Things to do for the 4th of July in Colorado Springs 2026

Fourth of July 2025

With all the recent rain, it's tough to believe it's really summer. Well, believe it or not, the 4th of July is sneaking up on us. Don't sweat it - We've rounded up some great things to do for the 4th of July right here in Colorado Springs.

Get out and enjoy some Colorado summer sunshine and celebrate this festive holiday with family and friends.

Your July 4th Day Planner

Not sure how to structure the day? Here’s a simple framework that works for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

☀️ Morning (7:00 AM – Noon)

Start with breakfast and a community parade before the heat of the day.

  • 7:00 AM – July 4th Fun Run along the Santa Fe Trail (Palmer Lake → Monument)
  • 7:00–10:00 AM – Free Pancake Breakfast at St. Peter Catholic Church, Monument
  • 9:00 AM – Old North End Children’s Parade (Boddington Park, Colorado Springs)
  • 9:30 AM – Monument Hill Kiwanis Children’s Parade, then Main Parade at 10:00 AM

☀ Afternoon (Noon – 6:00 PM)

Perfect time for family-friendly activities, historic sites, and local vendors.

  • 8:00 AM–3:00 PM – Tri-Lakes Chamber Street Fair with food, music, and local businesses (Monument)
  • 11:00 AM–5:00 PM – Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, Memorial Park, Woodland Park
  • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM – Family Fourth at Rock Ledge Ranch (carnival games, patriotic music, food)

🎆 Evening (6:00 PM – Late)

The main event — grab your lawn chair and head to the fireworks.

  • 5:30 PM – Gates open at Ford Amphitheater for Star Spangled Symphony
  • 6:00–9:00 PM – Green Mountain Falls Block Party with water lanterns at 9:00 PM
  • 7:30 PM – Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs at Ford Amphitheater
  • ~9:00 PM – Fireworks! (Ford Amphitheater, Castle Rock, and locations across the region)

Featured Events

⭐Star Spangled Symphony and Fourth of July Fireworks

Our top recommendation for celebrating Independence Day is the annual Star Spangled Symphony & Fourth of July Fireworks. For nearly 50 years, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic has paired patriotic music with one of the region's most anticipated fireworks displays.

Symphony

📍When:  Saturday, July 4, 2026. Gates open at 5:30 PM, local acts start around 6:30 PM, Philharmonic begins at 7:30 PM, and fireworks are expected around 9:00 PM

🕖Where: Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Price: $5 per person (tickets required)

Kick off the evening with performances by local musicians before the Colorado Springs Philharmonic takes the stage for an unforgettable patriotic concert featuring favorites such as the 1812 Overture, followed by one of the largest fireworks celebrations in the Pikes Peak region.

Fireworks in the Pikes Peak Region

The following locations will host firework displays, weather, and fire-restriction permitting, with restricted on-site access. These shows will be visible to residents at their homes across the region.

fireworksfourthofjuly

Where to Watch Fireworks in Colorado Springs (2026)

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  • Star-Spangled Symphony & Fireworks— Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop (Ticketed)
  • Banning Lewis Ranch — Vista Park Pavilion, 8833 Vista Del Pico Blvd (Free)
  • Colorado Springs Switchbacks FCWeidner Field, 111 W. Cimarron St. (Ticketed)
  • Rocky Mountain Vibes — UCHealth Park, 4385 Tutt Blvd (Ticketed)
  • Palmer Lake Festival on the Fourth— Centennial Park, 199 County Line Rd (Free)
  • Cripple Creek 4th of July — 337 E. Bennett Ave (Free)
  • Garden of the Gods Resort & Club3320 Mesa Rd (Private)

  • Cheyenne Mountain Resort / Country Club of Colorado — 9 Lake Ave (Private)

Tri-Lakes Pancake Breakfast

Pancake Breakfast

📅When: Saturday, July 4th, 2026 at 7:00 am


📍Where: St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 Jefferson St., Monument, CO

Fuel up for the festivities at the Tri-Lakes Pancake Breakfast — 7:00 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument. Then stay for it all: Street Fair (8 AM–3 PM), children's parade (9:30 AM), main parade (10 AM), live music, arts & crafts, and a family-friendly beer garden in Limbach Park. Free shuttles available.

44th Annual Palmer Lake July 4th Fun Run

Fun Run

📍When: Saturday, July 4th, 2026 at 7:00 am

🕖 Where: Start at Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area → Finish in Downtown Monument via the Santa Fe Trail

👟Distance: 4-mile course (mostly downhill)

Kick off your Fourth of July on foot! This beloved 4-mile route follows the scenic Santa Fe Trail from Palmer Lake to Monument with beautiful Front Range views. Whether you run, jog, walk, or parade in patriotic gear, everyone is welcome. Every registration supports Palmer Lake Elementary School, and this year's event celebrates America's 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th anniversary. Sign up early to secure your spot!

Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Street Fair

commerce street fair

📍When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:00 am–3:00 pm

🕖 Where: Second & Washington Streets, Downtown Monument, CO

🎟️ Price: Free

Browse dozens of local vendors offering festival foods, handmade crafts, unique gifts, local businesses, and community nonprofits while enjoying one of Monument's biggest Fourth of July celebrations.

Monument Hill Kiwanis 4th of July Parade

Fourth of July Parade Children

📅When: Saturday, July 4th, 2026

🕤 Schedule:

  • Children's Parade: 9:30 AM 
  • Main Parade: 10:00 AM

📍Where: Downtown Monument, CO

Celebrate Independence Day at one of Colorado's most beloved small-town traditions! The festivities begin with a fun-filled Children's Parade, followed by the iconic Monument Hill Kiwanis 4th of July Parade through historic downtown. This year's theme, "250 Years of Freedom; 150 Years of Colorado Statehood," honors two historic milestones with patriotic floats, marching bands, community groups, classic vehicles, and plenty of hometown spirit. Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot along the parade route.

4th of July Bike Parade

Biking parade for children

When: Saturday, July 4th, 2026, at 9:00 AM

Where: Boddington Park, Old North End Colorado Springs, CO

Price: Free

An exciting Fourth of July tradition for kids! Decorate your children's bikes, scooters, strollers, or wagons and join the annual parade starting at 9:00 AM at Wood Avenue and Washington Street. Walk or ride the flag-lined route to Boddington Park, then enjoy refreshments with family and friends. Guests are encouraged to bring a snack to share.

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

children's lemonade stand (1)

When: Saturday, July 4th, 2026 

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM(the main festival hours for visitors, fireworks at dusk)

Where: Memorial Park, 412 N. Park St., Woodland Park, CO 80863

A fun-filled Fourth of July tradition featuring kids' activities, delicious food, live music, local artists and crafters, fire engine rides, a beer garden, and a patriotic flag-raising ceremony with the Wind Symphony. Stay for the fireworks at dusk!

Family Fourth at Rock Ledge Ranch

jessica-rockowitz-5NLCaz2wJXE-unsplash

📍 When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

📍 Where: Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, 3105 Gateway Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

🎟️ Price:

  • Adults (18–64): $12
  • Seniors (65+): $8
  • Youth (3–17): $6
  • Children (2 & under): Free
  • (Online ticketing fees apply.)

Step back in time with a family-friendly Fourth of July celebration featuring a patriotic kids' parade, historic home tours, festival games, live music, historic speeches, and old-fashioned treats like apple pie, lemonade, popcorn, and soda. Food trucks and the General Store will be open throughout the day.

Fireworks in Castle Rock

Castle Rock Fireworks

📍 When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 • Approximately 9:30 PM (at sundown)

📍 Where: Fireworks launched from Miller's Landing, off Plum Creek Parkway, east of Philip S. Miller Park, Castle Rock, CO (About 35–40 minutes north of Colorado Springs.)

🎟️ Price: Free

Wrap up your Independence Day with Castle Rock's spectacular 20-minute fireworks show, beginning with a traditional three-shot salute at sundown. Great viewing spots include Downtown Castle Rock, Festival Park, Metzler Ranch Community Park, Miller Activity Complex, Rock Park, and areas throughout the Red Hawk neighborhood. Arrive early, as parking and viewing areas fill up quickly.

4th of July Block Party – Green Mountain Falls

Water lantern designed

📍 When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 • 6:00 PM–9:00 PM (Water Lantern Launch at 9:00 PM)

📍 Where: Green Box Farm Stand, 6990 Lake St., Green Mountain Falls, CO (About 20 minutes west of Colorado Springs.)

🎟️ Price: Free (Water lantern kits: $10)

Enjoy an evening of live music, food, family-friendly activities, and community fun as part of the Green Box Arts Festival. End the celebration by launching a glowing water lantern on Gazebo Lake at 9:00 PM, creating a beautiful Independence Day tradition. 

Are Fireworks Legal in Colorado Springs?

Colroado springs about FireworksNot to be a party pooper, but here's a friendly reminder: recreational fireworks are illegal in Colorado Springs. That includes any fireworks with a fuse or those requiring a flame to ignite. Novelty items like snappers and poppers are allowed. Check local regulations before celebrating.

Fireworks are also restricted in the incorporated areas of Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Manitou Springs, and on all U.S. Forest Service lands in El Paso County.

For the latest regulations and safety information, visit:

We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable Fourth of July in and around Colorado Springs. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the many community celebrations happening across the Pikes Peak region!

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