4th of July celebrations in Colorado Springs

If you’re looking for a bargain, there’s no better holiday than the 4th of July!  No gifts to buy or expensive meals to prepare – just lots of fun celebrations of our nation’s freedom.  (OK, someone has to pay for all those fireworks…)

Here’s information on 4th of July celebrations in and around Colorado Springs:

Fort Carson

Fort Carson’s celebration will be held on Saturday, July 3rd at Iron Horse Park.  There will be live music, food, and carnival-type fun, culminating in the fireworks show on Saturday evening.  The event starts at 4 PM.  More info here.

Sky Sox Stadium

Another early celebration – there will be fireworks after the Sky Sox games on both July 2nd and 3rd.  Of course you’ll need a ticket to watch the fireworks from inside the stadium, but find a safe parking spot outside the stadium and it’s free!  More info.

Air Force Academy

Probably the biggest event in Colorado Springs, and this year the Colorado Springs Philharmonic will be playing at the Academy, in addition to the Air Force Academy Band.  The festivities start at 4 PM, with fireworks around 9:30 PM.  Be prepared for the usual vehicle and ID checks (and make sure your car registration and insurance are up to date).  For more information and a list of what’s allowed and not allowed, read here.

Cripple Creek

Watch their “massive fireworks display” choreographed to music at around 9:30 PM from City Park.  More info.

Palmer Lake

The “best small town celebration in America”, and I’d tend to agree – this is our favorite!  They’ll have a parade and other stuff on Saturday, and then a great fireworks show at dusk on Sunday, the 4th.  Lots of tailgate barbecues go on in front of the lake!  See their schedule of events here.

Manitou Springs

Come for the “Buffalo Bar B Q” and stay for the fireworks show put on by the Manitou Springs Volunteer Fire Department.  The Buffalo Bar B Q features food, live entertainment, crafts and more and runs from 10 AM to 6 PM.  Here’s a little more info.

Woodland Park

A full day of celebration in Woodland Park starts with the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration from 8 AM to 3 PM in City Park.  Then, you can listen to a concert by the Woodland Park Wind Symphony at the Midland Pavilion at the Ute Pass Cultural Center at 6 PM, and then watch the fireworks around 9:30 PM (visible from many places, but takes place at the high school).  More info here.

Rock Ledge Ranch

Doesn’t look like there will be fireworks, but what a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July!  You can hear “Abraham Lincoln” recite the Gettysburg Address, play carnival games, have homemade ice cream, and more. I’m also seeing a call for fruit pie donations on their website, which must mean there will be some yummy homemade pies for sale!

There is an admission charge to the ranch, which is located at the foot of the Garden of the Gods.  Here’s more info.

Pueblo

Music artist Collin Raye will perform on the Riverwalk in Pueblo at 8 PM, followed by a fireworks display. There is an admission charge for this event ($2 for adults, 12 and under are free).

There’s also an event in Pueblo West, with another fireworks display, concerts, and more.

More info on events in Pueblo here.

Denver

Lots of different fireworks shows and events going on in Denver, of course!  You can find more information on them here.

Which ones are your favorites and why?

Image from sunsrfr on Flickr