4th of July in the Rockies
Each year, thousands of people head out to the streets of the Rocky Mountains to celebrate the 4th of July with parades, fireworks, contests, great food and more. If you will be visiting the Rockies this Independence Day, you should plan ahead so you don’t miss anything. Here are some of the big ticket items for this 4th of July in the Rocky Mountains.
Breckenridge
Kick off the celebration of American with the annual 10K Trail Run at 7am, followed by the Firecracker 50 at 9:30am. The Firecracker 50 is a 50-mile bike race on the scenic trails surrounding Breckenridge. The Garden Party will be in full swing during the bike race, so grab some coffee, mimosas and breakfast as you cheer on the racers from the Barney Ford House Museum. Don’t move a muscle, as the Main Street Parade will kick off at 10am on Main Street near the Blue River Plaza. Other events include the Viper Show and Shine, Drum Circle, Kids’ Water Activities, Street Arts Festival, Free Concert by Funkiphino, free pony rides and more!
The Fireworks* will blast off from the Gondola parking lots at 9:45pm and will be visible throughout town. Remember that if you have your furry friends, it’s best to leave them inside (and maybe with a thunder blanket!) during the fireworks.
*Fireworks are weather and conditions dependent.
Frisco
Celebrate Independence Day in one of the best small mountain towns in America! Support the athletes of Team Summit with a Pancake Breakfast at the Old Community Center from 7am – 11am, followed by the Kids Fishing Derby from 9am – 11am. The Derby is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and is a free event for kids up to 15 years old. Fishers must bring rods and bait/flies. After the Fishing Derby, head to Main Street Frisco for the Fabulous Fourth of July Parade at 12:30pm! This year’s parade will feature, for the first time, a flyover by a United States Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules and a performance by the 10-piece adult marching band, Gora Gora Orkestar. Their funky tunes will have you dancing along with the parade!
Kids are welcome to take part in the parade with the 17th annual bike parade. The youngins’ bring their festively decorated bikes to show off their creativity and patriotism as part of the parade.
After the parade, head to the Historic Park from 1:30pm – 3:30pm for a live free concert from Maggie Koerner, a New Orleans-based singer-songwriter. After the music, the interactive drum circle with Peak Rhythms will hit Main Street, allowing celebrators to get in on the action with free drumming until 5pm. Another free concert kicks off at the Frisco Bay Marina at 7:15pm. Take in the music of Count Tutu, an eleven-piece afro funk band from Tulsa, OK.
At 9:30pm, tune into Krystal 93 (93.9) for the patriotic soundtrack of the Fireworks over the Dillon Reservoir!
Dillon
Dillon is all about the live music for the 4th of July! From 10am – 12pm, hang out in the Dillon Amphitheatre for an Independence Day concert with The John Phillip Sousa Band of Colorado. The John Phillip Sousa Band of Colorado has been providing our great state with great music for over 20 years. This band is made up of over 40 volunteer musicians who perform in the spirit of their namesake with all types of music, from patriotic to popular to classical. From 7pm – 9pm, the Paradise Theater Styx Tribute Band will be rockin’ and rollin’ in the Dillon Ampitheatre for the celebration. Take in the tunes of Styx from this talented band of veteran musicians.
Stick around after the show for a front-row view of the Dillon Reservoir fireworks!
Beaver Creek
Independence Day in Beaver Creek starts off with the Stars, Stripes & Slides, a collection of free slides and bouncy houses located at the base of Chair 6 and open from 12pm – 5pm. The Plaza Kid’s Zone, with free arts & crafts, face painting and carnival games, will be open all day in the Village Plaza. Live music will start in Centennial Park at 2pm, with Andrew McConathy & Friends kicking it off. Stick around to hear Austin’s Rose, Ashley McBryde and Easton Corbin throughout the afternoon and evening.
The Fireworks will start from Centennial Park at 9:30pm!
Vail
VailCelebrate the 4th of July in Vail with the Vail America Days. This summer celebration features the annual 4th of July parade and fireworks. Vail’s 4th of July parade, one of Colorado’s largest, kicks off at 10am from Golden Peak. It will wind its way through the villages, coming to an end in Lionshead.
Fireworks are also available that evening around 9:30 pm fully set up with a musical soundtrack.
If you need transportation for the 4th of July holiday, contact Peak 1 Express for airport shuttles, private shuttle services and hourly services. Give us a call at 855-GO-PEAK1 to book yours now! Happy Birthday America!
Featured image courtesy of Todd Powell and Town of Frisco.
Amber Boutwell is a published Denver photographer who loves capturing nature and food. She shoots with natural light but has a deep love for dark skies. When she’s not on mountaintops chasing the Milky Way, she’s managing the great brands behind AVA and The Outlaw Group as their Marketing Manager. She’s been known to quote Joe Pesci, over-kiss cats, enthusiastically eat cheese, and return pugs.
Her motto:
“Seek out places where the Wi-Fi is weak, the views are stunning, and don’t forget the snacks.”
