7 Best Ways to Spend 4th of July in Colorado

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Though Colorado is beautiful in every season, summer is undoubtedly its most colorful, and the month of July is the main event. From wildflowers to 4th of July fireworks, from beautiful sunrises to Independence Day parades, you’re sure to find bursts of color on every trail and along every Main Street. If you’re wondering where to find these colorful, 4th of July celebrations, you’re in luck because they happen all over the Centennial State, and we’ve put together an awesome list of some of the best ways to spend this 4th of July in Colorado.

1. Town of Frisco’s Fabulous Fourth of July

Frisco, Colorado

4th of July in Frisco, Colorado is all about small, mountain town charm with big city entertainment and fun. From pancake breakfasts to fishing derbies, from live music to parades and fireworks, Frisco’s Fourth of July celebration is truly fabulous. Get ready to celebrate family-style and boogie down in this picturesque mountain town this 4th of July. For a full schedule of events, visit  townoffrisco.com.

Independence Day: Morning Activities in Frisco, Colorado

Start the day off with a Pancake Breakfast at the Old Community Center at 3rd Avenue and Granite Street. The admission cost of $10 for adults and $5 for kids 8 and under benefits Team Summit, a local youth organization that empowers student athletes.

Once you’ve fueled up, grab the kids, pack up your rods and bait or flies, and head over the to the Kid’s Fishing Derby at Meadow Creek Park. This local favorite free event is sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and is open to participants 15 years old and younger.

After you claim victory by catching the biggest fish in the pond, head back downtown to the Frisco Historic Park Gazebo for a free concert by the Summit Concert Band before the Fabulous Fourth of July Parade begins at noon along Main Street.

Independence Day: Midday Activities in Frisco, Colorado

Once the clock strikes 12:30 p.m., Frisco’s Fabulous Fourth of July Parade will take off down Main Street. In addition to patriotic floats and music, this parade is truly special because the town invites all kids to participate by riding through town in the parade on their decorated bikes! Kids 12 and under are also eligible for the bike decorating contest, an event that will be judged by a small panel of judges.

The parade will run from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Main Street in Frisco from Madison Avenue to 6th Avenue.

Immediately after the parade, head to the Frisco Historic Park Gazebo from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a free concert with MarchFourth, a 20-piece collective that includes musicians and circus performers. MarchFourth’s performances always promise to be foot-stomping, genre-pushing, and a wild good time.

If you’ve still got some energy and if your feet are still stomping, the interactive drum circle will begin at 3:30 p.m. with Peak Rhythms on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue. You can join the drumming fun for free!

Independence Day: Evening Activities in Frisco, Colorado

The Frisco Bay Marina hosts the 4th of July evening activities. Starting at 7:15 p.m., Colorado-born musician Matthew Buckstein will perform his own version of country music for a free two-hour show. Buckstein was an “American Idol” finalist in Season 5, and he has since opened for Charlie Daniels, Dustin Lynch, Old Dominion, Eli Young, John Michael Montgomery, Mark Chestnutt, and many more.

Finally, the grand finale of the 4th of July celebration, the fireworks show over Dillon Reservoir will begin at 9:30 p.m. Stick around the Frisco Bay Marina for the best viewing opportunities!

2. Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration

Aspen, Colorado

From running races to arts and crafts, parades to street dances, this 4th of July celebration in Aspen is one that you won’t want to miss. The town plans to set off fireworks over Aspen Mountain (pending updates on fire restrictions), and if you’ve still got energy, head to the Belly Up for a Thievery Corporation concert late into the night.

3. Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast

Boulder, Colorado

Grab a seat at one of the best shows in Colorado; Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast. Gates open at 8 p.m. at Folsom Field at University of Colorado Boulder and the traditional sing-a-long begins at 8:30 p.m. followed by fireworks.

4. 4th of July Community Celebration

Fort Collins, Colorado

July 4th morning kicks off with a traditional parade in downtown Fort Collins, and the day finishes with live music from 4:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and fireworks in City Park. Look out for a special performance by the The Fort Collins Symphony followed by the fireworks display over Sheldon Lake.

5. Grand Lake 4th of July Extravaganza

Grand Lake, Colorado

The whole town of Grand Lake is hopping on 4th of July. From outdoor activities to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The day culminates in an incredible fireworks show over Grand Lake, flanked by incredible peaks. This is one fireworks show that you won’t want to miss.

6. 4th of July Celebration

Durango, Colorado

Start Independence Day in Durango with an All-American breakfast and then join the free 5k fun run at Rotary Park. Spend the rest of the day at Buckley Park for a family picnic and then head back to Main Street for the 5 p.m. Stars and Stripes Parade followed by a street dance.

7. July 4th Fireworks – Grand Junction Rockies Game

Grand Junction, Colorado

Take me out to the ball game at one of the most fun 4th of July celebrations in Colorado… The Rockies Minor League ball game, that is! The minor league Rockies will play under the lights in Grand Junction on 4th of July followed by Independence Day fireworks.