FIREWORKS
There are dozens of fireworks shows across Colorado; here are a few favorites.Glendale
Start the weekend with a bang on Thursday, July 2, at the Glendale Firework show, one of the oldest and largest displays in the metro area. firework show is best viewed on the higher ground east of Colorado Boulevard, and is planned for sundown. Free.
Civic Center Park
Come to Civic Center Park from 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 3 — that's Independence Day Eve — for a big fireworks show with a very patriotic backdrop: The City & County Building is lit up in red, white and blue. Music by Funkiphino and the 101st Army Concert Band from Buckley Air Force Base starts the night at 6 p.m.; the Colorado Symphony Orchestra finishes things off. Free.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock's Red, White, and BOOM show goes down Saturday, July 4 at Metzler Ranch Community Park, 4175 Trail Boss Road. The park opens at 4 p.m., with a thirty-minute fireworks show set to begin at 9:45 p.m. Free.
City of Aurora
A-town is throwing a fun party on Saturday, July 4 at the Aurora Municipal Center Park, with live music by Emily West at 8 p.m. before the fireworks show. Free.
Sports Authority Field
It wouldn't be July 4 in Denver without the Sports Authority Field post-Outlaws lacrosse game fireworks spectacular. The Outlaws play the Boston Cannons at 7 p.m., with fireworks following. Tickets run $15 to $40.
Elitch Gardens
Fireworks are Included in the price of entrance on July 4, and you can enjoy the show from the Mind Eraser, Ferris Wheel or anywhere on park grounds. Admission is $30 to $35.
PARADES
Neighborhoods across the metro area sponsor parades on July 4. Here are a few where you'll want to step out.8th Annual Highlands 4th of July Parade
This popular neighborhood parade and picnic is in its eighth year, and better than ever. Bike decorating begins at 8 a.m., the parade at 9:30 a.m., and then come music and games at Hirshorn Park with the gigantic 100-foot Ice Cream Sundae at 11:30 a.m. Free.
Cheesman Park Independence Day Kids Parade
An awesome kids parade starts at the Pavillion around 10 a.m. on July 4. Ride your bike, scooters, roller blades or walk on foot, but be sure to decorate your outfit in Fourth of July colors. The Mile High Freedom Marching Band will lead the parade, then play into early afternoon. Free.
Observatory Park 4th of July Parade
The Observatory Park Independence Day parade celebrates both July 4 and the neighborhood. The lineup of handmade, non-motorized carts gets on the move at 10 a.m. There's also plenty of food — hot dogs — and live music. Free
Park Hill 4th of July Parade
The annual Park Hill parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on 23rd Avenue and runs from from Dexter to Krameria. The largest parade in town, it will boast an array of floats, classic cars, bike riders, walkers, a marching band, acrobats and more. After the parade, check out the Ol' School Fourth of July Celebration at Skyland Park in North Park Hill, featuring an all-ages basketball tournament, community resources and even a cash prize for the best Michael Jackson dance impersonation. Both events are free.
MOUNTAIN CELEBRATIONS
Towns across Colorado are hosting Fourth of July festivities through the weekend; here are some favorites.
Steamboat Springs
From July 2-5, Steamboat Springs celebrates the 112th annual Cowboy Roundup Days with events ranging from a rodeo to sunset happy hour in the gondola, ski jumping, music at Yampa River Park, hot air balloon rodeo, wine festival, art festival a patriotic parade that ends in a dance party in the streets.
Aspen
Over 20,000 people — locals and tourists alike — with gather in Aspen July 3 and July 4 to celebrate Independence Day in style (and open wallets). Some of the most notable festivities include Fourth of July parade, a U.S. Air Force jet flyby, free live music, a kid’s bike rodeo, and a firework show over Aspen Mountain on July 4.
Estes Park
Estes Parks celebrates on July 4 with a pancake breakfast at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church (adults cost $6, kids cost just $3), followed by the Coolest Car Show, and then the final day of bull riding at the Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo — topped off by the epic firework show at Lake Estes starting promptly at 9:30 p.m.
Loveland
Celebrate Independence Day at North Lake Park in Loveland, with picnics, boats, jetskiing and the Loveland Concert Band playing at the Norma and Lynn Hammond Amphitheatre at 8 p.m. on July 4. The flag-raising ceremony will kick things off at 10 a.m. at the Lone Tree School House; a vintage car show featuring automobiles from the 1920s through the 1970s will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free fireworks begin at the super-specific 9:17 p.m. Unfortunately, the swimming beach is closed on July 3 and 4.
Breckenridge
Breck is always an amazing place to celebrate this most patriotic of holidays. The events on July 4 begin with a 10k trail run, followed by a 50-mile professional bike race down the mountain, then a kid-friendly Fourth of July parade and chalk art festival on Main Street. End it all with one of the biggest mountain firework shows, particularly impressive this year because it's the first in many years without any drought or dry-climate warnings. Thank you, May and June showers.
