Midway’s Swiss Days Festival returns to Heber Valley over Labor Day weekend

Photo: Go Heber Valley.

MIDWAY, Utah — The alpine village of Midway will host its Annual Swiss Days Festival on Friday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 5. Admission to Swiss Days is free.

The festival, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each Labor Day weekend, celebrates Midway’s Swiss heritage with two days of artisan shopping, authentic cuisine, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Now in its 79th year, Swiss Days has grown into one of Utah’s signature Labor Day weekend events, honoring the traditions and community spirit established by Midway’s Swiss pioneers.

More than 180 juried artisans and boutique vendors will fill the open-air market at Midway Town Square, offering handcrafted goods, fine art, jewelry, home décor, specialty foods, apparel and gifts. Organizers describe the market as one of the region’s premier outdoor specialty shopping experiences.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy traditional Swiss fare alongside offerings from local food vendors, live performances, a Saturday morning parade, the Swiss Days 10K and the community’s popular chuckwagon breakfast. Streets surrounding the festival grounds will also come alive, as Midway’s boutiques extend their hours and host pop-up vendors, transforming the area into a shopping district featuring more than 30 additional local artisans and specialty retailers.

“Swiss Days showcases everything residents and visitors love about Midway. It’s about authentic heritage, welcoming small-town hospitality, supporting small businesses, and the breathtaking surrounding mountain scenery,” said Aja Mills, a longtime festival volunteer. “It is the perfect opportunity to shop local, enjoy the food, and experience one of Utah’s most treasured annual traditions in this beautiful setting.”

Because of the festival’s popularity and crowded walkways, dogs are not permitted, and families with infants or toddlers are encouraged to use baby carriers rather than strollers or wagons. Complimentary shuttle service will run from designated parking areas to reduce traffic and provide convenient access to the festival. New this year, visitors can enjoy a barbecue dinner on Saturday.

Organizers encourage those planning a Labor Day getaway to reserve lodging early, as accommodations throughout Heber Valley tend to fill quickly during the holiday weekend.

While Swiss Days is the highlight of the weekend, it represents only part of the broader Heber Valley experience. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay by exploring Midway’s European-inspired architecture and its locally owned shops, cafés, bakeries and restaurants, then venturing into nearby Heber City for additional dining, shopping, scenic drives and outdoor recreation.

For festival information, lodging options, parking details and trip-planning resources, visit gohebervalley.com/swiss-days.