🚫 A Fourth without fireworks?

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the Fourth of July without lighting personal fireworks, you've got plenty of options. Between professional shows, drone displays, concerts, and community festivals, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the long holiday weekend.

Watch Professional Fireworks

Leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals this year and watch fireworks in Murray, West Valley City, West Jordan, Riverton, Magna, and dozens of other Utah communities.

South of the valley, Thanksgiving Point in Lehi and Stadium of Fire in Provo both cap off the evening with major firework displays. Stadium of Fire will also feature Brad Paisley, Nitro Circus, and a drone show.

Looking for a Quieter Option?

Drone shows are becoming a popular alternative to traditional fireworks. They're quieter, smoke-free, and a little easier on pets, wildlife, and people with sensory sensitivities. You can catch drone shows at:

• Jordan Park (July 3): Featuring live music, food trucks, a 500-drone show, and a $15 food voucher for the first 1,500 attendees.
• Millcreek Common (July 3): Independence Eve celebration with lucha libre wrestling, aerialists, fire performers, and ending with a drone show around 10 p.m.
• Heber City Park (July 3): As part of the Red, White, & Blue Festival, the drone show will follow a tribute to Toby Keith.
• Park City Mountain Resort (July 4): A choreographed drone show around 10 p.m., synced to music on KPCW 91.7 FM.

Before You Go

• See illegal fireworks? Personal fireworks are banned throughout Salt Lake County this year. If you spot someone setting them off you call the non-emergency line. If there's an immediate fire or emergency, call 911.
• Utah is entering the holiday weekend under extremely dry conditions, and is already fighting multiple wildfires — including one that killed three firefighters near the Utah-Colorado border. [KUTV]
• Planning to head downtown? Expect heavy traffic throughout the weekend. If you can, take TRAX or arrive early.
• America 250: This Fourth marks America's 250th birthday, which is why you may notice even more celebrations than usual.

If you can believe it, we’ve got a whole second set of ideas for your long weekend, whether you are feeling patriotic or not.

Don’t Yell at Firefighters

Firefighters in Weber County say they’ve received angry calls and threats from residents upset about this year’s fireworks restrictions, despite having no role in setting the rules. To make matters worse, South Weber didn’t even ban fireworks citywide and continues to allow them in most residential areas. [Axios Salt Lake City]

Neighborhood Mourns Peacocks

Three of Poplar Grove’s beloved wild peacocks have died in recent weeks, and neighbors believe at least one was intentionally run over after reviewing doorbell camera footage. Police are investigating as residents rally to protect the birds, which have been a fixture of the neighborhood for decades. [FOX 13]

Utah Royals Are on a Roll

After a rough start to the season, the Utah Royals have climbed to second place in the National Women’s Soccer League, with a 10-match unbeaten streak. [The IX Sports]

1974 Bookstore Closes

One of Salt Lake’s newest indie bookstores, 1974 Bookstore, has closed its brick-and-mortar shop after struggling to reach a rental agreement with their landlord. [Instagram]