Looking for something different to celebrate this 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence? Here’s a list of offbeat celebrations across Southern Colorado.
Aspen Drone Show
AspenLight up the night with Aspen’s drone show at 9:30 p.m., featuring patriotic tributes, playful nods to Aspen’s rich history and stunning drone imagery. Best viewing is from Wagner Park. Stick around for family-friendly fun Friday through Sunday, including a carnival, a parade, a 5K, a Fourth of July picnic and community performances.
Glow SUP Fireworks
Colorado SpringsExperience the fireworks in a new way with this unique Colorado Springs fireworks-viewing experience. Rent a paddleboard decked out with LED lights for $48, or a viewing deck built for six people for $64, and set sail on Quail Lake at 7:45 p.m. Online ticket purchase required.
Crested Butte 4th of July Parade and Celebration
Crested ButteCool off with a townwide water fight at noon, immediately after the elaborate town parade at 11 a.m. Pack your squirt guns and water balloons while the town fire department soaks the crowd with fire hoses.
Home of the Brave America 250/150 Commemoration at Bears Ranch
DurangoHonor American and Coloradan veterans who served at Home of the Brave, a WWII living history museum being relocated from Honolulu to Durango. Running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the lineup Saturday and Sunday includes a flag ceremony, veteran recognition, historical displays, community storytelling, family-friendly activities, a kids bike race, food and beverage vendors, live music and a public reading reflecting on Colorado’s role in the military. Click the link for the full calendar of events that weekend.
Green Box Lantern Launch
Green Mountain FallsVisit Green Mountain Falls for a day of action-packed fun. Kick off the day with a parade at 10 a.m. on the street between Sallie Bush Community Center and Gazebo Lake. Stay for community performances, free hot dogs, a pie-eating contest and the signature event: a lantern launch on Gazebo Lake at 9 p.m. Stop by Studio 2 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. to design your lantern.
Steamboat Springs 4th of July Celebration
Steamboat SpringsCelebrate Independence Day in true Colorado fashion with a ski-jumping competition at Howelsen Hill on July 3 and 4. Keep the Western fun going with a pro rodeo series from July 2 to 5 at the Brent Romick Arena. The town also celebrates with a parade, a pancake breakfast, fun runs and live performances.
Ouray Town Water Fight
OurayTake a walk on the wet side with this wacky town tradition. Starting at 10 a.m., participants line up on Main Street to battle it out with water guns during the town parade. A townwide water fight also takes place at Sixth and Main streets at 2 p.m., and fireworks take off at 9:15 p.m. Super soakers only; no water balloons allowed!
Silverton Ducky Derby Race
SilvertonCheer on your favorite duck in Silverton’s annual Ducky Derby Race! Purchase a duck for $5 and watch it launch at 2 p.m. on Cement Creek behind Memorial Park. Cash prizes will be given to first-, second- and third-place winners. Proceeds benefit the Silverton Chamber of Commerce. Stick around town for a full Fourth of July schedule, including a parade, a pancake breakfast, 5K and 10K races, games, vendors and fireworks.