Once again, Boulder won’t host a fireworks display on July 4. The city’s longtime tradition, Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast at Folsom Field, was permanently canceled in 2024 due to growing concerns about fire risk. Hot, dry and windy summer weather, intensified by climate change, has made traditional fireworks displays more dangerous in recent years. In 2023, the city attempted a drone light show instead, but that event was cut short by bad weather.
This year, Folsom Field will be filled with a different kind of energy: Phish, the legendary jam band, is playing three nights at the stadium over the holiday weekend. The shows are part of a major summer tour and are expected to draw thousands of fans from across the country.
So while Boulder proper won’t be lighting up the sky with fireworks, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate, from live music and arts events in town to fireworks shows in nearby communities including Erie, Louisville and Longmont.
Here’s a roundup of 14 events happening in and around Boulder County this July 4.
Boulder
Phish at Folsom
July 3-5, Folsom Field (2400 Colorado Ave.), 7:30 p.m., general admission tickets starting at $110
The iconic jam band Phish is coming to Folsom Field. Since the group got its start in 1983, it has won over fans throughout the decades with a blend of rock, funk, bluegrass and improvised performances. Proceeds will benefit the WaterWheel Foundation, which channels funds to nonprofits on tour with Phish or in Vermont. Twenty restaurants downtown and around The Hill, including Avanti, Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery and The Sink, will open until midnight, and some will extend their hours to 2 a.m. on performance nights. Stadium doors open at 6 p.m. Note: This is a clear-bag event.
Boulder Symphony: Annual July 4 Celebration Concert
Friday, July 4, Boulder Bandshell (1212 Canyon Blvd), 7 p.m.-9 p.m., $15 for adults, $7.50 for youth
The Boulder Symphony returns for its fifth year of performing on July 4. This popular cinematic experience pairs a live orchestra with classic songs and movie tracks that embody the Independence Day spirit, and has sold out in the past four years. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are free for Boulder Symphony Music Academy students and their parents. If the weather turns for the worse, the performance will be held at Grace Commons at 1820 15th Street.
Weekend of Grooves at Boulder Social
July 3-5, Boulder Social (1600 38th Street), 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Boulder Social is hosting a three-day music lineup to gear up for evening festivities: Drums & Space on July 3, Boulder solo artist Shawn Cunnane on July 4, and Matt Flaherty on July 5. The events are free and no registration is required.
Boulder Juggling Festival
July 4-6, Boulder Circus Center (4747 26th St.) and Shining Mountain Waldorf School (999 Violet Ave.), 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, $25 for show tickets, $50 for weekend gym pass
Now in its 19th year, the Boulder Juggling Festival is organizing plenty of workshops, performances and games to celebrate the flow arts. The event is open to all ages and all skill levels. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. A pre-festival jam will be held at Junkyard Social Club on Thursday, July 3, at 7 p.m.
July 4 at Open Studios
Friday, July 4, Open Studios Gallery at Boulder Junction (3075 Pearl Parkway), 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
Looking for an artsy way to spend the afternoon? Check out the Open Studios Gallery. Local art, including wall art, pottery and decor, will be available for sale all day. Visitors can receive psychic readings from Divine Reign from 2 to 5 p.m. Drinks and food will be available, and live music by local musician Patty Jackson from 5 to 7 p.m.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Saturday, July 5, Roe Green Theater (University Theater Building, 1515 Central Campus Mall), 7 p.m., $22-62
A preview showing of “Richard II” is available on Saturday as part of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. One of Shakespeare’s “game of thrones” chapters, the play explores wealth, autocracy and a divided nation. Regular performances begin July 6, with ticket prices ranging from $26 to $89.
Erie
Fireworks at Erie Community Park
Thursday, July 3, Erie Community Park (450 Powers St.), 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Erie continues its long tradition of gathering friends and family under an illuminated sky on July 4 eve. Fireworks are expected to begin at 9 p.m., launched from the Erie Community Center. Early arrivals can enjoy a wide selection of vendors, from BBQ to confections.
Golden
53rd Annual Golden Independence Day Celebration
Friday, July 4, Lions Park (1100 10th St.), 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
This year’s annual Golden July 4 celebration is hosted by the Golden Lions Club and promises a full day of family fun, music and food. Activities include yoga at 10 a.m., a salute at 11:30 a.m. and a disco boogie at 6:15 p.m. For the kids: face painting, human hungry hippos, obstacle courses and more from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Longmont
Concert in the Park
Friday, July 4, Roosevelt Park (700 Longs Peak Ave.), 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Longmont’s annual July 4th Concert in the Park returns with all the favorites: music, a picnic contest and kids conducting the orchestra. Performances begin at 12:30 p.m. with the Longmont Chorale, followed by the American Legion Ceremony at 1 p.m. This year, the finale will feature the Longmont Youth Symphony joining in.
Jammy Buffet 4th of July Jam & Float
Friday, July 4, Wibby Brewing (209 Emery St.), 2 p.m.-10 p.m.
Grab a drink and float into the evening with live music and refreshing lagers at Wibby Brewing. Jammy Buffet will perform tropical, Grateful Dead–inspired jams, while the Drew Dvorchak Band kicks off the show with classic American rock. The main stage performance starts at 6 p.m.
Downtown street party and light show
Friday, July 4, Emery Street, between 1st & 3rd Avenues, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
This street party is planned near downtown Longmont: three live music stages, dozens of food and drink vendors, and two big light shows — a drone performance from the St. Vrain Valley Schools Aero Team and a fireworks display. Great viewing spots include the green space south of Left Hand Creek and near the Longmont Museum.
Afterparty at Winner’s Circle
Friday, July 4, Winner’s Circle (2251 Ken Pratt Blvd.), 11 p.m.-2 a.m.
Keep the festivities going with late-night fun at the Winner’s Circle. The afterparty includes a one-hour, all-you-can-play game card. The arcade, duckpin bowling, mini golf, bar and other amenities will stay open until 2 a.m.
Louisville
Fireworks at Coal Creek Golf Course
Friday, July 4, Coal Creek Golf Course (585 W Dillon Rd.), 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Louisville’s July 4 celebrations begin at 6 p.m. with food trucks, bouncy castles, face painting, henna and live music from Mighty Holler and the Boulder Concert Band. Alcoholic beverages will be available on-site. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Free shuttle service starts at 5:30 p.m. from the Louisville Rec Center and Coal Creek Ace Hardware.
Superior
Parade and more
Friday, July 4, Community Park (1350 Coalton Road), 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Start your day early with the Downhill Mile at 7 a.m. (same-day registration available at 5:45 a.m.), followed by a community parade at 8:30 a.m., led by the Monarch High School Marching Band. A pancake breakfast runs from 9 a.m. to noon, with more food and live music continuing at the Superior Community Center until 3 p.m.