10 Fun things to do in PRovo, Ut
Beautiful mountains of Utah
Discovering Provo, Utah: 10 Must-Experience Activities
Provo is the home of Brigham Young University but is much more than that. Provo offers the beauty of this city nestled against the majestic Wasatch Mountains offering a delightful blend of cultural richness, and unique attractions. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here are ten engaging activities to immerse yourself in Provo's vibrant scene:
Brigham Young University with the Y in the background
1. Swing into Fun at Sparks Museum and Event Center
Swing Dancing at Sparks Museum and event Center in Provo, Utah
Experience the lively energy of country swing dancing every Thursday night starting April 24 from 8:30-12:00 at the Sparks Museum and Event Center. Hosted by Swinging Dance Co., these evenings are filled with upbeat music, friendly faces, and dynamic dance moves. The venue's retro ambiance, adorned with vintage gas pumps and neon signs, creates an unforgettable backdrop for dancers of all levels.
2. Explore the Petroliana Collection at Sparks Museum
Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo, Ut
Beyond dancing, the Sparks Museum boasts one of the nation's most extensive Petroliana collections. Marvel at hundreds of antique gas pumps, porcelain signs, and classic cars that transport you back to America's golden automotive era. This unique museum, featured on Fox News and other outlets, offers both guided tours and event hosting opportunities.
3. Savor Culinary Delights at Provo's Finest Restaurants
Provo's dining scene is a gastronomic adventure. Indulge in gourmet experiences at establishments like Communal, known for its farm-to-table dishes, or Black Sheep Café, which offers a fusion of Native American and Southwestern flavors. Each restaurant brings its own flair, ensuring a memorable meal.
4. Stroll Through the Provo River Trail
Embrace the outdoors with a walk or bike ride along the Provo River Trail. This scenic pathway meanders through lush landscapes, offering picturesque views and a tranquil escape from the city's hustle.
5. Visit the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Provo Cougar
Located on the Brigham Young University campus, this museum showcases an impressive collection of animal exhibits. From African elephants to exotic birds, it's an educational journey through the wonders of the natural world.
6. Enjoy Performances at the Covey Center for the Arts
Beautiful Ballet
Immerse yourself in Provo's cultural scene at the Covey Center. With a lineup of theatrical productions, concerts, and art exhibitions, there's always something captivating to experience.
7. Relax at Utah Lake State Park
Relax at Utah Lake State Park
Just a short drive from downtown, Utah Lake State Park offers a serene setting for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The expansive lake against the mountain backdrop provides a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.
8. Discover History at the BYU Museum of Paleontology
Step back in time at this museum, home to fascinating dinosaur fossils and exhibits. It's a must-visit for history buffs and curious minds alike.
9. Shop and Dine at The Shops at Riverwoods
This charming outdoor mall combines boutique shopping with diverse dining options. Whether you're looking for unique gifts or a delightful meal, Riverwoods offers a pleasant experience.
10. Visit the beautiful Provo City Center Temple
Provo City Center Temple
Admire the stunning architecture of the Provo City Center Temple, a historic building restored after a fire and now serving as a place of worship. While the interior is reserved for members, the exterior and surrounding gardens are open to the public and are a beautiful piece of the historical space Provo has to offer.
Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We love supporting local wedding venues and use our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day. Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!
Rough & Ready Vineyards
Provo, Utah, is a city brimming with opportunities for adventure, learning, and enjoyment. Whether you're dancing the night away at the Sparks Museum, exploring rich collections, or savoring local cuisine, there's something for everyone in this vibrant community.
How to start planning your wedding in Provo, utah
Celebrate with Marylin and Elvis at your wedding party!
Planning a Dream Wedding in Provo, Utah
Provo, Utah, with its stunning mountain views, historic charm, and vibrant community, is an incredible place to say "I do." Whether you're looking for a venue filled with character, top-tier catering, or excellent entertainment, Provo has it all. If you're planning a wedding in this beautiful city, here’s everything you need to know to create a truly unforgettable celebration.
Choosing the Perfect Venue: Sparks Museum and Event Center
Have your party on the inside of Sparks Museum
Finding the right venue is one of the most important parts of wedding planning. The Sparks Museum and Event Center offers a unique and historic setting that sets your wedding apart from traditional banquet halls. With its adaptable space, rich character, and customizable options, Sparks Museum allows you to bring your vision to life, whether you're going for a classic, vintage, or modern wedding theme. Unlike other venues, it gives you the flexibility to choose your own vendors, ensuring your wedding feels completely personal and tailored to your style. It has an indoor and outdoor option making it a great place to get wed outside and party inside.
Have your wedding on the outiside
Delicious Dining: The Best Caterers in Provo
Food is a major highlight of any wedding, and Provo has some outstanding catering options to ensure your guests have an unforgettable culinary experience.
summer salad
Marvelous Catering – Known for their diverse menu options and impeccable presentation, Marvelous Catering delivers high-quality dishes tailored to your wedding theme and guest preferences.
Magleby’s – A long-time favorite in Utah, Magleby’s offers elegant, flavorful dishes, from gourmet entrees to delicious desserts, making them a fantastic choice for an upscale wedding.
Brown Brothers Catering – Whether you're looking for classic comfort food or a refined dining experience, Brown Brothers provides customized catering to match your wedding style and guest expectations.
Don Juaquin- For a fun Mexican flavor a great option is Don Juaquin with authentic taste of Mexican street tacos
Pork tacos
Elevate the Celebration with Exceptional Bar Services
A great wedding celebration isn’t complete without a well-stocked bar and talented mixologists. Consider these top bar service providers in Provo:
Cheers and Swizzles – Experts in crafting signature cocktails that reflect your personal taste and wedding theme.
DRNK by Lux– Offers premium bar services with high-end cocktails, mocktails, and a sophisticated experience for your guests.
Copa – Known for their fun and creative drink selections, Copa’s bar service adds an extra layer of excitement to your wedding reception.
Mixed drinks make the party
Unforgettable Entertainment: DJ & Music Services
Music sets the tone for the entire evening, and a great DJ keeps the energy high while ensuring seamless transitions throughout your event. Randy from Rock the Mic is a top choice in Provo, bringing years of experience, an amazing playlist, and a knack for keeping guests entertained and on the dance floor. Looking for a fun Karaoke experience, they do that too!
Capturing the Moment: Wedding Photography
Your wedding day is filled with precious moments that deserve to be beautifully captured. Visual Storytelling is an exceptional choice for wedding photography in Provo, offering a documentary-style approach that captures genuine emotions, intimate moments, and stunning portraits that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Forever together
Planning a wedding in Provo, Utah, is an exciting journey, and with the right venue, catering, bar services, entertainment, and photography, your big day will be nothing short of magical. Whether you choose the Sparks Museum and Event Center for its historic charm or any of Provo’s top vendors for an unforgettable experience, your wedding will be a beautifully curated event filled with love, joy, and celebration.
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Consider selecting a locally owned venue for your special day. Here's a shout out to our fellow locally owned wedding venues nationwide!
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A Retro & Vintage Dream: Hosting Your Wedding at Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo, Utah
When planning your wedding, finding the perfect venue is crucial—it sets the stage for one of the most important days of your life. If you’re looking for a space that blends retro charm, vintage elegance, and unforgettable photo opportunities, look no further than Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo, Utah.
With antique cars, historic carnival rides, vintage trains, and a collection of porcelain signs and gas pumps, Sparks Museum offers a one-of-a-kind setting for couples who want a wedding filled with nostalgia and charm.
A Venue That Tells a Story
1931 model A
Unlike traditional wedding venues, Sparks Museum and Event Center transports you and your guests to another era. Whether you're drawn to the classic cars that line the space, the dazzling neon lights of vintage signage, or the history behind the antique trains, this venue offers a setting rich in character and style. Imagine saying your vows against the backdrop of a beautifully restored antique car or posing for romantic portraits by a historic train—it’s a wedding photographer’s dream.
Photo Ops Like No Other
pink caddy and more
For couples who love photography, Sparks Museum is an absolute paradise. Every corner of the venue is a picture-perfect backdrop, making it easy to capture moments that will last a lifetime.
Antique Carnival Rides: Step back in time with charming vintage rides that add a playful and nostalgic touch to your wedding album.
Classic Cars & Gas Pumps: Whether you’re a fan of 1950s Americana or old Hollywood glamour, the retro cars and gas pumps provide unique photo opportunities.
Vintage Trains & Railroad Vibes: For a wedding with timeless romance, take stunning photos on or near historic trains, adding a touch of adventure to your wedding day story.
Neon & Porcelain Signs: Add some retro energy to your night with glowing neon and colorful porcelain signage, perfect for fun and stylish wedding portraits.
Retro Glam Meets Modern Comfort
While Sparks Museum embraces the vintage aesthetic, it’s equipped with all the modern amenities to ensure your wedding runs smoothly. With 4,850 square feet of indoor space, a caterer's prep area, a top-notch sound system, and ample seating for guests, it offers everything you need for a stress-free, unforgettable celebration.
A Unique Experience for Your Guests
Weddings at Sparks Museum aren’t just events—they’re experiences. From cocktail hour among the vintage displays to a first dance under glowing neon lights, your guests will be immersed in a setting unlike any other. Whether you're planning a glamorous Gatsby-style wedding, a retro diner-inspired reception, or a rustic-chic affair with vintage flair, this venue provides the perfect foundation for your unique vision.
patio
Planning Your Sparks Museum Wedding
To bring your dream wedding to life, consider these planning tips:
✅ Work with a vintage-loving photographer: Capture the essence of the venue with a professional who understands how to highlight the retro and antique elements in your photos.
✅ Choose a décor theme that complements the space: Think mid-century modern accents, old Hollywood glam, or rustic vintage details to enhance the existing charm of the venue.
✅ Incorporate classic cocktails and diner-style treats: Work with your bartender and caterer to create a 1950s-inspired drink menu or retro-inspired bites to match the theme.
✅ Use the venue’s unique features as part of your event flow: Have your guests enjoy a cocktail hour by the gas pumps, a dinner surrounded by antique cars, and a dance party near the neon signs.
Not just your ordinary centerpiece
Ready to Say "I Do" in Vintage Style?
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s anything but ordinary, Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo, Utah, is ready to make your wedding vision a reality. With its retro ambiance, one-of-a-kind photo ops, and unforgettable atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for couples who want a wedding day that feels as timeless as their love.
Schedule a tour today and let the Sparks Museum magic bring your wedding dreams to life!
Special Thanks to all these locally owned and operated wedding venues from around the country who continue to inspire our blogs and cheer on our success daily!
bringing family together in Utah County
Peterson Hadlock Reunion in Sparks Museum and Event Center, Provo Utah
We loved hosting the Peterson - Hadlock Family Reunion with multi generations in attendance. There was amazing music including trumpet playing by Jerry Hadlock, piano playing by Lyle Hadlock, singing by the Peterson Sisters and a Solo by GInny Critchfield. We loved bringing family together and seeing the talent that comes through generations. Food and fun visiting, laughing and singing. Reminding one another that family matters and to keep in touch with each other.
Shell shell shell
Many of our Shell gas signs are on display.
The shell signs have come from all over including from Canada. Sparky bought Sehll gas in California as a kid but never knew it’s a European based Company till he started collecting signs. Shell changed the World of Petroleum while people were sleeping:) They invented and shared the means of deep water drilling which makes much more of our oil available today.
The man behind the Mue
It all begins with an idea.
The seeds of the collection at Sparks Museum and Event Center were sewn in the Summer of 1957 as Sparky (the creator) went with his friend Todd Roberts, on a trip thru old ghost towns in Nevada and found a very nice original 1929 Model A Ford pickup that he bought for $25 . They tied it to the back bumper of his 49 oldsmobile and towed it all the way over the mountains back to Bel Air where he lived and began restoration on it while still in high school. He sold it before he finished and has always been sorry. Always a dreamer and creator even int the 50s he had the eye to collect and to restore. He loved old things then and loves them even more now.
In 1979 he bought an Erskine in Helper, Utah and that spouted those seeds again . That car he restored when I was a child about 10 years old. I remember him spending hours upon hours on it. He was in need of the parts to get it all back together and would drive all over, becoming what now days is called a “picker” as that was the only way to find parts. There was no internet only your car and lots of farmland with what to many would deem as junk piles. However he would see that so called junk and find the treasure part he had been in search of. Picking was the very best source.
He was a super picker and hauled huge loads of awesome stuff home from every trip he took. Back then the signs and gas pumps he saw he thought of as “junk” The exception was the old visible gas pumps. He did haul a few of those home and restored one as a Texaco and put it in front our home when I was young. We now have that pump in our collection at Sparks Museum and Event Center . This pump is located outside across the street in front of Lakeside Storage along with two signs he picked up. The Gargoil Mobile sign and the Willis Knight sign.