Boulder once again won’t have a Fourth of July fireworks show after the city permanently ended Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast at Folsom Field in 2024 because of growing wildfire concerns. This year, that decision feels especially timely. Much of Colorado is under Red Flag Warnings as hot, dry and windy conditions fuel multiple wildfires and increase the risk of new ones.
Even without a hometown fireworks show, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Communities across Boulder County are hosting concerts, parades, pancake breakfasts, pool parties and, where conditions allow, fireworks displays.
Here’s 14 ways to spend your holiday weekend in and around Boulder County.
Boulder
Avery Brewing’s 4k on the 4th Fun Run
Saturday, July 4, Avery Brewing Company (4910 Nautilus Ct N), 8 a.m., $34-45
Wear your red, white and blue for the 17th annual community fun run on the morning of Independence Day. The run follows a flat, fast course and ends with a post-race party featuring Avery beer, Savory Cuisines Catering breakfast burritos and live music. Race registration closes July 3.
Boulder Symphony: Annual July 4 Celebration Concert
Saturday, July 4, Boulder Bandshell (1212 Canyon Blvd), 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $15 for adults, $10 for youth
The Boulder Symphony returns for its sixth annual July 4 performance. This will be a festive symphonic celebration featuring patriotic favorites, cinematic blockbusters and American classics. It’s part of the Arts in the Park series presented in collaboration with the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation.
Rooftop Pool Party at the Limelight
Saturday, July 4, Limelight Boulder (1295 University Ave.), 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $45
The Fourth of July Pool Party features a DJ from 12-4 p.m., festive cocktails and burgers. Soak up the sun and holiday vibes at the rooftop pool at Boulder’s new Limelight Hotel by purchasing a one-day pool pass. Kids under 10 are free.
Coal Creek Canyon
72nd Annual Fourth Fest hosted by Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association
Saturday, July 4, CCCIA Community Center (31528 Hwy 72), 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
This Fourth Fest will include a pancake breakfast, a parade with a Most Patriotic Neighborhood Float competition and a cornhole tournament. Peruse the local vendor booths in the morning and stay for the pie-eating contest in the afternoon.
Erie
Fireworks at Erie Community Park
Friday, July 3, Erie Community Park (450 Powers St.), 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
The night before Independence Day, Erie’s annual July 3 Fireworks Show will take place in Erie Community Park. Food trucks and vendors will be on site throughout the event, and fireworks will be launched from the rooftop of the Erie Community Center around 9 p.m.
Golden
Annual Golden Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4, Lions Park (1100 10th St.), 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
The Golden Lions Club has been hosting Golden’s annual Fourth of July celebration for over 150 years. This year’s event, put on in collaboration with the Golden Civic Foundation, includes morning yoga and live music, featuring A Springsteen Experience and a ‘70s Disco Tribute Band.
Jamestown
Jamestown Fourth of July
Saturday, July 4, Jamestown, 8 a.m.-11:15 p.m.
The Jamestown Fourth of July event is an all-day concert punctuated by a pancake breakfast, a town photo and wood-splitting contest. Bands include The River Arkansas, River Spell and Clay Rose Band.
Longmont
Independence Weekend Free Concert
Friday, July 3, Roosevelt Park (700 Longs Peak Ave.), 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
This night of live music under the stars celebrates three milestone anniversaries: USA 250, Colorado 150 and Longmont 155. Grab some food and drinks from local vendors and kick off the holiday weekend.
Longmont Symphony Concert
Saturday, July 4, Thompson Park (420 Bross St.), 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Longmont Chorale and Longmont Symphony return to Thompson Park to play patriotic music and set off the traditional cannons in the 1812 overture. Bring a picnic and something to sit on. Music starts at 12:30 p.m.
Grunge in the Garten
Saturday, July 4, Wibby Brewing (209 Emery St.), 3 p.m.-10 p.m.
Wibby Brewing hosts its own Fourth of July festival with four bands playing throughout the day. Free general seating and VIP packages are available. Grab a drink and a spot in a cabana and celebrate Independence Day.
Downtown Longmont Family Festival
Friday, July 4, Emery Street, between 1st & 3rd Avenues, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
This family-friendly festival includes three different music stages (one of which is the stage at Wibby Brewing), special deals at local businesses, a drone show and fireworks.
Louisville
Fireworks at Coal Creek Golf Course
Saturday, July 4, Coal Creek Golf Course (585 W Dillon Rd.), 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
This year’s Fourth of July celebration is extra special. Food trucks galore, face painting and family-friendly activities will all be available before the night culminates with a fireworks display. Shuttles to the golf course are available at the Louisville Recreation Center and Coal Creek Ace Hardware.
Niwot
Pancake Breakfast, Parade and more
Saturday, July 4, Cottonwood Square (2nd Ave. and Cottonwood Square), 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Niwot’s Fourth of July Celebration includes a pancake breakfast, bike decorating, a patriotic concert and a downtown Independence Day parade featuring the Grand Marshal, fire engines, flags and more.
Superior
Super Pancake Breakfast and more
Saturday, July 4, Community Park (1350 Coalton Road), 9 a.m.-12p.m.
Monarch K-8 student Scarlett Thompson will sing the National Anthem to kick off the day. Spice of Life sponsors a free pancake breakfast, and the festival features stilt walkers, inflatable activities, a Goat Bros petting zone and more.
