Back To Previous PageCelebrating Independence Day in Fort Collins is a sure way to make the most out of the holiday. There are festivities for everyone to enjoy: a food truck rally, live music, fireworks, a parade, and even a 5K all take place in Fort Collins honoring the 4th of July.
Independence Day Parade
The City of Fort Collins Independence Day Parade along Mountain Ave. begins at 10 AM and features community members showcasing community spirit, patriotism, and innovation. This family-friendly celebration brings the community together.
What: Fort Collins Independence Day Parade
When: July 4th, 2023
Where: The parade route will be westbound on Mountain Avenue from Howes St. to Jackson Ave. Guests may view the parade from available areas on Mountain Avenue.
Live Music, Food Truck Rally, and Fireworks at City Park
Head over to City Park for delicious food trucks, free live music, and Independence Day festivities from 4-9:35 PM. End the day with a 💥bang💥 by enjoying our city's display of fireworks.
What: City Park Independence Day Festivities
When: July 4th, 2023, Begining at 4 PM
Where: City Park, Fort Collins 80521
FireKracker 5K
The 23rd annual Firecracker 5k begins at 7:30 am. for the Citizen’s Race, 8:30 a.m. for the Elite Race, and 9 a.m. for the Kid’s Race. Enjoy a flat, fast 5k course that runs through City Park and Old Town streets before finishing up at Sheldon Lake. All ages and abilities are welcome; you can walk, jog, run or race. Kids can also join in on the fun during the kid’s race. Click here for registration and more information.
Stars and Stripes Golf Tournament at City Park Nine Golf Course
Tee off and enjoy the 18-hole Stars & Stripes Golf Tournament at City Park Nine golf course. The tourney is a 9 hole best ball, 9 holes scramble. Enjoy a barbecue and refreshments at the clubhouse following the tournament. Built in 1940 and located next to historic City Park and Grandview Cemetery, the downtown course features smooth fairways, small greens, and mature trees. Call 970-221-6650 for more information and to register.
The Avery House Old-Fashioned Fourth of July
Celebrate an old-fashioned 4th of July at the Avery House. Admission is free and will be fun for all ages. The Old-Fashioned Fourth of July at the Avery House runs from 10 a.m. - to 2 p.m. on the Avery House lawn (328 W. Mountain Ave.). Enjoy live music while food trucks sell delicious summertime fare. Play old-fashioned games such as croquet and bean bag toss; make crafts; tour the iconic Avery House and the current exhibit By Hand and Heart, and more. Make plans now to come and celebrate!
Hop Aboard the Trolley
Hitch a ride on the only original restored city streetcar operating in the western U.S. today. If you’re near City Park during the 4th of July weekend or any other weekend this summer, be sure to grab a ride to Old Town on Birney Car 21 or 23. Take a trip back in history while enjoying an experience you and your family won’t soon forget. Saturday, July 4th the trolley will be operating 12 - 5 PM from City Park to Old Town. On Saturdays and Sundays during the summer, the trolley runs on Mountain Avenue from Old Town to City Park and Grandview Cemetery. Each 3-mile trip takes about 30 minutes.
City Park Pool
Enjoy the park surroundings and Sheldon Lake for fishing and an outdoor pool at City Park Pool, located in City Park. There will be special hours in honor of Independence Day at City Park Pool. The pool will be open from 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM with a $3 admission.
Bonus Content: Activity Ideas for the long weekend
Whitewater Rafting
The winter snow is melting and the rapids are active in the Cache la Poudre River Canyon. Spending your 4th of July weekend in Fort Collins makes for the perfect time to bring the family out for a whitewater adventure. Check out one of our many whitewater rafting companies and book your trip today. The Poudre Canyon is one of the few spots across the state of Colorado that still hit its 100 percent accumulation levels over the winter, meaning the river is screaming for excitement. So grab your wet suit and a paddle and enjoy your adventure on the Poudre River. If it's your first time rafting feel free to check out our blog - A First Timer's Guide to Whitewater Rafting in Fort Collins.
Go Camping
With a long weekend in the palm of your hand, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Favorite camping spots include Horsetooth Reservoir and the multiple campgrounds along the Poudre River. If you’re looking to get a little further from the hustle and bustle, check out the approximately 650,000 acres of backcountry near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and CSU Mountain Campus. Let's also not forget the numerous amount of streams and bodies of water that offer ample fishing opportunities. Camping and fishing go hand-in-hand when visiting Fort Collins and the surrounding areas.
Discover Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth is always a popular spot during the long weekend. Not only do boats start gliding across the waters, but so do Stand up Paddle Boarders and Kayakers. If it’s not quite warm enough for you to enjoy water recreation just yet, then we suggest taking in the view from one of the numerous hiking trails scattered throughout Horsetooth Mountain. These incredible hikes range from hour-long to half-day trips across the open space.
Watch a Flick at the Drive-In Theater
When thinking of what a classic summer evening in Fort Collins looks like, catching a movie at the Holiday Twin Drive-In is something that always comes to mind. With new movies each weekend, this two-screen outdoor drive-in theater is the perfect way to kick back and relax for an evening. Not to mention the Holiday Twin is one of just six drive-in movie lots left in Colorado and one of only about 300 left in the entire country. So, open up your car hatch, pile in the blankets and pillows, and grab your popcorn for a cozy evening at the Drive-In.
