Fourth of July

Nederland officials throw a shmucky wet blanket on Fourth fun

Okay, with the entire state a tinderbox, we can understand why private fireworks have been banned and Fourth of July fireworks displays were cancelled across Colorado. And it was precisely because of the dry conditions that the folks in Nederland came up with an alternative activity for the Fourth: ... More >>

Red, White and Oskar Blues at West End Tavern tonight

If you feel it's your patriotic duty to continue celebrating, head to West End Tavern, 926 Pearl Street in Boulder, which will continue its Fourth of July festivities with Red, White and Oskar Blues: a tap takeover showcasing rare and unique beers from Oskar Blues Brewing Co.

Waldo Canyon fire update: 90 percent contained, rains expected tomorrow

The Fourth of July brought some good news for Colorado Springs, where the Waldo Canyon fire has been blazing for more than ten days: The firefighters have now reached 90 percent containment of the fire, and expect to have it completely contained by tomorrow.

On Independence Day, an act of bravery speaks for the downtrodden

The Fourth of July means many things to different people, but to one protester we encountered yesterday on the 16th Street Mall, it was all about freedom of speech. Though she uttered not one word, her visual stance -- and a blunt hand-written sign -- said it all.

Fireworks: Here's where you can still see them

Private fireworks are banned in Colorado and many municipalities across the state have cancelled their fireworks displays this year -- but the shows will go on in a few spots.

Fourth of July fashion: Am I too old to wear an American flag bikini?

Are we the only country in the world that dresses up like the country's own flag to celebrate independence? It seems strange that we would honor the U.S.A. by draping ourselves with trashy, mocking versions of our own global visual representation -- but that's what we do. And while I say "trashy," ... More >>

Celebrate Independence Day with all-American red, white and rosé

Tomorrow is Independence Day. For most of us, that translates into a day off from work, and hopefully, a meat-filled feast shared with family and friends. We can't deny that wine may not be the very first beverage that comes to mind when most people are shopping for their Fourth of July libations. B ... More >>

A celebration of hops, patriotism and more on the calendar this week

Because of the wildfires, many of the official firework displays around the state have been cancelled. But there are plenty of reasons to take pride in Colorado's exploding culinary scene this week. Here's what's on the menu:

Fourth of July events kick off across Colorado this weekend

Although the Fourth of July will be short of official fireworks shows -- and private use of fireworks has been completely banned in Colorado -- there will be ample opportunities to celebrate the country's birthday across the state over the next few days. Here are just some of the events slated fo ... More >>

Celebrate the Fourth with Blues Traveler at Red Rocks

Summer Guide 2012: Things to do June 28-July 4

We released our 2012 Summer Guide in June, including hundreds of events and opportunities to escape both in the city and in the great outdoors. Each Thursday, we'll roll out the best things to do this week, making it easier for you to plan your summer. Among this week's listings are Fourth of July c ... More >>

Independence Thinking

Fast Times

Freedom Riders

Flying High

Hey, hot tranny: Where'd you get that sparkly tank top?

OMFG, it's almost New Year's Eve!​Long, long ago, in the fashion lexicon of yesteryear, satin meant "fancy." But today, in the modern world of casual-everything, sequins mean "fancy." How fancy? Fancy, as in what you can wear with jeans to a holiday party. This is where sparkly tank tops com ... More >>

Wooden Spoon Cafe is as sweet as its treats

Slideshow: Sweet! Wooden Spoon Cafe & Bakery

What week is it? A good week to get naked and be French

No, please, just stay behind the bushes.​It's one of life's most bitter ironies that, as a general rule, the people most likely to be nudists are the people you least want to see nude -- and so it was with a collective sigh of relief from the pants-wearing world that Nude Recreation Week wrapp ... More >>

Wait, dogs can get sunburns?

Pierre​There are two things I'm allergic to, and no, these aren't regular allergies like nuts or dairy. I'm allergic to onions -- red onions and white onions, but somehow not chives. And sunscreen. Yes, you read that correctly. I'll say it again: I'm allergic to sunscreen. Now before you go a ... More >>

Contest: What was your most memorable experience at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival?

​Maybe you found the perfect unicorn painting for your living room. Maybe you passed out from heat exhaustion on what always seems to be one of the hottest weekends of year. Perhaps you were inspired to begin your own art career or driven to scream at the people who park all over the neighborh ... More >>

Good Friday: Tech N9NE, the Glitch Mob and more on tap this Independence Day weekend

​So, the Fourth of July falls on a Monday this year, but that doesn't stop the celebrations from starting early this weekend. There's tons of shows this weekend, beginning with Tech N9NE tonight at the Fillmore. Tech's been on a constant grind, and shows no signs of stopping. Read our intervie ... More >>

Poco a Poco

Colorado highway signs warn of recreation dangers ahead: Kenny Be's Worst-Case Scenario

​ The Fourth of July holiday is the official start of the weekend warrior/mountain madness season. Considering all of the inherent recreation dangers possible, the Colorado Department of Transportation should place signs on state highways to warn residents and visitors about the hazards of hav ... More >>

Leftover Salmon set to headline the inaugural Eco Music Festival in Snowmass this July

​There's a brand new festival coming to Snowmass Village over the Fourth of July weekend, and Leftover Salmon (pictured) is among the acts slated to headline. Sharing the bill at the inaugural Eco Music Festival, taking place June 30 through July3, is Perpetual Groove, Tea Leaf Green, the New ... More >>

Mile Highlights: Shows announced/on-sale this week, local radio playlists and top local sellers

​ Here's what's good in the Mile High City this week. On the concert front: The Fox Theatre and Boulder Theater are hosting the first annual Boulder Blues and Roots Summit. Bad Brains is coming to the Summit Music Hall in August and Blues Traveler is coming back to Red Rocks for its annual Fo ... More >>

Drink of the Week: Trade Whiskey at The Fort

Nancy LevineTrade Whiskey at the Fort.​As a kid, I loved almost everything about the Fort. The scale replica of Bent's Fort -- a trading post, army garrison and freight stop along the Santa Fe Trail -- seemed like a completely awesome adult version of the couch-cushion forts we built when play ... More >>

Free taxi rides through New Year's Day courtesy of The Sawaya Law Firm

​For the fourth year running, The Sawaya Law Firm will pick up the New Year's Eve tab on your cab ride home. They'll actually pay your fare tonight, as well -- the program started on December 23rd and goes until January 1.

Lip-locking at Lipgloss and more 4th of July weekend fireworks

Smooch!​Skyrockets in flight! Afternoon (and morning) (and evening) delight! That's what Westword photogs captured over the extended 4th of July weekend. See shots from Lipgloss' birthday bash, a haute fashion exhibit, plus Cherry Creek Arts Festival highlights, saturated July 4 bar-hopping a ... More >>

Red, white and brew: beers that will show your colors on July 4

​It's the Fourth of July weekend (yes, it is here already) and you need some beer to drink to property get into the spirit of things. Well, there's nothing more American than Red, White and Blue, so try these beers for a truly festive fourth. Red: It's hard to go wrong with Odell Brewing's R ... More >>

Four for the Fourth

Veggie Girl: Tasting the best burgers for your grill -- so you don't have to

​You know what's really annoying? When you're having a cookout for some kind of holiday -- say, the Fourth of July -- and one of your guests mentions they don't eat meat anymore. What the hell do you feed those people? We'll be covering hot dogs in July, in honor of National Hot Dog Month, b ... More >>

Culinary calendar for the week ahead: Gear up for the glorious Fourth

A Flickr photo.​Before you unbuckle that top button after over-indulging with all that glorious Fourth of July 'cue that you've no doubt got going on (and if not, we've got some suggestions for you), get ready to celebrate food through cooking classes and benefit dinners in advance of our nati ... More >>

Sweet Mixers

Tom Petty, KS107.5 Summer Jam, Chautauqua Auditorium shows announced

This year's Red Rocks line-up has been filling in rather nicely, and there's been a few more additions this week, including a second Sting date that's been added, Blues Traveler's annual Fourth of July show, the Barenaked Ladies, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Reggae on the Rocks, Celtic Woman and To ... More >>

Breaking Trail

Hot Diggity Dog: Denver's Mongo Marquez joined the big leagues at Nathan's on July 4

Cajun BoyMongo Marquez (right) chows down.The Fourth of July may have meant fireworks and beer for you, but for nineteen lucky competitors, the big day signified only one thing: hot dogs. Out on Coney Island, New York, on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues, the winners of Nathan's hot dog ea ... More >>

We're starting the 4th of July on the 3rd

Westword's offices are closed today in honor of the 4th of July. So instead of blogging, The Latest Word staff will be honoring the work ethic that's made this country great by doing absolutely nothing productive. (Exceptions to the rule: Patricia Calhoun and Kenny Be will be publishing at their u ... More >>

Kings of the Hill

Kick back at the Gold Hill Inn on July 4.

The Tale of the Trail

All roads lead to Breckenridge this week.

Lucy at the Landmark takes a leave of absence

Lucy, the tony restaurant that takes up the second floor of Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, is shuttered for what the website calls "maintenance." Well, sort of. I just got off the phone with Susan Collyar, marketing manager for Comedy Works, who told me that the restaurant is being "revamp ... More >>

Today's featured event: Go Fourth -- multiplied

The Denver Outlaws light a spark. Can't believe you're still at work? Get out. It's time to plan your fabulous July 4th weekend, so here's what you should do: Go hang out with a marg at Mezcal and ponder. You could even have some fun along with the relaxation: There's a Beyond José tequila educati ... More >>

Indoor fireworks for all you shut ins

Everyone loves fireworks (right?), but not everyone loves the hassles inherent in enjoying them. Maybe you're an agoraphobe, or braving crowds of patriotic drunks sounds like just a little too much effort -- or maybe you just got so high that there's no way you can deal with people right now (man ... More >>

Freaky Friday: "The Fast Food Song" - Fast Food Rockers

Happy Freaky Friday on Thursday, since Westword is closed tomorrow! For a special Fourth of July treat, I give you this reason to love America, in all its glory. I have never been more proud that the USA declared their independence from tyrant Britain as I was when watching this atrocious ode to fas ... More >>

Cafe Society: Week in review

We're out early for the Fourth of July weekend, but check below to make sure you didn't miss any of the good stuff this week.  Enjoy your sparklers.Floods and fire temporarily shutter two local barbecue joints.Where to find the best cart lunch?  Readers weigh in.Restaurant roll call for Ju ... More >>

I Hear a Symphony

Independents' Day

Four art galleries celebrate the Fourth of July in creative style.

Brothers BBQ

It’s the pits.

The Rockets' Red Glare

Ropin' and Ridin'

The Stampede turns 85.

Fire in His Belly

Pyrotechnics producer John Stubbs likes fiery food -- and fiery skies.