Celebrate the 4th of July in Vail, Colorado

Technically, the US Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776, but the written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4, 1776, so that's why Americans celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July. Anyway, 248 years later, Vail, Colorado is hosting its annual America Days with a parade and other celebrations.

July 4 Celebrations in Vail

On Thursday, July 4, 2024, Vail will host events from Vail Village to Lionshead Village including a parade, family entertainment, a patriotic concert, and fireworks.

Schedule of Events:

• 10:00 a.m. | Parade: The parade starts at Golden Peak on Vail Valley Drive and meanders west toward Hanson Ranch Road, then north on Bridge Street, west on Gore Creek Drive, north across the International Bridge, west along Meadow Drive, and then to Lionshead Mall with an estimated finish time around noon. The theme of this year's parade is "Let The Games Begin." If you want to BE IN THE PARADE, you can register your parade float here by no later than June 27.
• 10:00 a.m. | Family Entertainment: There will be several performances throughout the day starting at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. at the Lionshead Welcome Center Stage and the Meadow Drive Solaris Stage. The acts are still TBA.
• 2:00 p.m. | Patriotic Concert: The annual Fourth of July Patriotic Concert performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater begins at 2:00 p.m., gates open at 12:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online here beginning July 1 at 8:00 a.m. and all proceeds will benefit the Vail Veterans Program. Free, unticketed, lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the show.
• 9:45 p.m. | Fireworks: Conditions permitting, the show is being planned and will start at 9:45 p.m. and end with a grand finale about 20 minutes later. Fireworks are launched from Vail Mountain and are usually visible from many areas across town. You can listen to the fireworks soundtrack on KZYR 97.7 while the show is happening.

Where to Stay

Visitors can take advantage of a 10 percent off deal when staying four or more nights or save up to 15 percent off when booking at least 14 days in advance. Epic pass holders can get 20 percent off as part of the Mountain Rewards program. Lodging at Vail from July 3 - 7 is still available at The Lodge at Vail, a RockResort, The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort, The Ritz Carlton Residences at Vail, and The Chalets at the Lodge at Vail.

What is the closest airport to Vail?

Vail is served by the Eagle County Regional Airport. There are several nonstop daily flights on American Airlines and United Airlines from Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Denver. Denver International Airport is a 2-hour drive from Vail.

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