Crested Butte Fourth of July 2026: Parade, Fireworks & Events
If you've never experienced the Fourth of July in Crested Butte, this might be the year to change that.
The holiday weekend is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the summer in the Gunnison Valley. Wildflowers are beginning to pop, patios are full, and locals and visitors gather for one of Colorado's most memorable small-town Independence Day celebrations.
July 3: Mt. Crested Butte Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
July 4: Crested Butte's Famous Small-Town Parade
The main event takes place on Saturday, July 4, when downtown Crested Butte hosts its beloved Independence Day parade.
The parade begins at 11:00 a.m., with spectators lining Elk Avenue well before then to catch the local businesses, community groups, classic vehicles, and costumes that make this celebration so memorable.
July 4 Schedule
- 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. | Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station #1
- 8:30 a.m. | Vendor Village opens
- 9:00 a.m. | Float lineup begins
- 11:00 a.m. | Parade begins on Elk Avenue
- Noon to 3:00 p.m. | Elk Avenue Block Party
- Noon to 3:00 p.m. | Grill & Chill at Romp Skis
- 5:00 p.m. | BoomBox performs at the Red Lady Stage
Live Music Throughout the Holiday Weekend
Thursday, July 2
- 5:00 p.m. | The Relative Minors at the José Patio
- 7:00 p.m. | Open Mic Night at Crested Bucha
- 7:00 p.m. | Corb Lund at I Bar Ranch
- 8:00 p.m. | Matt & Madeline Shugert at billy barr
Friday, July 3
- 5:00 p.m. | Independence Day Celebration performances begin at the Red Lady Stage
- 6:00 p.m. | Jim Davidson at A Bar Above
- 8:00 p.m. | Tyler Hansen at billy barr
- 8:00 p.m. | Floyd Bauler at the Whammy Bar
Saturday, July 4
- 3:00 p.m. | Jordan Brandenburg at Zuni West Brewing
- 4:00 p.m. | Jim Davidson at Brühaus
- 5:30 p.m. | BoomBox at the Red Lady Stage
- 6:00 p.m. | Beer Hunter at Zuni West Brewing
- 8:00 p.m. | Casey Falter at billy barr
- 8:00 p.m. | Scott Stewart at the José Patio
The celebration begins on Friday evening in Mt. Crested Butte at the Red Lady Stage in the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area.
Gates open at 4:45 p.m., with live music kicking off at 5:00 p.m. Families can enjoy food and beverage offerings, children's activities, and live entertainment throughout the evening before fireworks light up the mountain sky around 9:30 p.m. This has become one of the valley's favorite summer traditions and offers one of the best fireworks displays in the region.
July 3 Schedule
- 4:45 p.m. | Gates open at the Red Lady Stage
- 5:00 p.m. | Live music and family activities begin
- 6:15 p.m. | The Hip Snacks
- 8:15 p.m. | Kimberly Dunn
- Approximately 9:30 p.m. | Fireworks begin at dark
