Stars, Stripes & Summertime: 4th of July in Western Colorado

Your guide to 4th of July parades, fireworks, festivals, and fun across the region

June 13, 2025

In partnership with

As Independence Day approaches, Western Colorado is gearing up for a long weekend filled with celebration. From small-town parades and pancake breakfasts to hot-air balloons and rodeos, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the 4th of July. Whether you’re looking for fireworks over the mountains, a classic community barbecue, or a scenic riverside float, this roundup highlights the top festivities happening across the region

Gunnison & Crested Butte Valley

July 3 – Mt. Crested Butte Celebration & Fireworks (CBMR Base Area)
Doors open 4:30 p.m. with live music from Sam Eberle, Williams Brothers Band, and Savannah Rae, capped off by a fireworks show at dusk.

July 4 – Music on the Mountain
Catch the Floodgate Operators at Red Lady Stage from 5:30–8 p.m., followed by family-friendly festivities.

July 4 – Crested Butte Pancake Breakfast & Parade
Start the day with pancakes (7–10:30 a.m.) at the fire station, then join the spirited parade and traditional town water fight on Elk Ave.

July 2–5 – Cattlemen’s Days Carnival (Gunnison Fairgrounds)
Enjoy carnival rides, fair food, and fun for all ages.

July 4 – Jorgensen Park, Gunnison
Morning balloon rally begins at 6:45 a.m. (July 4–6). Afternoon family activities kick off at 4 p.m.—SUP demos, games, music—followed by fireworks around 9:30 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Crested Butte

Delta

July 3–6 – Western Sky Balloon Festival at Confluence Park
Experience vibrant hot‐air balloon ascensions, tethered rides, a mechanical bull, craft booths, parade, and fireworks (around 9:45 p.m. on July 4).

Learn AI in 5 minutes a day

This is the easiest way for a busy person wanting to learn AI in as little time as possible:

  1. Sign up for The Rundown AI newsletter

  2. They send you 5-minute email updates on the latest AI news and how to use it

  3. You learn how to become 2x more productive by leveraging AI

Steamboat Springs

July 3–6 – Cowboys’ Roundup Days
A full Western immersion: multi‐day rodeos, pancake breakfast, Nordic ski/run races, ski jumping event, hometown parade (at 10 a.m. on July 4), and evening concerts at Steamboat Ski Resort. Includes a drone show in lieu of fireworks to support wildfire safety.

Photo Courtesy of Spoke and Blossom

Pagosa Springs

July 3–6 – Independence Weekend Celebration
Four days of artisan markets (July 3–6), the 75th Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo (July 3 & 4), and the whimsical Freedom Float down the San Juan River at 1 p.m. on July 4.

Montrose

July 4 – Montrose Patriotic Celebration
Expect charming small-town vibes, live entertainment, food, kids’ activities, and fireworks. staple 4th of July parade at 10 a.m., a celebration concert held by the Montrose Summer Music Series, and a fireworks show to end the day by Zambelli Fireworks. 

Photo Courtesy of The Steamboat Group

Whether you’re visiting the high country or staying close to home, Western Colorado has a celebration waiting for you. Wherever you go, be sure to check local schedules and weather updates—and enjoy the long weekend filled with community, color, and Colorado charm.

Let freedom ring!