Looking for creative ways to celebrate Pioneer Day with your favorite person? Whether you're into fireworks, festivals, food trucks, or something more low-key, Davis County has something for every couple to enjoy. From local events and outdoor adventures to unique date night ideas with a Pioneer Day twist, we've rounded up the best ways to make July 24th fun, meaningful, and memorable—without traveling far from home. Keep reading for all the Pioneer Day date night inspiration you need right here in Davis County!
Davis County Pioneer Day Activities
Pioneer Day on Antelope Island
Celebrate Pioneer Day with a scenic and laid-back adventure on Antelope Island! From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fielding Garr Ranch (4528 West 1700 South, Syracuse) will be hosting hands-on pioneer activities and tours of the historic ranch. Try your hand at old-fashioned games and crafts, then wander the ranch together and learn about life in Utah’s early settlement days. Make it a full-day date by starting with a sunrise hike on one of the island’s beautiful trails, followed by a scenic drive with views of Davis County from a whole new perspective. Don’t forget to stop at Buffalo Island Grill (4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse) for a bison burger lunch break. Want to make the most of the day? Book a campsite and stay late for some of the best stargazing around, thanks to the island’s Dark Sky designation.
Antelope Island Tips: Keep your distance from wildlife, stay hydrated, and check their website for a bug report before you head out so you’re prepared and your adventure is enjoyable.
Neon Nights at Layton’s Pioneer Day Celebration
Light up your Pioneer Day evening in Layton with a date that’s colorful, musical, and family-friendly! Start early with the Pioneer Day Jubilee at Layton Heritage Museum (403 Wasatch Dr, Layton) from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., where square dancers, fiddlers, and a lively chalk-art contest set a charming tone. Need a refreshing break? Cool off at the Surf ’n Swim pool (465 N Wasatch Dr, Layton) from noon to 6:45 p.m., then savor dinner from local food trucks in Layton Commons Park (437 N Wasatch Dr, Layton) starting around 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., pull up a blanket or grab a chair at Ed Kenley Centennial Amphitheater (403 N Wasatch Dr, Layton) for the Riders in the Sky concert. When the moon rises, it’s time for Layton’s iconic Electric Light Parade. Decorate your bikes, strollers, or just yourselves and join the glowing procession from Wasatch Drive at 10 p.m. The parade will be followed by a lively party with music, black lights, and more food trucks.
Classic Pioneer Day Celebration at Bountiful Handcart Days
Head to Bountiful City Park (400 N 200 W, Bountiful) on Friday, July 25th for an evening full of pioneer activities meets carnival-style fun. Grab some classic fair food like fresh scones, corn on the cob, and Fat Boy ice cream while you enjoy live music and the free Roy Rivers concert starting at 8 p.m. Saturday morning, July 26th, catch the Handcart Days Parade (on Bountiful Main Street) followed by more fun in the park (400 N 200 W, Bountiful) and a fireworks show after dark at Mueller Park Junior High (955 E 1800 S, Bountiful). It’s the perfect mix of hometown charm and festive energy, ideal for a playful, memory-making date.
Pioneer Day Date Snack Guide
No Pioneer Day date is complete without some iconic Utah treats! Share a plate of warm, fluffy fry bread-style scones with melty honey butter (try Sill’s in Layton), or dip your fries in Utah’s famous fry sauce (Arctic Circle has the classic). For something sweet, grab a raspberry shake (Tony Burger’s is amazing), sip on some old-fashioned root beer, or treat yourselves to Dutch oven cobbler at a local cookout. Whether you’re hitting a food truck or packing your own picnic, these nostalgic bites are the perfect way to add a taste of Utah to your Pioneer Day plans.
A Downtown Pioneer Day Date - Worth the Trip to Salt Lake
Start your day at the Days of ’47 Parade (parade starts at South Temple and State Street, travels east to 200 East, south to 900 South, and then east to Liberty Park), a grand morning tradition kicking off at 9 a.m. on South Temple and State Street. Cheer on dazzling floats, marching bands, horseback riders, and cultural groups as they make their way through downtown—this colorful spectacle is one of the state’s oldest and largest parades.
After the parade, head over to This Is The Place Heritage Park (2601 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City) (opens at 10 a.m.) for an immersive Pioneer Day experience. Wander through historical reenactments of blacksmithing, candle making, and frontier crafts, hop on a train ride through pioneer-era buildings, and enjoy folk music and hands-on activities—perfect for connecting over Utah’s rich early-settler legacy.
In the evening, experience the excitement of the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo at the State Fairpark (155 North 1000 West, Salt Lake City). Gates open at 5 p.m. with a festive Fun Zone offering mechanical bull rides, petting zoos, pony rides, food trucks, and live music. Then at 8 p.m., watch heart-pounding rodeo events—barrel racing, bull riding, team roping—and stick around for the special drone-and-fireworks show after 10:30 p.m.
Cap off your date by heading back to Liberty Park (600 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City). Unwind under the night sky and catch the spectacular Pioneer Day drone show, where a fleet of glowing drones lights up the sky above the pond—sit on the hill for the best view.
Pioneer Day in Davis County is packed with fun ways to connect, explore, and make new memories together. From lively parades and historical reenactments to glowing night parades and nostalgic snacks, there's something for every couple to enjoy. So grab your partner, pick your favorite stops, and plan a Pioneer Day date that blends a little bit of Utah history with a whole lot of fun.