July 18-19
See the parade floats early
Don’t want to wait to see the floats in the Days of ‘47 Parade? The annual float preview party is happening Monday and Tuesday, July 18-19, at the Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy. Visitors can get up close to dozens of floats, hear the stories behind their creation, and have photos taken with event royalty. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, with photo ops from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
July 20
The Lumineers in West Valley
If anyone shone brightest during the folk-rock revival of the last decade, it’s The Lumineers. Founded by Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, the duo has become famous for such hits as “Ho Hey” and “Ophelia.” The band is on tour supporting its fourth album, “Brightside,” which was released in January. The tour arrives Wednesday, July 20, at the Maverik Center in West Valley City. Opening are Gregory Alan Isakov and Daniel Rodriguez. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets, from $39 to $129, available at maverikcenter.com.
July 23
Pioneer Day, a day early
July 24 is Pioneer Day, the commemoration of when Brigham Young and the first Latter-day Saint settlers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. But since July 24 is on a Sunday, the celebrations are happening on Saturday — namely, the Days of ‘47 Parade, starting at 9 a.m., mostly going down 200 East from South Temple to 900 South, then heading east to Liberty Park, at 600 East. The park is where the annual Native American Celebration in the Park Powwow takes place into the evening. Then, from 8 to 10 p.m., is the city-organized laser light show, a smoke-free alternative to a fireworks show. All events are free to the public.
