Colorado loves the Fourth of July, that’s no secret. Whether you love sports or music, have three kids or three dogs, there’s sure to be somewhere fun -- and probably free -- to go to get your fireworks fix. Here are some best bets.
Friday, July 1:
Glendale Fireworks Show (9 p.m., free)
715 S. Forest St., Denver
Four Mile Historic Park and Glendale City have teamed up again this year for a family-friendly show and festival. Fireworks will begin at dusk after an afternoon of music, carriage rides and historical reenactments at Four Mile. Come early to enjoy the festivities, or come late to see the fireworks. Pro tip: Best viewing spots are north of Virginia, south of Cherry Creek Drive or in the Glendale Whole Foods parking lot.
Littleton Red, White and You Celebration (9:30 p.m., free)
7306 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton
Up for some suburban celebration? Littleton will host its annual Fourth of July celebration, Red, White and You. Come early to enjoy food, drinks and free entertainment. Pets are not allowed in the park during the event.
Sunday, July 3:
Independence Eve at Civic Center Conservancy (8 p.m., free)
Civic Center Park
The seventh-annual celebration will feature a free, patriotic concert, light show and fireworks. Pro tip: Bring a lawn chair or blanket, seating is limited.
Monday, July 4:
Commerce City 4th Fest (5 p.m., included with tickets to soccer game)
6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
The Colorado Rapids take on the Portland Timbers for this Fourth of July throw down. Family-friendly pre-gaming begins at 5 p.m. with human hamster balls, velcro walls, a mechanical bull and more. For the 21-plus crowd, there will be drinks, karaoke and live music. If you can't snag a ticket, don't despair, the 9:30 p.m. fireworks will be visible from inside or outside the stadium.
Estes Park Fourth of July Weekend Celebration (9:30 PM, Free)
Estes Lake
Imagine: Mountains, lake, fireworks. Swoon. Spend the day adventuring in beautiful Estes Park or stop by the Performance Park Amphitheater for a free show at 7 p.m. -- some of Colorado's most spectacular fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Honorable mention:
Although Red Rocks does not have fireworks, per se, you might get a peep of them in the distance, but only if you can tear your eyes from the stage. Maybe Umphrey's McGee will play Pink Floyd during a lightning storm while distant fireworks dot the perfect night sky -- like they did last year. Here's hoping.
July 1: Shpongle, Beats Antique and That 1 Guy
July 2-3: Umphrey's McGee
July 4: Blues Traveler, Thompson Square, Uncle Kracker and Sam Palladio
You may have noticed there won’t be too much by way of loud, sparkly entertainment on Saturday, July 2, since Bandimere Speedway canceled the fireworks finale of its Jet Car Nationals & Family Fun Festival.
But, hey, that just gives you more time to grill and throw Fun Snaps in your driveway — or you can wait until July 8-9 for the Coors Field Fireworks. Up to you.
Need more?
Check out Mile High on the Cheap's exhaustive list of Colorado fireworks displays.
Multimedia business & healthcare reporter Chloe Aiello can be reached via email at [email protected] or twitter.com/chlobo_ilo.
Subscribe to Denverite’s newsletter here.
