4th of July Weekend Activities in Boulder

Cool Off in the Boulder Reservoir

The beautiful Boulder Reservoir welcomes families to hang out at the reservoir to picnic and cool off in the water. Open from 6am-4pm, with the swim area open from 8am-4pm.

Spend a Day at Chautauqua Park

Chautauqua Park officially opened on July 4, 1898! Celebrate Chautauqua's 128th birthday by hiking on its 40 miles of trails, followed by an ice cream from the Chautauqua General Store or a picnic and games on the sprawling green. Insider tip: Park downtown and ride the free weekend shuttle to get there stress-free and avoid parking fees.

July 4th Concert Celebration

Saturday, July 4, 2026, 7-8pm
Celebrate July 4th with Independence Day symphonic classics at the historic Boulder Bandshell with the Boulder Symphony. Buy tickets here.

 

 

 

 

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Boulder Farmers Market

Saturday, July 4, 2026, 8am-2pm
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 doorstep of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) and the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.

Avery Brewing Co. 4K on the 4th

Saturday, July 4, 2026, 8am
There has been no better way since 2008 to get your July 4th morning off to a great start than doing Boulder’s traditional Avery Brewing Company 4K on the 4th. It is run on a flat and fast course, followed by the best post-race party with Avery Brewing Company beer, Savory Cuisines Catering breakfast burritos and live music. Learn more and sign up here.

Visit the Shelby American Collection Museum

Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10am-4pm
Dedicated to the legacy of Carroll Shelby and the Shelby American Team, the Shelby American Collection celebrates the rich history of the world’s most famous racing cars. Anyone interested in the 1960s automotive renaissance will be enthralled by their impressive collection of cult-favorite race cars.

First Friday Art in NoBo Art District

Friday, July 3, 2026, 6-9pm
NoBo First Friday is an open studios art walk that takes place in the North Boulder Art District. Meet painters, sculptors, photographers, designers, artists and artisans along your stroll through the area, where live music and food trucks create a festive environment. Located along Broadway from Violet to Highway 36, follow the bright-colored flags to find surprises around every corner. See the participating studios map here.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Sunday, July 5, 2026, 7:30pm
See live Shakespeare performances on the University of Colorado campus. The series runs for much of the summer, with an Independence Day holiday weekend performance of Shakespeare in Love.

Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament

July 1-5, 2026
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.

Nearby Firework Shows

Although there will be no firework shows happening in the city of Boulder this year, other Fourth of July festivities, including fireworks, abound in neighboring towns. Find out what's happening.