| User mode: | Stranger/Member |
| Logged In: | Not Logged In/Logged In |
| Trips: | |
| Working trip index: | 1 |
| Trip edited: | No |
| Trip has saves: | No |
H: 63°
H: 70°
H: 75°
H: 74°
H: 56°
The origin of the Swiss Days event date back to the late 1940's as the harvest was being completed. Today Swiss Days attracts thousands of people for the unique crafts, homemade swiss cuisine, entertainment, and a swiss themed parade down Midway Main Street. Swiss Days takes place on Labor Day weekend each year.
Being part of Heber Valley means knowing about the local events, activities, and culture. By participating in some of the most beloved traditions that happen each year in this mountain town, residents and visitors too feel a deeper sense of community. Let us please share some of the most cherished events and cultural events, along with some greater local’s tips on how to maximize your experience and even when to plan for upcoming sell-out events.
State Park Pass
Buy your Utah state park pass any time of the year and enjoy activities all year long. Otherwise, you will need to pay a day-use fee each time you visit the state parks.
*Tip: Many trails and open lands in the immediate vicinity of Heber Valley are located in the three area state parks: Jordanelle, Wasatch Mountain, and Deer Creek. This pass grants you easy access to a lot of outdoor recreation!
Ice Castles Midway
This famous icy annual attraction is located in the lower parking lot at Soldier Hollow. Being very weather-dependent, this outdoor experience typically opens in January and runs through early February. Tickets usually go on sale in early December.
Skijoring Utah
This annual event features horses, riders, skiers, and even snowboarders competing through a snow-covered obstacle course for various prizes, including cash and buckles. Tickets usually go on sale in December. Don't miss this action-packed and thrilling outdoor event.
Ice Castles Midway
This famous icy annual attraction is located in the lower parking lot at Soldier Hollow. Being very weather-dependent, this outdoor experience typically opens in January and runs through early February. Tickets usually go on sale in early December.
Get Those Ski Passes Early
For best pricing, secure your next season’s ski pass now! Most resorts and ski venues are selling winter passes now for next season and you will get the best prices if you purchase now. So, purchase your season pass now for Deer Valley Resort or Sundance Mountain Resort – both world-class destinations for The Greatest Snow on Earth.
*Tip: Get your cross-country ski pass now too. Soldier Hollow Nordic Center is an Olympic venue with some of the world’s best trails located right here in Heber Valley. It’s almost too good a price to pass up.
Planting Season: This is the best time of year to plant your garden and spruce up your flower beds. The growing season is a bit short compared to some of the more southern destinations, so it is wise to follow planting guidelines based on our zone.
*Tip: Locals will tell you, when planting your garden or flower beds, it is suggested that you watch for the "horse's head" to appear on the foothills of Mount Timpanogos. This is often suggested as it is likely no other hard freezes will occur and kill your new plants. Another good rule of thumb is to wait until Memorial Day weekend or after before you plant.
Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship & Festival
Founded in 2003 by Mark Petersen, this is one of the foremost annual events of its kind in the world, drawing competitors from all over the globe and 13,000+ spectators and loyal fans annually.
Competitors and spectators love the 2002 Olympic hillside, providing an amazing view of the sheep and dogs navigating the difficult course. The festival offers educational demonstrations, children’s activities, information and sponsor booths, food and beverage and merchandise vendors, a Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation-hosted beer garden, and more!
For those new to this event, or just wanting to know more, check out this "Q&A" 10 questions post.
*Tip: Bring your own chair and sun umbrella or canopy for shaded seating. Be sure to bring water and sunblock as the event venue is outdoors and exposed.
Early June: Get your tickets for the July Demolition Derby and Stampede Rodeo. Tickets for the November and December North Pole Express Trains also go on sale in early June. They will sell out by August for most dates and times, so buy those in advance as well.
Lake Recreation
The area state parks and reservoirs get busy in the summer season - particularly Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Head to Strawberry Reservoir - only 25 minutes to the east of Heber City - and enjoy a quieter and less crowded lake experience. Plus, the fishing is some of the best in the state!
*Tip: Buy your annual Utah state park pass for access to 46 Utah state parks!
Thursday Heber Market on Main
The Heber Market on Main is a weekly, summertime event that welcomes visitors and locals alike to gather together in downtown Heber City to enjoy local food, drink, shopping, and live music. This weekly event happens on Thursdays from early June through mid-August.
*Tip: Bring a blanket and chair and make an evening of it. Toss a frisbee or sit under the large shade trees and enjoy the setting. Please note: dogs are not permitted at the park nor at this weekly event. So, please leave Fido at home.
Saturday Midway Farmers Market
The local farmer's market is held every Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Midway Town Square. Peruse locally grown produce, herbs, flowers, and plants as well as locally produced baked goods, skincare products, and other local artisan finds. The weekly farmers market runs from the first of June through mid-October.
*Tip: Arrive early to select the best items and make your purchase before the vendors run out.
Red, White & Blue Independence Day Celebration - July 4th
Celebrate Independence Day in true Heber Valley style! This beloved annual event is packed with family-friendly fun from morning to night. Kick off the day with the traditional cannon blast from Memorial Hill in Midway, followed by a hearty pancake breakfast. Then head over to Heber City Main Street Park for another round of breakfast and the exciting Main-to-Main 10K—whether you're running or cheering from the sidelines. Stick around for a full day of festivities featuring live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and great company. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
*Tip: Bring your own blanket and chairs to sprawl out on the green grass at the park. Play lawn games and enjoy time together throughout the day. Head to South Field Park at dusk to catch the fireworks from Memorial Hill. It is a great location to see the full fireworks show.
Thursday Heber Market on Main
The Heber Market on Main is a weekly, summertime event that welcomes visitors and locals alike to gather together in downtown Heber City to enjoy local food, drink, shopping, and live music. This weekly event happens on Thursdays from early June through mid-August.
*Tip: Bring a blanket and chair and make an evening of it. Toss a frisbee or sit under the large shade trees and enjoy the setting. Please note: dogs are not permitted at the park nor at this weekly event. So, please leave Fido at home.
Saturday Midway Farmers Market
The local farmer's market is held every Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Midway Town Square. Peruse locally grown produce, herbs, flowers, and plants as well as locally produced baked goods, skincare products, and other local artisan finds. The weekly farmers market runs from the first of June through mid-October.
*Tip: Arrive early to select the best items and make your purchase before the vendors run out.
Charleston Pioneer Celebration – July 24th
The town of Charleston, Utah puts on a big small-town celebration for Pioneer Day each year. Complete with flag raising ceremony at 6:45am, 5K race, pancake breakfast, car show, vendor booths, food trucks, live entertainment, evening parade, and fireworks at dark. Make a full day of it! Most activities are free to attend.
*Tip: Plan for the day-of events in Charleston and book the “Fiddlers & Fireworks” train at Heber Valley Railroad far in advance. This train ride is a great way to experience the historic railroad scenic night ride. The train stops along the bank of Deer Creek Reservoir and you watch the fireworks over the lake before returning to the train depot.
Wasatch Wipeout Demolition Derby
This is a popular demolition derby, and one of the largest in the western US! It has a lot of contenders and a large winner’s purse prize. Drivers and spectators come from all over the country to be part of this derby. Dress comfortably and in cool clothing layers. This event happens at the end of July and the temps are warm, even at night.
*Tip: Tickets sell out very quickly for this 3-night event, so be sure to get your tickets online when they go on sale in early June. You’ll likely want to see both nights!
Wasatch County Fair Days – First Week of August
Experience the best of small-town USA right here in Heber Valley! The annual Wasatch County Fair Days offers a full week of local community fun. Fill your days visiting the Country Market and the Carnival, spend your nights experiencing movies in the park, BBQ dinners, live performances, concerts, and talent contests. Each day is something different, so come out for the full week.
*Tip: Get discount tickets for the Carnival at the Wasatch Rec Center. Buy tickets online and in advance to the other paid events. Arrive early for decent parking, or better yet, ride your bike. Bring your sunscreen and water!
Wasatch Stampede Rodeo
The Mountain Valley Stampede Rodeo is great family fun with the best stock from Powder River and the best cowboys and cowgirls from across the Intermountain West. Easily one of the most popular rodeos in the northern part of the state, this 3-night rodeo event sells out on both Friday and Saturday nights. You’ll have better luck getting tickets on Thursday night if you don't purchase tickets in early June when they go on sale.
*Tip: Get tickets online when they go on sale in early June. This rodeo sells out every year.
Heber Thursday Market on Main
The Heber Market on Main is a weekly, summertime event that welcomes visitors and locals alike to gather together in downtown Heber City to enjoy local food, drink, shopping, and live music. This weekly event happens on Thursdays from early June through mid-August.
*Tip: Bring a blanket and chair and make an evening of it. Toss a frisbee or sit under the large shade trees and enjoy the setting. Please note: dogs are not permitted at the park nor at this weekly event. So, please leave Fido at home.
Saturday Midway Farmers Market
The local farmer's market is held every Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Midway Town Square. Peruse locally grown produce, herbs, flowers, and plants as well as locally produced baked goods, skincare products, and other local artisan finds. The weekly farmer's market runs from the first of June through mid-October.
*Tip: Arrive early to select the best items and make your purchase before the vendors run out.
In late August through early September, the local Huber Grove apple orchard at Wasatch Mountain State Park beckons visitors to come pick apples from the historic orchard. The trees were planted in the 1890s and stand firmly rooted, representing a long legacy of farming and the hardiness of the generations that settled the area. Visitors must register in advance to participate in this fun activity.
Swiss Days Festival Over Labor Day Weekend
Midway Swiss Days takes place every year on Friday and Saturday over Labor Day weekend and draws tens of thousands of visitors and vendors from all parts of the country to mix, mingle, and enjoy the wares, food, and activities. With two fun-filled days, be sure to bring some comfortable shoes so you can explore everything. The fun goes all day Friday and Saturday.
*Tip: Arrive early to Swiss Days on Friday for first pick, but be prepared to be joined by a several thousand others doing the same. If you can hold off, Friday after about 2:00 pm is a much better experience with fewer people. All booths are set up both days, so you won’t miss anything if you aren’t there right at the opening time on Friday. More how-to guide and “best of” Swiss Days tips here.
Saturday Midway Farmers Market
The local farmer's market is held every Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Midway Town Square. Peruse locally grown produce, herbs, flowers, and plants as well as locally produced baked goods, skincare products, and other local artisan finds. The weekly farmer's market runs from the first of June through mid-October.
*Tip: Arrive early to select the best items and make your purchase before the vendors run out.
Saturday Midway Farmers Market
The local farmer's market is held every Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Midway Town Square. Peruse locally grown produce, herbs, flowers, and plants as well as locally produced baked goods, skincare products, and other local artisan finds. The weekly farmer's market runs from the first of June through mid-October.
*Tip: Arrive early to select the best items and make your purchase before the vendors run out.
Heber City Community Trick-or-Treating Night
Free trick-or-treating event held every year at the Heber City Main Street Park, 250 South Main Street, Heber City. Dress up, bring your bucket or bag, and visit all the participating area businesses. Catch a live magician performance and enjoy this free community event. Check out all the spooktacular events happening this month.
*Tip: Dress in costume but also dress warm for this outdoor event. Park on the side streets, adjacent parking lot to the north, or Heber City Main Street for easier access.
Celebrate the Holidays in Heber Valley
Learn more about what is happening throughout this magical Hallmark town during the holiday season. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, there’s a lot to explore, experience, and enjoy.
Christmas Tree Permits
The tradition of cutting down your own Christmas tree is a special, memory-making moment for many local families. With easy access to lots of open land spaces, all you need to do is get your tree permit and plan your day to go find that perfect holiday tree.
Bureau of Land Management tree permit request
Recreation.gov tree permit request
Turkey Trot 5K
Join the local running community for this mid-morning 5K fun run. The Lynden Legacy Turkey Trot meanders through beautiful Midway, Utah. This is a great race for everybody from the competitive runner to the leisurely walker and everyone in between. Strollers are welcome and kids can ride bikes, scooters, etc.
*Tip: Register in advance. Dress warm the day of the race. Costumes encouraged!
Midway Tree Lighting
Happening the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, join the local community for a nighttime celebration and annual tree lighting event at Midway Town Hall. Enjoy caroling, cookies and cocoa, a visit from Santa, and a grand tree lighting to top off the evening.
*Tip: Arrive early for closer parking. Dress warm and be prepared for all weather conditions at this outdoor event. We suggest you pack hand and foot warmers. This event receives a lot of area resident attendees, so expect a crowd and bring your cheerful spirit.
North Pole Express Trains at Heber Valley Railroad
If you have young kids or grandkids, you do not want to miss this fun-filled train ride experience. All aboard the historic Heber Valley Railroad for a festive night of caroling, dancing, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from Santa, of course! The elves come through and entertain kids, musicians perform, and the Big Guy makes his appearance to say hello to each and every kid then leaves them with a magical reindeer bell.
*Tip: Tickets for this themed train ride excursion go on sale in July, and it sells out every year. So get your tickets early!
Heber City Old Fashioned Christmas
Plan to partake of the community fun at this annual holiday celebration and beautiful tree lighting event that takes place the first Friday in December. Similar to the Midway tree lighting ceremony, this night is also filled with caroling, entertainment, and a big crowd to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Be sure to catch the ice sculpture and stick around for the tree lighting at the end.
*Tip: This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately and for all weather conditions. We suggest you pack hand and foot warmers. This event receives a lot of area attendees, so expect a crowd and bring your happy holiday mood.
North Pole Express Trains at Heber Valley Railroad
If you have young kids or grandkids, you do not want to miss this fun-filled train ride experience. All aboard the historic Heber Valley Railroad for a festive night of caroling, dancing, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from Santa, of course! The elves come through and entertain kids, musicians perform, and the Big Guy makes his appearance to say hello to each and every kid then leaves them with a magical reindeer bell.
*Tip: Tickets for this themed train ride excursion go on sale in early July, and it sells out every year. So get your tickets early!
The Legend of Mount Timpanogos: The legend of Mount Timpanogos is a captivating Native American tale of love and sacrifice. It tells the story of a princess and a brave warrior, whose tragic romance unfolds on the majestic mountain, symbolizing enduring love and cultural heritage.
Planting Season: Locals will tell you, when planting your garden or flower beds, it is suggested that you watch for the "horse's head" to appear on the foothills of Mount Timpanogos. This is often suggested as it is likely no other hard freezes will occur and kill your new plants. Another good rule of thumb, is to wait until Memorial Day weekend or after before you plant.
Octane, the Dino:
If you haven't already seen the green dinosaur at the south end of town, then please drive by and meet Octane, the Sinclair dino at Mountainland One Stop in Heber City, Utah. He is a favorite for locals and visitors!
With so much to do, explore, taste, try, and experience, there are lots of options to make your own memorable traditions right here in Heber Valley. Fill your calendar with some or all of the above recommendations, and be sure to make some of your very own along the way. Welcome to the Heber Valley community!
