Independence Day Fireworks 2014 

The reddest of red states certainly loves to get its red, white & blue on when patriotic holidays roll around. Up and down the Wasatch Front—and into the Wasatch Back and communities beyond—the Fourth of July sky will be filling with colorful explosions, generally set to everyone’s favorite stirring anthems. Here’s a look at just some of the state’s most popular gathering places for Independence Day festivities and fireworks. Let the oohs and aahs commence.

Stadium of Fire
Provo’s Stadium of Fire presents a patriotic extravaganza headlined by country-music icon Carrie Underwood. The evening starts at 8 p.m. with the comedic stylings of the cast of BYUtv’s Studio C., the inspirational stylings of Iraq War veteran—and Dancing With the Stars winner—J.R. Martinez, the Stadium of Fire Dancers, and much, much more. The celebration culminates in a firework spectacular that the American Forces Network will broadcast live to more than 1 million service men and women around the world. (Julia Shumway)
Lavell Edwards Stadium, 1700 N. Canyon Road, Provo, 8 p.m., $35-$175. FreedomFestival.org

Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution
There probably isn’t a better opponent for Real Salt Lake to play on July 4 than the New England Revolution. Also, after the patriotic fervor that has ensued watching RSL Captain Kyle Beckerman and others hold their own in Brazil, a little local footy on a nation’s birthday seems fitting. After the game (win or lose), the crowd is welcome to go down onto the pitch, blankets and pillows in tow, to relax and watch some sparkles in the sky. (Jacob Stringer)
Rio Tinto Stadium, 9256 S. State, Sandy, 8 p.m., $25-$105. RealSaltLake.com

Sugar House Fireworks
You won’t be getting just fireworks at this Independence Day celebration, but also inflatables, food and the chance to push yourself to the edge: A mobile free-fall stunt jump lift will be at the event for those who are still kids at heart. You (and the rest of the 30,000 spectators expected to attend) will be entertained all afternoon with music performances from 4 to 10 p.m. from bands including The Truth and My Private Island. Fireworks are scheduled immediately following the last show. (Camri Mecham)
Sugar House Park, 1400 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, free. SugarHouseFireworks.com

Salt Lake Bees vs. El Paso Chihuahuas
What better way to celebrate American independence than with America’s national pastime? Bring your family to the ballpark to watch the Salt Lake Bees take on the El Paso Chihuahuas out on the field. The game starts at 6:35 p.m. and a dazzling fireworks show will begin once the game is finished. (Camri Mecham)
Smith’s Ballpark, 77 W. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, 6:35 p.m., $9-$28. SLBees.com

Thanksgiving Point
If you’re already at Thanksgiving Point to take in a movie or visit one of the museums, hang around for Independence Day activities in the Electric Park (just west of the Megaplex Theater). Vendors and food concessions open at 5:30 p.m., and fireworks will be set off from the north side of the Thanksgiving Point property at approximately 10 p.m. (Scott Renshaw) 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, free. ThanksgivingPoint.org

Sandy City
It’s a dawn-to-dark celebration between South Towne Centre and Sandy City Hall, beginning with a 6:50 a.m. flag-raising and a 7 a.m. 5K. Inflatables and vendor booths get started at 10 a.m., offering activities for kids and treats throughout the day, leading up to the traditional parade at 6 p.m. And you can enjoy musical entertainment throughout the day, with Jupiter Suit and We Are the Strike serving as headliners. Fireworks launch at 10 p.m. with music simulcast on Z104 FM; then, if you don’t want to fight the traffic back home right away, stick around for a little more We Are the Strike after the finale in the sky. (Scott Renshaw)
South Towne Promenade, 10000 S. 172 West, Sandy, free. Sandy.Utah.gov

Park City
Like any good 4th of July celebration, this one in the mountain hamlet of Park City begins with a pancake breakfast and a fun run. After that, there’s a small but popular parade down Historic Main Street. Throughout the day, there are several beer gardens—one in the city park during lunch hours and another later at the resort proper—while live music, games, an alpine slide and zip line keep you entertained until dusk. At that point, lay a blanket down anywhere in the valley and watch the fireworks fly, lighting up the midsummer night’s sky. (Jacob Stringer)
Park City Mountain Resort, 1345 Lowell Ave., Park City, free. ParkCityMountain.com

Hot Rock’n 4th
The city fills Ogden’s Pioneer Stadium with activities, opening up at 1 p.m. with family entertainment (carnival games, face painting, magic shows and more), a dunk tank, rock wall and car show, plus plenty of food. Headline entertainment includes the band Two Weeks Notice, and a demolition derby at 6 p.m. Then it’s time for the big sky show at 10 p.m. (Scott Renshaw)
Ogden Pioneer Stadium, 700 Canyon Road, Ogden, $8-$16. HotRockn4th.com