Sunday. Independence Day gets the classical treatment when the Colorado Symphony presents its “Independence Eve” concert at Civic Center Park. The huge outdoor show features the orchestra playing al fresco under a portable bandshell. Right behind the orchestra, the Civic Center building will be lit up with a choreographed light show—and you’d better believe there will be fireworks. The musical program includes plenty of rousing, patriotic favorites under the direction of resident conductor Scott O’Neil. Arrive early with folding chairs and blankets to get the best seats, and don’t worry about dinner—food will be available onsite. Latecomers can spread out and catch the show from the steps of the state capitol building, too. 8 p.m. Sunday. Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Avenue. Admission is free. coloradosymphony.org

Saturday-Monday. Cherry Creek North becomes an artists’ colony during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Stroll through the streets and ponder artworks by more than 230 visual artists, from painters to metalworkers. The performing arts get their due, too, with three stages of music performance running throughout the festival. And don’t forget the culinary artists: Watch live culinary demonstrations from top local chefs on a dedicated stage. Kids can join the fun by exploring “Artivity Avenue,” a collection of hands-on craft activities including a community mural. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. “Festival Nights” run until 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cherry Creek North, 2nd and 3rd avenues between Clayton and Steele streets. Admission is free. cherryarts.org

Monday. Take a trip to Colorado’s past at the Old Fashioned July 4th Festival at Four Mile Historic Park. Old-timey fun abounds: gold panning, games, ice cream and crafting, plus horse-drawn wagon rides and tours of the Four Mile House. Explore “mountain man” and Native American camps to see what life was like in the wilderness. A group of Civil War soldiers will be camped at the park, as well—they’ve got a cannon, and they will be firing it (at the top of every hour). 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St.; 720-865-0800. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors and youth ages 7 to 17, free for kids age 6 and younger and military with ID. fourmilepark.org

Saturday. Beat the heat at the 11th annual Ice Cream Social in Winter Park. Snag some free ice cream and go wandering: There’s face-painting, balloon animals, hula-hoop contests and more. Make some patriotic crafts in the KidsZone, and rock out to live music by Easy Bill and the Big Beat. Also: Go on a scenic tour of downtown Winter Park with a free horse-drawn carriage ride. 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Cooper Creek Square, 47 Cooper Creek Way, Winter Park. Admission is free. playwinterpark.com

Monday. Youngsters put on their own Fourth of July parade at Cheesman Park’s Kids’ Bike Parade. Meet up to decorate bikes at the parking lot just south of the park’s Pavilion; the parade steps off at 10 a.m. A Denver Fire Department truck, the Mile High Freedom Marching Band, Uncle Sam and members of the Denver Police Mounted Patrol will join in the march, too. Afterward, visit face-painters, a balloon artist and caricaturist for souvenirs. P.S.: You don’t have to have a bike to march in the parade—walkers are welcome. 9-11 a.m. Monday. Cheesman Park, 1599 E. 8th Ave. Admission is free. cheesmanpark.org

Kathleen St. John