What's Happening in Provo and Orem | April 23, 2025

What’s Up Provo! We learned a lot about paper airplanes and Russian and Cuban food when writing this one. We also learned more about Utah City (and if you don’t know much about Utah City, you should probably check it out).

Also, Happy International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day! ✍

Here are a few highlights:

In Partnership with
Birth with Charity

Giving birth is such an amazing and pivotal life event, especially if you’re prepared. 💪

So be prepared! Both emotionally and mentally, but also, be prepared to make informed decisions under pressure. Here are some of the things you will learn in Charity’s classes that will help:

💪 How to give birth confidently by overcoming the fear-tension-pain cycle
🛏️ Comfort measures for labor (non-drug pain relief options)
✍️ Best practices when writing a birth plan
🧠 Postpartum mental health (plus what support is available)
🌟 and much more!

Charity’s next 1-day Essentials class is on Saturday, May 10th, and this one will be a retreat-style class at a gorgeous venue in Park City!

🤑 There’s an Early Bird Discount available — but to take advantage of it you have to register by this Saturday, April 26th. (Or, pass this on today to someone you know who is expecting a baby.)

🎭 The Truth about The Ruth
(We don’t mean to be sensational with this title, it just rhymed.)
Utah Business — “The Ruth’s new location in Pleasant Grove is projected to double ticket sales and set the stage for a $714 million economic boost.”

The new location has more than 3x the number of seats, the old location will be kept as a storage facility for the theater.

Interestingly, with the departure of The Ruth to Pleasant Grove, more of Orem City’s budget will be spent on supporting the SCERA now, and will be spent on “expanding programming and enhancing show quality.”

🛣 UDOT seeking feedback on potential 10-mile extension of highway in Saratoga Springs
This one is a little outside of our neighborhood, but it may affect you. “The proposed new freeway would extend Mountain View Corridor from Cory Wride/Pioneer Crossing to Redwood Road near Pelican Point.”
They will have two public meetings to discuss this possible extension, April 29 and April 30.

🛳 Cougar Nation’s All-Star Inaugural Cruise Wraps Up
Cruisin' with the Cougs “wrapped up on Friday after a week full of unique programming.” There were 3,500+ attendees and some highlights of the trip included a Family Feud (the teams were a mix of current and former athletes and coaches), excursions in Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, and “Sunday on sea” which had a “spiritual programming that accentuated the ultimate mission of BYU Athletics”.
There’s another cruise planned for 2027. You can already preregister and follow any updates at byucruise.com.

Sports
🏃 “3 runners with BYU ties finished in the top 10 of the 2025 Boston Marathon” Article
⚾ BYU defeats UVU 15-7 at UCCU Ballpark on Monday
🏆 BYU ranked No. 7 nationally in the NCAA Directors’ Cup after fall and winter semesters (also in the combined football and basketball rankings BYU came in as the 3rd highest ranked team in America behind Tennessee and Alabama) Article

We found about 20 events coming up the next few days, including a rodeo happening in Utah County — probably the first rodeo we’ve talked about in 2025. It definitely won’t be the last.

Today
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😭 Verdi's dramatic Overture to La Forza del Destino
🧙‍♂ Dukas' whimsical The Sorcerer's Apprentice
💰 Tchaikovsky's emotionally rich Symphony No. 4.
And it’s all “under the baton of guest conductor Dr. Shawn Smith”!

Covey Center for the Arts | 7:30pm | More info

We want to try the egg in the bread thing.

We can’t guarantee the egg in the bread thing will be taught (looks kind of self explanatory anyway) but no worries — lots of other great Russian and Cuban dishes to be excited about. (Russian borscht and pelmeni comes recommended, as does Cuban lechón asado and ropa vieja, among others) Registration for this closes today!

Recreation Center Kitchen | 6pm - 8pm | More info

🎉 End of the semester party
You may or may not be a college student, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the end of the semester! The Filibusters and Just Khaki’s will be providing the live music, and there will be a movie before the concert plus discounts on food!
The Social in Provo | 6pm movie, 9pm free concert

🎬 Introduction to Studio Production
They have a few audio production events coming up, but this is the only studio production one they have on their calendar, at least in the near future. (Completion of this class is required before booking studio time or enrolling in other lab courses.)
Provo Library – Basement Creative Lab | 7pm - 8pm

Thursday
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Some motivation/inspiration:

🏆 The record for the longest flight (distance) by a paper airplane is 289 feet 9 inches. It was set by some Boeing engineers a few years back and it had more of a rocket-ish look to it (less drag).
🏆 The world record for the longest flight duration by a paper airplane is 29.2 seconds. It had a much larger wingspan and a decreased “aspect ratio”. (If we knew what that meant we’d tell you.)

Provo Library | 6:30pm - 7:30pm | More info

🎤 Esprit d.c. in Concert
According to the site this one is “bound to sell out”! Experience a fusion of dance, at this concert featuring UVU’s Hip Hop Performance Company, Esprit d.c.
Smith Theatre | 7:30pm

🌟 Elavare Confidence Workshop Series
This workshop series (which is free by the way) promises to give you practical tools and strategies to help you reach your goals — whether you’re re-entering the workforce, starting something new, or simply want to feel like yourself again. “With over 20 years of experience in leadership and marketing — and her own experience re-entering the workforce as a single mom of five — Heather is passionate about empowering women during career transitions.”
Saprea (4101 North Thanksgiving Way Lehi) | 12pm

🏐 Volleyball Quarterfinals
BYU received the #3 seed in the 2025 MPSF Men’s Volleyball Championship Tournament and will is playing the winner of #6 seed Stanford and the #7 seed Menlo. Stanford and Menlo are playing tonight at 9pm MDT.
Malibu, CA | 9pm MDT

👉 Also:
Throwback Thursdays (free) at Heindselman's Yarn & Needlework at 4pm

COMING UP…
Utah Metropolitan Ballet 40th Anniversary Gala

Utah Metropolitan Ballet’s 40th season celebration promises to be an unforgettable evening of artistic excellence. Come experience the talent, dedication, and passion that have defined Utah Metropolitan Ballet for four decades.*
More info

Friday
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Did you know that UVU has a rodeo team?!

UVU’s rodeo team competes all year long at intercollegiate rodeos throughout the country, and this week they will be here in Utah County. So watch full-time student athletes compete in barrel racing, roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, and more at this annual home rodeo!

Also, you probably won’t find cheaper rodeo tickets. Public $8, UVU Students $5, Children 10 and under FREE.

Spanish Fork Fairgrounds | 6pm - 9pm​ | More info

Utah City is Vineyard’s downtown development (700 acres of parks, trails, exclusive designer shops, high-end restaurants, Utah County’s Huntsman Cancer Institute hospital, etc.)

At the Utah City Arbor Day celebration there will be food, live music, and giveaways, and the first 100 guests will receive a tree sapling “to plant and grow alongside Utah City.”
Utah City Greenline | 4pm - 7pm | More info

🌌 Every Kid Outdoors Starry Skies Challenge at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
This one’s far away but still worth mentioning. Kids can enjoy sand surfing, s’mores, and guided stargazing of Jupiter, Mars, and star clusters. Show up at 6pm to help with park cleanup and skip the $5 entry fee.
(In Friday’s email we’ll talk more about the upcoming EKO challenges to give you more time to plan ahead.)
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park | 7pm - 10:30pm (it will ask for a password if you click the link — the password is “EKO”)

🌳 Annual Arbor Day Celebration
Tree planting in Mapleton, plus a short presentation on the importance of trees.
Mapleton’s Harvest Park | 1pm

👉 Also:
UVU Baseball vs California Baptist at 6:05pm at the UCCU Ballpark
Film: Uncharted (PG-13, 2022) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Orem Library
Mozzarella Cheese Making Class at 1pm at the Heber Valley Milk & Artisan Cheese
Moving Upward at the Covey Center at 5pm
Spring with Frank and Marilyn at the The Ideal Playhouse (show at 5pm & 7:50pm​)

* indicates a sponsored event

We’ll put this poll in one more time. There’s a clear winner so far, but we’ll see if that changes once we get today’s votes.

(Once again, we’re looking for the best tacos in Provo/Orem. 🌮)

@ The Velour
Today - Open Mic
Thursday - THE LOVE§TRANGE (10 Year Anniversary show), also: Pinguin Mofex, Kõmas
Friday - Lantern By Sea, HASHA, bennyjeans
Saturday - Ferrin, miicah, Late For What

@ The Boardwalk
Today - Parade the Bug, MONSTERWATCH, Ignatious
Friday - Coastal City, Mellow Mania, Jamis Reed

@Java Junkie
Thursday - LampShade Acoustic Writers Round
Friday - Open mic
Saturday - Courtney Majors, Grace Wawro, Tyell

@ The Rise
Friday - Randy Aguilar, EM-D, ALTERED PERSONA, IMARI QI, EZRAMORE

@ The Owl Bar (Sundance)
Friday - Matthew & The Hope
Saturday - Triggers & Slips

@ Ritual Chocolate & Mocha Cafe (Heber)
Friday - Open Mic

🖐 OremFest Volunteers Needed
The OremFest committee is looking for individuals or small groups willing to help out with:
ℹ The information booth
✂ The children's crafts area
🎺 The Grand Parade
👶 The baby contest
🎸 The Orchard's Jam at University Place
⚽ The Sportsfest
🚗 The car show

These events are happening on one or more of these dates: June 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th.

🟩 Humanitarian Quilting Day
May 1st 9am - 12 noon
“Tying quilts and making fabric toys that will be sent both locally and internationally to people in need.
If you don't know how to tie a quilt we well teach you! Come for as long as you like.”

⚽ Buddy Volunteers Needed for Lindon Inclusive Special Needs Soccer Program
“Our Lindon program is in need of one on one buddy support for some of our awesome soccer players! No soccer experience necessary, we focus on fun and community, learning skills together in an inclusive environment for children with disabilities and special needs. This is a great service opportunity for a whole family, a soccer team, a youth group, or individuals too!”

🧹 Clean Up at our Respite Home
Brades’ Place — “We need help Spring cleaning at our respite home that helps individuals with medical needs and disabilities and their families thrive. Volunteers will mostly be working outside weeding, trimming plants, spreading bark chips, squeeging windows, painting, etc.
All ages and groups are welcome. Come dressed for work, feel free to bring work gloves, and any pruning, limb cutting, or weeding tools you may have.”
Tuesday, April 29 from 6:30pm - 8pm

Thanks for reading, also please forward this to an aeronautical engineer! 😉

-Nicole, Josh, & Carlie

🤝 Partnering with WUP