Johnstown’s annual BBQ Day celebration returns Saturday, June 6, bringing one of the town’s longest-running community traditions back to Parish Park.
This year’s theme honors the America 250 – Colorado 150 initiative, recognizing two major anniversaries in 2026: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood. The Town of Johnstown says the 2026 BBQ Day theme is centered on celebrating both milestones.
The celebration has been part of Johnstown for more than 100 years and continues to serve as one of the town’s largest annual community events. The Berthoud Surveyor reported this week that last year’s BBQ Day drew between 13,000 and 17,000 people, while this year’s turnout is expected to be closer to 18,000 to 21,000.
Saturday’s events are expected to include a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, car show, vendors, live music, and fireworks. According to the Berthoud Surveyor, the pancake breakfast begins at 5 a.m. at the Johnstown fire station, the 5K begins at 7:30 a.m., and the parade begins at 10 a.m.
The parade route is expected to begin on North Park Avenue and end on North Greeley Avenue. The Town’s parade page says parade participants must check in no later than 9 a.m., with the parade beginning at 10 a.m.
This year also marks the third year for the Johnstown BBQ Day car show. The Town says car show registration is already full, but the show is open for attendees from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with awards announced at the end.
Times and event details are subject to change. Residents should check the official Johnstown BBQ Day page for the latest schedule.
The event comes as Johnstown continues to grow and attract more attention across Northern Colorado. As the town changes, BBQ Day remains a familiar tradition for longtime residents while giving newer residents a chance to experience part of Johnstown’s community history.
The Town thanked the sponsors helping support the 2026 celebration, including Woods Market, Xcel Energy, Xfinity, and other local sponsors.
Residents and visitors can find more information through the Town of Johnstown’s BBQ Day page and official Johnstown BBQ Day channels.
