Days of '47 From Utah Valley: Parade, Rodeo, Day Trip

Things to Do September 30, 2026 7 min read ✓ Updated October 12, 2026

Abigail Giordano Senior Writer, Provo.com How we make Provo.com

The Days of '47 is Salt Lake City's Pioneer Day celebration, and two of its events draw families from all over the state: the Days of '47 Parade on the morning of July 24, which draws thousands of spectators, and the Days of '47 Rodeo, five nights of professional rodeo at the Utah State Fairpark. Utah Valley has its own Pioneer Day traditions, but the Salt Lake version is a different scale, and with a little planning it makes a full day trip.

Why July 24

On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young and the vanguard company of pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley, the first of the thousands who would cross the plains by wagon and handcart. The date became Pioneer Day, a Utah state holiday. The organizers describe the Days of '47 Parade as one of the oldest parades in the United States. This Is the Place Monument, pictured at the top of this page, stands at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, where the pioneers came into the valley.

For how Pioneer Day is marked in Utah County itself, see Pioneer Day, Explained and the county's Pioneer Day roundup.

The parade

The Days of '47 Parade starts at 9 a.m. on July 24, with road closures from 5:30 a.m. The route begins at South Temple and State Street, runs east to 200 East, turns south to 900 South, and then turns east to 600 East, finishing at Liberty Park. Expect floats, bands, horses, clowns and plenty of pioneer dress.

The organizers allow camping along the route from 6 p.m. on July 23, but not on private property, and many families stake out their spots overnight. Road closures shut the through streets to the route for the duration.

The rodeo

The Utah Days of '47 Rodeo runs five nights at the Days of '47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark, 155 North 1000 West. In 2026 it ran July 21 to 25. It calls itself the world's only Gold Medal rodeo, with a gold medal round on the final night.

A rodeo night starts early. In 2026 the Fairpark gates opened at 5 p.m. for a free fun zone with a mechanical bull, a petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks and vendors, no rodeo ticket required; live music ran from 6 to 7:30, the arena gates opened at 7 and the rodeo began at 8. Tickets are sold online, and the organizers warn that the last two nights sell out quickly; the 2026 finale did. It runs five nights in the week of Pioneer Day, and the rodeo has posted July 20 to 24, 2027 for next year. The fun zone also displays a herd of Texas longhorns.

A Pioneer Day plan from Utah Valley

Morning: the parade. Leave early. Without traffic, downtown is about 53 minutes from Provo by car, but on the morning of July 24 the streets near the route close and the good spots are claimed overnight. Pick a spot away from the start, along 200 East or 900 South, and bring chairs, water and shade.

Afternoon: rest, or the monument. The parade wraps up by midday. The afternoon is the hottest part of a Utah July day, and a quiet stretch before the evening. This Is the Place Monument at the mouth of Emigration Canyon ties the day to its history.

Evening: the rodeo or the sky. For a rodeo family, the Days of '47 Rodeo runs that night, with the free fun zone from 5 p.m.; buy tickets well ahead. Salt Lake City has also closed recent Pioneer Days with a drone show in place of fireworks; in 2026 it was a free show at Liberty Park from 10 to 10:30 p.m.

Getting there from Utah County

By car. OpenStreetMap routing puts downtown Salt Lake City about 45 miles and 53 minutes from downtown Provo, and the Utah State Fairpark about 47 miles and 55 minutes, both without traffic. Parade morning and rodeo nights are anything but traffic-free.

By train. The parade starts near downtown TRAX stations, and the rodeo is beside the Green Line's Fairpark station, two stops west of the North Temple station where FrontRunner connects. Pioneer Day is a state holiday, so check UTA's schedule for July 24 before planning around the train. For how the train works from Utah Valley, see FrontRunner From Provo.

Practical notes

Hold a spot early. Families camp along the route the night before.
Buy rodeo tickets ahead. The final nights sell out.
Plan for the heat. A July parade and an afternoon outdoors call for water and shade.
Check the holiday transit schedule. July 24 is a state holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Days of '47 Parade?

At 9 a.m. on July 24, Pioneer Day, in downtown Salt Lake City. In 2026 that was a Friday. Road closures along the route begin at 5:30 a.m.

What is the Days of '47 Parade route?

It starts at South Temple and State Street, runs east to 200 East, turns south to 900 South, then east to 600 East, finishing at Liberty Park.

Can you camp out for the Days of '47 Parade?

Yes, with limits. The organizers say no one may set up camp before 6 p.m. on July 23 or on private property such as business lots and homes. Many families camp out to hold a spot for the morning.

When and where is the Days of '47 Rodeo?

At the Days of '47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark, over five nights around Pioneer Day. In 2026 it ran July 21 to 25, with the Fairpark's fun zone opening at 5 p.m., the arena gates at 7 and the rodeo at 8. The final nights sell out, so buy early; the rodeo has posted July 20 to 24 for 2027.

How is this different from Pioneer Day in Utah County?

This guide is the trip north. Utah County's own Pioneer Day celebrations, parades and fireworks are covered in Pioneer Day, Explained and in the county's Pioneer Day roundup.

Can I take the train to the Days of '47?

Often, yes. The parade starts near downtown TRAX stations, and the rodeo is beside the TRAX Green Line's Fairpark station, two stops west of the FrontRunner transfer at North Temple. July 24 is a state holiday, so check UTA's schedule for that day before relying on it.

How far is downtown Salt Lake City from Provo?

OpenStreetMap routing puts downtown Salt Lake City about 45 miles and 53 minutes from downtown Provo, and the Utah State Fairpark about 47 miles and 55 minutes, without traffic.

Where is a good place to watch the Days of '47 Parade?

Away from the start, along 200 East or 900 South. Bring chairs, water and shade; families camp along the route the night before.

Sources

The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.

Pioneer Day Drone Show, Salt Lake City. Checked October 12, 2026.
Utah Code 63G-1-301. Legal holidays, Utah State Legislature. Checked October 12, 2026.
Days of '47 Parade, Days of '47, Inc.. Checked October 12, 2026.
Days of '47 events calendar, Days of '47, Inc.. Checked October 12, 2026.
Utah Days of 47 Rodeo (home), Utah Days of '47 Rodeo. Checked October 12, 2026.
Utah Days of '47 Rodeo: Schedule, Utah Days of '47 Rodeo. Checked October 12, 2026.
Utah Days of '47 Rodeo: Attractions, Utah Days of '47 Rodeo. Checked October 12, 2026.

Abigail Giordano

Senior Writer

Abigail Giordano is a senior writer at Provo.com covering student life, family resources, and community events across Utah Valley. Her writing focuses on making Provo more accessible and navigable for newcomers, students, and families — the practical guides that help people feel at home faster.

The Days of '47 From Utah Valley: The Parade, the Rodeo and a Pioneer Day Trip to Salt Lake City