The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and Colorado Springs is gearing up for patriotic fun with lots of fireworks on the schedule. Olympic City USA has celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks and a patriotic concert by the symphony for 50-years, and that tradition continues with the Star-Spangled Symphony and Fourth of July Fireworks. The event coordinates eight large fireworks shows all over the city, making it easy to get your red, white and boom close to home, in local stadiums or from the city’s beautiful open spaces.
But there’s a full schedule of more fireworks and festivals in the Pikes Peak region that begin on June 28, the Saturday before the 4th of July. Here’s a full list of where you can find fireworks and Fourth of July fun this year.
June 28 Fireworks and Events
Fort Carson Freedom Fest
Fort Carson starts early with its Fourth of July festivities, so you can celebrate America with fireworks more than once! Freedom Fest takes place on June 28 starting at 4 p.m. There will be live music by the 4ID Band at 4 p.m. and rock concerts 6-10 p.m. by Vertical Horizon, Anberlin and Default. A 21-gun salute and fireworks show start at 10:05 p.m.
The festival includes bounce houses, more than 20 food trucks and merchandise vendors. Freedom Fest is free and open to the public. If you don’t have a Department of Defense ID, pre-register online to speed up and ensure your base access.
carson.armymwr.com/freedomfest
Meridian Ranch 4th of July 5k and Fireworks
Falcon hosts its Fourth of July event June 28 at WindingWalk Park with a focus on fun activities for the whole family. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. The day’s activities include a BBQ competition, music and fun. Bring your blankets, chairs, kids and friends to watch the fireworks show at 9:20 p.m.
July 4 Fireworks and Events
Star Spangled Symphony & Fourth of July Fireworks
This is the granddaddy of July 4th celebrations in Colorado Springs, and this marks a shift to Ford Amphitheater for the Star Spangled Symphony concert by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, followed by fireworks at Ford Amphitheater and in shows all over the city.
“There’s no better way to celebrate than with our community, under the stars, surrounded by the power of live symphonic sound,” says Nathan Newbrough, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic.
Tickets are required for the concert, but they only cost $5. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks around 9 p.m. The evening will kick off with a high-energy performance by local rising youth musicians from School of Rock. The Philharmonic will follow, with a tradition of July 4th concerts for half a century. This year’s set list will feature well known hits from Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones and Pharrell Williams, as well as traditional fan favorites like the 1812 Overture and the Armed Forces Salute. NOTE that the Ford Amphitheater is now sold out.
The concert will be streamed on Rocky Mountain PBS at 9:15 p.m. Or you can tune in to multiple radio stations — Y96.9, KCME 88.7 and AM740 KVOR — to listen to the patriotic soundtrack while multiple fireworks displays light up the Springs skyline in spectacular fashion.
Find a spot with a view and savor the show at the following fireworks launch locations. Note that some of these fireworks shows are open to the public, some are at ticketed events like the Switchbacks FC game and Rocky Mountain Vibes game, and some are private evens only for resort guests and members.
All the fireworks shows start around dark, generally 9:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Open to the Public and Free
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- Banning Lewis Ranch
Public Ticketed Events
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- Ford Amphitheater — NOTE: This concert is now sold out.
- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Game at Weidner Field — fireworks after the game
- Rocky Mountain Vibes game at UCHealth Park — fireworks after the game
Open to the Public and Free on Alternate Dates
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- Meridian Ranch, Falcon June 28
- Fort Carson Freedom Fest (June 30)
Private Events / Closed to the Public
You can view these shows from your porch or nearby public parks or areas, but please respect private property and public limitations.
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- The Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort — Resort guests and members only. July 4 and July 7
- Flying Horse Resort and Club —Members and resort guests only.
- Garden of the Gods Resort and Club — Resort guests and members only.
- Patty Jewett Golf Course
Get the full details at COS4thofJuly.org.
Banning Lewis Ranch Summer Concert & 4th of July Fireworks
Banning Lewis Ranch’s summer concert series shifts to Friday, July 4, and includes a dazzling fireworks show. The Collective Groove Band will bring the dance party. There will also be 20-plus food trucks and bounce houses. Kick back on the big grassy lawn to ooh and aah at the overhead light show.
Tri-Lakes 4th of July Street Fair
You can celebrate the Fourth of July all day in Monument and Palmer Lake. The Street Fair happens in downtown Monument from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes a parade at 10 a.m. Explore local businesses, arts and craft merchants, food vendors and a beer garden bringing out thousands of people to celebrate. Note that parking in Monument will be limited, so visitors are encouraged to park at Lewis Palmer High School and ride the shuttle bus. Here’s a list of all the festivities happening before the Palmer Lake festival and fireworks show.
- Pancake Breakfast: Start the day at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument. Get tickets at the door.
- Palmer Lake Fun Run: Get moving at 7 a.m. in this 4-mile fun run on the Santa Fe Trail from Palmer Lake to downtown Monument, where you’ll arrive in time for the parades.
- Tri-Lakes Chamber Street Fair: Explore arts, crafts, food vendors and more in downtown Monument, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- 4th of July Parade: The children’s parade starts at 9:45 a.m. with the main parade following at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Monument.
- Air Force Flyby: Air Force planes will fly over downtown Monument at 10 a.m.
- Family Friendly Beer Garden in Limbach Park: Enjoy cold beer and live music in Monument’s Limbach Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Festival on the Fourth: Festivities begin in Palmer Lake at 4 p.m.
- Palmer Lake Fireworks: Watch the firework show over the lake at 9:15 p.m.
Green Box Arts Festival: 4th of July Block Party
Get your groove on at the annual free Green Box Block Party. The free, can’t-miss event starts at 6 p.m. at the Green Box Farm Stand. Lawn games will be available. Aerial Aura will takes flight, performing on Lake Street with breathtaking aerial acrobatic performances that blend artistry, strength, and beauty. The Badda Boom Brass Band take the stage at 7 p.m.The Denver-based band infuses the soul of New Orleans street music into an eclectic mix of hip hop, funk, party-anthems and world music. At the end of the concert, the Badda Boom Brass Band will lead the crowd down to Gazebo Lake for 4th of July Water Lantern Launch.
Don’t miss the afternoon 4th of July Pie Contest at 1:30-3 p.m. It’s free to enter a pie and $10 to sample them.
Independence Weekend Celebration and Fireworks in Cripple Creek
On July 4-5, Cripple Creek comes alive with old-fashioned fun throughout town, and July 4 features a spectacular fireworks show. The historic mining town goes all out for its Independence Day celebration. “It’s basically a grand finale for almost 25 minutes,” says Jeff Mosher, special projects director for the City of Cripple Creek. “Cripple Creek prides itself on having fireworks like nobody else around.”
The firework show, beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m., is produced by Zambelli Fireworks, one of the largest pyrotechnic companies in the world that has created shows for the likes of the NFL and Olympics. The street festival also includes family games, food and drink vendors, classic cars, first responder vehicles, live music and more along Bennett Avenue. And, of course, you can try your luck at one of the town’s many casinos.
Switchbacks FC Fourth of July Fireworks
Join the Switchbacks to celebrate the 4th of July at Weidner Field downtown as they take on Louisville City. The game starts a 6 p.m., but hang around after the game for a spectacular, long-lasting firework show in honor of Independence Day. The Switchbacks are promising “the most immersive fireworks display in Colorado Springs.” Fans get to head onto the field following the game, and the Switchbacks are giving away 2,000 bucket hats at the gates. Celebrate and cheer the Switchbacks to a holiday win!
Rocky Mountain Vibes July 3-4 Fireworks Spectacular
Cheer on the Rocky Mountain Vibes against the Oakland Ballers for a festive Fourth of July celebration — on July 3 and 4! The game will end with a dazzling fireworks display, so stick around and enjoy the pyrotechnics at UCHealth Park.
Rock Ledge Ranch’s Family Fourth 2024
Celebrate the Fourth with some good old-fashioned family fun at Rock Ledge Ranch. Play carnival games. Enter the pie-eating contest. Cool off with an old-school soda. Visit the historic sites. Listen to patriotic music, and hang out with historical interpreters from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Woodland Park Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and Symphony Above the Clouds
Enjoy a day of old-fashioned games, and contests, including pie-eating contest, a watermelon-eating contest, tug or war, sack races, a dunk tank and more. You’ll also find line dancing, caricature drawings, a fishing derby and other family fun — not to mention food, beer and margaritas. An Arts and Crafts Market and Children’s Entrepreneur Market are part of the festivities too. You’ll find it all in Memorial Park starting at 8 a.m. At 5:30 p.m. the Woodland Park Wind Symphony plays a free concert. And fireworks will follow at dark, weather permitting.
4th of July Glow SUP
Want to watch multiple firework shows as you float on Quail Lake on a glowing SUP? Join Dragonfly Paddle Yoga to celebrate the Fourth of July on the water. You’ll enjoy the tranquility of the lake and night sky before being treated to the Fourth fireworks shows from nearby Cheyenne Mountain Resort and others. You’ll have the best seat in the house.
