parks
What to expect from Aspen’s July 4 carnival
By Beau Toepfer Follow
btoepfer@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· June 30, 2026
· 2 min read
Aspen will be hosting free amusement rides in Rio Grande park from noon to 8 p.m. on July 3 and 4, including a 65-foot ferris wheel, merry-go-round and other amusement park attractions for Colorado’s 150th and the U.S.’ 250th anniversaries.
Andy Curtis, marketing coordinator for the city of As...
Key takeaway “We knew that it would be a nice thing if the special events team could go a little bit bigger this year for July 4, and celebrate a little harder than we normally do,” Curtis said.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen's decision to host a carnival in Rio Grande park for the July 4 celebration is a notable departure from the usual festivities, and the city's investment of around $150,000 in the event suggests a desire to create a memorable experience for residents and visitors. The choice of an Arizona-based company, Brown's Amusement, was likely driven by cost considerations, as shipping a carnival from further east would have been prohibitively expensive. The presence of a 65-foot ferris wheel and other amusement park attractions will undoubtedly draw large crowds to the park, and the free music at Wagner Park and drone show will add to the celebratory atmosphere. Given the fire danger in the area, the drone show is a prudent substitute for fireworks, and the city's emphasis on community-oriented events is consistent with its goal of fostering a sense of togetherness among residents.
About this story
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Category: parks ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Aspen will be hosting free amusement rides in Rio Grande park from noon to 8 p.m. on July 3 and 4, including a 65-foot ferris wheel, merry-go-round and other amusement park attractions for Colorado’s 150th and the U.S.’ 250th anniversaries.
Andy Curtis, marketing coordinator for the city of As...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Beau Toepfer Follow
btoepfer@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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