Ah, artful explosions. The great American tradition.
Here are the places in and around Denver where you can celebrate the United States of America with bright lights and loud noises in 2017.
Saturday, July 1
Glendale Fireworks Show
Approximately Cherry Street and Cherry Creek Drive South
Dusk
There's not much to it: they just set off fireworks. All you have to do is find somewhere to watch.
Two recommendations, if you want to make an evening of it:
Four Mile Historic Park (715 Forest St.) will have live music, old-fashioned games, historic demonstrations and horse-drawn wagon rides to celebrate. You can stick around to watch the fireworks and enjoy food-truck fare and a Dry Dock Brewing Company beer garden.
And nearby Cranmer Park will be having a picnic with food trucks and the Denver Municipal Brass Band starting at 6 p.m.
Monday, July 3
Independence Eve
Civic Center Park
8 p.m., free
The eighth-annual celebration in Civic Center Park will include live music from Soul X and the 101st Army Band of the Colorado National Guard. Seating is first-come, first-served, and you should bring a blanket or lawn chair. You're also welcome to bring a picnic, though food trucks will be there, if you prefer that.
Rockies post-game fireworks
Coors Field, 2001 Blake St.
You can hang out around the stadium, on the sidewalks or on a nearby bar rooftop, and see the fireworks for free, but wouldn't you rather get some baseball in, too? America!
The game is at 6:10 p.m. and tickets, which are selling fast, start at $55.
Red, White & You
Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton
5 p.m., free
The evening will kick off with food, beer, wine, vendors and bouncy houses for kids. The Wash Park Band will play at 7 p.m., and again after the fireworks.
Tuesday, July 4
Rockies post-game fireworks
Coors Field, 2001 Blake St.
You can hang out around the stadium, on the sidewalks or on a nearby bar rooftop, and see the fireworks for free, but wouldn't you rather get some baseball in, too? America!
The game is at 6:10 p.m. and tickets, which are selling fast, start at $30.
Elitch Gardens' fireworks show
2000 Elitch Circle
Show starts at park closing time
Park hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
$34.99-35.99 online, $34.99-49.99 at the gate
Roller coasters and fireworks? Hell yeah.
Denver Outlaws post-game fireworks
Mile High Stadium, 1701 Bryant St.
7 p.m. game, tickets start at $20
I've done this a couple times and I can tell you the show is worth the ticket price (plus how often do you watch pro lacrosse?). It's a huge show.
Fourth Fest
Dick's Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way
5 p.m., festival is free, game tickets start at $35
Commerce City boasts the biggest fireworks display in the state. I can't verify that, but having seen it, I can say it's very likely true. You'll have to pay to get into the game, but it's worth it to sit on the field for the fireworks.
Outside the stadium, they'll have inflatables, games and live entertainment, all for free.
Fourth of July Spectacular
Aurora Municipal Center 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
6 p.m., free
Live music, food and drinks.
Arvada Independence Day Celebration
Stenger Soccer Complex, 11200 W. 58th Ave.
4 p.m., free
Face painters, bouncy houses, sensory games, human hamster balls, community vendors and food.
4th of July Family Festival & Fireworks
Belleview and Cornerstone parks, 5150 S. Windermere St.
3 p.m., free
Mini-golf, batting cages, live music, food, children's farm, Pirates Cove and more.
Ralphie's Independence Day Blast
CU Boulder's Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave.
8 p.m., free
Music from The Mighty Twisters and a performance from the Mad Hops jumprope team.
Golden 4th of July celebration
Lions Park, 1300 10th St.
Noon, free
Face painting, live music and more.
4th of July in Thornton
Carpenter Park Fields, 108th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard
4 p.m., free
Live music, beer garden, food, nighttime parachutists jump.
Brighton 4th of July
Carmichael Park, 500 S. 4th Ave.
4 p.m., free
Kids' activities, live music, food and more.
Broomfield 4th of July
Broomfield Commons Park, 13200 Sheridan Blvd.
5 p.m., free
Pony rides, inflatables, a bike parade, live music and food.
Westminster 4th of July
Westminster City Park, 10475 Sheridan Blvd.
8 a.m., free
Fishing derby, live music, food and activities.
Highlands Ranch 4th of July
Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St.
4 p.m., free
Balloon twisters, face painters, games, inflatables and live music.
Parker Stars & Stripes Celebration
Salisbury Park, 12010 S. Motsenbocker Road
6 p.m., free
A big slide, a trampoline jump, a climbing wall, face painting, a tot train, live music and more.
