Colonial Heritage Festival (Colonial Fest)

A free, three-day living-history festival at SCERA Park in Orem recreating an 18th-century colonial village — blacksmiths, coopers, printers, cannon firings, and afternoon tea with Ben Franklin. July 2–4, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

For a hands-on way to mark America's 250th, the Colonial Heritage Festival — widely known as Colonial Fest — recreates an entire 18th-century colonial village at SCERA Park in Orem. It runs July 2–4, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and it's free (organizers suggest a donation of $5 per person or $20 per family to support the volunteer-run event).

Living historians travel from across the country to staff the village, demonstrating the trades you'd have found in a colonial town: a candle maker, a cooper, a printer, a woodworker, a blacksmith, and many more. There's also a sizable military presence — Militia, Continental Army, and British Army units — with gun displays and cannon firings, plus the chance to take afternoon tea with the likes of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, or John Adams.

Why 2026 Is a Big Year for It

The festival is scheduled each year to coincide with Independence Day, and 2026 lands on the semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of American independence. Organizers bill this year's event as the nation's largest living-history semiquincentennial celebration west of the original 13 colonies, so it's a fitting year to go.

Good to Know

• It's genuinely hands-on and kid-friendly. Expect colonial games, demonstrations you can get close to, fresh-baked bread and churned butter, and interpreters happy to explain what they're doing.
• Free, with a suggested donation. There's no admission charge, but the event runs on volunteers and donations.
• Plan around the heat. Early-July days in Utah Valley get hot; mornings and late afternoons are the more comfortable windows.
• It pairs well with the rest of the week. The festival is part of America's Freedom Festival, so it slots naturally alongside the Grand Parade, Balloon Fest, and Stadium of Fire.

For the full slate of Independence Day events, see our Freedom Festival guide and Fourth of July guide. Current details are on the Freedom Festival event page.

Good to know

• ✓ Living-history colonial village — candle maker, cooper, printer, blacksmith, woodworker and more
• ✓ Sizable military presence: Militia, Continental Army, and British Army, with cannon firings
• ✓ Afternoon tea with Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, or John Adams
• ✓ Free admission; suggested donation $5/person or $20/family
• ✓ July 2–4, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily at SCERA Park in Orem

Running an event in Utah Valley? Submit it to the Provo.com calendar →