Local events to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday

Independence Day 2026 is not your typical Fourth of July holiday. It is a landmark anniversary in the United States’ history, a commemoration of the country’s 250th birthday. 

In honor of America’s birthday, there are a plethora of festivities in the northern Colorado area, such as 5K races, fireworks displays and classic car shows, to partake in. 

For this article, we’ve compiled a list of Independence Day events for you to enjoy and celebrate with loved ones. 

3rd of July Festival & Fireworks 

Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday

Location: Waggener Farm Park, 1000 N. Berthoud Parkway, Berthoud, Colo., 80513

Event description: Visit Waggener Farm Park in Berthoud to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with other community members at this annual event! 

Red, White & Vroom! Independence Day Car Show & Concert with the 101st Army Bands

Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday

Location: Moxi Theater, 802 9th St., Greeley, Colo. 80631

Event description: Vroom, vroom, vroom! Get ready for an Independence Day car show and concert in downtown Greeley! The car show will include a lineup of vintage, hot rod, lowrider, muscle and other classic vehicles. Come check out the lineup and enjoy live music featuring four ensembles from the 101st U.S. Army Band. 

FireKracker 5K 

Time: 7:30 a.m. Saturday

Location: City Park Drive in between Sheldon Drive and Jackson Ave., Fort Collins, Colo., 80521

Event description: Everyone of all ages and abilities is welcome to participate in this race, whether you’re a runner or not. Participants will receive food, drinks, chip timing, official race gear, free race photos, a chance to win awards and post-race entertainment. There will also be a sponsor and vendor expo. https://www.visitftcollins.com/event/firekracker-5k/39406

Independence Day Community Celebration

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday

Location: City Park, 1500 W. Mulberry St., Fort Collins, CO 80521

Event description: This year’s Independence Day Community Celebration is no ordinary one. It’s an event chock-full of activities to honor 250 years of America and 150 years of Colorado. The day will start off with a 5K race and a golf tournament in the morning. The afternoon and evening will be filled with tons of family fun, including bounce houses, a balloon twister, a photo booth, historical exhibits and displays, reenactors, a touch-a-truck area, food trucks, special pool hours, live music, trolley rides around town and a fireworks show over Sheldon Lake.

3.6 Mile Red Feather Lakes Fun Run/Walk

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for the run; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the July 4 celebration. 

Location: The Tavern at Red Feather Lakes, 1078 Ramona Drive, Red Feather Lakes, Colo., 80545

Event description: Don’t feel like lounging around on July 4th? Then take a scenic run around Red Feather Lakes, including through the Fox Acres Golf Course. The run starts and wraps up at The Tavern at Red Feather Lakes, where there will be food, beers, music and an expo. The July 4 celebration will include an afternoon parade, a craft fair and an evening fireworks display. 

July 4 Festival 

Time: 11 a.m. to after 9 p.m. Saturday

Location: North Lake Park, 2750 N. Taft Ave., Loveland, CO 80538

Event description: Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and head on over to North Lake Park in Loveland for food, music, face painting, yard games, train rides and fireworks! 

The Great FoCo Water Balloon Toss

Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday

Location: The Exchange, 200 N. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524

Event description: The Great FoCo Water Balloon Toss is a free Fourth of July contest, featuring teams of two who will compete to see who can throw the farthest and stay dry the longest. 

Greeley Freedom 5K Walk & Run

Time: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday

Location: Intersection of 15th St. and 10th Ave. in Greeley, Colo., 80631

Event description: Hit the trail on the Fourth of July with a 5K walk and run along the Greeley Stampede Independence Day parade route! Runners and walkers will finish on the route as the parade starts and launches the holiday celebration. Proceeds from the race will go to Beefsticks for BackPacks, a local nonprofit that strives to provide children with quality nutrition.  

Estes Park Car Club 4th of July Car Display

Time: 9 a.m. Saturday

Location: American Legion, 850 N. Saint Vrain Ave., Estes Park, Colo., 80517

Event description: Although the fireworks show in Estes Park has been postponed, the American Legion in Estes Park will host a classic car show with live music and food. Breakfast burritos and lunch and dinner buffets will be available for purchase.