There’s something truly special about spending the Fourth of July in the cool mountain air of Crested Butte and Gunnison, Colorado. These vibrant towns come alive with festive energy, community pride, and small-town charm, creating an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. The celebrations begin on July 3rd with live music, food, and fireworks at the base of Mt. Crested Butte—perfect for kicking off the holiday with family and friends.
On July 4th, the excitement continues with a full day of classic events like the pancake breakfast, a colorful parade down Elk Avenue, the bustling vendor village, and the beloved water fight hosted by the local fire department. The evening wraps up with live music and a headline concert at the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, while Gunnison offers its own festive flair with fireworks and fun in Jorgensen Park. It’s the kind of celebration that reminds you why mountain summers are simply the best.
Check on the details below of the local 4th of July events:
July 3rd – Crested Butte & Gunnison
Mt. Crested Butte Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
- Where: Red Lady Stage, Crested Butte Mountain Resort Base Area
- When: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Gates open at 3:30 PM)
- What: Family-friendly concert featuring Rachel VanSlyke, Twenty Hands High, and Devon Worley Band. Enjoy food, drinks, children’s activities, and a fireworks display at dark.
Rail Jam Competition
- Where: CBMR Pump Track
- When: Registration at 10:00 AM; Competition at 1:00 PM
- What: Summer ski and snowboard tricks competition.
Blitzen Trapper Concert
- Where: Center for the Arts, Crested Butte
- When: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- What: Live performance by indie folk band Blitzen Trapper.
Holiday Dance with Pete Dunda Band
- Where: Three Rivers Resort, Almont
- When: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- What: Live music and dancing featuring polkas, waltzes, swing, Latin, and country music.
July 4th – Crested Butte & Gunnison
50th Annual Pancake Breakfast
- Where: Crested Butte Fire Station, 306 Maroon Ave
- When: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- What: Pancake breakfast supporting local fire and EMS services, with ladder truck rides, lawn games, and balloon art.
Crested Butte 4th of July Parade
- Where: Elk Avenue, Crested Butte
- When: Parade begins at 11:00 AM
- What: Eclectic parade featuring floats, classic cars, and the Crested Butte Fire Protection District.
Annual Water Fight
- Where: Big Mine Arena, Crested Butte
- When: Immediately following the parade
- What: Community water fight led by the Crested Butte Fire Department.
Vendor Village & Street Party
- Where: Intersection of Elk Ave and 3rd St
- When: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- What: Live music, food, face painting, nonprofit booths, and a beer and wine garden.
Music on the Mountain: BoomBox
- Where: Red Lady Stage, Crested Butte Mountain Resort
- When: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- What: Live performance by electronic rock duo BoomBox, with opener JUST HOW.
Gunnison 4th of July Celebration
- Where: Jorgensen Park, Gunnison
- When: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- What: Kids games, food court, beer garden, SUP demos, Pup & SUP race, live music by Stoplight Observations at 6:30 PM, and fireworks at 9:30 PM.
Cattlemen’s Days Carnival
- Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds
- When: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- What: Traditional carnival with rides, games, and food.
Will you be celebrating July 4th in the mountains with the community? Whether you’re enjoying the parade on Elk Avenue or watching fireworks burst over Mt. Crested Butte, it’s a perfect time to experience the vibrant spirit of our community.
And if the beauty and energy of the Gunnison Valley have you thinking about making this place a more permanent part of your life, I’d love to help with your real estate goals. Let’s explore your options, connect and make your real estate goals a reality.