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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.
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 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.

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Zach Gilbert (@zog_out)

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.

Photo by Jennifer M Koskinen

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

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.

Photo by Denise Chambers

Boulder Farmers Market

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.

Boulder 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.

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.

First Friday

More Events July 1–July 7, 2024