Thursday Β· Weekend Plans
Issue #30 Β· July 2, 2026
← All issues

Lehi's Imaginaria runs all weekend, and Matilda takes the stage

Plus the biggest fireworks show of the year is this Thursday, and where to find the best dirty soda.

Happy Thursday, Happy Valley.

The Fourth of July is here, and while the biggest celebrations hit Thursday, there's still plenty to fill your weekend in Utah Valley.

From a patriotic festival in Lehi to a beloved musical in Orem, here's how to make the most of the long holiday weekend.

πŸ“ 30 seconds in the valley⏱️ 3 min read

πŸŽ‰ The Big One This Weekend

Imaginaria, Thanksgiving Point Worth it

Imaginaria, Thanksgiving Point

A patriotic summer festival transforming Ashton Gardens with giant American landmarks, interactive crafts, splash zones, and hands-on activities.
πŸ•Hours: June 1 - August 22, 2026 Β· Daily 9am-9pm
πŸ“Address: Ashton Gardens, Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi Β· ~15 min from downtown Provo
πŸ’΅Cost: Adults $24, Youth (13-17) $19, Children (3-12) $17, Seniors (65+) $21 Β· Children 2 and under and Thanksgiving Point Members free
⏰Timing: Go early to beat the heat and crowds, or in the evening for cooler temperatures and sunset views over the exhibits.
Our take
Thanksgiving Point's summer festival is a huge, immersive experience for families, celebrating America's 250th anniversary with larger-than-life landmarks and plenty of ways to play and learn.
⚠️ Heads up: Tickets are timed entry; book online at thanksgivingpoint.org to secure your spot and confirm hours before heading out.
$$ familieskidsoutdoorspatriotic
Details β†’

πŸ—“οΈ Get It on the Calendar

πŸ”οΈ Hit the Canyon: Pick of the Week

Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon Pick of the week

Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon

A 600-foot double cataract waterfall right off the Provo River Trail, accessible via a paved path from the parking area.
πŸ•Hours: Daylight hours Β· paved path, short and stroller-friendly
πŸ“Address: Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon (off US-189, ~3 miles up) Β· ~12 min from downtown Provo
πŸ’΅Cost: Free
⏰Timing: Go in the morning before the parking lot fills; the paved Provo River Parkway makes it easy for bikes and strollers.
Our take
The biggest payoff for the least effort in the county. A giant waterfall you can reach on a paved path, offering a cool escape from the Valley heat.
⚠️ Heads up: Spray makes rocks slick; the pool is cold and fast. Keep children back from the base. Confirm the lot and trail are open before you drive up.
Free familieseasy hikewaterfalloutdoors
Details β†’

πŸ˜‹ The Best Thing We Found

Best of the week

A dirty soda on a hot Valley afternoon

Utah's signature drink: fountain soda, cream, and flavor add-ins, built to order. Swig and other local shops have drive-thrus across Provo and Orem.
πŸ•Hours: Most shops open late Β· drive-thrus all over Provo & Orem
πŸ“Address: Provo & Orem (multiple drive-thru locations) Β· Never far in Utah Valley
πŸ’΅Cost: ~$3-6
⏰Timing: Grab one before heading to an outdoor event or for a refreshing afternoon treat.
Our take
As the summer heat settles in, a dirty soda is the perfect local refreshment. Find your favorite combination and beat the heat.
⚠️ Heads up: Sunday hours vary by shop. Check individual store hours before you go.
$ treatdrive-thrurefreshment

πŸ“Œ Heads Up, Happy Valley

Stadium of Fire, this Thursday, July 4 Don't miss it

Stadium of Fire, this Thursday, July 4

Provo's annual July 4th concert and fireworks spectacular, headlined by Brad Paisley, celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
πŸ•Hours: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Β· 8:00 PM
πŸ“Address: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo Β· ~7 min from downtown Provo
πŸ’΅Cost: Tickets $55 - $330
⏰Timing: The event sells out most years. If you have tickets, arrive early to navigate crowds and find your seats before the show begins.
Our take
The biggest Independence Day celebration in the West is happening this Thursday. If you're attending, prepare for a spectacular show of music, stunts, and fireworks.
⚠️ Heads up: Confirm current pricing and stadium policies at the BYU box office or freedomfestival.org. Expect heavy traffic and crowds around the stadium.
$$$ familiesJuly 4thconcertfireworks
Details β†’

πŸ’™ Good Neighbor

Nominate the Valley's quiet MVPs

Every issue we spotlight one neighbor, teacher, coach, or cause quietly making the Valley better, plus an easy way to pitch in. Know someone who deserves it? Send them our way.

Nominate a neighbor β†’

That's the weekend. Take the family to Imaginaria, catch Matilda on stage, or find a cool spot by Bridal Veil Falls.

Tell us what we missed. Reply with the events, openings, and good-neighbor stories your corner of the Valley should know about.

Forward this to the neighbor who always asks what's going on this week. That's what we're for.

β€” The Provo FOMO crew
Got a tip, a new opening, or an event? Just reply β€” we read everything.
Read past issues Β· Refer a neighbor Β· Advertise with us