Independence Day is nearly here and communities across Colorado are getting ready for their annual 4th of July celebrations, with barbecues, parades, concerts and fireworks shows scheduled across the state.
Below is a list of fireworks shows and other community celebrations we're aware of, sorted alphabetically.
Did we miss one? Email us at newstips@thedenverchannel.com and let us know!
ADAMS COUNTY — Wednesday, July 3
The Stars & Stripes Independence Day celebration at Riverdale Regional Park takes place on July 3 from 4 to 10 p.m. with fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
ALAMOSA — Thursday, July 4
There will be an Independence Day Celebration with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast and a Main Street parade. Fireworks start at dusk.
ARVADA — Thursday, July 4
Arvada’s Independence Day celebration (fireworks only) is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. at Stenger Sports Complex at 58th and Oak Street.
ASPEN — Thursday, July 4
UPDATE: This year's drone show has been canceled due to technical issues. A laser light show, which had been scheduled to take place after the drone show, is now scheduled for 9:15 p.m.
The day’s celebrations also include a family-friendly carnival at Paepcke Park, a parade down Main Street and a performance by The Raconteurs at Belly Up Aspen (if you can manage to get tickets).
AURORA — Thursday, July 4
The city will host its Fourth of July Spectacular from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the great lawn at the Aurora Municipal Center.
AVON — Wednesday, July 3
Berkshire Hathaway’s Salute to the USA will take place at Harry A. Nottingham Park on Wednesday, July 3. Festivities start at 5 p.m. with a fireworks show after 9:15 p.m.
BEAVER CREEK — Thursday, July 4
There will be free slides, bounce houses and a kids zone that run through the afternoon, starting at noon. There will also be live music in Centennial Park. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m.
BLACK HAWK — Thursday, July 4
Black Hawk’s Boom Town fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, weather and fire restrictions permitting.
BOULDER — Thursday, July 4
Boulder has a host of 4th of July events scheduled, including a Dead and Company show at Folsom Field and a fireworks show at the stadium once it gets dark. Doors open at 8 p.m.
BRECKENRIDGE — Thursday, July 4
Breckenridge’s Independence Day celebration includes a 10K trail run, a mountain bike race and a parade down Main Street. There will be no fireworks, as the city in January passed an ordinance prohibiting all private and public fireworks.
BRIGHTON — Thursday, July 4
The city of Brighton will host a 4th of July celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 at Carmichael Park behind Brighton City Hall. Fireworks will take place after the 7 p.m. Funkiphino show.
BROOMFIELD — Thursday, July 4
The city and county of Broomfield will host its annual Great American Picnic on Thursday, July 4 at Broomfield County Commons Park. Activities start and concessions open at 5 p.m., with events for kids and live music. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
BRUSH — Thursday, July 4
Fireworks will be held starting at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 as part of the 65th annual Brush Rodeo , which starts on July 2. Admission to the rodeo is $10, but there will be events daily starting Tuesday, including three days of rodeo events, a beer garden, parade, and open hours at the museum.
BUENA VISTA — Thursday, July 4
Buena Vista has several Independence Day events happening on Thursday, starting with a pancake breakfast, a 5K run, a parade, beer garden, cookout and more. The American Legion expects to put on fireworks this year as long as there is no fire ban. But it is also asking for volunteers to help set up and dismantle the display.
BYERS — Thursday, July 4
Byers will be hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on July 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. and will have events all day long on July 4, including a parade and street fair. The rodeo begins at 4 p.m. and will cost $10 for adults and $7 for children and seniors. The town will host fireworks after the rodeo.
CAÑON CITY — No fireworks this year
Cañon City canceled its fireworks show this year, as it has in past years. In a Facebook post, the city said it made the decision last September not to put a fireworks display in this year’s budget. They recommend people in the area to attend a fireworks display in Florence at Pioneer Park.
CASTLE ROCK — Thursday, July 4
Castle Rock’s fireworks display will begin around 9 p.m. on Independence Day. They will be launched from the Santa Fe Quarry Butte above Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course. Fireworks will be visible from much of the areas of town, and there will not be a designated park. The town says visibility might be limited in Crystal Valley Ranch, Plum Creek, Founders, Castlewood Ranch and Sapphire Pointe.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Thursday, July 4
Fireworks are expected to begin at the Memorial Park Independence Day celebration around 9 p.m. They will be preceded by a performance by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic starting at 7:30 p.m. Activities and concession begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include a performance from the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Wild Blue Country.
COMMERCE CITY — Thursday, July 4
Commerce City boasts one of the largest free fireworks show in the state. This year’s will be held in the south end of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Outdoor festivities will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., with live music and family activities The Rapids will play at 7 p.m., but the free event will continue outside the stadium. Fireworks will start around 9:30 p.m. after the end of the match.
CRESTED BUTTE — Thursday, July 4
There will be a day full of Independence Day events in Crested Butte, starting with a pancake breakfast and ⅓ marathon. The parade starts at 11 a.m.; live music starts at 12:15 p.m., and Butte 66 BBQ and drinks start at 6:30 p.m. The Mt. Crested Butte fireworks show is set to start at 9:30 p.m.
CRIPPLE CREEK — Thursday, July 4 (FIREWORKS CANCELED)
There will be live entertainment in the Brass Ass parking lot starting at noon until 4 p.m. Another band will perform from 6 to 10 p.m. The fireworks that were planned for 9:30 p.m. were canceled Thursday morning due to a scheduling issue. There will be food vendors and a beer garden on-site for what the town calls “one of the best” Independence Day celebrations in the state.
DACONO — Saturday, June 29; Friday, June 5; Saturday, June 6
There will be three different fireworks displays at Colorado National Speedway in Dacono. The Colorado Lottery Independence Day Spectacular 4th of July in June Fireworks special will take place on Saturday, June 29. The Colorado 811 Midsummer Meltdown Circle Drags fireworks will happen Friday, July 5; and the Noble Energy Sprint Car Finale Circle Drags fireworks will happen Saturday, July 6.
DENVER — Multiple events on several days
Independence Eve at Civic Center park starts with live music at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 and will continue with the Colorado symphony and fireworks at dusk. Civic Center Park opens at 4 p.m., with food trucks and drinks.
The Rockies will host fireworks after the July 2 and 3 home games at Coors Field. And Elitch Gardens will host a fireworks display on July 4 at dusk. The Denver Outlaws will also host fireworks for their game at Mile High Stadium on July 4.
For more information about all the Independence Day events happening in Denver, click here.
DURANGO — Thursday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day in Durango by starting with an All-American Gourmet Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and a Freedom 5K run at 9AM at Rotary Park. Those events will be followed by a Voices of America and a free concert.
Want more? Enjoy a gourmet BBQ picnic with burgers, brats, and beverages at Buckley Park and live music from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Then, head to Main Avenue for the Stars and Stripes Parade. The parade will start at 6 p.m. and end at 13th St. The fun doesn’t stop there, immediately after the parade there is a free street dance with live music.
Fireworks will start at dark above town.
EAGLE/GYPSUM — Thursday, July 4
Head over to Lundgren Theater for the Town of Gypsum’s Fourth of July Celebration. The evening starts at 7 p.m. with live music from Denver's premiere 90's cover trio, the JV3 (the Junior Varsity Three) along with free hot dogs and ice pops served by Gypsum & Eagle Town Council Members, followed by Independence fireworks at 9 p.m.
ENGLEWOOD — Thursday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day at Cornerstone Park starting at 3 p.m. There will be kids activities, local business vendors and food trucks. Bring a picnic dinner and blankets to watch the fireworks. Park and activities will continue after the fireworks.
ERIE — Wednesday, July 3
Bring a blanket or maybe even a picnic, and find the perfect spot for the Independence Day fireworks on July 3. The fireworks show will happen from Vista Ridge. Great locations to view the show include Columbine Mine Park and viewers are welcome on the driving range (after 5 p.m.).
ESTES PARK — Thursday, July 4
Head up to Estes Park for an Independence Day party like no other. The Estes Village Band will turn it up for their annual patriotic concert featuring the works of John Philip Sousa and others at 7 p.m. on July 4. The concert is free to attend and will be held at the Performance Park Amphitheater, at the west end of downtown.
Then, head to the Estes Park Fairgrounds in the Grandstands for the fireworks shows, music, beer and more. The fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. over Lake Estes, so find a grassy spot at Stanley Park, along the Lake Estes Trail or on your favorite mountainside to join in this annual tradition.
FAIRPLAY — Thursday, July 4
The Town of Fairplay will go all out for their Independence Day celebrations with a free concert, a parade, a burro buster 5K race, a chalk art contest, a community flea market, kids activities and more.
FIRESTONE — Thursday, July 4
Floats, decorated vehicle displays, marching bands, classic cars, motorcycles and more will kickstart the Independence Day celebrations in Firestone. The parade starts at Thunder Valley K-8 and goes to Miners Park. The fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. at the Firestone Regional Sports Complex.
FLORENCE — Thursday, July 4
Live music, great food, a beer garden, vendors, the city’s Wet ‘n Dry Parade and more will take over Florence for the Fourth of July celebration.
The fireworks shows starts at 8 p.m. on Pioneer Park and can be viewed from Florence High School.
FORT CARSON — Friday, June 28 - Sunday, June 30
Head down to Fort Carson for three days of fun to celebrate the American way of life. The Fort Carson Freedom Fest will have concerts, food, vendors, a carnival and, of course, a fireworks show to celebrate America! The fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. at Iron Horse Park.
FORT COLLINS — Thursday, July 4
Independence Day in Fort Collins will include a morning parade, evening musical performances at City Park, and the traditional fireworks display over Sheldon Lake at City Park. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:35 p.m.
FORT LUPTON — Thursday, July 4
Come down to Fort Lupton for the annual Independence Day celebration. There will be live music, BBQ, a veterans tribute, a beer garden, a petting zoo and more. The fireworks show begins at dusk.
FRUITA — Wednesday, July 3
The city of Fruita is once again hosting its annual 3rd of July fireworks, starting at sunset Wednesday. The firework show is sponsored by Western Rockies Federal Credit Union and the city. There is no designated viewing area, but the launch site is at Snooks Bottom Open.
GLENDALE — Tuesday, July 2
It’s one of the most anticipated fireworks show in the metro area. The Glendale show starts around 9:15 p.m.
GOLDEN — Thursday, July 4
Join the Golden Lions Club for the 4th of July community celebration in Lions Park on 10th Street. Then just after dusk the City of Golden will put on a large fireworks display. The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 pm, conditions permitting.
GRANBY — Multiple events over several days
The Town of Granby has a full line-up of events for the Fourth of July including a pancake breakfast, a parade on Main Street and a fireworks show. Events start on Wednesday, July 3 and run through the 6th.
GRAND JUNCTION — Thursday, July 4
You're invited to the Credit Union of Colorado Fourth of July Parade in Grand Junction. The parade runs from 9th Street to 1st Street along Main Street starting at 10 a.m. until noon. Shops will be open along the strip, so you're welcome to visit them before and after the parade. While this event is family friendly, leave your pooch at home.
GRAND LAKE — Thursday, July 4
Consistently ranked as one of the best fireworks shows in the nation, Grand Lake Fireworks are not to be missed! Join in on the fun with fireworks, music and tons of local activities! Enjoy the iconic fireworks display over Grand Lake! Show starts around dark, about 10pm.
GREELEY — Thursday, July 4
The Greeley Stampede features two firework displays during the 98th annual celebration — one on opening day and the other on July 4. The displays will be shot over the north west corner of Island Grove Park. Catch great views from anywhere in Island Grove Park! The 4th of July show begins around 9:45 p.m.
GUNNISON — Wednesday, July 3
Head to Gunnison for an Independence Day celebration on July 3. There will be a 5K run, games, music and dance at Ioof Park. The fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. at Jorgenson Park.
HIGHLANDS RANCH — Thursday, July 4
The Highlands Ranch July 4th celebration and fireworks return to Highland Heritage Regional Park. The celebration will start at 4:00 p.m. at Highland Heritage Regional Park concluding with the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
IDAHO SPRINGS — Thursday, July 4
The party starts at noon, the live music starts at 2 p.m and the fireworks start around 9:15 p.m.
KEYSTONE — Thursday, July 4 to Sunday, July 7
Enjoy four free days at Keystone for the annual Stars and Guitars Independence Day festival July 4-7. You can enjoy live music, a bike parade, the Kidtopia Kidzfest train, BBQ, beer, snacks and more, all to celebrate America’s birthday.
KREMMLING — Thursday, July 4
If you want to change up your firework-viewing experience, check out Kremmling’s Fire Up the Cliffs. Residents and visitors can enjoy a celebration in Town Square — complete with a beer garden, BBQ and live music — before the fireworks after dark.
LAFAYETTE — Thursday, July 4
Celebrate America with food from All American Grill, Abos Pizza, Cuban Fusion and Eats and Sweets in Lafayette. Adults can sip on beer while kids enjoys free face painting and other fun activities. Live music begins at 4:30 p.m. and fireworks will start at dusk.
LARKSPUR — Thursday, July 4
The community is invited to a parade to celebrate the Fourth of July Thursday, starting at 11 a.m. Decorate your bicycle, tricycle, wagon, antique or muscle cars, tractors, ATVs and golf carts and bring horses, dogs or other animals to participate. The parade begins at Perry Park. It is sponsored by Dave Gardner’s Results Team at Keller Williams Realty and The Perry Park Metro District.
LA JUNTA — Thursday, July 4
Ready for a throwback? The Old-Fashioned Fourth in La Junta welcomes residents and visitors to Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site for an afternoon of patriotic fun including a parade, cannon firings, games and refreshments. It costs $5 to attend.
LAKEWOOD — Thursday, July 4
The Big Boom Bash has a little something for everybody: kids’ activities, local food trucks, a beer garden and more, not to mention a 20-minute fireworks display. This event is free to attend and family friendly.
LEADVILLE — Thursday, July 4
If you’re seeking a small-town Independence Day celebration, look no further than Leadville. The town marks the Fourth of July with a Firecracker 5K at 8:30 a.m. and a parade at 10 a.m. along the historic Harrison Avenue. Fireworks will start at dusk.
LIMON — Saturday, July 6
Limon will hold its 2019 Independence Day celebration at Limon High School. This year, visitors can expect a DJ, lunch options, booths, kids games, vendors, ice cream and other treats, a BBQ feast in the evening and fireworks after the sun sets.
LITTLETON — Wednesday, July 3
Red, White & You is a rain or shine event planned for the day before the Fourth of July. It runs from 5-10 p.m. at Clement Park. Admission is free. You’re welcome to walk around the various community booths, the new Kids Zone Are, a beer and wine garden and feed vendors. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
LONE TREE — Thursday, July 4
Lone Tree residents are welcome to the Independence Day celebration at Sweetwater Park on the Fourth of July. Wristbands are required to enter the celebration, which is only open to residents of Lone Tree and Acres Green. Children are invited to participate in the kids bike parade, play in the interactive inflatables and enjoy other activities, like games, face painting and fireworks, which begin at 9:30 p.m.
LONGMONT — Thursday, July 4
Come out to the Boulder County Fairgrounds to watch the sky explode with fireworks, starting at 9:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July. The Longmont Symphony Orchestra will perform at 11 a.m. in Thompson Park.
LOUISVILLE — Thursday, July 4
The city of Louisville is again hosting its family friendly Fourth of July celebration at the Coal Creek Golf Course. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with free face painting, balloon animals and henna. Children can also enjoy bounce houses and other inflatable fun. Food trucks will be on the grounds, and beer, wine and mixed drinks will be available for purchase. Fireworks are expected to begin at dark, or around 9:45 p.m.
LOVELAND — Thursday, July 4
The Loveland 4th of July Festival takes place at North Lake Park, with the fireworks starting at 9:17 p.m. Paid parking for $5 per car is available at Loveland High School. Street parking along 29th Street from Taft Avenue to Empire Avenue and from Aspen Drive east to Custer Avenue is free.
MEEKER — Thursday, July 4-Monday, July 8
Since 1938, Meeker has celebrated its western heritage with the annual Range Call festival. Come for rodeo action, concerts, barn dancing, historical reenactments, fireworks, a parade and lots of food. Vendors will be on site for shopping.
MONTROSE — Thursday, July 4
The Montrose Independence Day parade, picnic and fireworks will take place on July 4 along Main Street and Cerise Park. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
MONUMENT — Thursday, July 4
The Tri-Lakes Fourth of July event takes place in Monument and Palmer Lake, with the fireworks show starting at the lake at dusk.
NORTHGLENN — Thursday, July 4
The Northglenn July 4th Festival will take place at EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park. Fireworks are scheduled to start between 9-10 p.m., depending on the weather.
OURAY — Thursday, July 4
Ouray’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July is a week-long event, with the fireworks on display on the 4th. The town recommends watching the show along Main Street or in Fellin Park, but anywhere in downtown Ouray should be a good spot.
PARKER — Thursday, July 4
The Stars and Stripes Celebration will be held at Salisbury Park, 12010 N. Motsenbocker Road, from 6-10 p.m. The fireworks show gets underway at 9:30 p.m. General admission to the event is free but parking is $10.
PUEBLO — Thursday, July 4
The Rollin’ on the Riverwalk celebration will be held at AMR Confluence Plaza. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the night will be capped by a firework show, weather permitting.
RIFLE — Wednesday, July 3
The City of Rifle will hold its annual Independence Day fireworks display after sunset at Centennial Park, as long as weather and fire danger conditions are good.
SILVERTON — Thursday, July 4
The Silverton 4th of July includes a 5K, a parade, live music – and a fireworks show to end the night. The Silverton Volunteer Fire Department will set off the fireworks near the Shrine of the Mines on Anvil Mountain.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Thursday, July 4
The Independence Day celebrations kick off with a Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast in downtown Steamboat, followed by the annual Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. There’s a ski jumping competition, a pro rodeo series and the fireworks show, which takes place at Howelsen Hill at 9:30 p.m. A laser show will follow.
STERLING — Thursday, July 4
Head over to Sterling for a day of family fun to celebrate the birth of America. Enjoy a horseshoe pitching contest, inflatables, sack races, a pizza eating contest, and much more! The fireworks show starts at dusk.
TELLURIDE — Thursday, July 4
What could be better than a fireworks display in a setting like Telluride? The day kicks off with the Telluride Foundation's Rundola, the annual Fourth of July parade which begins at 11 a.m., the firemen’s BBQ, followed by fireworks over the San Juan Mountains which take place just above Town Park.
THORNTON — Thursday, July 4
The Fourth of July fun fun starts at 4 p.m. with a beer garden and food vendors at Carpenter Park Fields. Then, live music begins with the Thornton Community Band, followed by the presentation of the colors and the National Anthem, followed by more music.
Want more fun? Stay for the nighttime parachutists jump at 9:30 p.m. and as soon as they land, it’s fireworks time!
TRINIDAD — Thursday, July 4
Residents and visitors in Trinidad are welcome to celebrate the Fourth of July on Thursday at Central Park . The fun starts at 2 p.m. and is sponsored by Trinidad Historic Main Street and the City of Trinidad. Families can enjoy Triggers baseball, fireworks and other fun activities.
Want to celebrate earlier that day? Come cool off on Main Street near Cimino Park with a water parade ! Get ready to get wet and bring your water guns. Entry fee to participate in the parade is $30.
VAIL — Thursday, July 4
Vail America Days is the annual Fourth of July tradition in Vail and this year won’t disappoint. This year’s parade theme is “A Tribute to the 10th Mountain Division,” which will honor the town’s close connection to freedom and those who helped make it possible.
Stay for the annual Vail Fireworks Show, which will take place at Golden Peak at approximately 9:30 p.m. However, the show will be at the mercy of weather conditions.
WALSENBURG — Thursday, July 4
Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center in collaboration with Lathrop State Park will host a fireworks show over Martin Lake. This event is sponsored through community donations. Spanish Peaks is attached to a Veteran’s Living Community Center, a residents will be able to see the show from the windows of the dining room and some bedrooms.
WELLINGTON — Thursday, July 4
The Town of Wellington will kick off Independence Day celebrations with a pancake breakfast, followed by the annual Fourth of July Parade on Cleveland Ave. There will also be live music, food vendors, a bounce house and inflatables, a car show, and an ice cream social. At dusk, head over to the corner of 6th St. and Wilson Ave. for the fireworks show.
WESTCLIFF — Thursday, July 4
Westcliff will kick off the Fourth of July celebrations with a fundraiser breakfast, followed by a parade, a horsepower car show and an ice cream social. The fireworks start at dusk at Lake DeWeese.
WESTMINSTER — Thursday, July 4
Get to Westminster early for food and beer vendors, kids’ activities and performances for the Fourth of July. There will also be live music. The annual Fishing Derby, usually held on July 4, has been canceled this year. If you’re looking to only go to the fireworks, make sure to be at City Park by 9:15 p.m.
WINTER PARK — Thursday, July 4
Enjoy family fun with inflatables, face painters, carnival games, a photo booth and more. There will also be live music. The fireworks display will take place at dusk at the Rendezvous Event Center.
WOODLAND PARK — Thursday, July 4
Kick off the holiday with the Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration in Woodland Park Thursday morning into the afternoon. Grab the kids and your family and friends and enjoy music, a beer garden, performances, activities for children, a food court, fishing derby, bouldering, artists, crafters and more. The fun runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you want to start the day a little earlier, you can come to the pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Senior Center and eat to your heart's desire for $8 per adult and $2 per child 3 years old and up (children 2 and under are free). Fireworks will close out the day at dark.
Did we miss one? Email us at newstips@thedenverchannel.com and let us know!
