There are plenty of fun events, fireworks and parades for July 4th weekend in Denver. Inclement weather is always a factor so be sure to check local listings prior to the event.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 1-3
Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a world-class, award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, and enjoys an attendance of more than 350,000 visitors over three days. The Cherry Creek North event gives patrons the rare and special opportunity to meet and talk with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, visit special exhibits and artist demonstrations and entertain their families with interactive art activities and exciting performing arts.
City Park Jazz, July 2
Denver’s City Park is home to some of the best views of the city skyline and Rocky Mountains; and on Sunday evenings, the park hosts a free jazz concert starting at 6 p.m. Visitors can come enjoy free jazz, multiple food trucks, sunset views of the city and more.
Denver Comic Con, June 30 – July 2
This three-day fan convention at the Colorado Convention Center features the best in comics, sci-fi and fantasy television shows, movies, Japanese animation, cosplay, toys, gaming and celebrities. Announced guest speakers include: Nathan Fillion, best known for his roles on “Castle” and “Firefly”; Wallace Shawn from “The Princess Bride” and “Toy Story”; Lou Ferrigno from “The Incredible Hulk”; Garret Wang, who played Harry Kim on “Star Trek: Voyager”; and Bonnie Bright, who played Ginny Weasley in all eight “Harry Potter” series films.
Independence Celebration at Four Mile Historic Park, July 1
You only turn 241 once. Come celebrate the nation’s birthday from 5-10 p.m. with live music, old-fashioned games, historic demonstrations, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Bring a blanket and stick around for the Glendale fireworks show! Food trucks will be on site, along with a beer garden sponsored by Dry Dock Brewing Company. Admission is free; charges apply for food, refreshments, and some activities. www.fourmilepark.org/events
Glendale Fireworks Show, July 1
This year’s Glendale fireworks display is planned for Saturday night, July 1, 2017, at dusk (the rainout date is Saturday, July 8). Glendale’s fireworks show is one of the largest and longest-running events in the area. glendale.co.us
Independence Eve Fireworks, July 3
The annual Independence Eve Celebration in Civic Center Park will feature a free patriotic concert, an innovative light show on the Denver City & County Building and a stunning fireworks finale. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome. Concessions will also be present on-site. civiccenterconservancy.org
Littleton’s Red White and You Celebration, July 3
This popular fireworks celebration in Clement Park features a variety of food concessions, a beer and wine garden, exhibitor booths, bounce houses, Wash Park Band and, of course, fireworks. Event hours are 5-10 p.m. and admission is free. ifoothills.org/events/red-white-and-you/
Fireworks at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, July 4
Spend the day riding the roller coasters and the water slides at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver’s downtown amusement park, then watch a brilliant fireworks display light up the night sky, starting at dusk.
The Rapids–and Fireworks, July 4
On July 4, 2017, Denver’s hometown heroes the Colorado Rapids are taking on the Seattle Sounders at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on July 4. Stick around for the fireworks display after the game!
Park Hill 4th of July Parade, July 4
This longtime tradition i ncludes floats, bicycles, costumed characters, classic cars, a marching band and more. The paradestarts at 1:30 p.m. and runs on 23rd Avenue from Dexter Street to Krameria Street, ending about 3 p.m. at the Kearney Street Fair on the 2200 block of Kearney with food, live music, kids’ activities and more. parkhillparade.org/
Denver Outlaws–And Fireworks, July 4
Professional lacrosse team the Denver Outlaws will battle it out with the Atlanta Blaze. After the game, enjoy fireworks within the bowl at Sports Authority Field at Mile High — pyrotechnics paired with visuals on a 220-foot-wide, high-definition screen. You’ll never forget this fireworks show.
Arvada Independence Day Celebration, July 4
The festivities start at 4 p.m. with free family entertainment in Lutz/Stengler Sports Complex including a Kids Play Zone, military display, human “Hamster” balls, inflatables, live music, craft booths, games, face painting, and food and drink stands. Fireworks begin after 9 p.m. The park is located at 58th and Oak Street. arvadafestivals.com/independence-day-celebration/
Aurora’s 4th of July Spectacular, July 4
The city of Aurora, Colorado will celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks show that lights up the area skyline. The Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn will feature live music, delicious food and a fireworks display revered as one of the best in Colorado. www.auroragov.org
Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast in Boulder, July 4
Get ready to blastoff at 8 p.m. when gates open at Folsom Field at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The program includes performances by local bands, the Boy Scouts, and, of course, Ralphie. The culminating fireworks show begins at around 9:40 p.m.
4th of July in Golden, July 4
Bring a picnic and join the Golden Lions Club for the 4th of July community celebration in Lions Park on 10th Street again this year. Activities start at noon and include free rides for the kids, face painting, live music, and a large fireworks display in the evening (weather permitting!). There will also be food for purchase. visitgolden.com/4th-of-July/
Highland Ranch’s July 4th Celebration, July 4
July 4th Celebration and Fireworks event returns to Highland Heritage Regional Park complete with balloon twisters, face painters, games & inflatables, live music and fireworks!. The celebration will start at 4:00 p.m. concluding with the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. hrcaonline.org
Englewood’s 22nd Annual Family Festival and Fireworks, July 4
There will be plenty of family fun at the 22nd Annual Family Festival and Fireworks. Activities will take place all afternoon at Belleview Park and Cornerstone Park. The event is free, but a fee will be charged for some activities. With an emphasis on a safe night for families, police will strictly enforce laws prohibiting alcohol and fireworks. ci.englewood.co.us
Broomfield Great American Picnic, July 4
This independence Day celebration will begin at 5:30 pm with pony rides and inflatables. Enjoy a free concert with contemporary a cappella group “17th Avenue Allstars” and “Wash Park.” Bring your picnic dinner or enjoy a dinner from our vendors at Broomfield County Commons Park. After the concert, at dusk, the fireworks display begins, approximately 9:30 pm. broomfield.org
Northglenn’s July 4th Festival
It’s an all-day celebration in Northglenn to celebrate America’s birthday in EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park, starting with a pancake breakfast at 7 p.m., followed by a 4-mile run, car show, duck derby and much more. Some call the event Denver’s largest family picnic as families and friends bring out their blankets and picnic baskets to get a great seat for the annual fireworks program. northglenn.org/july4th
Parker Stars and Stripes Celebration, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day at the Town of Parker’s Stars and Stripes Celebration. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and set up for an evening jam packed with family fun at Salisbury Park from 6 to 10 p.m.
Stapleton’s 4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Parade, July 4
Westminster’s July 4th Celebration, July 4
From the Fire Department Fishing Derby (8–11 a.m.) to an Activity Zone and food vendors (4–9 p.m.) to a free concert and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Westminster City Park is a fun place to be for the holiday. ci.westminster.co.us
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
