Celebrate America's 250th Birthday & Colorado's 150th Anniversary in Colorado Springs
This Independence Day is unlike any other. In 2026, the United States celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, while Colorado marks 150 years of statehood. Communities throughout the Pikes Peak region are pulling out all the stops with concerts, fireworks, parades, festivals, family activities, and patriotic celebrations.
Whether you're visiting Colorado Springs for the holiday weekend or you're a local looking for something new, here are our favorite ways to celebrate.
1. Star-Spangled Symphony & Grand Fireworks Show (NEW VENUE!)
Saturday, July 4 | Ford Amphitheater
Colorado Springs' signature Independence Day celebration has a spectacular new home at Ford Amphitheater. Gates open at 5:30pm, followed by a performance from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic beginning at 6:30pm celebrating America's 250th birthday with patriotic classics, pop favorites, and the famous 1812 Overture. The evening concludes with one of the region's largest fireworks displays around 9:00pm. Tickets here.
2. The Original Colorado Springs Food Tour
Saturday, July 4 • 1:00 pm
Celebrate Independence Day by supporting locally owned restaurants! Rocky Mountain Food Tours takes guests on a guided walking tour featuring generous tastings, optional craft drink pairings, and fascinating stories about Colorado Springs' history. Tickets here.
Insider Tip: Holiday weekends often sell out several weeks in advance, and tours are limited to just 12 guests.
3. Historic "Family Fourth" at Rock Ledge Ranch
Tuesday, July 4 from 10:00am-4:00pm
Historic demonstrations, pie, old-fashioned games, patriotic music, blacksmith demonstrations, children's activities, and one of the most authentic Independence Day celebrations in Colorado. Tickets can be purchased here.
4. Fireworks Throughout the City
Tuesday, July 4 following sunset
Here are a few of the best viewing spots:
5. Switchbacks FC vs. Pheonix Rising FC
Tuesday, July 4 at 7:00pm
The Colorado Springs’ Switchbacks FC, our professional soccer team, are playing Pheonix Rising FC at Weidner Field for a special 4th of July game, ending in a spectacular fireworks show. A fun event for the whole family! Purchase tickets here.
6. Freedom Fest at Fort Carson
Friday, July 3 from 4:00pm-10:00pm
Kick off your holiday weekend one day early with concerts, food trucks, family activities, and fireworks at Fort Carson's annual Freedom Fest. More info here.
7. Green Box Arts Block Party
Friday, July 3 from 10:00am-9:30pm
Just west of Colorado Springs in Green Mountain Falls, enjoy live brass music, aerial performances, lawn games, food vendors, and a festive community atmosphere before heading to nearby fireworks. More info here.
8. Enjoy Brunch at a Local Brewery
Saturday, July 4 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Head to Mash Mechanix Brewing Co. in downtown Colorado Springs for their “Eggs & Kegs” Mash Smokehouse Brunch. Nosh on a special brunch items paired with a Bloody Mary, bellini, mimosa, or craft beer.
9. Explore America's Mountain
Since 2026 marks Colorado's 150th birthday, it's the perfect year to visit the summit of Pikes Peak—the mountain that inspired "America the Beautiful." Arrive early to avoid holiday crowds. Get your tickets to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway here.
More 4th of July Events in the Surrounding Towns:
10. Tri-Lakes 4th of July Celebration
Tuesday, July 4 - all day
Pancake breakfast, fun run, parade, street fair, beer garden, live music, children's parade, and fireworks over Palmer Lake make this one of Colorado's biggest small-town Independence Day celebrations. Click here for more information.
Insider Tip: Arrive early if you plan to stay all day—the parade, street fair, and Palmer Lake fireworks draw thousands of visitors, and parking fills up quickly.
11. Meridian Ranch Independence Celebration
Saturday, June 28 - all day
Held in Falcon one week before the Fourth of July, this community celebration features a 5K race, a BBQ competition, live music, family-friendly activities, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show. Perfect if you're celebrating before the Fourth. More info here.
12. Gold Camp 4th in Cripple Creek
Tuesday, July 4 starting at 12:00pm
Head to the historic district of Cripple Creek for a full day of music, food, beer, vendors, and other attractions. Hear from a patriotic speaker, ring the bell for freedom, and check out the Gem & Mineral Show. After the festivities, enjoy the town's fireworks display, which will start after 9:00pm. Find out more about the event here.
13. Woodland Park "Old Fashioned" 4th of July Celebration
Tuesday, July 4 from 8:00am-3:00pm
Head west to join in Woodland Park's largest family event of the year! From fossil digging to magic shows to live music, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy. Try your luck at the fishing derby, basketball tournament, or watermelon-eating contest. Find out more about this whirlwind celebration here.
14. Town of Castle Rock Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4 | 5:30pm–9:30 pm
Celebrate America's 250th birthday and Colorado's 150th anniversary at Festival Park with live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and the return of the Town's Pie Bake-Off. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show launching from Miller's Landing at approximately 9:30 pm. More info here.
Insider Tip: Bring lawn chairs or a blanket for the live music, then stick around after the festival for the remote-viewing fireworks show launching from Miller's Landing at approximately 9:30pm.
15. Celebrate Colorado's Biggest Birthday Yet
With America turning 250 and Colorado celebrating 150 years of statehood, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in the state's history. Whether you're watching fireworks beneath Pikes Peak, touring downtown restaurants, or spending the day in one of our charming mountain towns, there's no shortage of memorable ways to celebrate.
Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Rocky Mountain Food Tours!
