The Fourth of July in Fort Collins is an unforgettable community-wide celebration, and it will be extra special this year! Join us for a special Fourth of July Celebration in Fort Collins honoring 250 years of America and 150 years of Colorado!
There is something for everyone to enjoy, from delicious cuisine at the food truck rally to live music, fireworks, a parade, and more! Read on for our favorite ways to honor Independence Day in the Choice City.
FireKracker 5K
The Annual FireKracker 5k is a fun, family-friendly event to kick off the day! The races begin at 7:30am (Citizen’s Race), 8:30am (Elite Race), and 9am (Kid’s Race). Participants will enjoy a flat 5k course that runs through City Park and Old Town 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.
Celebrations at City Park
City Park is celebrating Fourth of July all day long! Starting as early as 7:30 a.m. there will be food trucks to satisfy every taste, along with live music and community fun.
The Family Fun Zone will be open on the east playground from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and the City Park pool will be open from noon-4 p.m.
The Fort Collins Trolley will be running from for free from noon-5 p.m. Learn More >
Fireworks!!
Enjoy an amazing FREE fireworks show at Sheldon Lake in City Park @ 9:35pm. Take our complimentary bikes or the trolley and a blanket over and get setup to watch the show!
2026 Event Schedule:
- 7:30 am: FireKracker 5K and Stars & Stripes Golf Tournament
- 11 am – 3 pm: Family Fun Zone featuring bounce houses including a water slide (bring a towel or change of clothes), Misting/Cooling stations, DJ, Balloon twister, Photobooth and Freddy the Yeti!
- 11 am – 1 pm: A Walk Through History and Touch-a-Truck Area
- 11 am – 9 pm: Food trucks
- Noon – 4 pm: Special hours at City Park Pool
- Noon – 5 pm: Trolley rides from City Park to Old Town
- Live Music
- The Robin Lewis Band
- Salsa Forte
- The Pamlico Sound