4th of July Activities in Boulder

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.

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.

Colorado Music Festival

The internationally acclaimed Colorado Music Festival is held four nights per week for seven weeks at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing an orchestra of professional classical musicians from all over the world. The July 2, 2023 performance is a family show entitled, "Peter and the Wolf + Goodnight Moon."

 

 

 

 

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July 4th Concert Celebration

Celebrate July 4th with Independence Day symphonic classics, from Copland to Bernstein and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," at the historic Boulder Bandshell with the Boulder Symphony. Also featured will be John Williams' music from Star Wars, Indiana Jones and other fun cinematic classics.

 

 

 

 

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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 special Independence Day holiday weekend performances.

Dead & Co. at Folsom Field

Dead & Co. will be playing their last stint at Folsom Field for three nights, July 1, 2 and 3, 2023, as part of The Final Tour. This is a great show to catch on CU campus' beautiful football field, with mountain views, good vibes and legendary tunes. 

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.

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 3 from 6am-8pm and July 4 from 6am-5pm. Alcohol is prohibited on July 4 unless you are part of a group renting a picnic site.

Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament

June 26-July 2, 2023
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.

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 6-9pm. Find the map here.

Holiday Glass Class

Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with a patriotic-themed stained-glass class at Colorado Glass Works. In this 1.5-hour workshop, you and your loved one (the class fee covers two people) will join forces to create a stained glass star.