With the 4th of July quickly approaching, make sure to lock down some plans now so you don’t miss out on all the festivities. Whether you want to get up bright and early and run in the Fort Collins 5K or you want to spend the day at the Greeley Stampede — there’s no better way to celebrate independence than by spending it with loved ones and community members.
Stars & Stripes Golf Tournament
📷 Photo courtesy of The City of Fort Collins
Where? 411 South Bryan Avenue
Want to work on your swing this 4th of July? The City Park Nine Golf Course is hosting a two-player per team tournament for 18 holes to celebrate the country’s independence. There will be a shotgun start at 7:30 AM, with 9 holes best ball and 9 holes scramble. Players will also be able to enjoy a barbecue lunch and refreshments served at the clubhouse after. The tournament entry fee is priced at $55 (per person), plus green fees and cart fees. The course was built in 1940 and is situated next to the historic City Park and Grandview Cemetery, featuring tight fairways, small greens, and mature trees.
FireKracker 5K
Where? City Park Drive
Get ready to showcase your 4th of July spirit at the annual FireKracker 5K at City Park in Fort Collins. Whether you choose to walk, run, jog, or compete for a winning time — this event is fun for the whole family. Join the surrounding community and watch elite athletes and high school stars participate in the elite races and cheer on the little ones at the 1-mile dash. The event caps off with an award ceremony before giving everyone the chance to get showered before the fireworks later in the evening! The Citizens 5K begins at 7:30 AM, following the national anthem. Arrive bright and early to join in on the fun!
Food Truck Rally
📷 Photo courtesy of FoCo Food Truck Rally
Where? Mulberry and Sheldon Drive
Every Tuesday throughout the summer, head to City Park in Fort Collins for the Food Truck Rally. Scheduled from 5:30 PM to dusk, this fun community event includes live music and plenty of tasty bites to eat. To celebrate Independence Day, this event is moving from Tuesday to Thursday to celebrate fireworks, music, and family-friendly activities in the park. Aubrey Dale will be performing onstage. Trucks will line up along Sheldon Drive inside of the park and the event is always free and open to the public. If you’re worried about the wait times at popular food trucks, arrive ahead of time and place your order as early as 5:00 PM.
Independence Day Parade
Where? Mountain Avenue
The Fort Collins Independence Day Parade marches westbound on Mountain Avenue between Howes Street and Jackson Avenue at 10:00 AM. The best spot to watch is near the Judges’ Station at the intersection of Mountain Avenue and Sherwood Street. Join the local community as they cheer on floats, marchers, performers, and more during the annual 4th of July festivities. Parade judges will base their decisions on spirit, patriotism, and innovation! Later on, make sure to snag a prime spot for fireworks viewing at the lake.
Fireworks Celebration
Where? 1500 West Mulberry Street
The Fort Collins Independence Day festivities wrap up with the grand finale — the fireworks celebration at Sheldon Lake at City Park. The show is scheduled for 9:35 PM but it’s recommended that attendees arrive early to set up their spot in the park. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and some picnic snacks to enjoy while you wait for the sky to light up with a bang! There will be a free shuttle service available via Transfort, with buses running from Colorado State University and the Downtown Transit Center. The last shuttle to City Park departments is at 9:10 PM and will resume at the conclusion of the display.
3rd of July in Berthoud
📷 Photo courtesy of The Town of Berthoud
Where? 1000 North Berthoud Parkway
Join the Berthoud community at Waggener Farm Park this July 3rd for an early celebration of independence and patriotism. The evening will feature entertainment, as well as a fireworks display at dusk. Admission is always free and the public is invited to enjoy live music, inflatables for the kids, and 17 food trucks! There will also be a beer garden for adults who want to sip on a refreshing beverage while they look to the sky and enjoy the bright display of firecrackers. The event kicks off at 5:00 PM, so show up early to grab a good spot and enjoy several hours of family-friendly fun before the grand finale.
July 4th Festival at North Lake
Where? 2750 North Taft Avenue
The City of Loveland invites the public to North Lake Park this July 4th to enjoy this evening festival, featuring vendors, food trucks, and BBQ from the Lions Club. The Kids Zone will feature an interactive DJ, volleyball, spike ball, tetherball, giant yard pong, a face painter, and SNAG golf. The Buckhorn Train will be operating from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and kiddos are invited to participate in the children’s bike parade around the lake, starting at 4:00 PM for children ages 5 and under and 5:00 PM for ages 6 to 10. The local fire department requests that all attendees leave pets at home, as well as alcoholic beverages and personal fireworks.
Summer Concert Series #5: A Patriotic 4th
📷 Photo courtesy of The Loveland (Colorado) Concert Band
Where? North Lake Park Road
During Loveland’s annual 4th of July Festival, make sure to catch the performance by the Loveland Concert Band at the Hammond Amphitheater. The band performs throughout the summer at different venues in Loveland. The event is free to the public and kicks off at 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the tunes before turning your eyes to the sky for the fireworks display. The performance will feature patriotic favorites to get attendees in the holiday spirit.
4th of July Celebration
📷 Photo courtesy of The Town of Timnath
Where? 5824 County Road 40
Get ready to celebrate with the Timnath community this Independence Day at the reservoir. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a range of delicious plates from local food trucks. Participating trucks include Jersey Cowboy, Backyard Bird, Brown Butter Bakeshop, and Corndoggies. The event kicks off at 6:00 PM and ends with a pyro-musical and fireworks spectacular beginning at 9:30 PM. Kids will love the bounce houses, the bungee trampoline, the coconut tree climb, and the human gyroscope ball. There will also be an obstacle course and an array of yard games for all ages. There is free general parking on-site and a large picnic area where community members can spread out a blanket or set up a few lawn chairs to watch the festival.
Fourth of July Festival in Wellington
Where? 8760 Buffalo Creek Parkway
The Fourth of July Festival is the largest event of the year in Wellington. The festivities kick off at 7:00 AM with the pancake breakfast, hosted by the Filling Station. The parade begins at 10:00 AM, with a line-up from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Judging kicks off at 9:00 AM on the dot. Registration is $10, so if you want to participate — sign up ASAP. There will also be a beer garden and a skate jam hosted by the American Legion Wellington Post 176 from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM and the festival itself takes place in Wellington Community Park. There will be shuttles available. Fireworks can be viewed from 6th Street at 9:30 PM. Other festival events include a car show, a vendor fair, food trucks, music, and kid’s games and activities.
Fireworks Show @ Lake Estes
Where? 1770 Big Thompson Avenue
Enjoy one of the state’s most spectacular fireworks displays over Lake Estes. Bring out your comfiest lawn chair or a blanket and find the perfect spot along the lake to watch the bright colors unfold as the community gathers to celebrate the 4th of July. There will be live music by the Face Vocal Band before the fireworks and there will be food, beer, and wine available for purchase. Parking is free and gates open at 6:00 PM. Before the big finale, there will be a patriotic concert in Performance Park with appearances by local musicians and singers.
Big Bang Concert: El Loco Fandango
Where? 1209 Manford Avenue
The Estes Park Event Center provides covered, outdoor open-air grandstand seating with a magnificent view over Lake Estes. While you’re waiting for the fireworks show, enjoy food and drink options and live music by El Loco Fandango, a local ZZ Top tribute band. The band has established itself as one of the best tribute acts in the Centennial State and has a touring schedule that takes them on the road across state lines. General admission tickets are priced at $21 and children 12 and under get in for $10.
Fourth of July Car Show
Where? 850 North St Vrain Avenue
Held at the American Legion, the Estes Park Independence Day car show opens at 10:00 AM. Attendees can enjoy a display of classic cars before they prepare to watch fireworks light up the evening sky over the lake. There will be parking on site for visitors, though drivers should keep in mind that it’s a dirt lot. There is no cost to show your car if you have a classic one that you want to present. A $25 wrist band provides guests with an all-you-can-eat experience and you can come and go as you like.
Greeley Stampede
Where? 600 North 14th Avenue
The Greeley Stampede is one of Colorado’s premier summer western celebrations. On July 4th, there will be an Independence Day Parade at 9:00 AM and Independence Day fireworks at 10:00 PM. Between these two holiday festivities, guests will have the opportunity to watch live roping, bullfighting, and a sheep stampede. Performances by Parker Gentry, Wildman Phil, The Blueligans, Cheap Trick with Romero, and Ben Bell will keep everybody grooving and there will also be a Mustang car show on 14th Avenue at 3:00 PM — exhibiting every kind of Mustang: old, new, stock, and highly modified.
Fireworks in Longmont
Where? 111 First Avenue
The Longmont Symphony Orchestra will perform again to accompany the fireworks show. This time, the orchestra will be set up at the street party location under the pavilion at Wibby Brewing. The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 PM. The St. Vrain Valley School District Drone Academy will provide additional magic in the night sky — so keep an eye out! Residents should keep in mind that the fine for using illegal fireworks is up to $500 and/or 90 days in jail. All fireworks that leave the ground and explode are illegal.
Concert in the Park
Where? 700 Longs Peak Avenue
Longmont is celebrating Independence Day at Roosevelt Park with a performance by The Longmont Symphony Orchestra and Longmont Chorale. In addition to the live music, there will be a multitude of activities, including the annual picnic contest. Prizes will be handed out for the best holiday-themed food and picnic decorations. Live music and other special programming are scheduled to run from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, tents, lawn games, and snacks from home as they enjoy an afternoon in the park and the annual concert.
Happy Fourth of July!
For many, the 4th of July is one of the best days of the summer! Whether you enjoy breaking out the barbecue and grilling up burgers and hotdogs or you enjoy a day at the rodeo — the holiday is a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Make sure to catch one of the area firework shows!
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