Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Colorado Springs
The 4th of July has arrived and it’s time to celebrate our nation’s birthday with festivities and fun. Yes, that’s right, Independence Day is nearly here, and we are excited! It’s time to party in the U.S.A., friends, and there are very few places that can do it quite as spectacularly as Southern Colorado. This year, we’re sharing more than just fireworks celebrations, just in case there are hot and dry conditions that result in cancelations.
Free Fireworks Shows in Southern Colorado
You don’t have to buy a ticket to catch some of the best fireworks displays in the Pikes Peak region. These free 4th of July fireworks shows are priced right for Independence Day: $0.
Fireworks in Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek is hosting a spectacular fireworks display on the 4th of July, but the fun begins even earlier than that. This family-friendly event runs July 4-5, with lots to see and do all day long.
Pay a visit to the Cripple Creek Heritage Center first to meet everyone’s favorite mining mascots, the Cripple Creek wild donkeys. Local food trucks will be there to help keep you going until the show starts in the evening and kids can check out first responder vehicles and activities. Along Bennet Avenue, the American Legion will also be hosting family fun, including the chance to ring the bell for freedom, a beer garden, live music, kiddie games, classic cars and visits from Victorian personalities.
The fireworks show aims to be impressive, considering the open skies and mountain backdrop! If you’ve never had the chance to enjoy a fireworks show away from light pollution, you’re in for a great experience. Head up early in the day to beat the traffic and enjoy some of the town’s historic attractions like the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour or the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. The fireworks will begin after 9:30 and as late as 10 p.m. (they don’t have the luxury of the mountain to darken the sky earlier). They can be viewed from points in and outside of town. Bring a few blankets for that mountain evening chill!
Note: The American Legion will welcome visitors back on Saturday with more family entertainment, vendors and activities. Then, get ready for the evening street dance, running through 9 p.m.
Banning Lewis Ranch 4th of July Celebration
If you do not manage to escape the crowds and visit the Cripple Creek fireworks display, you can still find one free 4th of July event in Colorado Springs! Banning Lewis Ranch will be hosting an afternoon and evening celebration that is open to the public. This event will likely be very popular so it is important to arrive early if you want to secure a good view. Fortunately, the event starts around 3 p.m., giving you plenty of time to arrive before the show at 9 p.m.
The Banning Lewis Ranch July 4th celebration begins at 3 p.m. when the local food trucks open. At 4 p.m., the free bounce houses open for the kids. At 7 p.m., the community welcome musical guest Wirewood Station to entertain until the show at 9 p.m.
The community recommends that visitors try to carpool or ride/walk to the event, as it will be crowded. Please be respectful of yards and landscaping and remember to leave your pets at home.
Ticketed and Private Fireworks Shows
If you don’t want to worry about finding the perfect place to set up your fireworks viewing area, you can always take the stress away by attending a ticketed event. We have also included a list of members-only events, just in case you’re lucky enough to have the option.
The Star-Spangled Symphony & 4th of July Fireworks at
Ford Amphitheater ($12+)
Friday, July 4, 2025 | Gates Open: 5:30 p.m. | Show: 6:30 p.m. | Fireworks @ 9 p.m. | Buy Tickets
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic will be performing a huge selection of patriotic tunes and familiar favorites at the Ford Amphitheater for a special 4th of July concert. The evening promises hits from Billy Joel and the Rolling Stones, plus special guest performances from School of Rock and bands from Harrison District 2. The program also includes the powerful 1812 Overture, complete with everyone’s favorite explosive finale. Fireworks begin at around 9 p.m. If you want the best view of the fireworks, the venue recommends the back, or on the lawn. For the best sound, get a close seat. This event will see tickets go extremely fast. Beware of overpriced resell tickets. Original prices are quite low and you should not overpay for seats. Find one of the free or other ticketed shows instead.
Celebrate with the Switchbacks ($50+)
Friday, July 4, 2025 | Gates Open: 6 p.m. | Game: 7 p.m. | Fireworks after game. | Buy Tickets
You have to buy tickets to catch this special firework spectacular, but you’re not going to mind. Weidner Field puts you right in the heart of Colorado Springs’ nightlife and they are promising the best fireworks show in Southern Colorado. The stadium plans to give away 2,000 bucket hats to guests, so arrive early to ensure you are extra festive. Tickets start at $50, but you’ll have a guaranteed seat and instant access to food and beer at vendors throughout the stadium. The Switchbacks will be playing Louisville City FC beginning at 7 p.m. If you can’t buy a ticket, secure a safe spot in the nearby park or near the U.S. Olympic Museum and Paralympic Museum and get all the 4th of July fun for free. When you’re all done, be sure to stroll into Downtown Colorado Springs for drinks or post-game snacks.
Vibin’ with the Rocky Mountain Vibes ($19+)
July 3, 4, 5, 2025 | Gates Open: 5 p.m. | Game: 6:30 p.m. | Fireworks after game. | Buy Tickets
The Rocky Mountain Vibes want to be extra sure you get your chance to see some fireworks with three nights of amazing displays stating July 3. Technically, the July 5 display will be to celebrate Rodeo Night in the Rockies, but if you’ve ever visited the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame here in Colorado Springs, you know that the rodeo and independence are a perfect match.
The Vibes have long been home to weekly fireworks shows sponsored by local businesses. They put on a great display and there’s not a bad seat to be found once they launch. In addition to the show, you’ll enjoy lots of ballpark favorites, like hot dogs, beer, nachos and more. The Vibes firework crew puts on a very cool show. Just ask the neighbors. Tickets start at $19 and there’s even an option for field seating. It’s on a big hill, so you can lay out a blanket and look straight up at the sky once the show begins.
List of Private Shows
Independence Day Events in Colorado Springs without Fireworks
Not everyone is a fan of fireworks, so we also like to make a list of places for people to visit that won’t light up the sky. We can’t guarantee that people in surrounding neighborhoods won’t have any fireworks, but we can tell you that they won’t be the point of these events. Let’s look at your options for a firework-free Independence Day.
Independence Day Weekend at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park has always offered lots of fun and exciting activities to help guests celebrate Independence Day in the Pikes Peak region. This year is no exception, with musical entertainment by Deja Bluz, plus face painting for the kiddos and all the other magical park activities available for purchase like the aerial gondolas, Skycoaster and Tommy Knocker Playland. You can even zipline or try out the cliffside Via Ferrata, led by confident, knowledgeable guides. Of course, there’s also the wonder of the Royal Gorge Bridge to enjoy, plus good eats in the park café.
Green Box Art Festival Block Party
This free party won’t have fireworks, but it will have a little (safe) fire! Hosted in the stunning town of Green Mountain falls, you’ll have an opportunity to spend the 4th of July in an environment unlike any other. During the day, visitors to the festival can participate in a lantern-building design studio for the evening launch. Hiking, art walks and yoga will also be available. In the afternoon, attendees can pay $10 and help “judge” the pie contest — or be a participant. The block party begins at 6 p.m. with music from Aerial Aura & the Badda Boom Brass Band starting up at 7 p.m. Now, you’re probably wondering, what about the fire thing? Instead of fireworks, attendees will launch lanterns on Gazebo Lake. It’s a different kind of evening for folks who like their party with an extra dash of chill. Learn about it here.
We hope this list sets you up for a fabulous Fourth of July in Colorado Springs, whether it’s spent cooking out and dancing to live music, oohing and aahing to stunning fireworks or all of the above.