Steamboat Celebrates July 4th With the Cowboys' Roundup Days 2023

With a rich history steeped in western Americana—think rodeo, ranching, the 19th-century Gold Rush, and a distinct small-town USA charm—the Steamboat Springs community takes its Fourth of July celebrations seriously.

Steamboat Springs' best summer events includes the Cowboys' Roundup Days, a four-day event featuring a traditional hometown parade alongside events unique to the Steamboat area, including the summer's largest Pro Rodeo and Ski Jumping Extravaganza. This year marks the 120th Annual Cowboys' Roundup Days, and it promises tons of Western-themed patriotic fun and festivities. Although there won't be any fireworks displays this year, keep reading for the top Fourth of July events in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in 2023.

Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo

While the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo is held every Friday and Saturday from June 23–August 26, there's a special Pro Rodeo Series for the Fourth of July happening July 1–4. Thrilling rodeo events include classic rough-and-tumble competitions such as team and tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and bareback riding.

This rodeo will be Steamboat's largest of the summer, with events happening nightly Friday, Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. Beginning at 6 p.m. before every rodeo (one hour earlier on the Fourth of July), local artists perform live music, and a classic western BBQ dinner is available. The rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Brent Romick Rodeo Arena: 401 Howelsen Parkway, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
• Date/Time: July 1, 2, & 4 at 7:30 p.m.
• Ticket prices: General admission uncovered seating tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 7–15. Covered seating is $25 for everyone, and children under 6 get in free. Ticket prices for the 4th of July rodeo are all $5 more. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Season tickets are also available at a significant discount (note that July 4th is excluded from the season passes).

Pancake Breakfast & Parade

The hometown parade is one of the most highly anticipated events of the entire Cowboys' Roundup Days. It always takes place on the morning of July 4th, proceeding through Lincoln  Street in downtown Steamboat Springs. Every year, the parade has a theme; the theme for 2023 is Let Freedom Flow: We Salute the Mighty Yampa.

Steamboat Springs community groups, such as local businesses, schools, and meetup groups, are encouraged to collaborate to create parade floats. Local judges will rate floats based on creativity, originality, and spirit in several categories, including Best Overall Theme, Best Commercial Businesses (which also includes political candidates), Best Group, and Best Parade Theme. Anyone wishing to participate in the hometown parade should register by June 28th.

• Address: (Pancake Breakfast) Little Toots Park, (Parade) Downtown Steamboat Springs, starting on Lincoln Street and 10th
• Date/Time: July 4 from 7:00am - 9:30am (Pancake Breakfast) Parade at 10:00 a.m. (participants should check in at 8:15 a.m.)
• Ticket prices: Free

Jumpin' and Jammin' 4th of July Ski Jumping Extravaganza

The Jumpin' and Jammin' 4th of July Ski Jumping Extravaganza proves the slopeside fun in Steamboat doesn't necessarily stop in the summer. It's no secret that Steamboat is a major destination for winter sports, with many Winter Olympics hopefuls choosing to live and train here.

During Roundup Days, spectators can watch some of the world's best ski jumpers and athletes perform summer ski jumps at Howelsen Hill. Bring snacks and a chair, blanket, or umbrella, and watch in awe! The athletes practice and train for three days, and the final elimination competition begins just after the parade on the 4th. The competition is followed by a community party with food vendors and live music.

• Howelsen Hill Ski Area: 845 Howelsen Parkway, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
• Date/Time: (Training) July 1 from 8:30–10:30 a.m. and 4:00–5:30 p.m.; July 2 from 8:30–10:30 a.m.; (Event) July 3 from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; July 4 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Ticket prices: Free

Steamboat Serves Up Old-Fashioned Fun on July 4th

With its close-knit community and small-town charm, it's no surprise that Steamboat Springs goes to great lengths to celebrate the Fourth of July. No matter which events interest you, they're a wonderful way to celebrate America's Independence and the town's rich Western heritage—and meet some community members, too!