Get ready to ring in the Fourth of July with some of the most iconic events in Steamboat Springs. The largest pro rodeo event of the summer will have special performances to ring in Independence Day and there will be the annual parade and Jumpin’ and Jammin’ Ski Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill.
Lions Club Pancake Breakfast
Where? 55 12th Street
Hosted each year at Little Toots Park, this free breakfast is well-loved within the Steamboat Springs community. On July 4th, head to the park between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM before watching the parade to get a plate full of your favorite hearty breakfast staple. The pancakes should hold you over until you reach the food vendors that will be on-site near the Howelsen Ski Hill for the ski jumping competition!
Nordic Combined Competition: 1K Run & 3K Roller Ski
Where? 845 Howelsen Parkway
Head over to Yampa on July 4th to spectate and cheer on the Nordic athletes! The 1K Nordic combined run kicks off at 9:15 AM and the 3K roller ski race begins at 9:30 AM. Both events are scheduled for before the parade, so you can support the participants before heading over to cheer on the bands and marchers and choose your favorite float.
Fourth of July Parade
📷 Photo courtesy of the Steamboat Springs Chamber
Where? Lincoln Avenue
The annual parade kicks off the day of festivities for both locals and tourists and is one of the most highly anticipated parts of the 4th of July celebration in Steamboat Springs. Families will line the streets to witness the various floats, marching bands, and colorful outfits on display. Floats can be registered by local businesses or organizations. Starting at 10:00 AM, the parade participants will make their way from 6th Street to 10th Street — so grab a prime viewing spot and wave flags and cheer on the grand marshals and various community groups that help to make this event possible. Local judges will be on-site to rate floats on creativity, originality, and spirit.
Jumpin’ and Jammin’ Ski Jumping Extravaganza
Where? 845 Howelsen Parkway
This classic Steamboat Springs 4th of July celebration takes place at Howelsen Hill. Spectators will watch 80 of the country’s best Nordic combined and ski jumping athletes as they soar 220+ feet over the crowd from the HS75 jump at 2:00 PM! Set up your camping chairs or a blanket so you can stake out your spot on the grass. There will be food vendors on site, as well as holiday-themed activities and games. There will also be live musical performances and craft tables such as face painting! No outside alcohol is allowed but there will be plenty of options for libations on site — from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and B&K Distributing!
4th of July Pro Rodeo
Where? 401 Howelsen Parkway
The roots of the rodeo in Steamboat Springs date back over 100 years. For many families, this is one of the highlights of the summer months, and cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at the Romick Arena is a tradition during the 4th of July celebrations. The rodeo kicks off with some melt-in-your-mouth BBQ and music before the performances, which are scheduled for 6:30 PM. Children 6 and under are free and adult tickets start at $25 for uncovered seating — or $30 for covered!
4th of July Bash Drone Show
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
This year’s 4th of July celebration will differ slightly from that of last year, as the city of Steamboat Springs is no longer sanctioning a celebratory fireworks show like the one near Yampa. Instead of fireworks, enjoy the captivating sight of an illuminating drone show over the Steamboat Ski Resort. Spectators of all ages will be mesmerized by this display that’s safe for the environment while still being as enchanting as a traditional fireworks show.
Additional Ways to Celebrate the 4th in Steamboat Springs
If you want to skip the crowds and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Steamboat Springs, here are a few ideas for inspiration. Gather your closest friends and family to enjoy an afternoon BBQ and wow the kids with sparklers once the sun goes down!
Spend the Day on the Water
If you want to skip the bustling parade and you’re not intrigued by the ski jumping extravaganza, keep the day low-key by going for a float down the Yampa River or renting a paddle board to enjoy the cool breeze coming off of the water. Whether you enjoy fishing, swimming or simply relaxing outside — you can’t go wrong with these family-friendly summertime activities. Steamboat Springs also has its very own hot springs at Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs if you prefer a warmer soak.
Say “Cheers” to the USA with a Craft Beer
Explore the Steamboat Brew Trail to celebrate the nation’s independence celebration. Some favorite local breweries in Steamboat Springs include Mountain Tap Brewery where you can enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza with your local brew and Yampa Valley Brewing with a beautiful patio space to sit back, relax and sip on a beer. Storm Peak Brewing Company brews a range of beers, so there’s always something new to sample, and The Barley Tap and Tavern provides some of the finest beers, spirits, and cocktails in the area.
Check Out Some Local Hikes
If you’re eager to get outside and enjoy the July weather this 4th, Steamboat Springs is in close proximity to some epic hikes. Embark on the short yet picturesque route to Fish Creek Falls or make the short jaunt to the Spring Creek trailhead that’s great for families of all ages and abilities. Hop on the Yampa River Core Trail to follow the gurgling sounds of the river and enjoy the various opportunities to take in scenic overlooks and picnic spots along the route. Start your hike early so you can make it back to town in time for the rodeo!
Celebrate Independence with a Family BBQ
Breaking out the grill on the 4th of July is a staple for families across the country. No worries if you don’t have a space at home for a grill, however! These local Steamboat Springs parks have BBQ amenities:
- West Lincoln Park
- Howelsen Park
- Little Toots Park
- Memorial Park
- Emerald Park
- Fetcher Park
- Rotary Park
- Whistler Park
So grab the burger patties and hotdogs and all the fixings and invite out your favorite people to enjoy an afternoon in the park. Kiddos can enjoy playing on the playground or the volleyball court at Howelsen Park. Keep in mind — all Steamboat Springs parks enforce leash laws for the pups!
Go for an Adventure on Horseback
Want to take a unique journey into Steamboat’s Western history and culture? Take the reins on your adventure and get a horse-eye view of the striking mountain landscape. With multiple ranches and local outfitters, you’ll have several trail-riding options to choose from. CR Summit offers trail and meadow or arena riding or a BYO picnic lunch outing. Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch offers 2-hour summer trail rides across elk and deer habitats, and family-friendly buggy tours! Saddleback Ranch provides a picnic lunch experience, as well as cattle drives from May through September.
Take the Family Camping
Want to skip town altogether and enjoy the quiet solitude of spending a couple of nights in the woods? The prime location of Steamboat makes it a good jumping-off point for various campgrounds, including Stagecoach State Park, Pearl Lake, and Hahns Peak Lake Campground. Enjoy prime fishing access, tucked-away hiking trails, and spectacular views all around. Remember, wherever you choose to camp — leave no trace of your visit. In fact, leaving the place better than you found it is a great way to care for the beautiful natural environment and the wildlife that calls it home.
A Note on Fireworks in Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs will not be setting off a firework display as part of the city’s Independence Day celebrations and festivities. The local community places a strong emphasis on preventing wildfires, especially during the summer months. Professionally licensed shows scheduled in Steamboat Springs for events such as New Year’s Eve, the Winter Carnival, and Light Up the Night have all received permits from the Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue.
Keep in mind that illegal fireworks in Colorado include: firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles, cherry bombs, and mortars. As a rule of thumb, if it explodes or leaves the ground — it’s illegal in The Centennial State. Permissible options include smaller firework devices such as fountains, ground spinners, illuminating torches, dipped sticks and sparklers, toy propellants, trick noise makers (that don’t explode), and tube devices.
Please be considerate of your neighbors, as some individuals have increased sensitivity to fireworks and the loud noises that often accompany them. Veterans with PTSD and individuals on the autism spectrum may have anxiety around fireworks — so let’s make sure that the 4th of July can be enjoyed by everybody!
Happy 4th of July!
However you decide to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, we hope you enjoy spending time with friends and family! Steamboat Springs has a rich history of celebrating the 4th of July with a parade and a one-of-a-kind ski jumping competition that brings in spectators from the surrounding region. While there won’t be any fireworks, it’s sure to be a dazzling time! What events are you and your family most excited about?