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 for this weekend and next week.
Montrose Patriotic Band's Annual Patriotic Concert at Montrose Pavillion (June 30, 7 p.m, free) The town of Montrose is holding its annual concert -- but this year, for safety's sake, the music has moved inside Montrose Pavillion. So although you won't be able to picnic under the stars, you can still enjoy the Stars & Stripes. For more information, visit the official Montrose website.
Grand Junction 2nd Annual Hot Rods Event at Homeward Bound (June 30, 9 a.m., spectators are free) A fundraiser for Grand Junction's homeless shelter, Homeward Bound, this hot rods show is open to any and all cars, and it's just $10 to enter your ride. Awards will be given to the classiest vehicles, and there's food and door prizes for spectators. To enter, email homewardboundofthegrandvalley@gmail.com or call (970) 256-9424. Civic Center Conservancy's Independence Eve Celebration at Civic Center Park (July 3, 8 p.m., free) The show must go on! Despite the fires, the Civic Center Conservancy is hosting its third annual Independence Eve Celebration in Civic Center Park. Blending pop songs with more traditional, patriotic standards, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra will set the mood for a fireworks display. The event is free -- although organizers will be raising funds for statewide fire relief. For the best blanket and lawn chair spots, early arrival is recommended. For more information, visit the Conservancy's website.
Glendale's July 3rd Extravaganza at Whole Foods on Colorado Blvd. (July 3, 5 p.m., $7 and up) The City of Glendale has cancelled its fireworks show, but Whole Foods still plans to host a barbecue, serving up grilled items of the meat and non-meat variety for all, along with crafts for kids and craft beers for adults. For more information, visit the Whole Foods website.
4th of July at West End Tavern (July 4, all day, beginning at 11 a.m.) Serving patriotic red, white and blue slushies, Pop Rocks Cocktails and an array of brews (part of the BBQ and beer joint's month-long Jul-IPA celebration) West End Tavern's Fourth of July event will be quite a party -- even though Boulder has cancelled its fireworks show. For more information, check out West End Tavern's website.
World's Highest Airshows @ Breckenridge Ski Resort (July 4, 11:30 a.m., free) Beginning at 9:30 a.m., pilot Gary Rower will do tricks in the air -- and then at 11:30 a.m., he'll attempt to set a record for the highest flight attempted from Colorado's infamous altitudes. The show is free; you can view it from the Lake Dillon Marina (300 Marina Dr.) or from Breckenridge's Riverwalk Center Lawn. For more details, check out Rower's website, and for information on other Fourth of July activities in Dillon, visit the town's website.
Arvada's Fourth of July Spirit of America celebration at Lutz/Stenger Complex (July 4, 3 p.m.) Arvada has been putting on fireworks shows for thirty years -- but although it's cancelled this year's display, the Spirit of America party will still go on at the Lutz/Stenger Complex (58th Ave. and Oak St.). A free, all-ages affair that starts at 4 p.m., it features music from Kool 105, craft booths and games, concessions, a mini-car show, and burgers for everyone. For more information, visit the City of Arvada's website or call 720-898-7400.
Big O Tires Jet Car Nationals/Family Festival at Bandimere Speedway (July 4, 2 p.m., $11-49) Taking over Bandimere Speedway today with some of the fastest cars in the amateur racing business, the Jet Car Finals bring together speed and celebration together for this family-friendly event that also includes carnival rides and live music. The fireworks have been cancelled, though. For more information, visit the Bandimere website, or call 303-697-6001.
Paonia Cherry Days in Paonia (July 4-8) Searching for more fun outside of the city? Check out Paonia Cherry Days, one of Colorado's oldest outdoor festivals. Kicking off with a Pancake Breakfast on the 4th, the four-day celebration features a parade, carnival, live jazz, a 5K walk, wine tastings and dozens of other family-friendly activities. For a schedule and full list of events, visit the Paonia Chamber of Commerce.
July 4th Celebration in Steamboat Springs (July 4, all day) Starting with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., July 4th festivities include a Pioneer Day block party, a pro rodeo roundup and ski jumping. For more information, visit the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce.
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