4th of July FUN in Northwest Colorado

June 30, 2026 Shannon Lukens

By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News.

Here’s a look at some of the fun activities happening over the 4th of July holiday weekend. For any additions or changes, please send an email to Shannon@SteamboatRadio.com

Steamboat Springs Police, Hayden Police, Craig Police, the Sheriff’s Offices in Routt and Moffat County, and the Town of Yampa are all reinforcing the message that fireworks are prohibited and will not be tolerated, due to the elevated wildfire danger throughout the region.

Thursday, July 2

Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo presents Cowboy Roundup Days is at Romick Rodeo Arena at Howelsen Hill. Gates will open earlier at 4:30 p.m. with rodeo action starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets — July 4th Cowboys’ Roundup Days

The 250^th Anniversary of America is being celebrated at the Bank of Colorado in Craig on Thursday, July 2. The local VFW is also joining in for the Spirit of America celebration, and to raise money for upgrades to their building. Stop by between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 250 W. Victory Way in Craig. Call 970-824-9421 for more information.

Steamboat Resort hosts Sunset Happy Hour at the top of Thunderhead. Tickets are sold on site at the base of Steamboat Gondola. 26/27 Pass holders (Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass), 2026 Steamboat Bike Park Season Pass, or 2026 Summer Scenic Gondola Pass are free. Non-pass holders are $30. Gondola uploading starts at 5 p.m. The last upload is at 8:30 a.m. The final download is at 9:30 p.m. The band is Sugar Britches.

Friday, July 3

Watch some of the world’s best ski jumpers training for the Jumpin’ and Jammin’ Ski Jumping Extravaganza on the 4th of July. They’ll be practicing at Howelsen Hill from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 3.

July 3

Steamboat’s Olympic athletes will be honored in a celebration and flag dedication, from 4-5:30 p.m. in Olympian Hall at Howelsen Hill. These are some of the 13 athletes who competed in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.

List of athletes confirmed to attend so far include Jason Colby (ski jumping), Niklas Malacinski (Nordic combined), Riley Jacobs (freeski halfpipe), Landon Wendler (freestyle moguls), Maddy Schaffrick (snowboard halfpipe) and Cody Winters (snowboard cross and snowboard alpine race) who attend in person and be available to sign posters.

July 3

Friday, July 3, is Scholarship Day at the Howler Alpine Slide. All proceeds from ticket sales today go the Scholarship Fund for Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.

Ticket pricing:

Single Ride: $21 for adults, $17 for youth (13 and under) and military
Child Ride-Along (under 48” tall): $12 (with a paying adult)
Additional Rides: $10 each
All-Day Passes: $49 for adults, $42 for youth, $32 for child ride-alongs
Scenic Chairlift Rides: $12
Mountain Bike Transport: $16 for rider and bike, all day passes are available

Group rates are available for parties, teams, birthdays and weddings. Children under 2 years old are not permitted to ride.

July 3 — “Walter Day” Brings History to Life

On July 3, 2026, families are invited to step into the past during “Walter Day,” a day of food, fun, and dinosaur-themed activities, hosted by Colorado Northwestern Community College.

9 a.m. – Noon: The Rangely Outdoor Museum will unveil a Walter kiosk and statue.
3 – 5 p.m.: Festivities continue at the Craig Administrative Building and grounds.

The day promises interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences designed to make local history accessible and exciting for all ages. Those interested in supporting or learning more about the 2026 events may contact Lisa Jones at lisa.jones@cncc.edu.

Courtesy photos

July 3

Friday, July 3, is the kickoff to “Meet the Stars – A Pickleball Center Benefit Weekend,” at the Steamboat Tennis & Pickleball Center. Top pickleball pros, JW Johnson and Jorja Johnson, a sibling duo, are in town to play local pickleball players and help raise money to support the new Pickleball Center facility and programs. Bidding is open (through 5 p.m. on Friday, June 26) to play with the pros or have a private game session.

Link to Auction

The Antlers Independence Festival, featuring Todd Park Mohr (of Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is the featured artist, with special guest The Wilder Blue.

Rio Blanco County Historical Society is hosting a Milk Creek Battlefield Tour. It’s at 9 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Milk Creek Battlefield Park., about 16 miles north of Meeker, on County Road 15. Taps will be played by Tom Allen, in honor of those who died in the battle. A Ute prayer will be given by Larry Cesspooch, who was born on the Uintah & Ouray Ute Reservation. He began to serve as a spiritual leader after serving in Vietnam.

Friday night is First Friday Artwalk. Explore the galleries and art venues throughout downtown Steamboat Springs, with wine, music, and artists on hand. First Friday Artwalk starts at 5 p.m.

Steamboat Springs History Museum has the Brown Bag Summer Storytelling Series from noon to 1 p.m.

Saturday, July 4

There is no Farmer’s Market on the 4th of July. There are no fireworks in Craig, Steamboat Springs, Yampa, or at Steamboat Lake.

The Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast is from 7-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Little Toots Park.

4th of July Parade in Steamboat Springs — 10 a.m. on Saturday, the 4^th of July, down Lincoln Ave. in downtown Steamboat Springs. This year’s theme is 250/150: Celebrating our Pioneers, Patriots & Peaks. The parade starts at 10 a.m. on the 4^th, which is a Saturday this year.

On the 4th of July, the Routt County veterans will have a flag raising at 8 a.m. in front of the Veterans Center at 924 Lincoln Ave. They will then be passing out flags for the parade. Then stop by The Veterans Center afterwards for hot dogs, food and fun at the free Annual Independence Day lunch.

The 21st annual Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Jumpin’ & Jammin’ Ski Jumping Extravaganza returns to Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The event, presented by The Howler Alpine Slide and Howelsen Hill, will feature more than 80 of the top Nordic Combined and ski jumping athletes in the country. Steamboat alums and US National Team athletes Alexa Brabec, Erik Belshaw, Annika Belshaw, Niklas Malacinski, Annika Malacinski, and Jason Colby will attend the event. Athletes start jumping after the parade, around 11 a.m., from the HS75 jump, flying up to 225 feet.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, camp chairs, umbrellas, and water bottles.

Jumpin’ and Jammin’ event is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 per person and $10 per family to support Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club athletes and the ski jumping and nordic combined program.

The Howelsen Howler Alpine Slide will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4 and is also located at the base of Howelsen Hill. The slide is open seven days a week.

Steamboat Resort Fourth of July Celebration

The retro roller rink, located on Skeeter’s lawn, opens at 2 p.m. and runs through the evening until 10 p.m. Skates are available for rent on site.
For anyone who would like to participate in the Strider bike parade, free onsite decorating will take place from 3-5 p.m., with the parade beginning at 5 p.m.
Following the parade, around 5:30 p.m., the dance party officially begins with a DJ playing throwback hits from across the decades. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in costume with a chance to win prizes from our roaming prize squad.
From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. the Steamboat Summer Music Series sponsored by Aperol kicks off with the 6 Million Dollar Band.
An encore DJ set will wrap up the night following the band and will close out the evening at 10:30 p.m. **No drone show this year.

More details are on the Steamboat Resort website.

4th of July Parade in Yampa. The parade starts at 1 p.m. through the town of Yampa. FIREWORKS IN YAMPA HAVE BEEN CANCELED THIS YEAR because of the extremely high fire danger.

The SoRoCo Girls Basketball team is hosting a 4^th of July Pancake Breakfast from 7-10 a.m. on the 4^th of July. It’s at the Ladies Aid Hall in Yampa. For $5, enjoy All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, coffee and OJ.

July 4

Independence Day parade in Craig on Victory Way. It starts at 10 a.m. This year, the parade celebrates 250 years of America and 150 years of Colorado and 115 years of Moffat County. No entry fee but donations are accepted. Reach out to VFW Post 4265 at 970-905-0049 or email vfwpost4265@gmail.com for more information. All veterans are invited to participate. There will be floats to ride on.

Fireworks in Craig are canceled this year.

July 4-5

Ride ‘n Tie Rodeo is at the Moffat County Fairgrounds in Craig. The CPRA Rodeo starts at 7 p.m. on the 4^th of July, and then at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. A Junior Rodeo is at 10 a.m. on July 5. Admission is $10. Kids 10 and under are free and can join in on the Mutton Bustin’ & Mini Bronc Riding.

July 4 — Celebrate Independence Day Weekend at the 141st Meeker Range Call Rodeo!

Join the fun in Meeker, Colorado, for an unforgettable 4th of July weekend packed with fun for the whole family.

🎯 Your ONE wristband gets you into ALL the events, including:
🐎 CPRA Rodeo
🤠 Historical Re-enactments
🎉 Parade
💃 Barn Dance featuring Winchester Road
🛍️ Vendor Market
🎆 Fireworks on the 4th
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tons of family-friendly events all weekend long!

🎸 Friday, July 3rd: Don’t miss The Frontmen—three legends in one band—with special guest Ingrid Andress live in concert!

🎟️ Get your wristband and see the full schedule at meekerrangecall.com.

Proudly brought to you by KRAI 55 Country and the Steamboat Radio family of stations.

July 4

Baggs Fire & Rescue is hosting a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. It’s at 7 a.m. on the 4^th of July in front of the Valley Community Center in Baggs, Wyoming.

Baggs, Wyoming, is also hosting a 4^th of July Fireworks Show, weather permitting. Baggs Fire & Rescue says it will happen in the outdoor arena at Russell Community Park as long as it isn’t windy.

Sunday, July 5

The Steamboat Running Series hosts the eight-mile Hahns Peak Vertical Trail Race. Register through Running Series.com. Start time is 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, July 5 — Steamboat Resort hosts Sunset Happy Hour at the top of Thunderhead. Tickets are sold on site at the base of Steamboat Gondola. 26/27 Pass holders (Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass), 2026 Steamboat Bike Park Season Pass, or 2026 Summer Scenic Gondola Pass are free. Non-pass holders are $30. Gondola uploading starts at 5 p.m. The last upload is at 8:30 a.m. The final download is at 9:30 p.m. The band is The Ridgeliners.

Snow Bowl — Mattie Silks on July 5

Here are some tips from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Photo courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Know before you go: Outdoor resources for Fourth of July activities

DENVER — Ahead of the holiday weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages outdoor recreationists to act as stewards for the state’s land, wildlife and water by balancing outdoor recreation with mindful conservation.

Below are tips and resources for recreating responsibly and showing respect for Colorado’s great outdoors.

Know Before You Go
As Colorado navigates drought conditions this year, CPW is monitoring boating and water closures at state parks and wildlife areas. Lower water levels can affect boating access or capacity, including potential boat ramp closures.

Choose your location based on the weather forecast and your activity based on your skill level and safety gear.
Plan your visit with the Quick Guide to State Parks or the Colorado State Parks Guide (Guía De Los Parques Naturales).
Camping reservations at Colorado state parks are required.
Colorado residents can use a Keep Colorado Wild Pass to enter state parks.
Find park events and classes on the CPW Events Calendar.
Stay hydrated. Bring more water than you think you (and your pet) will need.

Boating and River Safety
Life jackets truly save lives, and the majority of water-related deaths occur because people do not wear them. Colorado waters are not monitored by lifeguards. A life jacket will keep your head above water and support your body should you stop swimming or become unconscious.

Wear a life jacket.
Take a boater safety course.
Find a CPW life jacket loaner station to borrow a life jacket.
Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
Heavy rain can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.
Water flows on streams and river bottoms can be inconsistent, so beware of rocks and unmarked hazards below the surface.
Only boat or paddle in conditions you are comfortable and confident in.
Boat and raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
Bring layers of clothing for elevation and changing weather conditions, and a sound-producing device (whistle, horn) if you need to call for help.
“Clean, drain and dry” your boat, wet equipment, waders and boots. Use a CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Station to decontaminate your gear.

Be Careful with Fire
Large wildfires are currently burning in Colorado. With no moisture in the forecast, low humidity, and gusty winds, dry vegetation can cause rapid fire growth. Officials warn that a single spark from a campfire, vehicle or grill can ignite a fast-moving wildfire.

Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com and download the free COTREX app to stay informed and safe during outdoor activities.
Where permitted, only build campfires inside permanent metal fire rings in designated campgrounds.
Remove all dry grass, leaves and pine needles within a 10-foot radius of any flame.
Extinguish fires completely with water until ashes are cold to the touch.
Never leave a fire or stove unattended. If you see an unattended fire, call 911.
Avoid parking or driving cars on tall, dry grass where hot exhaust can ignite a fire.
Ensure trailer chains do not drag or spark on asphalt.

Fireworks that explode or leave the ground are strictly illegal for personal use everywhere in Colorado. This includes bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, mortars and cherry bombs.

Stick to Trails
It’s important to stick to trails to avoid erosion and damage to plants.

Use the State Park Finder to explore maps of Colorado state parks.
Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads, trail maps and closure alerts.
Respect trail closures — they’re closed for a reason.
Park in designated areas — undesignated parking can block outdoor first-responder vehicles in an emergency.

Trash the Trash
Throw all your trash into the trash cans and help keep our outdoor spaces clean.

Pack it in, pack it out. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you.
Don’t leave pet waste bags on the trail.

Keep Wildlife Wild
Many wildlife species are birthing young or emerging from hibernation.

Leave young wildlife alone.
Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance.
Be BearWise on trails and around your home to help reduce human-bear conflicts.
Keep dogs leashed on trails to prevent them from chasing wildlife.
If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, call your local CPW Office and ask a trained wildlife officer for guidance.

To schedule a media interview, contact a CPW Public Information Officer. If possible, please schedule interviews before Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Learn more about outdoor recreation opportunities in Colorado at cpw.state.co.us.