Orem’s biggest annual summer event is Oremfest, a weeklong June celebration at City Center Park with carnival rides, a grand parade, and fireworks. Every Wednesday from May through October, Orem’s Farmers Market brings about 200 local vendors and food trucks to City Center Park. The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre hosts musicals, concerts, and outdoor movies all summer. Around the Fourth of July, America’s Freedom Festival in Provo and the Colonial Heritage Festival in Orem round out the season.
Summer in Utah Valley is packed with free and low-cost events, and living close to the action makes them easy to enjoy. Promenade Place offers fully furnished studio, 4×2, and 4×4 apartments near UVU and the Orem Central UTA station, plus BBQ grills and a hot tub for relaxing after a long summer day.
When Do Orem’s Biggest Summer Events Happen?
Most of Orem’s signature events fall between late May and early September. Here’s a quick look at when to expect each one, based on recent seasons. Exact dates change each year.
| Event | Typical Timing | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Orem’s Farmers Market & Food Fest | Wednesdays, May–October | City Center Park, Orem |
| Utah Valley Marathon | First Saturday in June | Provo Canyon to Provo |
| Oremfest | One week in early-to-mid June | City Center Park and around Orem |
| SCERA Shell summer season | June–August | SCERA Park, Orem |
| America’s Freedom Festival | Late June through July 4 | Downtown Provo |
| Colonial Heritage Festival | Around July 4 | SCERA Park, Orem |
Save this calendar early in the year so you don’t miss the events you’re most excited about.
What Is Oremfest?
Oremfest, formerly known as Orem Summerfest, is the city’s signature summer celebration. The 2026 festival ran June 8–13 with the theme “Red, White, Blue and You.” It centered on City Center Park, with additional events around the city throughout the week.
Many of Oremfest’s highlights are free, including:
- The Oremfest Car Show
- Orchard’s Jam at The Orchard at University Place
- Boutiques at the park
- Orem’s Got Talent
- Yoga at the park
- The Grand Parade along 800 East and Center Street
- The drone show and fireworks
Carnival rides and food vendors fill City Center Park for the final days of the festival, with ride tickets and wristbands sold at the park’s ticket booths. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to spend a summer evening with roommates.
What Happens at Orem’s Weekly Farmers Market?
Orem’s Farmers Market & Food Fest Wednesdays runs every Wednesday from May through October, from 5 to 9 p.m., at City Center Park at 300 E Center Street. Around 200 small local businesses take part each week, selling fresh produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, flowers, handmade soap, art, and more.
Food Fest Wednesday is billed as Utah County’s largest weekly food truck roundup, which makes the market a great dinner spot as well as a place to shop. Local musicians often perform throughout the evening. Admission is free, so it’s an easy midweek break from studying.
What Shows Play at the SCERA Shell in Summer?
The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, at 600 S 400 E in the middle of SCERA Park, hosts a full summer season of musicals, nationally touring concerts, and outdoor movies. The Wasatch Mountains form the backdrop, and evening temperatures usually cool off nicely once the sun goes down.
Seating is festival style on a grassy slope, with separate general admission sections for chairs and blankets. Musicals typically run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. The 2026 season opened with Disney’s Frozen in June and closed with Guys and Dolls in August. Bring a blanket, arrive early for a good spot, and pack a light jacket for later in the evening.
How Does Utah Valley Celebrate the Fourth of July?
Independence Day is one of the busiest times of the year in Utah Valley, with celebrations in both Provo and Orem.
America’s Freedom Festival in Provo
America’s Freedom Festival hosts a series of events in Provo leading up to and including the Fourth of July. Its Grand Parade through downtown Provo is one of the largest Independence Day parades in the western United States, with historical floats, marching bands, and giant helium balloons. The festival also includes Balloon Fest, where hot air balloons launch in the early morning, plus Freedom Days in downtown Provo.
Colonial Heritage Festival in Orem
SCERA Park also hosts the Colonial Heritage Festival around the Fourth of July. It’s a smaller, history-focused celebration close to home for Orem residents who want something quieter than the crowds in downtown Provo.
What Other Summer Events Are Worth Planning For?
Beyond the major festivals, a few other events and venues keep summer busy in Orem and Provo:
- Utah Valley Marathon: Held the first Saturday in June, with a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The 2027 race is scheduled for June 5.
- The Orchard at University Place: This outdoor space hosts free community events throughout the summer, including Orchard’s Jam during Oremfest.
- Splash Summit Waterpark: Utah’s largest waterpark runs summer events and promotions throughout its season.
- Scera Park Outdoor Pools: Orem’s outdoor pool complex opens each May and is a popular spot on hot afternoons.
Mixing a few of these with the big festivals is an easy way to fill a summer near UVU.
Is Promenade Place a Good Place to Spend Summer Near UVU?
Orem’s summer calendar has something almost every week. Oremfest anchors June with a parade, carnival, and fireworks, while the Wednesday farmers market runs from May through October. The SCERA Shell fills summer nights with musicals and concerts. The Fourth of July brings America’s Freedom Festival in Provo and the Colonial Heritage Festival in Orem.
Promenade Place puts you close to all of it. Residents can host pre-event cookouts at the BBQ grills, unwind in the hot tub after a long day outside, or relax in the lounges with friends. Choose from fully furnished studio, 4×2, and 4×4 apartments near UVU and the Orem Central UTA station.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Oremfest?
Oremfest takes place over one week in early-to-mid June at City Center Park and other locations around Orem. The 2026 festival ran June 8–13.
Is Oremfest free?
Many Oremfest events are free, including the car show, Grand Parade, drone show, fireworks, and Orem’s Got Talent. Carnival rides require tickets or wristbands.
When is the Orem Farmers Market?
Orem’s Farmers Market & Food Fest runs every Wednesday from May through October, 5 to 9 p.m., at City Center Park.
What is the SCERA Shell?
The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre is an outdoor venue in SCERA Park that hosts musicals, concerts, and movies throughout the summer.
Where can I celebrate the Fourth of July near Orem?
America’s Freedom Festival in Provo hosts a Grand Parade and Balloon Fest, and the Colonial Heritage Festival takes place in Orem’s SCERA Park.
