the mommy avenger

There are few things more magical than a summer evening in the mountains—cool breezes, stunning views, and music that stirs the soul. This weekend, Park City is serving up all three in spectacular fashion with the closing night of the Deer Valley Music Festival, featuring the Utah Symphony’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s electrifying 1812 Overture.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 9th—because this is the celebration of the season.

The Deer Valley Music Festival is one of those Utah gems that gets better year after year. Hosted at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, it offers an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. You arrive to the smell of pine, the soft hum of conversation, and a mountain sunset that feels like a painting come to life. Families lay out picnic blankets, couples toast with sparkling cider, and kids twirl to the sounds of live strings warming up in the distance.

It’s casual, it’s elegant, and it’s wonderfully welcoming for all ages. Whether you’re packing a gourmet spread or grabbing a bite on-site, it’s the kind of evening that blends sophistication with down-to-earth fun—just the way we like it.

If you’re unfamiliar with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, all you really need to know is that it ends with cannons. Yes, actual cannon blasts, timed to one of the most iconic musical climaxes in history. Written to commemorate Russia’s victory over Napoleon, this piece is dramatic, sweeping, and absolutely unforgettable when performed live.

But this performance isn’t just about volume—it’s about passion. Under the direction of conductor Jessica Rivero Altarriba, the Utah Symphony brings every note to life with intensity and grace. It’s sure to be a feast for the ears, and when experienced beneath the open sky, it might become something almost spiritual.

As the grand finale to the Deer Valley Music Festival, it delivers a sense of closure to summer that feels both triumphant and tender.

With school right around the corner and calendars about to fill up again, this is the perfect moment to hit pause and savor one last magical evening with your favorite people. There’s something grounding about gathering in nature, connecting through music, and making memories that don’t require screens or schedules.

Whether you’re bringing the kids, planning a date night, or meeting up with friends, this performance is the perfect excuse to slow down and do something a little bit special.

Tickets are available through the Deer Valley Music Festival website, with options for reserved seating or lawn access. Children 3 and under are free on the lawn, making it an ideal family-friendly outing. But act fast—this concert is one of the most popular of the season, and spots fill up quickly.

A few tips to elevate your night:

• Arrive early. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Claim your spot, get settled, and enjoy the pre-show ambiance.
• Pack smart. Blankets, low-back chairs, layers (the temps drop quickly), and snacks go a long way. Or take advantage of Deer Valley’s gourmet picnic offerings if you’d rather keep it simple.
• Don’t forget the fun stuff. Glow sticks for the kids, a cozy wrap for yourself, and maybe even a thermos of cocoa for the ride home.

This finale isn’t just about music—it’s about memory-making. It’s about that wide-eyed moment when the first cannon booms echo through the hills. It’s about squeezing your kids a little tighter as the music swells. It’s about letting yourself feel something big and beautiful before we all dive back into routines.

So come out to Park City this Saturday. Breathe in the mountain air, lean back into your blanket, and let the music wash over you. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to summer—with a bang.