Today — two hundred and forty-nine years later — residents of the Denver metro area and beyond are ready to come together and celebrate shaking off the rule of kings with festivities like fireworks, laser shows, live music, movies, food, pool parties and more. Want to get some local art into your day before watching fireworks? Check out First Friday around the city.
There's plenty to do both in the city and out in the mountains.
A Warning About Fireworks
Fireworks that explode or even just leave the ground are technically illegal in Colorado, unless they're in the hands of a professional for a show, due to fire concerns in the Centennial State's dry climate. While the specific rules vary from city to city in the state, be warned that you can be ticketed if you set off illegal fireworks. And given concerns about both fire and the stress that loud explosions can cause pets and people with PTSD, even official fireworks shows are being replaced with drone and light shows these days. The big Independence Eve celebration in Civic Center Park will skip fireworks again in favor of a drone show, but there will still be fireworks at plenty of other celebrations around the metro area.
Depending on the weather, last-second safety advisories could cancel fireworks shows, too. But celebrations still abound, with old-fashioned picnics and parades as well as technical wonders.
Here's the lineup of festivities along the Front Range and beyond, in chronological order:
Fourth of July Festivities in Metro Denver
In[ter]dependence Day CelebrationFriday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Huston Lake Park, 850 South Bryant Street
Looking for a meaningful celebration that connects you with the community before heading off to fireworks? Warm Cookies of the Revolution's 2025 In[ter]dependence Day Celebration is a free family-friendly event that will have a herbalist walk, games and activities for all ages, a chalk art contest and more.
The annual Park Hill Parade is at 1:30 p.m. July 4 along East 23rd Avenue from Dexter to Krameria streets.
Park Hill Parade
Friday, July 4, 1:30 p.m.
Along East 23rd Avenue from Dexter to Krameria streets, Denver
You won’t want to miss Denver’s largest Independence Day parade, which will include more than 50 groups flaunting floats, marching bands, costumed performers and more. Learn more at parkhillparade.com.
Summer Fireworks Games
Friday, July 4, 6:10 p.m. and Saturday, July 5, 7:10 p.m.
Coors Field, 2001 Blake Street, Denver
As the Colorado Rockies get ready to take on the Chicago Sox during Fourth of July weekend, Coors Field will be lit up with a fantastic fireworks show. Root on your favorite team as the night sky is lit up with colorful fireworks.
4thFEST
Friday, July 4, 5 p.m. to dusk
6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
Who doesn’t love a night out with a sports match and fireworks? Starting at 5 p.m., a free family festival will have fun activities, live music and food trucks as the Rapids go against Sporting Kansas City. A big screen outside of the stadium will project the game as the festivities continue and one of Colorado’s largest professional fireshows shows takes place after 10 p.m.
53rd Annual Independence Day Celebration at Lions Park
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Lions Park, 1100 10th Street, Golden
Golden’s Fourth of July Festival takes over Lions Park every year for festivities including food, drinks, entertainment and more. For an events schedule and information about parking, visit visitgolden.com.
Englewood’s Independence Day 4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cornerstone Park, 5150 South Windermere Street, and Belleview Park, 5001 South Inca Drive, Englewood
Celebrate with picnics and community in Englewood, followed by a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. Learn more at englewoodco.gov.
4th of July Spectacular
Friday, July 4, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
15151 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora
Presented by the city of Aurora, face painting, food trucks, craft-based vendors and fireworks will be offered at this red, white and blue event. Ninety Percent 90s, Starling Circus Acts and Groove ’N Motion will be performing throughout the evening.
Beat the Heat
Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas Street, Aurora
Head to a family-friendly Independence Day bash on the West Patio at Stanley Marketplace, where there will be a live DJ, inflatable water park, mini pools, sandboxes, splash pads and more to enjoy. Then, grab lunch at your favorite Stanley Marketplace spot.
Arvada’s 4th of July Fireworks Display
Friday, July 4, 6:30 p.m.
Stenger Sports Complex, 11200 West 58th Avenue, Arvada
Arvada will light up the sky at Stenger Sports Complex during a fireworks show that starts at 9:15 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite at the event. Learn more at arvadaco.gov.
Westminster will have fireworks on the 4th.
City of Westminster
Friday, July 4
Westminster
While the city will put on its usual fireworks display for the Fourth of July, there will be other celebrations around the area throughout the day, including the annual Uncle Sam Splash Bash pool party at Countryside Pool, 10470 Oak Street, Westminster. Visit westminsterco.gov for more information.
Northglenn’s July 4th Festival and Fireworks
Friday, July 4, noon to 9:30 p.m.
EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11800 Community Center Drive, Northglenn
Come to Northglenn’s biggest family picnic for a car show, duck derby, fireworks and more. Fireworks are slated to start at 9:15 p.m.; visit northglenn.org for the full schedule of events.
Thornton’s Fourth of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, noon to 9:30 p.m.
Carpenter Park Fields, 11000 Colorado Boulevard, Thornton
Celebrate the U.S. of A. with food vendors, a beer garden, live music and fireworks. Parachutists will jump just before the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Great American Picnic
Friday, July 4, 5 p.m.
Broomfield County Commons, 13200 Sheridan Boulevard, Broomfield
Broomfield will celebrate Independence Day with games, a bike parade and live entertainment before putting on a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. Learn more at broomfield.org.
Brighton’s Fourth of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 5 p.m.
Carmichael Park, 650 East Southern Street, Brighton
Brighton’s popular Fourth of July event returns to Carmichael Park with food, live entertainment, face painting and one of the region’s largest fireworks displays. Learn more at brightonco.gov.
Louisville’s Fourth of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 6-10 p.m.
Coal Creek Golf Course, 585 West Dillon Road, Louisville
Head to Louisville for a celebration including food, music, activities and a fireworks show grand finale at 9:30 p.m. For more information about parking and transportation, visit louisvilleco.gov.
4th of July in Niwot
Friday, July 4, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square, Niwot
Celebrate up north with a pancake breakfast, bike decorating, and a patriotic concert. At 11 a.m., the grand parade will highlight decorated vehicles, flags and more.
23rd Annual 4th at Firestone
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m.
170 Grant Avenue, Firestone
For a day full of patriotic fun, join Firestone in festivities such as a parade, veteran recognition, food trucks, makers market, live entertainment, rides and more. End the celebration with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Castle Rock’s July 4th Fireworks
Friday, July 4, 9:30 to 9:45 p.m.
Castle Rock
Turn your attention to the former Acme Brick facility on Prairie Hawk Drive for this year’s fireworks show in Castle Rock. Prairie Hawk Drive south of Topeka Way will be closed to permit a safe fireworks show; recommended viewing is at Metzler Ranch Community Park, Miller Activity Complex, Rock Park and areas of the Red Hawk neighborhood.
Highlands Ranch’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Friday, July 4, 9 to 9:45 p.m.
Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 South Quebec Street, Highlands Ranch
Bring lawnchairs, blankets, chairs, handheld umbrellas and food (or buy some) to Highland Heritage Regional Park, where the community will put on a fireworks show. Learn more at highlandsranch.org.
Parker’s July 4th Fireworks Show
Friday, July 4, 9:30 p.m.
Salisbury Equestrian Park, 11920 North Motsenbocker Road, Parker
Parker’s fireworks display will be a remote viewing show launched at 9:30 p.m. near Salisbury Equestrian Park. The park will be open to the public that day, but only limited parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rollin’ on the Riverwalk
Friday, July 4, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
101 South Union Avenue, Pueblo
Head down south to Pueblo to indulge in local retail and food vendors, boats and live performances from The Runners Band and Thumpin’. Don’t miss out on the Fireworks show, which commences at 9:30 p.m.
Elitch Gardens Fireworks
Saturday, July 5, at park close (9 p.m.)
Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver
Spend the day riding thrill rides at Elitch Gardens before the park sets off a fireworks show at park close, which is 9 p.m. To plan your visit, go to elitchgardens.com.
Mountain Celebrations
Fourth of July in Silverthorne
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rainbow Park, 590 Rainbow Drive
Silverthorne's Fourth of July lasts all day in Rainbow Park, with live music, food, face painting, activities for kids and more. Bring a blanket for seating in the grass.
A Salute to Dog Town USA
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m.
6th Street and Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs
Since 1927, Steamboat Springs has celebrated Independence Day through its Western heritage. Not only will a grand parade with more than 40 floats take place, but the Pro Rodeo Series with four rodeos will happen from July 3-5.
Aspen's Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Downtown Aspen
No one knows how to celebrate the patriotic event in mountain fashion like Aspen. From a race at Rio Grande Park and parade Downtown to live performances across the city and a grand drone show, the festivities are vast and continue throughout Sunday.
Glenwood Springs' Fourth of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
740 Devereux Road, Glenwood Springs
Hosted by the City of Glenwood Springs, the free celebration will host lawn games, axe-throwing and food vendors. Live musicians will lead guests into the night as the laser show wraps up the night at 9 p.m.
4th of July in Frisco
Friday, July 4, 8 a.m. to evening
Frisco
For those wanting to celebrate Independence Day in a small mountain town, look no further than Frisco. From a kids fishing derby in the morning to a parade on Main Street from Madison Avenue to Sixth Avenue, the small-town feel is a great fit for the festivity.
The Vail Fourth of July Parade and Celebration
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. to dusk
Vail
Vail’s annual America Days has festivities from sunrise all the way until sunset. From the region’s largest parade, titled “Local Motion,” to a 20-minute fireworks show from Vail Mountain, these views are one-of-a-kind and make the two-hour commute worth it.
Red, White, Brews & Tunes
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 5, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Copper Mountain
Are you a fan of mountains, live music and great brews? Head over to Copper to experience free live performances from musical acts such as Anders Osborne, GALACTIC and Hustle Souls while soaking up views of the Ten Mile Range.
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