The Salt Lake Valley
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The Salt Lake Valley
Monday · The Week Ahead Issue #9011 · June 29, 2026
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Monster Jam at Rice-Eccles, a drone show at Jordan Park, Josh Groban in West Valley

The Western Stampede rodeo is back in West Jordan, the Utah Symphony plays the Capitol steps, Pat's BBQ has your brisket fix.

Good morning, Salt Lake Valley.

The big trucks roll into Rice-Eccles Stadium this week, with the Monster Jam World Finals turning the U into one loud, dirt-packed weekend.

But that is not the only show in town. Josh Groban brings Jennifer Hudson to the Maverik Center, the Utah Symphony plays the Capitol steps for free, and Salt Lake City lights up Jordan Park with a drone show for the America 250 kickoff. West Jordan's Western Stampede rodeo is back too.

Here is what is worth your time this week.

📍 30 seconds in the valley⏱️ 5 min read

⭐ The Big One

Worth it

Monster Jam World Finals at Rice-Eccles Stadium

The Monster Jam World Finals land at Rice-Eccles Stadium this week, and this is the big one for the whole season. Drivers from all over come to Salt Lake City to compete for the world title in racing and freestyle, with trucks flying over jumps and crushing cars in front of a packed house. Thursday is the qualifying night with high jump and two-wheel skills challenges, then Friday is the main finals event.
🕐Hours: Qualifying Thursday July 2, World Finals Friday July 3
📍Address: Rice-Eccles Stadium, 451 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City · About 15 minutes from downtown, on the TRAX red line
💵Cost: Ticketed, single night and two-day packages available
⏰Timing: Get there early for the Pit Party if your ticket includes it, that is where kids get up close to the trucks and meet drivers. Bring ear protection for little ones, it is loud.
Our take
This is a real bucket-list weekend for any kid who loves trucks, and honestly plenty of grown-ups too. Take TRAX to the stadium stop so you skip the parking mess around the U.
⚠️ Heads up: There are separate tickets for Thursday, Friday, and a two-day package, so double check which night you are buying before you go.
$$ familysportsweekend
Details →

📰 Around the Valley

Cottonwood Fire keeps growing near Beaver

The Cottonwood Fire has grown into the largest wildfire in the country right now, pushing near 94,000 acres south of the valley near Beaver. Extreme heat and dry winds keep feeding the flames, and weather forecasters issued a rare warning about very rapid fire spread. It is well south of Salt Lake County, but the smoke and the fire danger are a reminder for everyone heading into the canyons this week.
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Utah opens its first state history museum

Utah now has its first state history museum, a new spot built to celebrate the state's past, culture, and communities. The Museum of Utah opened to the public and walks visitors through the people and stories that shaped the place. It is a fresh place to take out-of-town guests or the kids on a hot afternoon.
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📅 This Week

Worth it

Josh Groban with Jennifer Hudson at the Maverik Center

Josh Groban brings his big voice to West Valley City with special guest Jennifer Hudson. Two powerhouse singers on one stage makes for a knockout summer night.
🕐Hours: Friday July 3
📍Address: Maverik Center, 3200 S Decker Lake Dr, West Valley City · About 15 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Ticketed
⏰Timing: Parking around the arena fills up, so leave a little early and plan your exit before the encore if you want to beat the crowd.
Our take
If you want one polished, goosebump-worthy night this week, this is it. Two voices like these under one roof is rare.
⚠️ Heads up: Tickets and start time can shift, so confirm both before heading out.
$$$ date nightmusic
Details →
Worth it

West Jordan's Western Stampede Rodeo

West Jordan's long-running Western Stampede is back with rodeo nights and a carnival. Expect bull riding, barrel racing, fair food, and a full week of small-town summer fun close to home.
🕐Hours: Friday July 3, rodeo and carnival
📍Address: West Jordan Arena and Veterans Memorial Park, West Jordan · About 25 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Ticketed for the rodeo, carnival pricing varies
⏰Timing: The carnival at Veterans Memorial Park and the rodeo at the arena are two different spots, so plan which one you want first.
Our take
This is the classic valley rodeo, and a great cheap-thrills night for the whole family before the holiday.
⚠️ Heads up: Times and ticket prices vary by night, so check the schedule before you head out.
$$ familyrodeoweekend
Details →
Worth it

Utah Symphony at Capitol Hill

The Utah Symphony plays a free outdoor concert on the Utah State Capitol steps as part of its Music Elevated State Tour. Bring a blanket and let the full orchestra carry a patriotic program under the open sky.
🕐Hours: Friday, July 3 · 8:30pm
📍Address: Utah State Capitol Building, 350 N State St, Salt Lake City · About 5 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Free
⏰Timing: Get there early to claim grass with a good view of the stage and the valley sunset behind it.
Our take
A world-class orchestra for free on one of the best perches in the city. Hard to beat.
⚠️ Heads up: Free and outdoors, so come early for a good spot. RSVP is encouraged at usuo.org.
Free freemusicdate night
Details →
Worth it

Salt Lake Bees vs. Las Vegas Aviators

The Bees take on the Las Vegas Aviators at the ballpark in South Jordan. A summer night of minor league baseball at America First Square is a low-key win for the family.
🕐Hours: Tuesday June 30
📍Address: The Ballpark at America First Square, South Jordan · About 25 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Ticketed
⏰Timing: The seats down the lines stay shaded longer in the evening, a nice perk on a hot night.
Our take
Cheap seats, ballpark food, and an easy night out south of the valley. Perfect for restless kids.
⚠️ Heads up: Game time and promotions can change, so check before you go.
$ familysportscheap
Details →
Worth it

Wolfmother 20th Anniversary Tour at The Union

Aussie rockers Wolfmother bring their 20th anniversary tour to The Union in Salt Lake City. Big riffs, loud guitars, and a night for anyone who likes their rock heavy.
🕐Hours: Wednesday July 1
📍Address: The Union Event Center, 235 N 500 W, Salt Lake City · About 5 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Ticketed
⏰Timing: The floor gets packed up front, so stake out a spot if you want to be close to the stage.
Our take
A loud, fun throwback show midweek. Bring earplugs and let it rip.
⚠️ Heads up: This is a standing-room show, so confirm doors and start time before you head over.
$$ musicnight out
Details →

🍴 Eat & Drink

Worth it

Pat's BBQ, South Salt Lake

A long-running smokehouse off Commonwealth Avenue known for slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and burnt ends. It even got a spot on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
🕐Hours: Established local spot; confirm address and the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives claim
📍Address: 155 W Commonwealth Ave, South Salt Lake · About 10 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Mid-priced
⏰Timing: The burnt ends sell out, so go earlier in the day if that is what you are after.
Our take
Order the brisket and grab burnt ends if they have them. This is the real deal, low-and-slow Texas style, tucked in a part of town you would never expect.
⚠️ Heads up: Hours can change and popular cuts run out, so call ahead or check the site before you drive over.
$$ foodfamilyclassic
Details →

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Free

Worth it

Salt Lake City's America 250 Drone Show at Jordan Park

Salt Lake City lights up the sky over Jordan Park with a drone show to kick off the America 250 celebration. Hundreds of lit drones float into shapes over the park, a quieter, smoke-free alternative to fireworks.
🕐Hours: Friday, July 3 · 8pm, drone show after dark
📍Address: Jordan Park, 1060 S 900 W, Salt Lake City · About 10 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Free
⏰Timing: Bring blankets and low chairs, and get there early to find a grassy spot with a clear view of the sky.
Our take
A free, family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday weekend without the noise or the smoke. Good for little ones and dogs who hate fireworks.
⚠️ Heads up: Parking near the park fills fast, so plan to arrive early or walk in. Confirm the start time before you go.
Free familyfreekids
Details →

🎟️ Also Happening

Independence Eve: Big Air Show

Friday in Millcreek, an action-sports air show at Millcreek Common.
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Broadway Fireworks: Concerts in the Park

Friday at Brigham Young Historic Park in Salt Lake City, free Broadway tunes outdoors.
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🥾 Hike of the Week

Worth it

Bonneville Shoreline Trail at City Creek

Foothill singletrack that loops up about 7 miles from the City Creek trailhead into the hills. Shared with mountain bikers, and dogs are welcome on leash.
🕐Hours: Open year round; confirm trail mileage and any current foothill fire closures
📍Address: Bottom of City Creek Canyon, top of Bonneville Blvd, Salt Lake City · About 10 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Free
⏰Timing: Go at sunrise to beat the heat, this trail has little shade once the sun is up.
Our take
The closest-in trail with real foothill views. You can do a quick out-and-back or push for the full loop, your call.
⚠️ Heads up: Heat and fire danger are high right now, so carry water and check conditions before you head up.
Free outdoorshikingdogs
Details →

💡 Hidden Gem

Worth it

Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Salt Lake City

A free backyard garden of strange visionary sculptures, including a sphinx with Joseph Smith's face, plus stones carved with poems and scripture. It is Utah's one recognized visionary art environment.
🕐Hours: Open daily, check seasonal hours; confirm address and the 'only recognized visionary art environment' claim
📍Address: 749 E 500 South, Salt Lake City · About 5 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Free
⏰Timing: It is tucked behind houses off 500 South, so look for the gate, it is easy to walk right past.
Our take
One of the weirdest, most charming little stops in the city, and almost nobody knows it is there. A perfect quick detour.
⚠️ Heads up: Hours can shift by season, so confirm before you go.
Free freedate nightquirky
Details →

The Debate

📰 Valley News

Grass fire sparks in the Farmington Bay wetlands

A transformer failure set off a grass fire in the Farmington Bay wetlands just north of the valley. Crews moved in to knock it down before it spread into the dry marsh. It is the kind of small fire that catches fast in this heat, so it is worth keeping an eye on conditions if you are out near the Great Salt Lake shoreline.
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Sandy clears the way for townhomes on 7800 South

The Sandy Planning Commission gave the green light to a new townhome project along 7800 South. It is another sign of the steady push for more housing across the south end of the valley. Expect more building activity in that corridor in the coming year.
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A VA outpatient clinic is coming to State Street

South Salt Lake approved plans for a new VA outpatient clinic along State Street. The clinic will give local veterans a closer place to get care without driving across the valley. It is part of a steady stretch of new projects filling in the State Street corridor.
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💙 Good Neighbor

Tell us who's making the valley better

Every issue we want to spotlight one neighbor, teacher, coach, or cause quietly making the Salt Lake Valley a better place to live. Know someone who deserves it? Send them our way.

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That's the week. Big trucks at Rice-Eccles, the symphony on the Capitol steps, and a drone show over Jordan Park to send the holiday weekend off right.

Reply and tell us what you got into this week. We read every one.

Forward this to the neighbor who always asks what's going on this weekend. That's exactly who we're for.

— The Salt Lake Valley crew
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