Aspen to Host ‘Old Fashioned Fourth of July: Retro Rewind’ celebration

The city of Aspen is preparing to host its 2025 Old-Fashioned Fourth of July: Retro Rewind celebration, featuring a full day of scheduled events, including a parade, circus performance, community concert, and an evening drone show.

The Fourth of July parade will begin at 11 a.m., following a route through Main Street, Hunter Street, Cooper Avenue, Galena Street, Hopkins Avenue, Mill Street, and Hyman Avenue. Residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early for viewing.

Additional events include a circus performance and a free concert, both open to the public. The day will conclude with the city’s first-ever Fourth of July drone show, viewable from Wagner Park. No fireworks are scheduled for this year’s event.

To accommodate the celebration, the city will implement temporary road closures and detours. 

Starting at 7 a.m. on July 4, Main Street will close to all vehicles except RFTA buses and emergency vehicles until 2 p.m. Vehicles entering town will be rerouted through the West End via Hallam and Bleeker Streets, while access to the east end will be available through Rio Grande Place. Vehicles exiting town will be directed east on Durant Avenue to Spring Street.

The city will enforce no parking zones throughout town, with towing beginning at 6 a.m. ADA parking will be available on the Hopkins Avenue and Spring Street block, with enforcement of handicap placard requirements. Law enforcement will determine when detours are lifted.

Aspen Mountain Summer Road (CR-14) will be closed from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for drone operations. No vehicles or hikers will be permitted during that time.

Hopkins Avenue will be reserved for bicycles, e-bikes, and pedestrians only, to support expected increases in non-vehicular traffic.

Due to road closures and limited parking, the city recommends using public transit, including RFTA buses. Visitors traveling from downvalley are encouraged to use the Brush Creek Park and Ride with bus service into town. Route details are available at http://www.rfta.com.

“This event is designed to encourage walking, biking, strollers, and wheelchair access — so please leave your car at home and plan ahead to enjoy the day to its fullest,” said Wesy Armour-Cook, the city’s special events assistant manager.

A full schedule and more information can be found at http://www.aspenspecialevents.com.