Festivals and Events in Heber City

As a resident of The Springs at Coyote Ridge, you are spoilt for choice regarding community events in Heber City. No matter the season, you will find something that draws you out of your cozy townhome. It could be the adrenaline rush of the Demolition Derby in July, the harmonious melodies of the Heber Valley Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering in October, or the immersive experience of the Dark Sky Celebration at Wasatch Mountain State Park in April. The city also boasts a variety of family-friendly events such as the Heber Valley Easter Egg Hunt and the Kids Health and Safety Fair. So whether you’re an art enthusiast, an adventure seeker, a history lover, or a parent looking for enriching experiences for your kids, Heber City’s year-round events promise something engaging and exciting for everyone.

Dozens of classes and small local events are happening in Heber year-round! In this blog, we’re going to discuss some of the bigger festivals and events you won’t want to miss. 

Sundance Resort Nordic Night Owling – December-March

Heber Valley Easter Egg Hunt – March/April

Dark Sky Celebration at Wasatch Mountain State Park – April 

Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship & Festival – May

Kids Health and Saftey Fair – May 

Rodeo Events – May-November 

Heber Valley Pow Wow at Soldier Hollow – June 

Heber City Farmer’s Market and Concert in the Park– June-August

Demolition Derby – July 

Swiss Days Festival – August 

Wasatch County Fair – August

Planes and Horsepower Car Show – August 

Western Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering – October 

Heber Valley Railroad Events – Year Round

The Sundance Resort Nordic Night Owling event is a unique and exciting experience that takes place in the beautiful Sundance Resort, located just a short drive from Heber City, Utah. This event combines the thrill of night-time Nordic skiing with the enchanting experience of owl spotting. The event begins with a guided cross-country ski tour under the starlit sky. Participants are led through the resort’s stunning Nordic trails, specially lit for the occasion. The trails wind through the snow-covered forest, providing a magical backdrop for the evening’s activities. During the ski tour, participants can spot owls in their natural habitat. The Sundance Resort is home to a variety of owl species, and the quiet of the night often allows for some fantastic sightings. The guides are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and provide interesting insights about the owls and their behaviors. The Sundance Resort Nordic Night Owling event is not just a fun outing, but also an educational experience. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and the importance of conservation. This event is perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone looking for a unique night-time adventure.

The Heber Valley Easter Egg Hunt is a one-day event held annually on the Saturday before Easter. This event features thousands of eggs for kids to find, along with other fun activities. The event is typically held in the City Park, a spacious and green area perfect for hiding thousands of colorful Easter eggs. Children of all ages, accompanied by their families, come to search for these hidden treasures, making it a fun-filled day for everyone involved. Besides the egg hunt, the event often includes other activities such as face painting, games, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.

The Dark Sky Celebration at Wasatch Mountain State Park is a unique event that showcases the beauty of the night sky, free from the light pollution often found in urban areas. This event is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, families, and anyone with an appreciation for natural beauty. The event is held annually, and it offers a variety of activities for attendees. These include guided stargazing sessions, where experts help you navigate the night sky and identify constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies. You may also enjoy presentations from astronomers and other experts, who share fascinating insights about our universe. Another highlight of the Dark Sky Celebration is the opportunity to view the night sky through high-powered telescopes. This allows attendees to see distant stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects with an incredible level of detail. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or a beginner, this is a truly unforgettable experience. Wasatch Mountain State Park, where the event is held, is an International Dark Sky Park. This designation is given to lands that possess an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage, and public enjoyment. The park’s location away from city lights makes it an ideal place for stargazing.

The Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship & Festival is a unique event that takes place annually in Heber City, Utah. This festival is a celebration of the age-old tradition of sheep herding and showcases the incredible skills of both the sheepdogs and their handlers. It’s held at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, a venue known for hosting events during the 2002 Winter Olympics. The festival typically takes place over Labor Day weekend and attracts competitors from around the world. The main event is the sheepdog championship, where handlers and their dogs work together to herd sheep through a set course. It’s a true test of communication and teamwork between the handler and dog, making it a fascinating spectacle for attendees.

If you’re looking for some family-friendly activities, look no further than the Kids Health and Safety Fair and Mile by Mile Marathon event. This community event is not only a fun way to get some exercise with your little ones, but it’s also an opportunity to instill in them a love for outdoor activities and physical fitness. This event welcomes kids in grades K-5 and their families to participate in a thrilling marathon challenge, where they can enjoy the excitement of running the final 1.2 miles of a marathon. But the fun doesn’t stop there. After the exhilarating race, you can visit the Safe Kids Health and Safety Fair. With over 30 interactive booths set up, families can learn about safety precautions and healthy lifestyle choices while enjoying plenty of summer fun. The Mile by Mile Marathon and Safety Fair is a perfect way to spend quality time with your family and engage with the vibrant community here in Heber City.

Heber City is a hotspot for numerous thrilling rodeo events. Unleash your youthful spirit at the Utah Junior High State Rodeo Finals in late May. Then, kickstart June with high-octane excitement at the Utah High School Rodeo Finals. Be part of the week-long celebrations at the Wasatch County Fair Days in August, culminating with the Mountain Valley Stampede Rodeo. Experience the rush of Utah Barrel Racing in mid-September. And finally, in November, don’t miss the elite showdown at the Wilderness Circuit Rodeo Finals. These local rodeo events, brimming with energy, certainly make living in Heber City a memorable experience.

Heber Valley’s Pow Wow at Soldier Hollow in June is a celebration of Native American culture that offers an immersive experience through traditional music, dance, arts, crafts, and cuisine. This three-day event serves as an educational platform for families, where they can interact with Native craftsmen, listen to elders’ narratives, and participate in inter-tribal dances. The Pow Wow – a visual spectacle of traditional dances performed against the backdrop of drum rhythms – is the highlight of the gathering.

From mid-June to late August, Heber City transforms into a bustling hub of community activities through the Heber City Farmer’s Market and Concert in the Park series, held every Thursday evening. It’s more than just a market; it’s a delightful community gathering that highlights the beauty of the local lifestyle, filled with booths bursting with fresh produce, mouth-watering baked goods, and unique artisanal crafts. The event truly epitomizes enchanting summer nights in Heber City, with the fusion of local tunes ranging from soul-soothing acoustic strums to lively bluegrass providing the perfect soundtrack to a mesmerizing sunset. Not only is this experience free for all attendees, but a picnic-friendly environment means you can bring along your favorite snacks, blankets, and companions to maximize your enjoyment. Stay updated with the latest schedule by visiting the Heber City Farmer’s Market website, and lose yourself in the magic of Heber City’s summer nights.

The Demolition Derby in Heber City is an event you simply cannot miss. Every year in July, visitors and locals alike brace themselves for the clashing steel and plumes of dust that mark the state’s largest demolition derby. Vehicles are pitted against each other in a last-man-standing match, where drivers aim to disable the vehicles of their competitors while keeping theirs operational for as long as possible. Offering two evenings of pure, adrenaline-filled entertainment, this popular event sells out swiftly every year, with tickets available from the 1st of June. So, get ready to fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a thrilling ride that will leave you gripped from start to finish.

The annual Swiss Days Festival in Midway is a two-day cultural extravaganza that offers a variety of activities designed to keep everyone entertained. From an open-air craft fair featuring regional and national creators to lip-smacking Swiss German food stalls – there’s something for everyone.  Noteworthy highlights of the festival are the traditional parade that kicks off at 10 am on Saturday and the live musical performances sprinkled throughout both days. Remember, the Swiss Days Festival is not a pet-friendly event, so it’s best to leave your furry buddies at home.

Put on by the Commemorative Airforce Museum, the Planes and Horsepower Car Show is a fundraiser hosted at the Heber City Airport every August. The event showcases a wide range of vehicles, from classic cars to modern supercars, along with a variety of aircraft. Attendees can expect to see beautifully restored vintage planes, modern private jets, and everything in between. The car show portion of the event features an equally diverse array of vehicles, with everything from muscle cars to high-end luxury vehicles on display.

Experience the vibrant cowboy culture at the Heber Valley Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering held each October. This five-day festival is the premier event of its kind in Utah and garners nationwide attention. Festival attendees are treated to performances by cowboy poets, musicians, storytellers, and entertainers who breathe life into the rich history of the American West. 

Taking place across various venues in Heber Valley, with the main events hosted at Heber City High School, it offers a wide array of activities. You can enjoy concerts, Western entertainment, dance, equestrian events, arts and crafts, and a mountain man traders camp, providing an immersive and fun family experience. The mission? To preserve the engaging cowboy way of life and give back to the community. 

Regular festival goers rave about performances from the likes of the Bar J Wranglers, Michael Martin Murphey, Don Edwards, and Waddie Mitchell, just to name a few. The festival holds a special charm for both adults and kids alike, with the bustling Buckaroo Fair capturing the hearts of the young ones.

Notable among the variety of experiences that Heber City has to offer, the Heber Valley Railroad, fondly known as the ‘Heber Creeper,’ stages special events all through the year. This historic railroad not only provides an opportunity for you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Heber City but also offers unique, educative, and entertaining engagements. Some of the Heber Creeper’s most popular themed rides include the ‘Provo Canyon Limited,’ and the thrilling ‘Rafts & Rails.’ Their ‘Tube, Tow, and Train’ cannot be left out, as it provides sheer fun for not just the kids but people of all ages. A favorite among these events is the ‘Polar Express event,’ operating from late November through December, which takes you on a magical journey to recreate the iconic trip to the North Pole. The Heber Valley Railroad provides enriching experiences year-round, brightening each season with a touch of fun and adventure. 

Heber City hosts a diverse lineup of events and festivals throughout the year that both newcomers and long-time residents can enjoy, ranging from festive winter activities to exhilarating summer festivals. No matter what your interests may be, from winter night owling and cowboy poetry gatherings to summer farmers’ markets and Easter Egg hunts, Heber City’s cultural calendar promises a vibrant living experience unlike any other. 

Looking to move to Heber City? Contact us at The Springs at Coyote Ridge to learn more about what this beautiful community has to offer.