Fourth of July comes to Aspen: A quick list of events on the holiday

Fourth of July fun returns to Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley on Thursday, highlighted by the annual parade through the downtown core. Here’s a select list of events taking place as we celebrate Independence Day:

Boogie’s Buddy Race

Get your day off to a fast start with the 38th annual foot race, a benefit for the Buddy Program. Centered on Rio Grande Park, the main race is a 5-mile affair, although there is a 5k option as well as a 1-mile family and canine run/walk. Racing begins at 8 a.m.

Cost to race is $60 if signed up before Thursday; otherwise, it is $75 the morning of the race. Online registration closes at 7 a.m. on Thursday, and there is no on-site registration.

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The family fun run is $150, and that includes the entire family’s entry. There will be on-site registration for the family run/walk until 8 a.m. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. It is not timed.

Visit buddyprogram.org/boogiesbuddyrace for more and to sign up.

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Kids on Bikes

Hosted by Charlie Tarver, this is a popular tradition that gets the kids out in the sunshine before the parade. Beginning at 10 a.m., head to Paepcke Park to decorate your bike, and do a lap with your wheeled comrades. The event is for kids only, although parents can walk alongside their child. Only bikes are allowed, so no scooters, unicycles, etc. Helmets are mandatory. No pets. It’s free to take part.

Community Village

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., stroll through the Cooper Avenue Walking Mall to meet with community organizations also celebrating the holiday. It’s free and open to the public.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade

The main show begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street, in front of Paepcke Park. From there, the route turns south onto Hunter, then west onto Cooper to Galena. From Galena, it heads north two blocks before turning west on Hopkins. Then it heads south on Mill, then west onto Hyman.

Viewing the parade is free, although prime viewing areas are first come, first serve. Come early to snag the best spots. The parade lasts around an hour. Look out for the Tiger Squadron Aircraft Flyover just before the start.

AVSC Fourth of July BBQ

Another staple of the holiday is the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club’s annual barbecue at Koch Park. A fundraiser for the ski club, it goes from noon — or as soon as the parade is over — and ends at 3 p.m. There is plenty of fun for the kids, including yard games and a bouncy castle. There is also a beer garden for the adults. The event was officially sold out as of Tuesday evening.

Aspen High School Band

The AHS band will take to the streets beginning at 1 p.m. for a half-hour session, led by Aspen School District Director of Bands Andy Farmer. Find them at Sister Cities Plaza on the Copper Walking Mall, near Wagner Park.

Aspen Music Festival and School concert

Beginning at 4 p.m. inside the Klein Music Tent, the AMFS band is hosting its free, annual concert that is open to the entire community. Expect plenty of patriotic music. Members of the National Youth Piping Band of Scotland will join as special guests.

Community Concert with Belly Up

A new addition this year, Belly Up Aspen is bringing a free concert to Wagner Park. Beginning at 6 p.m., a DJ will get things going before A Boy Named Banjo headlines the evening. Bring a blanket or camping chair.

Spazmatics in Snowmass

The nightcap is Snowmass Village is more free music. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Fanny Hill, the Spazmatics will perform as part of the weekly free concert series. Free, sweet treats and glow-in-the-dark goodies are advertised, while patriotic or ’80s throwback attire is encouraged. The festivities go until about 8 p.m. DJ Romy will host a pre-concert show beginning at 4 p.m. at Snowmass Base Village.

Note: Starting at 7 a.m., Main Street will be closed to all vehicles except Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) buses and emergency vehicles. Those driving into Aspen will be rerouted through the West End neighborhood via Hallam and Bleeker streets, while access to the east end of Aspen will be directed through Rio Grande Place. Local law enforcement will manage the duration of these detours.

In addition, Hopkins Avenue will be designated exclusively for bicycles, e-bikes, and pedestrian traffic to accommodate the expected increase in foot and bike traffic throughout the day. This adjustment aims to enhance the experience for all attendees, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment.