2026 Fourth of July Celebrations in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Celebrate  July Fourth in the Gunnison Valley:

Fourth of July in Gunnison and Crested Butte is packed with classic small-town celebrations, from parades and pancake breakfasts to live music, rodeos, and fireworks. Whether you’re with family or friends, there are events happening all weekend across the Gunnison Valley.

• Enjoy fireworks, concerts, carnivals, and parades in Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte.
• Highlights include the Crested Butte July 4th Parade, Jorgensen Park fireworks, live music at CBMR and Cattlemen’s Days events.

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There are plenty of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July 2026 in Gunnison and Crested Butte! There will be fireworks, concerts, parades, kids’ activities and more. Check out the list below to learn more and plan your 2026 July Fourth celebration in Gunnison Valley. Check back later for more information! Last edited June 23, 2026.

Fourth of July events in Gunnison and Crested Butte

Cattlemen’s Days 4-H Horse Show, Ranch Rodeo, Open Horse Show and Carnival

Cattlemen’s Days kicks off Fourth of July weekend! Check out the 4-H Horse Show on July 3. Local school kids will present their horsemanship skills, horse care knowledge and bond with their horses. The Ranch Rodeo is on July 4. Ranch Rodeos showcase working ranch skills. Events include bronc riding, stray gathering, calf branding and trailer loading. The Open Horse Show is on July 5. Similar to the 4-H Horse Show, this event allows competitors to present their horsemanship skills. The Cattlemen’s carnival will run from July 2-5.

Date and time: July 2-5, 2026; times vary
Location: Gunnison County Fairgrounds
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Mt. Crested Butte’s 4^th of July Celebration and Fireworks (on July 3rd)

The town of Mt. Crested Butte will have live music, fireworks and food at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area. Gates open for this family-friendly event at 4:45 p.m. Performers are local opener Chris Coady and dual headliners The Hip Snacks and Ridgeliners. Fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m.

Date and time: July 3, 2026; 5-10 p.m.
Location: Crested Butte Mountain Resort, 12 Snowmass Road, Crested Butte
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Gunnison Balloon Rally

Gunnison’s annual balloon rally returns for 4th of July weekend. Watch balloons take off at sunrise all weekend from Jorgensen Park. See tethered balloons on the Rady School lawn on July 4. An evening hot air balloon glow will happen on July 3 at Jorgensen Park. A free pancake breakfast will be held at Legion Park on July 4 at 6 a.m. before the mass ascension of balloons.

Date and time: July 3-5, 2026
Location: Gunnison
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4^th of July at Jorgensen Park in Gunnison

Attend July 4th events at Jorgensen Park starting at 4 P.M. Enjoy kids’ games, food and drinks, SUP demos, the Pup and Sup Race, and live music from Sugarbush, Shelbass Bluegrass and Sol Driven Train. Fireworks begin at 9:30 P.M. Bring your own chair! A food court and beer garden will be open from 4:00-9:00 p.m.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 4:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: Jorgensen Park, 501 E Tomichi Ave, Gunnison
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Grill & Chill at Romp Skis

Head to the Romp Skis factory after the parade for Grill & Chill! Hang out, sip cold drinks, tour the factory and enjoy food off the grill.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Romp Factory

Crested Butte July 4^th Parade and block party – no water fight this year due to water restrictions

Don’t miss the annual 4th of July parade in Crested Butte! Line Elk Avenue and celebrate 250 years of America. Please note that there will not be a water fight this year due to local water restrictions. Water balloons and water cannons are not allowed in the parade or by spectators. A block party with music and food will follow the parade.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location: Elk Avenue, Crested Butte
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Live Music Fourth of July weekend in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Corb Lund at I Bar Ranch

See singer-songwriter Corb Lund perform at the I Bar Ranch. Bring your dancing shoes for an incredible night! Camping will be available the night of the concert.

Date and time: July 2, 2026; 7:00 p.m.
Location: I Bar Ranch, Gunnison
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The Relative Minors at the José Patio

See this local duo perform on the José Patio at the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Date and time: July 2, 2026; 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: José Patio

Open Mic @ Crested Bucha

Perform yourself, or listen to others at Crested Bucha’s open mic night. Hosted by local performer Jim Davidson.

Date and time: July 2, 2026; 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: Crested Bucha

Matt & Madeline Shugert

See local duo perform at the billy barr lounge in Elevation Hotel.

Date and time: July 2, 2026; 8:00-11:00 p.m.
Location: billy barr at Elevation Hotel and Spa

Jim Davidson at A Bar Above

Listen to Jim lay down traditional fingerstyle guitar and vocal renditions of country, folk, bluegrass, and Americana favorites.

Date and time: July 3, 2026; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: A Bar Above

Tyler Hansen

Tyler Hansen is performing at billy barr in Elevation Hotel and Spa. Enjoy an acoustic set while he sings and plays guitar.

Date and time: July 3, 2026; 8:00-11:00 p.m.
Location: billy barr at Elevation Hotel and Spa

Floyd Bauler

See Flody Bauler perform at the Whammy Bar in downtown Gunnison.

Date and time: July 3, 2026; 8:00-100:00 p.m.
Location: The Whammy Bar

Live music with Jordan Brandenburg

See bluegrass singer Jordan Brandenburg at Zuni West Brewing in Crested Butte South.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Zuni West Brewing

Jim Davidson at Brühaus

See Jim Davidson on Elk Avenue in Crested Butte at Brühaus Mountain Tavern on the Fourth of July.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Brühaus Mountain Tavern

BoomBox at the Red Lady Stage

Groove to electronic rock duo BoomBox at the Red Lady Stage in Mt. Crested Butte for Live from Crested Butte on July Fourth.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Red Lady Stage

Live music with Beer Hunter

Jam out to Countrybilly-style music with Beer Hunter in Crested Butte South.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Zuni West Brewing

Casey Falter

Hear Casey Falter live at the billy barr.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 8:00-11:00 p.m.
Location: billy barr at Elevation Hotel and Spa

Scott Stewart

Head to the José Patio to hear Scott Stewart on the Fourth of July.

Date and time: July 4, 2026; 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Location: José Patio

Things to do in Gunnison and Crested Butte

Looking for other things to do on your summer trip? Check out our summer 2026 guide for events and activities in Gunnison and Crested Butte. Our events calendar can also help you plan your trip!