Breckenridge has a stacked calendar for Independence Day on July 4, with the return of beloved annual traditions and the debut of new activities.

The Independence Day 10K Trail Run kicks off the day at 7 a.m. followed by the Sparkler 50 Yard Strider Bike Race for kids on Main Street at 8:30 a.m. Next up is the Firecracker 50 Mile Mountain Bike Race, set to lead off the downtown parade at 9:30 a.m.

The Independence Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street with special appearances by Rocky from the Denver Nuggets and Miles from the Denver Broncos.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., people can walk or cycle over to the Breck Create arts district for celebrations of Bikes, Rights & Creative Delights, an array of free activities including the annual chalk art contest, dog fashion show, live music, performances and a new art bike competition.

Following the parade, Breckenridge local and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Famer CJ Mueller will read the Declaration of Independence at noon. The National Repertory Orchestra Alumni String Quartet will perform in Blue River Plaza at 12:30 p.m., and the full orchestra will present its Fourth of July Spectacular at the Riverwalk Center at 6 p.m.

New at this year’s celebration will be performances by Cirque Mechanics, a showcase of “Pedal Punk Bike + Circus” creative acrobatics and performing arts. Rooted in the stories of American ingenuity and celebrating Breckenridge’s love of bikes, Cirque Mechanics will perform on Main Street at 4:30 p.m.

Tips for visitors

Breckenridge upholds an indefinite ban on public and private fireworks, regardless of the current weather trends, to align with wildfire safety practices in the high-Alpine environment. Fourth of July celebrations in Breckenridge will be firework-free, and revelers should remember to be wildfire-aware in all of their recreations this summer.

Visitors should plan ahead to have the best experience during this popular holiday weekend. Carpool, take free public transportation, or park in one location for the whole day, and then enjoy town with bikes, buses or boots on your feet. Reservations are recommended for dining and activities, and a little patience will go a long way to ensure everyone has a great day. 

Never ask “What should we do this weekend?” again.

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To plan the day and explore with ease, visitors can use the “B Like Breckenridge” App, which provides up-to-date info on parking, public transit, hiking trails, water refill stations, and much more.

Full event schedule
7 a.m. – Independence 10K Trail Run, Carter Park
8:30 a.m. – Sparkler 50-Yard Strider Bike Race, Main Street
9:30 a.m. – Firecracker 50 Mountain Bike Race, Main Street
10 a.m. – Main Street Parade
10 a.m. – Breck Create: Bikes, Rights, and Creative Delights, Arts District Campus
12 p.m. – Reading of the Declaration of Independence by C.J. Mueller, Blue River Plaza
12:30 p.m. – National Repertory Orchestra Alumni String Quartet, Blue River Plaza
4:30 p.m. – Cirque Mechanics Performance, Main Street
6 p.m. – National Repertory Orchestra: Fourth of July Spectacular, Riverwalk Center