Aspen is putting on its annual Old Fashioned 4th of July and you're invited! Bring your family and friends because there's an event for everyone in town on Independence Day.
Aspen’s 4th of July 2021 celebrates “Stars, Stripes, & Aspen, Forever!” This year’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July festivities feature a stationary parade, music, lights and more! Join ACRA and the Aspen community as we commemorate Independence Day.
Fitness Before Food
Start your July 4th celebrations on the right foot and register for Boogie's Buddy Race at 8am. Participants can choose between a 5-mile race or 1-mile canine and family walk. Whichever you choose will support The Buddy Program, an organization inspiring youth through mentoring experiences. Running not your style? There will also be free yoga on the lawn at Red Brick Aspen. You can also check out Arjuna Yoga or O2 Aspen for an early morning July 4th yoga class.
Picnics + Parties + Parades
Aspen's 4th of July celebrations are about tasty food and family activities. The kids bicycle decorating kicks off at 9am in Paepcke Park to ride in the Kids Bike Parade at 10am. Participation in the parade is free, but all must register! This year will feature a stationary parade for the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade where the streets will be closed in the Downtown Core.
Aspen’s traditional Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade has been reimagined this year to provide a safe and responsible celebration. Rather than a walking Parade, The City of Aspen will feature the parade participants at various stationary display exhibit locations throughout the downtown core and will invite the public to stroll through the “stationary Parade” on their own from 10am - 1pm on July 4th. Participation is free and open to all local organizations, businesses, individuals and groups. Participants are encouraged to get creative with displays, costumes and activities that promotes their organization and safely provides 4th of July fun and entertainment for the public. All participants must register with the City of Aspen by 5pm on Monday, June 28th and all exhibits must thematically align with the theme: Stars, Stripes and Aspen Forever! Space is limited & registration is mandatory.
How To: Enjoy a Stationary Parade this Year:
- Reimagined and Reignited: Responsible, safe and with room to roam - the strategically placed exhibits around town over several hours allows for the spirit of Aspen's 4th of July celebrations to live on.
- Stroll at Your Own Pace: Take 20 minutes or take a couple of hours exploring the unique and creative ways each exhibitor expresses this year's theme of "Stars, Stripes & Aspen Forever".
- Keep the Kids Happy (and busy!) Visit the Kid's Zone in Wagner Park, swing by the Create and Take Station at the Aspen Art Museum then head to the parade exhibit.
- Beat the Heat: No need to camp out all day in the heat for a prime parade spot, Take a break, cool off and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant along the way! Enjoy strolling through shops as you stroll through their AC or lounge out in the shade at one of Aspen's many parks.
Music + The Arts
Want to sit back and enjoy a show before the late night festivities? If you're looking forward to enjoying some local tunes, the Aspen Music Festival & School will be performing some patriotic favorites at 4pm in the Benedict Music Tent. Got your dancing shoes on? Stop by Belly Up for legendary DJ Kygo perfmoring at 9:30 pm.
Afterdark
Following a day of celebrations, downtown Aspen will come alive starting at 8:30 p.m. People are invited to stroll through downtown embracing Aspen’s Fourth of July spirit and enjoying glowing live performances on the Hyman and Cooper Avenue pedestrian malls. The grand finale for the evening will be a spectacular laser light display in Wagner Park. There will be no fireworks show due to firework restrictions. All evening events are free.
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*This year will feature a stationary parade rather than a moving parade as shown in the video from a previous year of the 4th of July in Aspen.