Celebrate Independence Day in Fort Collins!#
Presented in partnership with Elevations Credit Union, there is a full day of activities planned for July 4. View the schedule below, along with important safety and parking information, and make plans to join in on the fun.
Day of Event Schedule#
- FireKracker 5k
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Learn more about the FireKracker 5k and sign up to participate.
- Food Truck Rally
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Grab food from your favorite local food truck!
- Independence Day Parade
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The annual Independence Day Parade will travel westbound on Mountain Avenue between Howes Street and Jackson Avenue.
- City Park Pool Special Hours
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Trying to get to City Park Pool? Visitors are encouraged to find parking in nearby neighborhoods and walk to the pool. No drop off or car access will be available within City Park, or S. Bryan Avenue.
Please note if the pool reaches capacity, there may be a wait. Entry will be based on a one-out/one-in model.
- Family Fun Zone
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Stop by the Elevations Credit Union Family Fun Zone for games and giveaways throughout the afternoon!
- Trolley Rides
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Trolley rides are free for the day thanks to Elevations Credit Union! Learn more about the trolley and schedule online here.
- Live Music
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4-5 p.m. - FoCo Motown Revue
5:30-6:30 p.m. - The Patti Fiasco
7-8:30 p.m. - Funky Business
- Fireworks Celebration
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Free shuttle service available from Transfort!
Need ADA parking? Designated ADA parking spots are available along Sheldon Drive, accessible via eastbound Mulberry Street.
Street Closures & Parking Information
The Independence Day Community Celebration events will impact traffic in and around City Park. Please follow all road closures and no parking signs in the area.
Planning for these closures could eliminate unnecessary conflicts, like parking tickets and towing, and provide time for parking elsewhere.
Review the maps, street closures, and parking guidance by clicking the button below as you make plans to enjoy the festivities.
Event FAQs#
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Where can I park?
Parking will be limited in and around the Independence Day festivities. Please follow all road closures and no parking signs in the area. See a list of all road closures online here.
Are pets allowed?
For the safety of pets and community members, please leave all animals at home.
What should I leave at home?
- Alcohol - no open containers of alcohol are permitted in public areas
- Fireworks - all fireworks are strictly prohibited except as part of scheduled official events
- Pets - for the safety of them and community members, please leave animals at home
What if I have a safety concern?
“See Something, Say Something!” Call 970-419-FCPD(3273) to report suspicious activities and packages; or contact emergency authorities along the parade route.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. Remain calm; listen to all questions asked; provide short answers and know the address or easily identified landmarks from where you are calling.
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When does the parade start?
The parade starts at 10 a.m. on July 4. Parade viewers are welcome to arrive along the route any time after 8 a.m. to secure a space to enjoy the event.
Where can I park?
Parking can be found on surrounding streets, please do not block access to residences or alleyways. Click here for more information regarding street closures in the area.
Where's the parade route?
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.
Are there bathrooms available at the parade?
The City places some extra port o lets near the parade area, but please plan ahead that there will likely be a walk to the nearest location. If you need a restroom while at the parade, port o lets will be located near the following intersections: Shields/Mountain, Grant/Mountain, and the corner of Howes/Mountain.
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What is the Family Fun Zone?
The Family Fun Zone is an area filled with games and giveaways, courtesy of Elevations Credit Union.
Where is the Family Fun Zone?
The Family Fun Zone will be located in City Park, east of the playground, in the sports fields along Oak Street.
Where can I listen to live music?
Live music will be performed from a stage on the east side of Sheldon Drive.
When will live music be performed?
Live music will take place from 3:30-8:30 p.m. See the schedule above for a full list of performances and start times.
Where are the food trucks?
Food trucks will be located in City Park, along Sheldon Drive and City Park Drive.
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Where are the fireworks?
The fireworks display on July 4 is a tradition of splendor and awe in Fort Collins. The display takes place over Sheldon Lake at City Park.
What time do the fireworks start?
The fireworks celebration begins at 9:35 p.m., depending on wind and weather conditions.
Where can I park?
Parking is not permitted in City Park on July 4. Parking around City Park's perimeter will be limited. For more information about street closures in the area and alternative modes of transportation click here.
Can I bring my dog?
For the safety of pets and community members, please leave all animals at home.
What if there's bad weather?
During a weather event, the fireworks display may be delayed until 10:30 p.m. If the weather has not cleared by 10:30 p.m., the display will be postponed to the following day, July 5 at 9:35 p.m.
The event planning committee, along with Poudre Fire Authority and Fort Collins Police Services monitor the weather throughout the day and will inform the community through various communications regarding any delays or cancelations.
Sign up for text alerts by texting FoCo4th to 888-777.
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