Utah County has more going on than most people give it credit for. If you’re trying to figure out what to do this weekend — whether it’s a date, a family outing, or just getting out of the house — bookmark this page. We update our event coverage weekly, so this is your running guide to what’s worth doing across Provo, Orem, American Fork, Lehi, and the rest of the county.
Friday Night Options
Friday night in Utah County doesn’t have to mean driving to Salt Lake. Here’s where to start:
Velour Live Music Gallery in downtown Provo is one of the best small music venues in the state. They book local and regional acts almost every Friday. Tickets are usually $5-15. Check their calendar — there’s almost always something good.
Comedy sports or improv shows pop up at various venues around Provo and Orem on Friday nights. Keep an eye on what BYU’s student organizations are hosting — some of it is open to the public and free or cheap.
Fat Cats Entertainment in Provo has bowling, laser tag, and arcade games. It gets loud and busy on Friday nights but that’s kind of the point. Good for groups.
Downtown Provo restaurants on Center Street and University Ave are worth actually exploring on a Friday night. Station 22, Communal, and Black Sheep Cafe are local spots that are reliably good and actually have something worth eating that isn’t a chain.
Thanksgiving Point IMAX or digital theatre in Lehi screens films on Friday nights. If you want a movie night that’s a bit more of an event, it’s worth the drive up to Lehi.
Saturday Activities
Saturday is when Utah County really opens up. There’s usually something happening in every corner of the county.
Provo Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings (seasonal). It’s a legitimate farmers market with local produce, food vendors, and crafts — not just a craft fair with one vegetable booth.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon offers guided cave tours on Saturdays (reservation required, book ahead). The hike up to the cave entrance is steep but doable. The cave itself is worth seeing.
Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point is one of the better natural history museums in the region. Saturday is busy but manageable if you go in the morning. They have one of the largest dinosaur displays in the world — not an exaggeration.
Thanksgiving Point Gardens are worth a visit on their own, separate from the museum. 55 acres of themed gardens. It’s a solid morning activity, especially if you have kids or are looking for something to do outside that isn’t a hike.
Rock Canyon Trail or Provo River Parkway for anyone who wants to get outside without spending money. Both are free and genuinely good. Rock Canyon is more of a workout. The Parkway is more leisurely.
Trafalga Fun Center in Orem has mini golf, go-karts, and laser tag. It’s a classic Utah County Saturday afternoon option that’s been around long enough to feel like a local institution.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem hosts concerts and performances throughout spring and summer on Saturdays. It’s one of the nicest outdoor venues in the county and tickets are often reasonably priced.
Seven Peaks Waterpark (summer season) is a full-day activity for families. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s worth revisiting — the park has expanded over the years.
American Fork Steel Days (July) is an annual festival that’s worth planning around. Carnival rides, food, entertainment, and a general good-time vibe. Free to walk around. One of the better local festivals in the county.
Sunday Wind-Down
Sunday options are more limited in Utah County given the culture, but there’s still plenty to do if you know where to look.
Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon is a short, easy hike that’s perfect for a Sunday afternoon. The falls are accessible and the canyon is beautiful without requiring a full day’s commitment.
Utah Lake is underappreciated. A Sunday walk along the shoreline at sunset is free and genuinely peaceful. The lake has a bad reputation that it doesn’t entirely deserve.
BYU Museum of Art is open on Sundays and free to the public. If you want something cultural and quiet, it’s one of the better Sunday options in Provo.
Murdock Canal Trail is a paved multi-use trail running through several Utah County cities. Flat, accessible, and easy to hop on from multiple access points. A good Sunday bike ride or walk.
Sunday brunch spots worth knowing: Guru’s Cafe in Provo for something different, Kneaders if you want reliable and comfortable, and a handful of spots in downtown Provo that have decent weekend brunch menus.
How to Find What’s Actually Happening This Weekend
Generic lists are useful for ideas, but they don’t tell you what’s happening this specific weekend. That’s where the Beehive Report comes in.
We’re a weekly local newsletter covering Utah County — events, things to do, local business spotlights, and what’s worth knowing before the week starts. Every week includes a curated roundup of what’s happening across Provo, Orem, American Fork, Lehi, Spanish Fork, and the rest of the county.
Subscribe free at beehivereport.com and get the weekend guide delivered to your inbox before Friday. And if you run a local event or business and want to get it in front of Utah County residents, you can submit your event directly on our site.