the mommy avenger

When we moved to Utah, I expected mountains, snow, and a whole lot of fry sauce. What I didn’t expect was Pioneer Day—a full-blown state holiday on July 24th that’s treated with the same excitement as the Fourth of July. At first, this East Coast gal wasn’t sure what to make of it. Parades? Fireworks? A rodeo that people plan their whole summer around? It felt like this massive tradition I’d somehow never heard of.

This year, though, I’m leaning in. We’re making plans to attend the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City, and I’m genuinely excited—not just for the rodeo, but for what it represents. As someone relatively new to Utah, this is my chance to experience a piece of the culture that’s shaped the state’s identity for generations.

Pioneer Day celebrates the day—July 24, 1847—when the first group of Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. It’s a deeply rooted part of Utah’s history and a major point of pride for many families who trace their lineage back to those early settlers. I actually can trace my lineage back there, so that adds even more significance to the day for me. But even for those without pioneer ancestry, the day is all about honoring strength, community, and new beginnings.

It’s a statewide celebration. Think parades, fireworks, picnics, festivals, concerts, and yes… the rodeo.

The Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo is one of the biggest events tied to Pioneer Day, and it runs for several nights leading up to July 24th. It’s held at the Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark—a massive outdoor stadium built specifically for this celebration. And this isn’t your local county fair rodeo. It’s a professionally sanctioned, high-stakes competition that draws top cowboys and cowgirls from across the country.

There’s bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling—basically every event you’ve ever seen in a western movie, but live and louder and faster. The energy is contagious, and the arena fills with families, diehard fans, first-timers (hi, it’s me), and everyone in between.

One of the things that really sold me on going this year is how family-friendly the entire experience is. Before the rodeo even starts, the gates open for what they call the Frontier Fun Zone—a giant activity area with pony rides, a petting zoo, games, food trucks, and live music. It’s free to enter with a rodeo ticket and packed with hands-on experiences for kids.

There are also cultural exhibits and historical encampments that showcase life on the pioneer trail, Native American traditions, and charro (Mexican cowboy) heritage. For someone like me who’s still learning what a Utah celebration of Pioneer Day is all about, this feels like the perfect way to immerse myself and help my family understand the “why” behind the celebration.

After the rodeo wraps up, they end the night with a drone light show and fireworks—because of course they do. It’s basically Utah summer magic in one evening.

Now that I’ve been here a bit longer, I’m starting to realize that for many Utah families, going to the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo is an annual tradition. It’s something parents did as kids, and now they’re bringing their own children along. It’s not just about the rodeo—it’s about spending time together, celebrating local heritage, and creating memories that stick.

The fact that this event has been going for decades and continues to grow says a lot. It’s one of those rare things that manages to feel both historic and fresh. Even if you’re brand new to Utah, it still feels like you’re part of something bigger.

Honestly? I love the idea of being a part of the place I live—not just physically, but culturally. I didn’t raise my kids in Utah, but I want to build memories here. I want to remember things like cheering at the rodeo, eating messy fair food, and staying up late to watch fireworks under the summer sky.

I’ve heard so many good things about this event, and I love how it blends high-energy entertainment with deeper meaning. It’s a celebration of resilience, history, and community.

Plus, I’ve always wanted an excuse to wear boots.

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How to Go: The Logistics

Dates: Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo runs from July 22 to July 26, and each night’s show starts around 8:00 PM. Gates open around 5:00 PM, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy all the pre-show activities.

Location: The rodeo is held at the Utah Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. It’s an outdoor stadium, so dress for the weather (which in July means bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a hat).

Tickets: You can buy tickets directly from the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo website or through AXS, which is their official ticketing partner. Prices vary depending on where you want to sit. There are shaded “prime” seats, budget-friendly value seats, and even VIP packages if you’re feeling fancy.

Parking: Parking is available at the Fairpark for a fee. It’s first-come, first-served, so if you want a good spot (or need ADA parking), plan to arrive early.

I may be new to Utah’s traditions, but I can already tell that Pioneer Day—and the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in particular—is one of those things that brings people together in a way that’s both fun and meaningful. It’s about celebrating history without making it feel like a textbook. It’s about community, pride, family, and yeah—some seriously impressive rodeo skills.

This year, I’m jumping in. I hope to come home with dusty, tired feet, and that satisfied feeling of having joined something special.

If you’ve never been either, maybe this is your year too.