and even include year-round experiences where visitors can connect with Utah's pioneering past any time they visit.

The Days of '47: Utah's Premier Pioneer Celebration

The centerpiece of Pioneer Day festivities is undoubtedly the Days of '47 events — a series of celebrations that have grown into some of Utah's most beloved traditions.

For those who want a behind-the-scenes look, you can preview the floats at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, in the days before the parade.

Photo: Jay Lynn Photography/Visit Salt Lake

Salt Lake's Days of '47 Parade features an impressive mix of historical and modern floats.

Photo: Jay Lynn Photography/Visit Salt Lake

The Days of '47 Parade

What better way to experience Pioneer Day than by joining thousands along downtown Salt Lake City's historic streets for one of the nation's oldest and largest parades? The Days of '47 Parade makes its way through South Temple and down 200 East, cutting right through the city center.

The parade features an impressive mix of historical and modern floats, many showcasing Utah's pioneer heritage alongside contemporary artistic expressions. For those who want a behind-the-scenes look, you can preview the floats at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, in the days before the parade.

Best of all, this spectacular display of Utah culture and history is completely free, making it an accessible experience for families and visitors alike.

Days of ‘47 Pops Concert

For those drawn to the artistic side of Pioneer Day, the Choral Arts Society of Utah and the Salt Lake Symphony present two nights of magnificent music highlighting the state's rich history. The concert offers a more reflective way to honor the holiday, with musical selections that tell the story of Utah's diverse cultural heritage and pioneering spirit through melody and harmony.

Utah Days of '47 Rodeo

No Pioneer Day would be complete without embracing Utah's Western roots, and the annual Utah Days of '47 Rodeo delivers four days of roping, riding and racing. The rodeo also features historical pioneer, Native American and Charro (Mexican cowboy) camps, providing educational glimpses into different cultural traditions that have shaped Utah. Evening entertainment includes multiple nights of music featuring country artists and other performers who capture the spirit of the West.

Walking in Pioneer Footsteps

For those seeking a more immersive experience, several opportunities allow visitors to physically connect with Utah's pioneer paths.

First Encampment Hike

History enthusiasts can participate in the First Encampment Hike, a single-day journey that follows the route taken by the original pioneers in 1847. Participants are encouraged to wear historical costumes and join wagon reenactments, creating a living historical experience.

The five-mile hike begins at Donner Park in Salt Lake City and concludes at First Encampment Park, offering a tangible connection to the challenges and triumphs of those early settlers.

Deseret News Marathon

For the athletically inclined, the Deseret News Marathon provides a different way to trace pioneer pathways. Sponsored by the local news outlet Deseret News, this race begins at the top of Big Mountain — the same vantage point where pioneers first glimpsed the Salt Lake Valley.

Participants can choose from various distances, including a half marathon, 10K and 5K options, allowing runners of different abilities to participate in this unique celebration of endurance and determination.

Year-Round Pioneer Experiences

While Pioneer Day itself occurs annually on July 24, Utah offers several year-round destinations where visitors can connect with the state's pioneering heritage any time.

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Located where Brigham Young first saw the Salt Lake Valley, This Is The Place Heritage Park combines educational exhibits with hands-on experiences. Visitors can explore Pioneer and Native American Villages, pan for gold, ride trains and ponies and learn about mining history. (Read: Journey Through Utah's History at This Is The Place Heritage Park)

Pioneer Memorial Museum

Run by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, this remarkable museum houses thousands of artifacts from Utah's earliest days. One particularly noteworthy item is an Army Supply Wagon from the 1857 Utah War, offering a glimpse into the complex historical relationships between the Mormon settlers and the federal government.

Typically open Monday to Friday, the museum provides a comprehensive look at daily life for early Utahns. Admission is free, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers seeking to understand the state's historical foundations.

Historic Sites Across the State

Beyond Salt Lake City, numerous historic sites preserve Utah's pioneering heritage.

Provo Pioneer Village

Provo Pioneer Village recreates a genuine settlement with authentic and reconstructed historical buildings, including a general store, blacksmith shop and functioning well. Run by The National Society of The Sons of Utah Pioneers, it offers an educational experience perfect for families with young children.

Cove Fort

Located between Beaver and Fillmore, Cove Fort served as a waystation supporting travelers, the Pony Express and early telegraph lines. The entire fort has been preserved, allowing visitors to learn about the families who lived within its walls.

Fort Deseret

Fort Deseret in Delta represents one of Utah's few military forts from the 1800s, serving as a crucial base during the Black Hawk War. While partially in ruins, many walls still stand, providing an atmospheric glimpse into Utah's frontier history.

The Mormon Pioneer Trail

The Mormon Pioneer National Historical Trail allows modern travelers to follow the final stretch of the historic route from Iowa to Utah. While you can drive most of the path, numerous historical stops offer opportunities to pull off and explore, with many small hikes available for those wanting a closer connection to the landscape.

Cultural Celebrations

Beyond the historical reenactments and memorial events, Pioneer Day embraces artistic and cultural expressions that connect Utah's past to its present.

Liberty Park in Salt Lake City hosts a spectacular drone display that lights up the night sky in honor of Pioneer Day.

Photo: Salt Lake City Public Lands

Liberty Park Drone Show

For a contemporary twist on celebrations, Liberty Park in Salt Lake City hosts a spectacular drone display that lights up the night sky in honor of Pioneer Day. This free event offers a modern technological expression of the holiday spirit, proving that pioneer innovation continues in new forms.

Traces of the West Art Show

Taking place at the Eccles Art Center in Ogden, this yearly exhibition highlights local artists, including creators from surrounding states with shared historical connections like Arizona, Idaho and New Mexico. The show encompasses various mediums — painting, photography and sculpture — all unified by "The West" as their central theme, illustrating how artistic interpretations of pioneering continue to evolve.

Ogden Pioneer Days

While Salt Lake City's Days of '47 celebrates the arrival of Mormon settlers, Ogden Pioneer Days honors its own unique history and culture. This town-wide celebration includes a parade and massive rodeo, showcasing the distinctive character of different Utah communities and their pioneering traditions.

Held at the Ogden Pioneer Stadium, the rodeo includes bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and more.

Photo: Courtesy of Ogden Pioneer Days

The Alternative: "Pie & Beer Day"

In recent years, an alternative celebration has emerged alongside the traditional Pioneer Day festivities. Affectionately dubbed "Pie & Beer Day," this tongue-in-cheek observance offers a playful counterpart that welcomes Utah's diverse population to celebrate in their own way.

Local breweries and restaurants offer special pairings of craft beers with sweet and savory pies, creating a festive atmosphere that acknowledges the holiday while establishing new traditions.

A Holiday for Everyone

Pioneer Day is celebrated differently by everyone in Utah, reflecting the state's evolving identity and diverse population. Whether you're drawn to historical reenactments, cultural performances, athletic challenges or community gatherings, you're sure to find something that matches your interests while teaching you something about the state's rich heritage.

The holiday's continued relevance speaks to the enduring pioneer values of resilience, community and innovation — qualities that remain central to Utah's character nearly two centuries after those first wagon wheels rolled into the Salt Lake Valley.

Local breweries and restaurants offer special pairings of craft beers with sweet and savory pies on Pioneer Day.

Photo: Shay Read

About the Author – Kirby Dorsey

Kirby Dorsey is a Salt Lake City-based copywriter and aspiring screenwriter who has written for SLUG Magazine and Visit Salt Lake. Her writing captures the city’s most curious corners and unique culture. When she’s not crafting copy or working on her latest screenplay, she’s experimenting with vegan recipes and snuggling her pitbull, Juno.

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