Summer fireworks are extinct in Summit County.
In recent years, local towns and county officials agreed the risk of shooting off mortars outweighs the joy it brings on Fourth of July.
And it’s not just the threat of wildfire. Breckenridge, Frisco and Dillon all struggled with debilitating crowds and bumper-to-bumper traffic during summer fireworks shows. (Frisco did try to host a show over Dillon Reservoir in 2021. Plans were shot down by the reservoir recreation committee, including officials with Denver Water and Summit County Sheriff’s Office.)
But fireworks aren’t extinct everywhere! Here are six of our favorites in neighboring towns. None are more than an hour away in any direction.
One last word on fireworks: They are illegal in Summit County and the surrounding U.S. Forest Service land. That includes sparklers and Black Cats.
Salute to the USA @ Avon, July 3
The annual pre-Independence Day bash in Avon is a MONSTER! Thousands pack the lawn at Nottingham Park for a full day of food, drink, bounce castles, Uncle Sam on stilts, and music by headliner Melissa Etheridge. After the concert stick around for one of the most impressive fireworks shows in the state over Nottingham Lake. For a couple years Avon swapped mortars for lasers. But this year? They’re baaaaack!
Vail America Days @ Vail, July 4
There’s a parade, live music, and a Black Hawk helicopter touching down at Ford Park on July Fourth. Some events are ticketed, others are free, but you won’t want to miss the fireworks show over Pepi’s Face above Vail Village at 9:45 p.m.
Fire Up The Cliffs @ Kremmling, July 4
Kremmling sits on the Summit-Grand County line, where the Kremmling Chamber of Commerce has been shooting off fireworks for years over the towering buttes just north of town. It’s just 45 minutes north of Silverthorne past Green Mountain Reservoir for live music, food, a beer garden and more from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Leadville July Fourth @ Leadville, July 4
Leadville does it right with a 5K fun run, downtown parade, cookout at the airport and fireworks at dusk. Best part? Everything is free – but bring some cash to donate at the cookout. It’s the only July 4 BBQ we know of where you can fly straight into the grub line!
Independence Day @ Fairplay, July 4
Funky Fairplay lives up to its name with a 5K burro race and dog show during the day July Fourth, followed by fireworks at dusk over the river at Fairplay Beach. Find it just 35-40 minutes south of Breck over Hoosier Pass.
Gypsum Independence Day @ Gypsum, July 4
Town of Gypsum straight up says they love any excuse for fireworks. They’re making it happen on Independence Day with lawn games, live music, free hot dogs and fireworks at dusk in Lundgren Amphitheater Park.