This mountain town isn't only about breathtaking scenery and crisp mountain air. It's also rich with a deep sense of community, tradition, and a whole lot of fun! Let's dive into some of the beloved events and cultural gems that make Heber Valley a unique and vibrant hub. The following informative content is broken out by month to make it easier to search and plan.

JANUARY

Start your year off right by snagging your annual Utah State Park Pass. Trust us; it's your “golden ticket” to a year filled with outdoor adventures as it grants you access to all 46 state parks. This pass opens doors to some of the most outstanding trails and open lands in the area, including Jordanelle, Wasatch Mountain, and Deer Creek State Parks.

January and February are the coldest months of the year, meaning the famous icy attraction known as the Ice Castles is open for all to meander through the magical passageways and solid-ice walls. Tickets typically go on sale in early December. Sunset timed visits are usually the best for the most amazing lighting followed by dark skies to conclude the experience.

*Tip: Add on the horse drawn sleigh ride for an extra touch of magic. The sleigh picks you up inside the Ice Castles and glides you through a special light show attraction. Worth the extra cost!

FEBRUARY

The Ice Castles continue through the first part of the month, followed by the annual Skijoring Utah competition. Featuring horses, riders, skiers, and even snowboarders competing through a snow-covered obstacle course for various prizes, you will not want to miss this action-packed event! Tickets are available starting in December.

MARCH

Okay, folks, listen up – if you're a snow lover, now's the time to lock in those ski passes for next season and get the best deals available. Whether you're into downhill thrills or cross-country tranquility, Heber Valley's got you covered. Don't miss out on Soldier Hollow, an Olympic venue boasting world-class trails. And yes, the price is almost too good to be true! Or, purchase your season pass for either Deer Valley Resort or Sundance Mountain Resort – both world-class destinations for The Greatest Snow on Earth.

MAY

Fast forward to May, and it's all about the amazing talents of our canine friends at the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship & Festival. Picture this: rolling hills, skilled dogs, and a festival atmosphere buzzing with excitement. Don't forget to bring your own chair, shade cover, water, and sunblock – trust us on this one. For those new to this event, or just wanting to know more, check out this "Q&A" 10 questions post.

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: 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.

JUNE

As summer rolls in, it's time to rev those engines for the July Demolition Derby, August County Fair Days, and the August Wasatch Mountain Stampede Rodeo. Buckle up, folks; it's gonna be a wild ride! Tickets go on sale the first of June and sell out very quickly, so don’t delay snagging your seats for both the derby and the rodeo.

With the onset of summer, Heber Valley welcomes lots of outdoor adventurers to the lakes and trails that surround our valley. Help us continue to preserve these natural places by staying safe and taking care of our valley when venturing out into nature.

*Tip: if you're craving some quiet time amidst the lake's shimmering waters, head to Strawberry Reservoir. It's the perfect place for relaxation, minus the crowds.

Thursdays in Heber Valley mean one thing during the summer months of June, July, and August: the Heber Market on Main! Get ready to feast your senses on local delights, live music, and a whole lot of community spirit.

*Tip: Bring a blanket and chair, kick back, and soak in the laid-back vibes for the evening.

JULY

A small-town Independence Day celebration in Heber Valley? Count us in! From cannon blasts and 5K and 10K races to pancake breakfasts, vendor booths, live concert, and fireworks conclusion, this annual event promises fun for the whole family. Plan to enjoy the full day of July 4th festivities!

And we all know about “Christmas in July,” right? Well, tickets for the acclaimed North Pole Express Trains at Heber Valley Railroad sell out faster than you can say "Jingle Bells." So, mark your calendars and get ready for a magical ride filled with caroling, cocoa, and a visit from the big man himself. Get your tickets as soon as they go on sell to ensure you get the date you want.

The weekly Thursday night Heber Market on Main continues through the month of July with weekly live music, vendor booths, and food trucks at the Heber City Main Street Park.

Celebrate the annual Utah Pioneer Day holiday, part of Utah's historic legacy of original settlers in the area. The local Charleston Pioneer Day Celebration is a fun-filled day of family-friendly festivities including a flag raising ceremony, 5K race, food and vendor booths, live music, small-town parade, and fireworks.

AUGUST

This is when things really heat up in Heber Valley! The community celebrates the final days of summer with the annual Wasatch County Fair Days - a full week of carnival rides, talent contests, concerts, outdoor movie nights, BBQ dinners, and a country market.

The week-long county fair ends with the three-night, action-packed Mountain Valley Wasatch Stampede Rodeo. The Wild West is very much alive in Heber Valley and the cowboy heritage dates back to when Heber Valley was originally settled in the 1800s. (Learn more about that history here.)

The final weeks of the Thursday night Heber Market on Main happen in August. Catch this local weekly market for some great food, local music, and wonderful community connectivity.

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.

SEPTEMBER

Labor Day weekend means one thing in Midway – Swiss Days Festival! Join thousands of visitors for a weekend of craft fair, festivities, food, and all things Swiss. For those of you new to this annual festival, check out this “how to” guide with great tips and learn more about the festival’s history.

*Tip: Wear comfy shoes and plan for a full day because you'll want to explore every nook and cranny of this charming town.

OCTOBER

Who says Halloween is just for kids? Join in the spooky fun at the Heber Halloween Fest community trick-or-treat night or any of the other spooktacular events happening this month. Be sure to bundle up and bring your sweet tooth – you're gonna need it!

NOVEMBER

From local turkey trots to finding that perfect Christmas tree to tree lighting events, Heber Valley knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. Don't miss the annual tree lighting celebrations in Midway and Heber City – they're straight out of a Hallmark movie!

*Tip: arrive early for closer parking. Dress warm and be prepared for all weather conditions at these outdoor events. 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.

DECEMBER

Get ready to jingle all the way with the fun festivities happening throughout Heber Valley! Experience the magic of the Heber City Old Fashioned Christmas with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a stunning tree lighting. And don't miss the North Pole Express Trains at Heber Valley Railroad for a festive ride with caroling, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa himself. Tickets sell faster than you can say "ho, ho, ho," so snag yours early! Tickets typically go on sale in July.

Quirky Community Things

Sinclair Dino: Get to know everyone's favorite green dino, Octane! Swing by Mountainland One Stop and say hello. The dino even has its own Instagram account!

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. A fun part of what makes Heber Valley and this side of Mount Timpanogos so special!

So, there you have it, folks – a year-round guide to experiencing the best and most unique of Heber Valley. Whether you're a local or just passing through, there's always something exciting happening in this mountain paradise. So, whatever you’re planning for, adventure awaits!

If you're a new resident in our community, please check out the NEW RESIDENT INFORMATION site.