4th of July Activities in Boulder
In early July, it’s easy to love Boulder’s combination of fresh air, beautiful outdoors, great patio restaurants, breweries and fun Fourth of July events.
Note: This page is being regularly updated with 2024 information. Please check back for updates.
Free Shuttles
- If you want to hike or picnic at Chautauqua, the Park-to-Park hiker shuttle will be running July 1, 2 and 4, 2023, 8am-8pm (note there's no shuttle July 3) to help you avoid parking frustrations. Route map and details here.
- The HOP, a bus that runs a circular route through Boulder, will be free all day on July 4, 2023.
- The Eldo Shuttle will also be running July 1, 2 and 4, 2023 (note there's no shuttle July 3) so you can ride to Eldorado Canyon State Park and trailheads in South Boulder.
Accessibility
These shuttles are wheelchair-accessible and operate lifts for passengers.
Folsom Field’s 4th of July Spectacular: A Night Sky Drone Show
Celebrate this Fourth of July with an all-new experience for 2023 at Folsom Field — Boulder's very first Night Sky Drone Show. Previously the Boulder fireworks show known as Ralphie's Independence Day Blast, this spectacular event will feature live music from School of Rock, The Custom Shop-Band and Funkiphino while colorful lights create celebratory displays in the sky.
Gates open at 7pm and the drone show begins at dark, usually around 9:35pm. UPDATE: Drone show may begin as early as 8:15pm due to the uncertainty of tonight's weather. Learn more.
Concessions will be available. Only small clear bags are allowed. Pets and outside food or drinks are prohibited. Plan your parking and free bus routes in advance.
Note: Flagstaff Road will close beginning at 6pm on July 4, 2023.
Accessibility Info
Entrances at Folsom Field are accessible for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair seating is available at Folsom Field and can be obtained when purchasing your ticket. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the athletics department in advance of your visit at 303-492-8337.
Colorado Music Festival
The internationally acclaimed Colorado Music Festival is held at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium in July and August, showcasing an orchestra of professional classical musicians from all over the world. Alisa Weilerstein will play Dvořák’s Cello Concerto during the festival's opening night on Friday, July 5, 2024.
Accessibility Info
Chautauqua Auditorium is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Chautauqua maintains a useful list addressing accessible parking, service animals, ADA restroom facilities, assistive listening devices, and more. Please visit the Chautauqua website for more information.
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on the south side of the hall adjacent to section AL as well as at the back of section A. To purchase, look online for the wheelchair symbol or call the Chautauqua Box Office at 303-440-7666.
July 4th Concert Celebration
Celebrate July 4th with Independence Day symphonic classics at the historic Boulder Bandshell with the Boulder Symphony on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Accessibility Info
The Glenn Huntington Band Shell is in Boulder’s Civic Area, which provides ADA accessible paths and sidewalks.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
See Shakespeare under the stars at the gorgeous Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on the University of Colorado campus. The series runs for much of the summer, with Independence Day holiday weekend performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor on Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Accessibility Info
Colorado Shakespeare Festival venue entrances are wheelchair accessible and wheelchair seating is available. Contact the box office at 303-492-8008.
Assisted listening devices are available on request. If you need an assisted listening device, please ask an usher or the box office for one as soon as you arrive, as quantities are limited.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival offers American Sign Language interpretation, audio description services, and live captioning for its productions upon request. Email cupresents@colorado.edu at least two weeks in advance for more information.
More information is available on the CU Presents website.
Boulder Farmers Market
The Boulder Farmers Market is a fun place to start a Saturday. Established in 1986 by a handful of local farmers looking to sell farm-fresh produce directly to the public, the market is one of the largest in Colorado. It is a growers-only market, and shoppers can enjoy seasonal produce, eggs, cheeses, meats, herbs, flowers, wines and gourmet food products. Plus, the market enjoys a lovely setting next to shady Central Park and the Boulder Creek, at the doorsteps of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) and the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
Accessibility Info
While the Boulder Farmers Market can be busy, it is held on a wide street, closed to motor traffic, and there are no stairs. The bathroom behind the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is ADA accessible.
Cool Off in the Boulder Reservoir
The beautiful Boulder Reservoir welcomes families to come hang out at the reservoir to picnic and cool off in the water. Open July 4, 2024, from 6am-8pm, with the swim area open from 10am to 5:30pm.
Accessibility Info
The visitor center at the Boulder Reservoir is ADA accessible and other improvements are planned for increasing restroom and water ramp accessibility.
There is also EXPAND Beyond, an adaptive water ski program, that gives folks with physical disabilities the opportunity to hit the open water. The program operates Tuesday mornings from 8-11am in mid-June for eight weeks at the Reservoir.
Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament
July 3-7, 2024
For more than two decades, the Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament, an 80-team competitive girls softball tourney, has been hosted in Boulder. Come join in this Fourth of July Boulder tradition, and see these powerhouse girls pitch, swing and run at the Stazio Ballfields and the East Mapleton Complex.
Accessibility Info
The Gerald Stazio Softball Fields offer ADA-compliant sidewalks and paths.
First Friday Art in NoBo Art District
NoBo First Friday is a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and creative businesses in the NoBo Art District. Meet painters, sculptors, photographers, designers, artists and artisans along your stroll through the area, featuring live music, demos and special activities in many locations. Located along Broadway from Violet to Highway 36. Follow the bright-colored flags to find surprises around every corner. First Friday runs Friday, July 5, 2024, from 5-9pm. Find the map here.
More Events July 1–July 7, 2024
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